Transplant Journey Update by Nana Jan

The Nix family returned to Denver Children’s Hospital twice since Zack’s liver transplant on August 10, 2024. The first “bump in the healing road” was due to pancreatitis which came after a great week being home and feeling good. Zack endured two weeks of dealing with stomach and headache pain and barely able to eat and, of course, being back in the hospital for nearly a week. But, good news: last week Zack began to eat better (low fat) and return to his feisty, funny, and upbeat self.

Zack & Epic – best therapy dog ever! 😉

Transplant patients are monitored weekly for any signs of rejection or infection so there are weekly trips to Children’s for blood tests. Unfortunately, this past week’s blood test indicated a concern. There was also an appointment with a pediatric oncologist who helped everyone understand that the HCC (Hepatocellular carcinoma) found in Zack’s old liver is not of huge concern. It is believed that the cancer was removed fully but there will be scans done for many months to assure this.

So, Wednesday was back to Children’s Hospital with their overnight bags, pillows, blankets, and devices. A biopsy (again) suggested the need for another MRI. Yesterday was NOT a good day – no food all day for Zack, an IV causing pain, and the MRI was not done until later in the early evening. Nothing is easy or seamless but the Nixs hang in there and help Zack at every turn. We are all hoping that Zack’s new liver is doing its job and clear of issues.

Zack, Dani, and Tom have 16 years of experience with the medical world. They are versed in the hospital routines, the morning rounds with as many as 20 doctors and interns (teaching hospital), the poop scale (a source of hilarity), the hospital food, the awesome ways a Children’s Hospital brightens the lives of kids (therapy dogs, teen center, fun guests like the Bronco’s mascot, players, cheerleaders, etc.), and how fortunate they are to have the support of all of you reading this update!

Through the challenges you learn a great deal:

• There are many children who are not as fortunate as Zack. They are alone many hours of the day. Send them good vibes!
• Being healthy is the single most important quality of life – especially for your child (no matter their age)
• Moms and dads have to work together – helping each other out when one feels sad or exhausted.
• Having friends and family who care about you makes a world of difference. Thank you all for that!

A big thank you to Julie Pate, Ann Jamieson, Lyndean Gillian, & Nichole Williams for helping organize COTA events to help fundraise in honor of Zack’s transplant. They are already planning events that will help COTA assist with transplant-related expenses.