Journal entry by Lori Risting-Clark —
One year ago! Kenny was given the gift of life.
First, Mayo update: we could not have asked for better results. EVERY. SINGLE. TEST. was practically perfect!
His labs have remained stable and while some are slightly high or low, they are "unremarkable". Starting immediately he gets to reduce his bi-weekly blood draws to monthly!! Eventually they will turn into every 3 months which will be his new normal for the rest of his life. This yearly series of exams will also continue but some of the tests will be eliminated at 3 years. I think it actually might end up being a one day event once a year!!
A few things that were impacted from his bad liver are seeing improvement:
Let's move to the colonoscopy..... Kenny had considerable anxiety about this. A lot around not eating and only drinking clear liquids ALL DAY. He couldn't start his cleanse until 8:30pm because of an 8pm appointment Wednesday evening. I don't know what it is at Mayo with their "special sauce" but their "prep sauce" was 5 star. If you get to rate that stuff. He had no cramps at all. It did it's job. He slept through the night. Did a quick prep 3 hours before his appointment in the am and done. (Sign me up).
Unfortunately on Thursday, despite being #2 for a procedure, the guy before him had "issues", so it took over 2 hours to get to the procedure. Again, with Mayo only "special sauce", he was put completely under so he had no recall and felt perfect when complete!
So, that's a wrap for the follow-up! We are relieved and rejoiced!! We have written a letter to the donor family but have not sent it to the organization who will contact them to let them decide if they are receptive to hearing form us. I wanted to wait to add the results of this event to conclude that communication.
Today, we are attending the wedding of a great friend of Jordyn. She was the yin to Jordyns yang in the pre-game soccer huddles. Leah would shout: WHAT DO BEARS EAT? so Jordyn could yell: BEARS EAT "x" (insert rival teams mascot). And then they would hug. We couldn't ask for a better way to celebrate this special day!
First, Mayo update: we could not have asked for better results. EVERY. SINGLE. TEST. was practically perfect!
His labs have remained stable and while some are slightly high or low, they are "unremarkable". Starting immediately he gets to reduce his bi-weekly blood draws to monthly!! Eventually they will turn into every 3 months which will be his new normal for the rest of his life. This yearly series of exams will also continue but some of the tests will be eliminated at 3 years. I think it actually might end up being a one day event once a year!!
A few things that were impacted from his bad liver are seeing improvement:
- His spleen was enlarged. Blood transferred from the liver, through the spleen, wasn't happening properly so it caused an enlarged spleen. Now that he has a properly functioning liver, allowing the right blood flow, his spleen is decreasing size! They are hoping that next year it will be back to normal!!
- Bone density. A bad liver doesn't allow for proper absorption of Vitamin D and impacts your bones. With his new liver, he has a 1.3% increase in his hip bones. Small, but still awesome. But, drum roll please........... he has a 28% INCREASE in his spine!!!!!! Woot woot! Seriously.... a m a z i n g!!
Let's move to the colonoscopy..... Kenny had considerable anxiety about this. A lot around not eating and only drinking clear liquids ALL DAY. He couldn't start his cleanse until 8:30pm because of an 8pm appointment Wednesday evening. I don't know what it is at Mayo with their "special sauce" but their "prep sauce" was 5 star. If you get to rate that stuff. He had no cramps at all. It did it's job. He slept through the night. Did a quick prep 3 hours before his appointment in the am and done. (Sign me up).
Unfortunately on Thursday, despite being #2 for a procedure, the guy before him had "issues", so it took over 2 hours to get to the procedure. Again, with Mayo only "special sauce", he was put completely under so he had no recall and felt perfect when complete!
So, that's a wrap for the follow-up! We are relieved and rejoiced!! We have written a letter to the donor family but have not sent it to the organization who will contact them to let them decide if they are receptive to hearing form us. I wanted to wait to add the results of this event to conclude that communication.
Today, we are attending the wedding of a great friend of Jordyn. She was the yin to Jordyns yang in the pre-game soccer huddles. Leah would shout: WHAT DO BEARS EAT? so Jordyn could yell: BEARS EAT "x" (insert rival teams mascot). And then they would hug. We couldn't ask for a better way to celebrate this special day!
*On a side note, their last game was against "the Roosters". That is not what Jordyn acknowledged.
So, again, Thank you - to everyone that has said their prayers for Kenny's health, to everyone that have cared about our journey, to everyone that has sent us positive juju. We love you, we appreciate you, we are incredibly grateful for you!
All love. Always.
So, again, Thank you - to everyone that has said their prayers for Kenny's health, to everyone that have cared about our journey, to everyone that has sent us positive juju. We love you, we appreciate you, we are incredibly grateful for you!
All love. Always.
Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.
Help Kenny Stay Connected to Family and Friends
A $25 donation to CaringBridge powers a site like Kenny's for two weeks. Will you make a gift to help ensure that this site stays online for them and for you?
