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Posted 12/31/2014 5:55 AM (GMT 0)
Ls...just.a.quick hi...it's late here. No gallbladder. His ledt with his old liver and.they.don't put.a.new.one.back. how about pancreatitis? Hugs. ML
Posted 12/31/2014 12:14 PM (GMT 0)
ML, My dad actually did mention pancreatitis as a concern. I plan on checking on him shortly. I fear this is one of those not so uncommon hospital stays coming up especially right on the New Year.
Posted 12/31/2014 12:32 PM (GMT 0)
Clarification: tho no gall blader, the body can still make stones that can block bile ducts.

Best your doc sees him.

Mike is mid crisis too this holiday season...heart stuff. Always something out seems. Recovery from big surgeries is long.
Posted 1/1/2015 7:39 PM (GMT 0)
I hope Mike is doing better and starts the year off on the right foot. I know what you mean about it always being something.

Dad is doing better but still has some pain. I made it a point to get to his place right before the New Year to spend it with them. Couldn't think of anything I'd rather have done. It was a very emotional New Years to say the least. His emotions were all over the place. From happy to have the chance to see 2015 to knowing he will never quite be 100% again.

He said he just wants to feel "normal again" I told him it takes time...A LOT of time. But more importantly that he needs to make the best of anything less than 100% because at least he is with us.

He teared up and cried (Very rare) and again said he just wants to be able to feel normal and take care of himself. All I can do is stay positive and reassure him.

Hope 2015 is a good year for us all!
Posted 1/2/2015 8:33 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Alex,
Your Dad has a "new normal" to adjust to as he recovers.

Some meds post transplant do have emotional highs and lows as side effects. Not sure if that applies here, or not. I hope your Dad finds his attitude of gratitude with this 2nd chance at life.

It takes time to recover from this big surgery.

Did the pain resolve? Big Hugs
Posted 1/2/2015 10:31 PM (GMT 0)
Your dad needs to realize that he was going to die, or go through a recovery that takes quite some time. I'm a little over 5 years out and the love I've given and received since then has been wonderful. Every day, waking up and seeing the sun makes me happy. If nothing else, that ought to be enough. Not many folks get a second chance at life.
Posted 1/2/2015 11:02 PM (GMT 0)
I agree with and honor David's words.

Second chances are amazing.

We are on a third chance here!

Hugs,

Mama Lama
Posted 1/6/2015 5:06 AM (GMT 0)
His pain did go away and he even had 2 of the best days he has had in a while since then. This recovery sure is tricky.

David you are so right about just being happy with a second chance. I know he is but I also know the recovery is long. Not just physically but mentally which is just as tough a battle.

I am hoping this summer he will feel better and soak up some sun! All we have had since his surgery is gloomy and cold weather.
Posted 1/31/2015 1:10 AM (GMT 0)
Hi all! Hope everyone is doing well.

Things have been crazy busy on my end. Life I tell ya...

I have been going through sooooo much (But that is another story)

I wanted to update everyone on my dad. I am glad to say that he is starting to enjoy life a bit more. The best part is he went on a great stretch where we was laughing and really just being positive. It is great to see.

We had his 3 month follow up and it went well. His labs are all looking really good and his MRI (From the cancer they found post TP on his liver) was all clear.

The only curve ball we heard this time around was that the donor was found to have had prostate cancer. They reassured him it's nothing to worry about but they will keep an eye on it.

We are all going through the motions of life right now and very happy to have gotten this gift of a second chance.

I really really encourage everyone to never give up hope as miracles do happen.
Posted 2/1/2015 5:53 PM (GMT 0)
Alex, I wanted to say thank you for the update. I am so happy to hear he is doing well.

Themister has been called for a transplant or back-up position a total of 4 times in January. But still has no new liver. Twice he was prepped, and right at the brink, but the liver was no good. We are pretty emotionally drained, and hope to move to the recovery side of transplant soon. We want it to be a good organ, and appreciate the team of scientists that make the best decisions for him and others who are very ill and waiting. Amazing, really.

A couple of questions, if you are peeking in. Is your Dad now driving? How is his eating and weight gain going now? I know you were concerned about his weight. I have thought a lot about you both. What a champion you were for your Father. Big Hugs
Posted 2/3/2015 4:04 PM (GMT 0)
TM, sorry to hear that it hasn't worked out yet. But as you said, it needs to be the right fit and you have to put the trust that the team is making the right decision. But I am confident it will happen. I can only imagine how draining it must be to have to go through it, but it will make the day it happens that much better.

As for my dad he is driving short distances and to run quick errands. Some days are good and some days he is a bit tired but that is expected. But I will say that I would agree that this surgery is miraculous. He is not running or skipping but he is here and he is 100000% better than the year prior to the surgery. Also, he is finally starting to gain weight. He kept losing weight at a very fast pace after getting out but in the last 2 months he has put on about 10-12 pounds. His appetite is starting to come back and he is drinking protein shakes daily.

I will say that his attitude is also improving. Although he does have some "down days" overall he realizes where he is at and how he can enjoy things again. At first the road to recovery seemed to go too slow and he was overwhelmed but I think now he is starting to see that slowly but surely things will get better.

So overall, I will say that I am very pleased and amazed at where he is 3 months post TP. And if things only get better from here, then life is good.

Since this happened, I have a new outlook on faith, and I truly keep you and everyone here waiting or with a loved one waiting on a TP in my prayers.

Thanks for keeping up with my journey!
Posted 4/1/2015 5:59 PM (GMT 0)
Hello everyone!

I can not believe how time flies! It has been a while since I posted even though I have kept up with many of your threads.

But today I wanted to stop in and let everyone know what is going on with my dad. Today is his Birthday! Needless to say it is a very very important milestone for him and our family, who at this time last year were not sure if he would see another.

I am happy to say that not only did he, but he is looking and feeling GREAT! The past few weeks (Which puts him at about 6 months Post Op) he has been almost a whole new person. He has been smiling, laughing and joking more than I have seen in the past 4 years. It is an amazing thing to see and every day I am reminded of miracles.

This morning before work I stopped by to say Happy Birthday and we had a very sentimental hug. We both knew how the other felt. That 10 second hug alone made the entire journey worth it.

I truly am feeling very blessed with his situation and I again for the millionth time want to thank everyone here for all your help and support. I want to encourage everyone to stay positive and never give up no matter what.

I think a Chocolate cake is in order for today smilewinkgrin
Posted 4/1/2015 7:39 PM (GMT 0)
I told you he'd be all right. Not trying to be too snotty.
Posted 4/1/2015 7:43 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Alex! What a delightful update. I live for this sort of news :)

A VERY Happy Birthday to your Dad. Please give him my best regards, and also my best thoughts to your Mom.

Amazing how a few months has changed everything for you and your family. You really stepped up and took charge with the dual listing for your Dad when he was so sick at Loyola. You made certain everything went as needed with the arrangements, and how lucky your folks are to have you as a son.

I just happen to have some carrot cake with cream cheese frosting... and we will have a bite in celebration . Big Hugs to all!
Posted 4/1/2015 9:21 PM (GMT 0)
So wonderful Lost Son!! Amazing!!


David.. you're funny!!

Sandia
Posted 4/2/2015 12:50 AM (GMT 0)
Love to see you coming around arneeb.
Posted 4/2/2015 1:24 AM (GMT 0)
Today has been a day for good news.

Thanks for the update.

Best to your dad..and the whole family.

Hugs,

ML
Posted 4/2/2015 3:57 PM (GMT 0)
Wonderful news! Happy Birthday to your dad!

Hugs,
Emma
Posted 4/3/2015 3:51 AM (GMT 0)
Thank You all! The comments mean a lot coming from you guys! David...you sure were right. Lol

TM, thank you for the kind words. Dad told me to thank you all on his behalf as I mentioned to him where I got all of my support and info.

He is enjoying life again!
Posted 5/14/2015 8:22 PM (GMT 0)
Hi all,

Wanted to chime in and give yet another update. Dad seems to be doing well. It is as if he is living life regularly. It truly is a miraculous sight. He is still rather tired a lot and still rests plenty but he is such a different person now. All his labs continue to look good and he is trying to get over his extreme paranoia over everything he had.

Right now, we are starting to get used to having him "normal" again, which is a great feeling.

On another note, now it is my mothers turn...she is in need of Total knee replacement for both knees cry

So just as we are getting settled in...back to work. My poor mother can barely walk these days yet she is still working! But she finally waved the white flag. I am in the process of looking for a good orthopedic surgeon in the area.

But after going through a life saving transplant, you gain more confidence in a good outcome.

Hope everyone is doing well.
Posted 5/15/2015 1:42 PM (GMT 0)
lostson I had leakage when i had to get drains a couple of times and they used medical crazy glue!! it sealed it perfect..they even set a tube home with me just in case it happened again..as far as wieght loss is concerened it takes a while to regain any weight,i went from 240lbs to 128lbs but thanks to milkshakes and anything fattening i regain most of my weight. It took almost a year though...hopefully it is quicker for you...I must say that a transplant gives you a whole new look at life!! and to wake up each day and see the sun on your wifes face is so totaly awesome..makes everything worth all the trouble that has fallen apon your shoulders trivial. Have a good day!!
Posted 5/15/2015 8:06 PM (GMT 0)
Alex, Always nice to see you here!

Thanks for the positive update on your Dad. I am so happy he is living quite a normal life just months post transplant. What a change from the year before.

Sorry your Mom will need her knee's replaced, but wonderful that so many things can be done to keep us alive and comfortable. I hope for the best recovery for her.

I hope all is well at work, and also in your own personal life. Big Hugs
Posted 8/20/2015 10:18 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone. Hope things are going well for everyone. It has been quite a while since I have had a chance to post.

Things have been going so well with dad (Thankfully) since all other things in life haven't been so sharp confused

In any case, wanted to bring everyone up to speed on my dad. So he is at 10 months this week! Things have been going very well or at least it seemed that way.

He just got a call today that his latest labs were not so great. 4 of the 6 they check for his liver function were elevated which is abnormal for him. So they requested we go down there for an ultrasound and possible biopsy.

Obviously dad is very bummed but hopefully it is manageable and just a bump in the road. I just hope it isn't something very serious.

I am leaving town tomorrow for a brief weekend vacation which I have been waiting for, and to get this news really just soured the trip for me.

But I knew from the start the journey wouldn't be easy.

I will keep everyone posted on what the outcome is.

shakehead
Posted 8/20/2015 11:44 PM (GMT 0)
Im sorru our dad is having a bump in the road.

Mike has had elevated levels more than once. They fiddled with his rejection meds after biopsy that showed "some rejection". The meds took care of it and at 4 years plus he is doing well. AST ALTS in the teens.

Hoping for a good report soon fro. Your part of our beautiful country.

Hugs, ML
Posted 8/21/2015 12:00 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks ML, glad to hear these bumps in the road can be overcome. We were all so excited about his 1 year anniversary and how well he has been. Hopefully this is just par for the course. We all comment on how he is better today than he was even 5 years ago.
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