Liver for Melanie

05/31/2026

While looking through pictures today, I found this picture of one of my old drivers license. Two things crossed my mind, first how young I was, but second, and more importantly, I chose to be an organ donor when I first got my drivers license. With my sister recently receiving a liver transplant, it has profoundly affected me what the word “donor” truly means. Thank you to that person, who chose to be a donor, that saved my sisters life! I’m forever grateful!

05/15/2026

Went for the last weekly visit to Chicago, visits will be monthly unless something needs addressed sooner. At one month she still has one liver value that remains elevated but it continues to improve and they are happy with that. Her hemoglobin is improving. She had been having dizzy spells and had fell a couple of times but they discontinued 2 medications that they felt were possibly causing the problem. Her blood pressure was dropping too low and they didn’t want that. Too low of blood pressure is a fall risk and they want more blood pressure to keep the liver in good shape. She had been having a fair amount of fluid in her legs and was on a diuretic to help with that, but had discontinued it because she is having minimal swelling! She did have a urinary tract infection that was causing her to feel droopy and causing her kidney values to rise. Hopefully antibiotcs will improve that situation. We cannot say enough about Northwestern Hospital, they are interested, caring, responsive and proactive. Also, we cannot say enough about organ donors and their families! We are so thankful!

04/22/2026

Melanie had her two week check-up yesterday following her liver transplant, she had bloodwork and an ultrasound. The ultrasound showed a few areas of fluid around her liver and incision which they said was common and would absorb. The ultrasound showed all the areas where her donor liver was attached…all areas were looking good and working well!! They increased one of her rejection meds because one of the blood levels was a little low. Her hemoglobin was low and has been since surgery but not unusual, that should self correct. Two of her liver lab values were still a little high but improving…everything so far is looking good! They were very pleased with her progress! With rest periods, she walked to all areas of the hospital . She isn’t as tired as she had been previously and the brain fog that cirrhosis brings is clearing and that is so beautiful to see! I’m so excited and overjoyed at two weeks out!! God is so good! It has all been in his time and the time feels so right! I cannot say enough about people and their loved ones, that make the decision to donate, often in times that can be some of the hardest times they will ever face, that means so very much! I will be forever grateful!❤️

05/10/2025

Update: Mel’s condition has stabilized somewhat. With the higher doses of fluid pills her kidney function isn’t normal but it stabilized and is staying about the same. She is still holding some fluid but it is not enough that is causing her any trouble breathing. Both of those are small wins, but she has been feeling some better and we are so happy about that. Melanie and me are planning a trip to Florida in a couple of weeks. We would have went before but didn’t feel like that it was a choice with her health, but now we are going to go, the Lord willing! Pat and Sharon Kurtz - Conlon are going to allow us to stay with them and in their condo and use their car. How generous! Hoping Mel stays status quo healthwise so we can check a few things off our bucket lists! Please keep us in your prayers!

04/11/2025

Grow flowers!!🌸🌺🌼

Credit: Unknown

04/10/2025

With Piersen Strong – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉

04/10/2025

Today is Living Donor Day and we are celebrating living donors for saving and healing lives! In 2024, 7,030 people made the decision to give one of their kidneys or a part of their liver to someone waiting for a second chance at life. Thank you to all living donors for your remarkable generosity!

Learn more about organ, eye and tissue donation at giftofhope.org

04/08/2025

SMILE!😁