Leah had an overall good day. She had 2 ultra sounds, one this morning and one this afternoon. Results were good for both. She continues to be sedated, but they are looking at possibly closing her incision tomorrow. They will see were the swelling is and make the decision from there. I was able to watch them open her bandages today and see what her incision looks like.

Her heart rate seems to go up when we speak to her. Her medication was started to wear off while Travis was reading to her and she started wiggling around and lifting her arms. They quickly gave her more medication to keep her still b/c of her open incision.

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

Leah went back to the OR this morning because they discovered what they thought was a blood clot. When they reopened Leah, they discovered it was only a kinked artery. Praise God! They are leaving her incision open until some swelling goes down. As of now they are looking at closing it on Friday. This means she will be sedated until that time.

We realize there will be more ups and downs, but we know that prayer is very powerful.

We had a little bit of a set back this morning with Leah. They discovered a blood clot in her artery going to the bile duct. They took her back into surgery a little after 10am. It will take about 3 hours. This was harder on Travis and I then the first time she went into surgery.

Pray that when the do the surgery that they would be able to see that it's fine or that they would be able to open the artery back up.

Leah's Transplant

January 15 Leah received her new liver. We received a call on the afternoon of Jan. 14 and were told to head towards Pittsburgh that evening. We got out to Pittsburgh about 2 am. It didn't take long for them to start getting blood from Leah. They had some trouble finding a vein for her IV. Leah did amazing during the whole process of being poked in many places on her arms and hands. She didn't like having the splint her hand, but was so tired that she soon fell asleep.
At 8 am the Dr came in and told us that they were ready to take her to get prepped. By 9:30 am, we were saying good bye to a very sleepy girl. They had given her something in her IV to make her drowsy. Travis was able to go back with her until she was completely asleep.
We are continuing to trust in God through this whole process. It's been one of the longest days as we wait to be able to see her in the ICU. Only a couple more hours.
We will continue to keep you updated.

We are starting a new year still waiting for a new liver. I have always believed great leaders are not those who act on their own, but seek counsel and wisdom from those around them. The call is theirs to make. Along with the praise of success and blame of failer resting on their shoulders. We know that it's in Gods hands, and He cares more for Leah then we do, but He has entrusted her care to us and at times I wonder if we're making the right decisions. We are trusting in the wisdom and advise of the Doctors, parents and individuals who have gone before us.
And while Leah has been such a blessing to us in our lives, with a personality that lights up a room, MSUD at times feels like a curse.... But I'm not convinced.
The cross of Jesus seemed like a curse for 3 long days, but it has become what liberates us. So we wait on his timing.

Thoughts from Leah's Dad

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!
We were able to enjoy a wonderful Christmas with family. Still hanging in there waiting for the important call from Pittsburgh. Even though we are anxious to recieve the call, we were glad to be able to spend the holidays with family. We will see what the new year brings for us.

Some days it makes you wonder if you are even on the transplant list yet, but then you recieve the call saying that the score has increased, so you know that's not the case. Sixteen months. It's hard to believe it's been that long. Our challange now is to keep Leah healthy over these next couple of months to make sure when we get the call, she's ready to go. That means flu shots all around. Trying to be patient.