Thursday, April 19, 2012

THE CALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

12:45 a.m.
The surgeon (J.C) just came and talked to us.  All went amazingly well.  Only 2 units of blood needed, he lengthened her roux, she's closed on the outside (good) and we should be able to see her soon!  The liver was pretty big (the donor was about 60 lbs. more than her), but she had room for that liver so they used the whole thing.  It will adjust down in size over time.  They didn't close her all the way because it can put too much pressure on the veins and arteries and you DO NOT want to cut off blood flow to a "new" liver.  Tomorrow she'll have an ultrasound to make sure all the blood flow is still good and at best, Saturday or Sunday be "closed" some more.  BUT, this is very touch-and-go still; the next several days will be bumpy, BUT that is pretty *normal* for this type of surgery.


Thank you everyone for your prayers and continued support!  I was overwhelmed when I finally got a chance tonight to read the comments on Facebook, this blog, Shelby's COTA blog and on Liver Families.  We definitely feel the prayers and strength you are sending her way!  I don't know if I'll update more tonight.  Maybe after we see her....


 
11:45 p.m.
Nurse called from OR.  Surgeon decided to lengthen her "roux" since it was done almost 10 years ago and she's grown so much since then.  Now they are hooking up the bile ducts.  Should be about another 1 1/2 hours.  She is still doing very well; has only needed 2 units of blood.  The nurse said she will come out on the ventilator because of how compromised her breathing was going in.  It is still undetermined if they will be able to close her all the way.

9:30 p.m.
THE NEW LIVER IS HOOKED UP AND PRODUCING BILE!!!!!  OMG!!!  She is continuing to be very stable and has needed very little blood products.  They're not sure at this point if they will be able to close her up....we shall see...so pleased :-)  Should be another couple hours or so.  Happy Mama here!

8:00 p.m.
Recent call from OR....they're sewing in the *new* liver!!!  This is amazing!  She has NOT required any blood products so far.  So thankful!

5:57 p.m.
Nurse called just before 5:30 and said they made the first incision at 5:10.  All the lines were placed.  Now, what they anticipate to be the toughest part - getting through the scar tissue of her past 2 surgeries (Kasai & distal splenorenal shunt) and getting her "old" liver out.  Update again in 2-3 hours.


3:56 p.m.
Scott walked back with her to the OR about 3:20 p.m.  Poor thing was crying and just NOT wanting to do this.  We are gathering ourselves, moving some things around in her PICU room and will grab a bite to eat.  They don't expect to start making any incisions for about 1-1 1/2 hours.  Sigh....now a different kind of waiting begins....we were told to expect her to be in surgery 6-12 hours.  I have lots of great pics from today it will just take me a bit to get them on here.  Pray, pray, pray for my sweet Shelby please.

12:34 p.m.
Surgery is scheduled for 2 p.m.  We have been blessed this morning by visits from many of the hospital staff that Shelby SO loves.  There has been fun and games, now she's  coloring with Grammie. 


Yep, its true.  Shelby (we) waited for 223 days for this.  At 3:10 a.m. Wendy called me on the nurses' phone.  She should go into surgery in the afternoon.  It will be a whole or reduced-size liver - YES!!!!!  Please take time to say a prayer for the family who made the decision to say "YES" as they grieve their loss right now.

25 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh, wow - this is wonderful news for Shelby.
Hoping it's the PERFECT liver for her, and the generous donor's gift will allow her to thrive and enjoy health for many happy decades.
Thinking of the donor family and of you all. My very best wishes
Sven (from LF)

Kirk and Krupa said...

I am so glad your wait is finally over and am thankful for the donor family. You guys will be in my thoughts all day today and as soon as I am back in town, I'll be checking in to see how I can help during what I am sure will be a smooth recovery. Yay!!

moreena said...

So glad to read this. Thinking of the donor family and Shelby today.

Anonymous said...

Yes! Yes! Yes! Most brilliant news ever. Prayers, prayers & more prayers that it all goes smoothly. Nikki (LF)

Rebecca Walter said...

Amazing how everything can change in a moment. My thoughts and prayers are with Shelby, your family, and those you decided to give life.

Anonymous said...

Ahhhhhhh! Yes! Praying for sweet Shelby and the family that made the decision to save another while they're grieving!
Sheryl, Justice's mom

Kirstin said...

Excellent news, hoping for a smooth and speedy recovery!
Kirstin (Erin's mum LF)

Michelle said...

Whoot Whoot! Such wonderful news! Keeping Shelby and all of you in my prayers. I hope everything goes smoothly, surgery and recovery so that before you know it you are all home and back to NORMAL!! Yes, Normal! Sending extra hugs and good luck vibes!
Praying for the donor family also...
Michelle (Weston's Mom)

mary said...

Prayers to the donor family nad for Shelby. Any way I can help have Scott call. Mary C

Unknown said...

What wonderful news! The guys at Firestone were probably wondering why there was a woman sobbing in their waiting room this morning. So happy for Shelby and all of you and so grateful for the family that had the courage to give her this precious gift.
Deb and Tim

mary said...

Keep up your strength and thanks for the updates. I have never met you, Jen or Shelby but you inspire me every moment. thinking of you all night. Mary C.

Anonymous said...

Thoughts and prayers with you and with the donor family! I checked the blog this morning while at the state meeting. Quickly emailed Discovery Center and Burpee with tears running down my cheeks!
Maggie

Anonymous said...

I've been following your journey since Lisa posted this and am praying that all goes well and everything is Perfect!!! I will keep all families in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

My soul purpose tonight is check the blog! I love it so happy for everyone! Many prayers for your family and the donors, what an incredible gift!
Nicole Schandelmeier

Morgan Family said...

I am so happy another one of my prayers have been answered! I wish we lived closer. Don't forget to get some rest! Hugs - Mary Morgan ( Kaitlyn's Mom)

Anonymous said...

We love you Shelby , Keep up the great fight, I have posting about your for a while even though we have never meet but you have inspired others to get on lists, to help others who are so in need, Many blessings to you, Jennifer, as well out thoughts to you and your whole family. as well as all of the adults and children who need this so badly.
The Party Girl, you have to get well soon so I can plan a party for you or better yet you come help me with one,,xoxo

Uncle Chris said...

Go Shelby!!! That's our girl! -Uncle Chris

Stacy said...

This is such wonderful news! I am so happy for you!!

Kirk and Krupa said...

Yay!!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for keeping us posted Jenn! Praying for a continued uneventful surgery & quick & uncomplicated recovery.
Hillary M & family

Mic said...

So wonderful to read your most recent update!!! Shelby's been on my heart and in my prayers all afternoon/evening today.

Anonymous said...

So grateful all is going well! Praise God!-- Christine

Anonymous said...

I'm so happy to read these GREAT news!
Best wishes for the coming days and weeks. I think the doctors might have been so slow about living donor because they were hoping for a whole liver with all the 'plumbing' - hope you will see lots of miraculous changes now on a daily basis.
Fingers still tightly crossed for Shelby.
Sven (from LF)

Colby Kids said...

Great job, Shelby! Keep going. Won't be long now until you are chasing that puppy. :-)

Blair & Xander (LF)

Maryw said...

Welcome to post-transplant! Now we are rooting for 5 days of good ultrasounds and weaning down the O2. Hugs from the Wallaces!