Happy Liver Dance

We had "liver clinic" this morning, and I was able to return home and promptly make a "Wonderful Wednesday" post on Facebook, which means that we're doing the HAPPY LIVER DANCE tonight!  Seriously, I can not adequately explain my relief as I reflect on the outcome of our clinic appointment today.

We started out bright and early with labs at 7:30 am. The blood draw went exceptionally well….just one stick, five vials of blood, and no tears! Elise then enjoyed her breakfast treat--a sausage burrito and milk-- and we were off to the 11th floor for clinic.

Today, June 25, 2014….waiting on liver clinic…

When Sarah, our transplant coordinator, walked in the room, Elise said, "Where's Dr. Fishman?"  Happily, he wasn't far behind Sarah, and they were quick to say that Elise's labs just look BEAUTIFUL! We are so happy that Dr. Fishman made the decision to be patient with her labs rather than jumping to biopsy in April when her liver enzymes were elevated. Her current numbers are GREAT! AND, let's not forget that she has had bronchitis this past week and is currently taking antibiotics, so I was bracing myself for less-than-stellar labs.

Here's what we're looking at….
AST 52,  ALT 49, GGT 29, direct bili 0.0, Albumin 4.2.

We chatted with Dr. Fishman and Sarah about a "little of everything"…about our recent trips home, upcoming Transplant Games of America, and a possible trip to Disney World within the next year. I mentioned that Elise eats just about anything these days and has been asking for random foods such as "rice" lately.  Dr. Fishman says, "brown rice….give her brown rice…and she IS still on skim milk, right?" LOL! Which brought us to the topic of diet/nutrition.  Her current weight is 31 lb 5 oz, and height is 2'11".  This puts her in the 75% for weight and 50% for height. He said she's fine right now, but we just just need to watch her and continue to encourage low fat and less sugary foods; basically she needs to follow a "heart-healthy" diet, which is also a "liver-healthy" diet. 

Back to the subject of the Transplant Games of America (TGA)….the games are coming up July 11-15, and Elise is proud to be a part of TEAM TEXAS.  The word on the street is that at 2.5 years old, she is the youngest "athlete" on our team, possibly even in the entire games!  On Saturday, July 12, she and I will participate in the 5K walk/run from 8 am-10 am, then at 12 pm she will participate in the donor/recipient bowling "special event" with Ava and Layla-- her "donor angel" Julia's daughter and niece. The opening ceremonies will take place in the evening on Saturday.  On Sunday, July 13, we will attend the donor tribute and the TGA family BBQ. On Monday, July 14, Elise will be taking part in the Quilt-Pinning ceremony, where she will pin a patch on the 2014 TGA quilt in honor of Julia, her organ donor, her angel. Finally, on Tuesday, July 15, Elise will compete in her "main event," the Cornhole (i.e. bean bag toss) for ages 5 and under!

Our homemade quilt square for Elise to pin during the TGA Quilt Pinning ceremony

We have lots to look forward to….plenty of memories to make…..but most importantly, Elise is enjoying life every day! We are making the most out of every moment, never taking a day for granted. I've said this before, and I'll say it again…..Julia's gift of organ donation has restored life not only to Elise, but to our entire family.  

As I posted on Facebook on June 18…

Random moment 984,274,621,456 for which I am so very grateful! Elise enjoying splash day today at preschool just like all of the other kiddies! We are blessed.

If you are not already registered, please consider registering as an organ donor!!