Great News!! Dan is going home!

After 45 nights and 46 days at the University of Washington Medical Center, Dan is finally going home! As you can imagine, Dan and Lorie are so excited to finally go home and for this next step of Dan's recovery to begin.


On Friday Dan will begin his twice weekly, half day long clinic visits where they will closely monitor his body's acceptance of his new liver. This next phase will provide plenty of opportunities to help Dan and Lorie out as Lorie will need to get back to a busy work schedule. Since many have asked- there are lots of ways that you can help them out including preparing a dinner for them, taking the kids on outings, watering their flowers and other yard work, etc. Please contact Lorie directly to discuss specific needs or offers to help.


We have a meal calendar set up for anyone interested in bringing the family a meal. The calendar can be accessed here. Please use the following log in information:
CALENDAR ID: 114404
SECURITY CODE: 4109

Thank you everyone for all of your love, support, and prayers throughout this incredibly tough journey. Dan still has a long way to go in his recovery and your continued support is truly appreciated!

Post Transplant Update - Getting Closer.....

I know it's  been over a week since the last update. Things have been changing alot, and I've wanted to wait until I have firm information. What I CAN tell you is, the 2nd try on the procedure was a success! Which means all his blood levels have been doing much better!
Currently, the Dr.'s want to make sure he is safe upon  his return back to home and are recommending up to a week more of time here, although there is a good chance he could be home as early as Monday or Tuesday. The focus of the remainder of his stay is Physical Therapy to help  get him strong. This of course will be an ongoing process,  I've already seen alot of improvement in just a few days. This last week has definately had alot of ups and downs. At times thinking it could be an additional 2 days to 2 weeks. We are just happy he has a goal now to work towards. Thank you again for all the continue'd prayers, and well wishes. It has been very comforting during these difficult times.
Much love to all -
Lorie

Post Transplant Update #5 - Another bump in the Road

Hi All!
 I thought I'd share with everyone as to how Dan's recovery is doing. This last  weekend the Dr.'s informed us that there appeared to be a bile duct leak. The best way to think of it, is a "plumbing" issue. In order to correct this problem they needed to go in with a Endescope and place a stent in place. The procedure was  yesterday and they did not have any luck. Apparently the scope was not able to make it to the necessary location due to inflamation. However, they do feel confident that they will be successful with a second attempt on Wed. If they are not able to be successful with the 2nd attempt, they will try a more invasive way of fixing the problem. We are staying optimistic and hoping he is able to come home at the earliest Friday, or possibly by Monday. The Dr.'s have reminded us on several occassions, that he was a very sick man going into the surgery, therefore to expect a longer hospital stay after. Dan is anxiouus to come home and we both want to say "Thank you" for all the continued prayers! We truely feel blessed to have such wonderful family and friends.
Keep checking the blog, as we due plan to have the calendar up within the next 2 - 3 days!

Love to all!
Lorie

Post Transplant Update #4: A Setback

Thank you to everyone for your kind inquiries regarding Dan. As to be expected after something as serious as a liver transplant, the last week has been filled with ups and downs for Dan. On Tuesday afternoon, Dan suffered a seizure and had to be readmitted to the ICU. It is our understanding that while not common, it is not unheard for a liver transplant recipient to experience a seizure. Doctors have been evaluating Dan and will be adjusting his anti-rejection medication as necessary and possibly putting him on anti-seizure medication. Please keep Dan and Lorie in your prayers through this extremely challenging stage of recovery.

Also, please be on the look out for further information about Dan's post transplant care calendar. The link to this calendar will be posted to the blog once Dan is given notice that he'll be discharged from the hospital. It will be used to sign up for bringing meals to the family, etc.

Thank you to everyone for your love and support for Dan!

Post Transplant Update #3: Doing Great!

Just a short update- As of Thursday, June 14, 2012, Dan was still in the ICU, but was expected to be moved to the Transplant floor at some point in the evening. He is still undergoing kidney dialysis. He is looking incredibly well! The difference in his appearance between Monday pre-transplant and Thursday is unbelievable. His jaundice looks so much better and he was sitting up in bed. He's off to a great start to his long journey of transplant recovery!

Post Transplant Update #2: Great News!

Doctors have advised Lorie that Dan is doing great, with no signs of any complications! Things are looking so good in fact that Dan is expected to be moved from the ICU to the Transplant Floor at some point this evening. This is after doctors had originally said they expected him to be in the ICU for seven to ten days post-transplant! They are still watching his kidneys closely and running dialysis, but this was expected and anticipated. His liver functions are great and Lorie said she can already see the jaundice going away. She expects that it will be completely gone within a couple days. This is incredible as Dan has had a jaundiced appearance for months now. We couldn't ask for bigger blessings and better news for Dan. Please keep him your prayers. Also, please no visitors until Dan and Lorie give the go ahead.

We are so grateful for all of the support and care the family has received from family and friends and even strangers near and far. Thank you to everyone!

Update: Dan has a new liver!

We are so thrilled to report that as of 3:30am on June 12, 2012, Dan has a new a liver! The first liver that Dan had originally been prepped to receive was found to have fatty liver disease and thankfully a second healthy liver became available the very next day. A major blessing was that Dan had the top transplant doctor at University of Washington Medical Center perform the surgery along with one of the UW's world class transplant teams. Dan is currently sedated and in the ICU for several days as he is monitored continuously for any signs of trouble. He may have to undergo kidney dialysis while in the ICU as his kidneys have suffered throughout these last few months as things got worse and worse for Dan's liver. Our prayer is that his kidneys will return to good health now that he has a new liver and he will not need a kidney transplant. 

The next several days are extremely critical and things can change at any time. At this time the family asks for no visitors during these next several critical days. 

We truly appreciate all of your prayers leading up to this transplant and now as Dan begins the long road to healing. The next three months will be extremely critical for Dan as his body adapts to his new liver. We are so eternally grateful for the man who donated this liver to Dan and gave Dan a second chance at life. Our hope is that his family knows how much their loss and sacrifice mean to our family and how grateful we are. Dan has two elementary age children and this is the opportunity for him to see them graduate from college one day. We are so grateful.