Kerry

Our precious Kerry passed away last night around 8am. The Lord giveth, the Lord taketh away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.

Still in Hospital

It's been a long time since I've updated so here's where we are. Kerry did go back in the hospital May 27 and was discharged June 3 only to be re-admitted June 7 with very low blood counts and still hypercalcemia. Docs were able to get blood counts up but not to the root of the hypercalcemia so could only treat the symptoms. The goal still was to get her out of the hospital so that she could go back to pulmonary rehab and build up her strength in order to be listed for another liver. Obstacles kept cropping up: bone pain and a compression fracture in her third vertabra, dialysis to remove the calcium in her blood, kidney failure. Late August the pulmonary team shared that they didn't think they'd be able to get her out of the hospital. Kerry continued to do all she could to get better. As strong as she is though her health was not improving and she was growing tired so she began thinking about what it would look like if she stopped treatment. She discussed her thoughts with the pulmonary team about ten days ago. The team acknowledged her strength and endurance and said that they didn't think they could get her better so the treatment plan was changed from trying to get her better to pain management. Last weekend was a wonderful time of friends and family visiting, even Daisy dog the 60 pound chocolate lab was allowed to visit. This week Ben's family visited and Kerry got to meet her godson Aaron for the first time. God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Nan

Getting Well Again

Several issues to resolve to get Kerry fixed up and discharged. Anemic, dehydrated, elevated calcium level in her blood, jaundice, and itchy. Did some testing including an endoscopy which showed the esophigitis is much improved so Friday she began eating--wouldn't you know she doesn't have an appetite. Goal is to get her fixed up, send her home to get stronger through nutrition and rehab and get her listed for a new liver. Thanks for praying about all this with us. (Nan)

Discharged May 17 and Readmitted May 25

Tuesday May 17 was a joyful day, discharge had arrived. I felt like Miss America walking down the runway as Kerry and I left the 7800 floor with the staff cheering her on. It was good to be back "home" at the Residence Inn and begin a new routine. We got to sleep in Wednesday. Thursday morning Kerry had her assessment at the Center for Living then I dropped her off in the afternoon to begin rehab. Friday morning she had bloodwork at clinic and we met with the liver transplant coordinator. Daisy Dog came to visit for the weekend and actually we took Kerry to the ER Sunday--she was dehydrated and nauseous and got a bag of fluid. Monday she went to Center for Living and was very tired afterwards. Tuesday was a clinic day---pulmonary and liver. By this time Kerry was worn out and her bloodwork reflected it--still dehydrated and nauseous and also anemic. Rather than be omitted on the spot we choose to go home and increase fluids. By the middle of the night Kerry decided we were going to the hospital in the morning. Her transplant coordinator arranged an admission and about 4pm we headed to the hospital where she was admitted to room 7808. (Nan)

Discharge Close!

Discharge close! Gotta get esophagitis cleared up and eating. Original goal was this Wednesday then changed to Thursday then changed to whenever esophagitis is clear and she's eating! Docs think esophagitis caused by a pill getting stuck and irritating/inflaming the esophagus and think she may see some improvement this Wednesday or Thursday. Praying and believing God will heal the constricted bile ducts in the liver. (Nan)

Chris August - 7x70 (Lyrics)

Easter

He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Praying God's resurrection power will bring healing to Kerry Girl! God has given her a good gift: new lungs, liver, and pancreas. Praying all, especially the liver will work as God intended--fearfully and wonderfully made. Now that she can eat, the sight and smell of food makes her nauseated. Praying that will quickly pass. Walked half a mile yesterday and today. Thanks to all for your love and prayers. (Nan)