The Miracle

As I write this post I feel that I need to pinch myself to make sure that I am not dreaming.  Marshall received a new liver last night!  This has been such a long journey and it almost seems like it can’t be real.

About 7:30 last night the nurse told us that the doctors had indicated they “might” have some news for us at 8:30.  I had been told previously that they put things in motion once they get information that a transplant could happen but once the donor liver is examined they might not be able to proceed.  They had already started prepping Marshall by giving him all sorts of IV fluids and blood. I just kept hoping and praying that the transplant would happen.

Dr. Heimbach came in and talked to us about 8:30 and said the liver was on its way but hadn’t been examined yet.  She gave us a little bit of information on the donor and we discussed some possible complications because this organ was coming from a cardiac death.   Marshall had been alert most of the day but by this time he was extremely exhausted.  He would talk to us a little and said he understood what was happening but I’m not sure whether or not he will remember it.  It was so hard for me to feel the excitement that the transplant might happen that night but also know that it was possible it would all come to a screeching halt.  Marshall said he thought we should go ahead “unless there was something to contral-indicate it.”  Dr. Heimbach couldn’t understand what he said and I had to repeat it.  Elysa and I laughed about it afterward because we figured he’s probably the only one who could be so out of it and use such a large word.

Just before midnight they told us that the surgery was going to be a go. I cannot even express the relief I felt to know that we finally made it to the surgery.  I was so impressed that Dr. Heimbach came personally to take Marshall to surgery and she promised she would take good care of him.  She has been one of the biggest blessings during this whole ordeal.

During the surgery our family camped out in the waiting room.  Most everyone slept some but I just could not get to sleep.  I was so excited for Marshall and I couldn’t wait to talk to him in the morning.  I wanted to see how he felt and what he thought about everything.  During the night I felt complete peace and I had absolutely no doubt that everything was going to be fine.  The nurse came regularly to give us updates and when the surgery was complete the doctor came out.  She said that everything went well and that the new liver started working as soon as they put it in.  The liver had 3 arteries instead of the usual one so they had to do a little handiwork to make it work but it wasn’t a problem.  They expect to keep him sedated for a while and try to wake him up in a few hours.

I feel so blessed that Marshall has made it safely through his transplant.  Despite what a trial this has been for our family, we have also been blessed in so many ways and there is no doubt in my mind that we have been watched over through its entirety.  For the first time in two years I can take a deep breath and look forward to the future.