He Shall Sustain Thee

Jason was admitted to St. Luke's on Monday to undergo evaluation for transplant.  Before he had even settled in with the tv remote, someone arrived to take him for a chest x-ray.  A whirlwind of activity followed with a myriad of tests and a constant flow of medical teams into his room.  We told the story of his health history over and over again.  As the test results came back, each medical team visited with positive results.  He was eventually cleared for transplant by cardiology, neurology, pulmonology, endocrinology, and hematology.  We grew more hopeful by the hour.
Around noon on Tuesday, we met the transplant surgeon for the first time.  Although she was extremely kind and genuine, the news she delivered was devastating.  She told us the transplant team had decided the risks associated with surgery and recovery were too high for Jason.  They were concerned about him falling after surgery, since the new kidney wouldn't be well-protected.  She also expressed concern about bleeding since Jason's on a blood thinner for a clotting disorder.  Finally, she indicated that the anti-rejection medication could exacerbate his memory issues, and impact his quality of life.
We returned home later that evening to a little boy eager for news of his dad.  We have been trying to process and come to terms with our profound disappointment.  We appreciate your continued prayers for peace and strength.
"Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee; He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved." (Psalm 55:22)

A Bump In The Road

If the saying "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" holds true, I should be developing some mighty biceps.  While Jason and I were out on Wednesday, our car started making awful noises and died in an intersection.  We enjoyed a lovely ride home in a tow truck, and hoped for an easy repair solution.  We realized this was not to be the case after our friend worked tirelessly to diagnose the problem.  It seems we've been losing oil somehow, although there were no telltale indicators such as puddles on the pavement or funky colors of smoke from the exhaust.  Although I'm not mechanically savvy, even I would not have ignored a warning light on my dash...if only it had come on.  We are now the proud owners of a 2004 car with 116,000 miles and new tires, new brakes, new spark plugs, a full tank of gas...and a ruined engine.  

 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord.  "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.  You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace." (Isaiah 55:8-9,12)

Full Steam Ahead

The date that had been staring at me on the calendar for weeks finally arrived yesterday.  We spent a full day at St. Luke's in Kansas City.  We started the morning in an educational class absorbing general information about kidney transplants.  Our next appointment was with our own personal transplant coordinator.  She went over Jason's health history and more details that were specific to him being considered as a candidate.  After a stop in the lab for bloodwork, we had an appointment with a financial specialist, followed by a meeting with a social worker.

The national average time on a waiting list is three to five years, while this hospital's time is closer to just one year.  Our coordinator told us that one patient was placed on the waiting list, and received a kidney the very next day!  She told us there was even a possibility that Jason could have a transplant before he reached the point of needing dialysis.  

As part of the continuing evaluation process, Jason will be admitted to St. Luke's next Monday.  He will stay for three or four days while being seen by physicians and undergoing further testing.  We are making arrangements so that I can stay there with him during this time.

We feel blessed to be surrounded by unfailing support and concern.  We appreciate all the prayers on our behalf.  The road ahead doesn't seem nearly as steep since we're being held up on every side.

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory." (Ephesians 3:20-21a)