Hello friends. I just wanted to provide a couple of updates on Charis and her health. As you know, Charis had been seen by Scripps Green Hospital in La Jolla by a team of doctors, hepatologist, Surgeons, and more, all with the sincere intention of receiving a much needed Liver transplant. Well, I last left off on this Caring Bridge telling you about her neurological diagnosis of "Hepatic Myelopathy" and the impact it has had on her body. What I haven't shared yet is the end decision and where we are at now.

I wish I had more positive and uplifting news to share but life sometimes is full of disappointments and uncertainties. We received notice from Scripps that the medical board had decided to deny Charis a liver transplant. They stated this was due to her ongoing neurological issues and that the recent diagnosis had made her just too risky of a case to take on at this time. All is not lost.

When one door dreadfully closes, another opens triumphantly. Her Dr at Scripps told us at her last video appointment that he would recommend UCLA Medical Center for a 2nd opinion. He felt as if they are better equipped in their neurological department and might be willing to take on a complex case. Last Thursday they sent over the referral and her files to UCLA and I am waiting to get the phone call this next week so we can start fresh. Sounds good right? Well, not so fast....

I took Charis to the hospital on Wednesday of this week here locally. I took her to Mission Hospital this time (our home hospital) because of her weakness, and the fact that she just wasn't feeling good at all. She's been struggling with eating and having a serious lack of appetite. Her muscles have gotten much weaker and she is having difficulty getting around. A few falls this past week also. So, I took her in and they evaluated her and admitted her. Shes had some bloodwork (not as much as back in December thankfully), another Endoscopy, and a 2nd paracentesis in one week! Did I forget to mention that? Yeah I think I did. Last Thursday she went to Scripps and had a scheduled Paracentesis done (a procedure where they remove the Ascites Fluid from the belly that builds up in severe liver patients). They removed 5.5 Liters believe it or not, of ascites fluid. So fast forward to yesterday, they did it again and removed 2.8L this time. 

Charis is still in the hospital as of tonight, Saturday. She is doing ok, just extremely exhausted and fatigued. Her mood seems good, same old feisty Charis that I love.  Nothing new has been discovered other than her blood level was very low and she received another blood transfusion. She hasn't had much physical therapy while in the hospital so as you can imagine she is feeling pretty weak. After she is discharged, she will go to a rehabilitation center in Tustin called "Encompass Rehabilition Hospital". She will remain there for a week or two depending on how she does. They'll do intense physical therapy to build strength and also make sure she actively takes her meds and gets a good nutritious diet so that she'll be fed well there (and at home). Once she is discharged from there, she will return home and we will hopefully have some good safety gear in place for her. 

It has been a really rough past year or more. Throughout all her struggles and trials, I can't help but marvel at her optimism and positive attitude. I am so very proud of her and happy to have her as an important part of my life. She's my best friend and partner throughout my years here on earth. I've been married for more than half my life and together a few years beyond that. It goes by so fast and I can't believe we have a 28 year old and 2 younger ones that are 14 and about to enter high school.  I'm thankful for every moment I have with Charis and I look forward to so many more memories with her in the years to come. If you could pray for us that we'd find good drs at UCLA and that they would accept her case, that'd be amazing. 

Thanks for reading all this and remember to keep Charis in your thoughts and prayers. She hasn't been using her phone as much lately and hasn't texted back many of you. She loves all her friends and will get back to you when she has a spare moment. Please feel free to text me any time. If you want my number, just shoot me a message either on Facebook, Instagram, or email: brandon@aaeroswiss.com 

God Bless and take care,

Brandon Jones

#PrayForCharis