Happy Birthday to me!

Hi everyone!  

My birthday was a few days ago. I had submitted a birthday gift request. (If you have been following this blog, you can guess what that wish was.) However, I guess God didn't think it was time for that gift yet...

I haven't forgotten about this journal--it simply hasn't been anything new to write & I didn't want to blah, blah, blah...

Honestly, I think I'm adjusting to my "new norm".  That translates to feeling about 4-5 months pregnant when I behave & eat small amounts of food, or 8 months pregnant when I eat more (like I really want to). Since my medical testing is over for now (only monthly bloodwork), this transplant process isn't always in the forefront anymore. 

I'm always full of questions...I had a few more answered recently by my transplant coordinator:

~How many liver transplants are done at Johns Hopkins per week?  They said about 80 were done in 2013 so that averages to a little more than 1 per week.  That doesn't give any more info about my situation...I was just curious. 

~How much time will I have to get to Hopkins after I get the call that a donor has been picked for me? I've always imagined a very brief time & a strong feeling of urgency after we get that call. So, we made a list of items to put in a grab bag so that we can quickly depart & make a quick trip to Baltimore.  We also have people prepared to help with Sara & Carly on short notice, especially if the call comes during the night. 

Now,  I've learned that most likely it won't need to feel rushed.  They have patients that live 6 hours from Baltimore (we're blessed to be within 1 hour).  I was told that quite often they can give recipients a day's notice. That didn't make sense to me until they explained that quite often donors (that I will receive from) are on life support. Therefore, there are certain indications & procedures that allow the transplant team to notify the recipient 24 hours in advance. Even so, I don't imagine that it will be a calm 24 hours for me--I'm sure my brain & emotions will be on overload!  

I continue to be amazed at the support that we are given during this waiting period.  Prayers & offers of help continue.  What more could I ask?  It's soooo comforting to know that God has given us a community of family & friends to surround us--thanks!!!

"I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13

 

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance."  James 1:2-3

With love & growing patience, 
Belinda &Meg