Stephanie called Mike back this morning (she said she returned calls within 24 hours and she was very prompt). It wasn't great news.
Mike's MELD score was running 10-12 the first of June. On August 18 it was 18, then on September 11 it was 19 and then on September 29 it was 22.
Stephanie told Mike they would be expediting things and we should hear something by the end of the week.
Looks like the transplant will be sooner rather than later.
One of my favorite verses.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Spanky's on Franklin Street in Chapel Hill
We had a delicious lunch on Franklin Street in Chapel Hill although I kept hearing Silent Sam shoot his gun.
Spanky's specials of the day were pretty fru-fru, but Mike thought it was a place I would enjoy so we decided to dine there. Honestly, the fried pickle appetizer was disappointing and I was nervous about our food.
Mike & I ordered burgers since the meat is delivered fresh daily from a local farm and is hormone free & grass fed. Brooklyn had a penne pasta with chicken in a rosemary Marsala cream sauce. We all ate most of our food although Mike & I could not finish our med rare & medium burgers.
They had peach cobbler for dessert, but we couldn't even think about it as we were stuffed.
A great meal!
Spanky's specials of the day were pretty fru-fru, but Mike thought it was a place I would enjoy so we decided to dine there. Honestly, the fried pickle appetizer was disappointing and I was nervous about our food.
Mike & I ordered burgers since the meat is delivered fresh daily from a local farm and is hormone free & grass fed. Brooklyn had a penne pasta with chicken in a rosemary Marsala cream sauce. We all ate most of our food although Mike & I could not finish our med rare & medium burgers.
They had peach cobbler for dessert, but we couldn't even think about it as we were stuffed.
A great meal!
16 Vials?
We got the call last week that there was a cancellation at Chapel Hill on Monday if we could be there at 8:45. We took them up on it and spent Sunday with Kristin and Sunday night in a hotel in Chapel Hill. We got up and left the hotel by 8:00 and we were at the hospital, parked and going into the building by 8:20.
Everyone in the transplant clinic was very nice. They were helpful and understanding. First they did what all nurses do (BP, weight, ht.) then she said the Dr. would be right with us and he was. He spent a good 45 minutes to an hour with us going over history and asking questions. He was shocked that Mike's MELD score was 19. He said at 19 he shouldn't be able to work all day or drive to Raleigh (the answer of prayers).
Then we met with Stephanie our pre-transplant coordinator. She explained the process. First there is a list of things we have to do here (including a dental appointment), then they have a list and they will schedule a class we have to attend as a family. Once we have met all the criteria (including a cardiac workup and being presented at transplant conference) then he will be on the list.
She then told us he would need to go to the lab so they could draw 16 vials of blood (yes, that is not a typo, 16!). And that by that afternoon she would have his new MELD score.
We left and headed to lunch (will post in a separate post) on Franklin Street and then towards home. We called to get the MELD score but she had left for the day.
I bought shoes at The Avenue in Hickory and we were home by 5:00 pm.
Everyone in the transplant clinic was very nice. They were helpful and understanding. First they did what all nurses do (BP, weight, ht.) then she said the Dr. would be right with us and he was. He spent a good 45 minutes to an hour with us going over history and asking questions. He was shocked that Mike's MELD score was 19. He said at 19 he shouldn't be able to work all day or drive to Raleigh (the answer of prayers).
Then we met with Stephanie our pre-transplant coordinator. She explained the process. First there is a list of things we have to do here (including a dental appointment), then they have a list and they will schedule a class we have to attend as a family. Once we have met all the criteria (including a cardiac workup and being presented at transplant conference) then he will be on the list.
She then told us he would need to go to the lab so they could draw 16 vials of blood (yes, that is not a typo, 16!). And that by that afternoon she would have his new MELD score.
We left and headed to lunch (will post in a separate post) on Franklin Street and then towards home. We called to get the MELD score but she had left for the day.
I bought shoes at The Avenue in Hickory and we were home by 5:00 pm.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Slivers & Cuts
Last night I was watching Grey's Anatomy (Mike didn't watch with me). One of the characters who had been married 40 years said: You sliver and cut pieces of yourself away over the years to fit with the person you are with. You don't know who you are in the end. (paraphrased).
Is that bad? We all change. Is it bad that we are a different person based on who we are with through life? I guess it depends on who we choose. If we chose to hang out with Charles Manson and we cut and slivered away our conscience and were able to commit murder without having any remorse then who we are in the end isn't who we were meant to be.
However, if we chose someone that will help us run the race then we should be better at the end of the journey of life - not worse. Galatians 5:7 Hebrews 12:1-3
Is that bad? We all change. Is it bad that we are a different person based on who we are with through life? I guess it depends on who we choose. If we chose to hang out with Charles Manson and we cut and slivered away our conscience and were able to commit murder without having any remorse then who we are in the end isn't who we were meant to be.
However, if we chose someone that will help us run the race then we should be better at the end of the journey of life - not worse. Galatians 5:7 Hebrews 12:1-3
Chapel Hill or Bust
UNC-CH called yesterday to say they had a cancellation and would we be available Monday morning at 8:45 to be screened. We are going up on Sunday to spend some time with Kristin, Mike's daughter and then we will spend the night in Chapel Hill.
Another step in the journey.
Another step in the journey.
Ex Sister In Laws
On Tuesday Mike called Chapel Hill to see what the status was of his appointment. They told him it would probably be November before he could be screened.
I called my ex-sister-in-law. She is the transplant coordinator for this area for Carolinas Medical Center. We hadn't talked in awhile but we used to be really close. In fact, a few times we laid out of work together and went to see a newly released movie. We had girls night out while our husbands were hunting. And while we didn't see eye to eye everything we did have a good time together.
I told her that I didn't just want to call and say "Hey Mis, I need a liver. Got one handy?" She, of course, can't guarantee he will get one, but she did help us with the process of getting the paperwork to the right hands.
She had surgery yesterday and is out on leave. We promised to have lunch when she is mobile. We definitely need to do that. Her kids are growing up so fast (a senior and one is out of school) and with Brooklyn in Middle School - man we are getting old.
I'm glad for one nugget of treasure in this journey. The re-acquainting with my ex-sister-in-law.
I called my ex-sister-in-law. She is the transplant coordinator for this area for Carolinas Medical Center. We hadn't talked in awhile but we used to be really close. In fact, a few times we laid out of work together and went to see a newly released movie. We had girls night out while our husbands were hunting. And while we didn't see eye to eye everything we did have a good time together.
I told her that I didn't just want to call and say "Hey Mis, I need a liver. Got one handy?" She, of course, can't guarantee he will get one, but she did help us with the process of getting the paperwork to the right hands.
She had surgery yesterday and is out on leave. We promised to have lunch when she is mobile. We definitely need to do that. Her kids are growing up so fast (a senior and one is out of school) and with Brooklyn in Middle School - man we are getting old.
I'm glad for one nugget of treasure in this journey. The re-acquainting with my ex-sister-in-law.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Advice
Today Pastor Kevin preached out of Revelations. I heard the sermon, but it didn't sink in. Why? Because today they laid hands on Mike during Praise & Worship. The elders of the church came forward and they laid hands on him for healing. Not just physical healing but also emotional. They based laying hands on him from James 5.
What was interesting was after service men went to him to give him all their potions. Fasts, cleanses, Milk Thistle, etc. were offered as advice. And the women came to me with some of the same advice. Our doctor has advised us against this because in the US, Milk Thistle isn't regulated and you can get pills with too much and it can kill you. She advised against extreme measures and to work towards the transplant.
Having worked in cancer for many years I saw people with stage 1 disease go out of the country to Mexico, etc. for "healing not as evasive as surgery" and come back with stage 4 cancer. They could have had surgery, had the tumor removed and they would have been done with their treatment.
I think it goes to two mentalities. One is that God doesn't heal anymore. The other is that quick fix American mentality.
We serve a big God. He created us and he can heal us.
What was interesting was after service men went to him to give him all their potions. Fasts, cleanses, Milk Thistle, etc. were offered as advice. And the women came to me with some of the same advice. Our doctor has advised us against this because in the US, Milk Thistle isn't regulated and you can get pills with too much and it can kill you. She advised against extreme measures and to work towards the transplant.
Having worked in cancer for many years I saw people with stage 1 disease go out of the country to Mexico, etc. for "healing not as evasive as surgery" and come back with stage 4 cancer. They could have had surgery, had the tumor removed and they would have been done with their treatment.
I think it goes to two mentalities. One is that God doesn't heal anymore. The other is that quick fix American mentality.
We serve a big God. He created us and he can heal us.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
The Tornados Swirl
For the past week my life has been swirling. I feel like I felt in my dream, totally out of control. Not that I am out of control, but I feel that I cannot control circumstances.
Last week we found out that Mike will have to have a liver transplant. Back in May I mentioned that he has liver disease and last week we found that he has progressed.
The good news is his insurance will pay for him to have it at Chapel Hill and Kristin lives in Raleigh so she can be close by.
The best news is we serve a big God. My good friend Kim, who is very wise, told me to take God's hand and walk around the tornados.
Right now as I peer out my window and see the fog covering the mountains I wonder what my future holds. What purpose and plans does my God have for me? What is in store for me? Life is so short. This year has been a year of turmoil from losing my dream job to going through a breast cancer scare to facing a health adventure with my husband, whom I love dearly.
I don't know what is up, but it must be big or the valley wouldn't be so broad.
Last week we found out that Mike will have to have a liver transplant. Back in May I mentioned that he has liver disease and last week we found that he has progressed.
The good news is his insurance will pay for him to have it at Chapel Hill and Kristin lives in Raleigh so she can be close by.
The best news is we serve a big God. My good friend Kim, who is very wise, told me to take God's hand and walk around the tornados.
Right now as I peer out my window and see the fog covering the mountains I wonder what my future holds. What purpose and plans does my God have for me? What is in store for me? Life is so short. This year has been a year of turmoil from losing my dream job to going through a breast cancer scare to facing a health adventure with my husband, whom I love dearly.
I don't know what is up, but it must be big or the valley wouldn't be so broad.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Brooklyn is 11 today
Wow, it doesn't seem like 11 years ago, but it was. At 8 lbs & 5 ounces with thick hair and red skin my Brooklyn girl was brought into the world at 12:58 via c-section. I'll never forget (after 30 hours of labor) them rolling me down the hall and the sudden attack of fear I felt. Not of the surgery but the angst of the responsibility that being a parent brings. All of the sudden I wasn't just responsible for myself but a child and would be for many years.
She's a joy. I love her dearly and am so blessed to have her in my life.
Brooklyn, may your journey on earth be sweet, filled with the love of Christ and blessings. May you marry someone who adores you and may you know the joy of being a mother also.
She's a joy. I love her dearly and am so blessed to have her in my life.
Brooklyn, may your journey on earth be sweet, filled with the love of Christ and blessings. May you marry someone who adores you and may you know the joy of being a mother also.
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