I have an update to share regarding my transplant situation. I had a follow-up visit to my Hepatologist doctor in Denver yesterday, Dr. Greg Everson. When he walked into the exam room where I was waiting, he took one look at me and said, “Bruce, you are just wasting away!” He became very concerned at that point and began talking about what we could do to get me on the cadaveric donor list as soon as possible. It seems that he has managed to get my M.E.L.D. score elevated from a previous 12 to now a number of 25, which puts me into the range where I could receive a liver from a deceased person. But, before we could go that route, I would be required to go through a protocol of chemo and radiation therapy for six weeks.
Dr. Everson then looked again on where we stand with our live donor (#3) and, seeing that the donor has two important tests coming up on Friday of this week, decided to hold off and let that process take place. If donor 3 passes those two tests, then, it seems that we are down to one further test. We are hoping that the doctor will push this last test through quickly, so that we will know the outcome as soon as possible. If the tests this week are not passed, then the live donor route will be stopped and we will go immediately to the chemo-, radiation treatments, with the search then beginning for a cadaveric transplant.
On the other issue – of my ‘wasting away’ – Dr. Everson is very concerned. Normally, he would place me on a very high fat, high calorie diet in order to increase my weight gain. But this regimen runs directly contrary to my diabetes issues. Therefore, I am caught between two diseases, each pulling me in different directions. He has recommended that I be taken off my oral diabetes medications and start taking insulin injections instead, which will make the disease easier to manage, and will allow me to eat more of what I want and need to eat. Thus, I am going to see Dr. Lackey today in order to discuss this possibility. The greatest concern right now is trying to keep me healthy enough for transplant.
I am just seeking to keep everyone informed so as to pray with greater clarity. Thank you for taking the time to read and respond as the Lord directs you.
In Christ,
Pastor Bruce
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Pastor Bruce,
I ask God to walk with you through this difficult time in your life. I pray that our good and gracious Lord will heal your illness and give you comfort.
I ask this in my Fathers name, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen
Our God never fails.If you believe that you are healed so be it.You have been healed through the Holy blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.God never fails, he is a faithful God and never lies.You are in my prayers