Mike’s Story

Site created on August 21, 2023


Forgot Mike's whole journeys motto...
LETS GO!!!!

They said it would go fast…WOW…


Approximately 3 weeks ago mike was put on the transplant list…the day has come…he received a call today that an organ for him has become available…Praise the Lord…yet terrified.


Would love your prayers for a safe and successful transplant.the hospital staff.peace for mike and our family and the donors family.


He is checked in and 'currently' scheduled for 3 pm tomorrow.  


Mom and Deanna got to see him tonite.  Jake n I plan to go to pre-op with him..those words really scare me…please dear God give me.us strength tomorrow and the upcoming weeks🙏❤️🙏


Will keep you updated on caringbridge…luv u all and thank u for all the support.caring and luv❤️

Newest Update

Journal entry by joni harmdierks

8.22.23 transplant…
2.22.24 today…
 
BIG milestone…6 months to celebrate!!!…mike is the strongest person I know…as the hell.life.death.new life he's been thru!...truly never seen anything like it…he deserves an award!
 
Transplant seems great and Mike's body is accepting the liver…his blood work looks great! Getting thru the first 6 months was critical. Risk of rejection is now lower and risk of daily immune suppressing medicines should reduce.
 
He's only on a few meds..most important one.. rejection med which will be forever. an antibiotic till august…couple others are vitamin ones hope to work thru and get rid of.
 
Joni side note…He is seeing a new regular Dr…just to have..if that's possible for him…lol…scares me a tad…I don't want another fish in the sea pretending to ‘know’ mike…done that 1000 times…
 
Biggest hurdle/frustration now is his foot which limits him on activities…a spine nerve was hit…he has to wear a brace…not pain..numb..his team met with Mayo and they want to see him in PHX …so we'll see…please lord fix this as this was not part of the deal…if not for that I'd say he's fabulous! He feels good.looks good….I'm trying to fatn him up…he's about 20 lbs up..let's go for 20 more…still doing little PT…want to join a gym but waiting for the winter cooties to get out…
 
Emotional to go thru last 6 months/year/that day of memories…words aren't enough to explain the last year plus of Mike's.mine and jacobs life (particularly Jacob starting his new adult life at the same time…strong young man)…as it's not been a cake walk…BUT…All of your love.prayers.help.talks.calls WE could not have done without you…we love u and thanku all for being a part of our lives!
 
Let's GO 6 months!!!💚😎
 
Looks like early spring is here too 💚💚💚
Luv…mike.joni.jacob
 


Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.
Help Mike Stay Connected to Family and Friends

A $25 donation to CaringBridge powers a site like Mike's for two weeks. Will you make a gift to help ensure that this site stays online for them and for you?

Comments Hide comments

Show Your Support

See the Ways to Help page to get even more involved.

SVG_Icons_Back_To_Top
Top