Thursday, July 24, 2008

A long week

Today we met with the psychiatrist, nutritionist, oncologist and the heart transplant surgeon. The studies are almost completed. I have another bone marrow biopsy tomorrow because the Mayo Clinic does some special studies on it for amyloidosis.
The final decision is made on Monday at the selection conference, however, both the surgical director, the medical director and the oncologist feel that I would be a good candidate for a heart transplant. The chief concern in performing a heart transplant in amyloid patients is that even thought the transplant would be successful, if the amyloid has already attacked multiple organs, there might be little benefit from the transplant. It appears that my other organs are doing pretty well and show minimal effects.
Dr Edwards, the medical director, wants to speak with the transplant team at Stanford to possibly get me listed there as well. In that situation, I would be listed at both the Mayo Clinic and Stanford which could increase my chances of getting a heart. In addition, I would be able to return to California to wait. This would be such a blessing. I really do miss my family and would like to be there for the upcoming weddings.
I hope it all works out.
Thank you all for your prayers and sincere concern for us. It has made such a difference in my life.

Kevin

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dear Barbie, Just wanted to say Hi. I beening thinking about you and Kevin,you are always in are thoughts and prays. We were just up in Tahoe this week with my sister and her family. My sister son is leaving to go on his mission to Brazil in 1 1/2wk. I thought about the times we spend with you up there and fun it was getting to know each other better. I was a great time. Maybe soon we can all go up for a little break. On sunday I saw Catlin wanted to know if I could help with EFY rides. Paige and I are driving the girls down the to Fresno on monday August 4 and then having them take the train back since it comes straight back with no stops or bus rides. We would love to take Catlin and Emily down with us. Let me know if we can help in any way. We miss you. See you soon. Jill

Anonymous said...

Hi wonderful family!
This is Carla Page. Cortney and I went to see Catlin last week, and she was doing pretty good! It's great to read how upbeat and hopeful you sound. We keep you in our prayers and we know that the Lord will bless you with what's best! Take care and we'll keep in touch.
Lots of love from the Pages

Darlene Anderson said...

Oh, Kevin, that's so encouraging!!! It probably seems like years away but Monday is just around the corner and then it sounds like you'll be singing, "California Here I Come!".

I'm grateful for the incredible medical care you've been receiving, combined with the spiritual blessings and all the love of friends and family. That's a winning combination!

Anonymous said...

7/25/08
My Dear Children, How Mother and I love you both so very much.
Kevin, we are so glad to hear you are doing as well as you are. Barbie, You sure are a trooper. Mother and I are so happy that you are such an awesome daughter and married such a great man we love so much. Our prayers are constantly with you both. Come home soon.

I sure miss my honey Lydia, but we are so glad we could spare her and have her stay with your beautiful daughters as long as you need her.

Lots of eternal Love to you both.
Dad Dison

Darlene said...

Hey Kevin,

Based on Barbie's blog the other day, you probably didn't realize how many tests that they could do on a human being, or .... maybe you do. Could this be karma? I am just kidding. It sounds that they are throuogh which in reality is what you want. We pray for you at every meal and at family prayer. This is definitely a faith builder of fragility of man and our dependence on Heavenly Father. I hope that Monday brings you the news that you are looking for.

Take care,
Your brother Harold

Unknown said...

Kevin and Barbie,

I'm sorry to hear what you two are going through. At girl's camp, you mentioned you were having heart troubles, but I didn't realize the severity. The schedule and all the tests sound like a real pain. We hope for the best for you. You're in our thoughts and prayers.

david

Anonymous said...

Kevin,
I think about you every day and am grateful that you have a blog so I can stay updated on your progress. I dont know if the cards made it to you, but all the residents got together a wrote out some thank you cards for all the mentorship, teaching and support you have given us since you started at Kaiser. Karim may still have them. . . The influence you have had in our practice of Urology has truly been significant. I hope you make it back to California soon. We are always thinking about you and wishing you the best. You are such a strong person, I know you will make it through this.
-Dana Nanigian

Anonymous said...

We are all crossing our fingers for monday leslie

rachelle said...

Kevin and Barbie,
Wouldn't it be great if you could come back to cali! we sure miss you! We are praying for good news on Monday. Thank you for keeping us well informed on your blog. We continue praying for you often and know that the lord will sustain you.
love you!
Rachelle