Christmas Thoughts
Christmas seems to be the one day each year that the world pauses and takes a collective breath. Lifted to a higher plane by the idea of "peace on earth, goodwill to men." ... I have many memories of Christmas as a child and of Christmas with my children. But the most powerful memory is Christmas last year. It is best described as a memory of what I don't remember.
Read MoreSharing Our Story with the World
We recently had the opportunity to be interviewed by Sharing Mayo Clinic. Sharing Mayo Clinic is a unique blog that provides a virtual place for the Mayo Clinic community to connect and share their experiences. Each year over 500,000 unique patients from every U.S. state and nearly 150 countries go to Mayo Clinic for diagnosis and treatment. These patients and their families and friends, and 50,000 employees and students are part of a global Mayo Clinic community.
Read MoreCelebrating 48 Years, the Birthday that Almost Didn’t Come
It was 27 months ago, 9 June 2009, that I was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis, 25 months ago the cause of the cirrhosis was diagnosed as Alpha1-Antitrypsin deficiency. At that time the doctor told me I had about two years to live without a liver transplant. This thought would haunt me for the next 22 months. Three months ago my condition had suddenly become very grim and the possibility that I would not see today had become suddenly real.
Read MoreSomething to Consider
Following my transplant my wife, Julie wrote a beautiful essay that she posted to her blog. In her elegant prose she clearly illustrates the need for more organ donors and the impact that organ donation can have on the recipient' and there family. Organ donation is a sensitive subject but needs to be discussed by families now, before a tragedy strikes. When you are in the midst of dealing and coping with a tragedy these are very difficult decisions to make.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreThe LONG weekend
This weekend has been the Memorial Day weekend. We are still waiting to hear that an organ is available and Marshall continues to get worse each day. He had another seizure a few days ago and they have decided to do what they call continuous dialysis to see if it would help. Continuous dialysis runs all of the time and it is supposed to be easier on the kidneys than regular dialysis because the changes occur more gradually since its over a greater period of time. Marshall has been in the ICU so that they can better monitor him at this point. This morning we were told that they thought an organ might be available yesterday. I guess there was a gunfight between several young men in Minneapolis and two of them died. Unfortunately, when they got more...
Read MoreYou Can Give Life
One Man’s Story Trailer
The last 6 months of a two year journey to receive a liver transplant. Told in one minute of pictures and music.
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