Quick Update

Happy August, Friends!

Not much to tell just yet, but I’m feeling so much more encouraged after seeing my Vascular Interventionist this week.

I’m still waiting for Medicaid to be approved, and I feel confident it will be. Once that happens, I’ll begin working with the Liver team at Einstein Medical. I had so many questions about getting on the transplant list, but my doctor assured me that I WILL be on it.

My liver is basically a brick at this point, and a new one is the only option for keeping me here—and I am ready for it! I don’t have every intricate detail yet, but I know there are pre- and post-op protocols to meet, and none of it will be easy. But all of it will be worth it so I can keep my promise to my daughter.

I’m so glad I didn’t wait to see what was next before making significant changes to my diet and lifestyle the day I came home from the hospital. We’re already seeing those elevated numbers come down, which is pretty good evidence that I mean business. :)

I do know the surgery will have me out of work for a short period and probably won’t lend itself to me working from my hospital bed like I did in June, so I’m starting to plan for that now.

In the meantime, we are living LIFE!

Alexa secured her first job for six weeks as a junior counselor at a theater camp and has just completed the program. Her aunties and uncle were there every step of the way, getting her to and from work and to the two evening performances we were able to attend together. They have truly been lifesavers for us!

I’m doing my best to rest, but I have to tell you—that part is a struggle. I finally have the mental energy to get things done, but my physical energy just isn’t there yet. I have reminder texts from friends during the day telling me to put my feet up and take my lunch hour instead of pushing through and ignoring the swelling and discomfort. I’m working on it. :)

The heat makes things more challenging, so I stay in, do my walking inside my apartment, and take breaks often.

Oh—and did I tell you Alexa took me to the movies? We made it there and back alive, and I didn’t sleep through a minute of Hadestown. It was amazing!

Through the generosity of your donations here, I was able to hire a medical advocate to do the heavy lifting for me so I can focus on resting. If you or someone you care about is in need, I HIGHLY recommend Jennifer at Care Champions. She simply makes a list and starts taking care of business. Trust me—you want her on your side!

So for now, we wait a little longer for the go-ahead.

And I am ready.

I do not take any of this lightly. I’ve thought often about the person who has—or will—donate their liver so that I can live, and I carry a deep gratitude that I could never fully explain.

I’m ready to get this done, heal, and really begin living—probably for the first time in decades.

Let’s go! ❤️



**Custom hat courtesy of Deejay Pressman