<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A Surprise Phone Call<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On May 14th, we received an unexpected phone call that set us on a new path. We were informed that a deceased donor had been found for Emma, providing a better match than our scheduled live donor in June. Without hesitation, we hit the road to Colorado.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Procedure Begins<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They took Emma back for surgery on Thursday 5\/16th<\/sup>. We were doing okay, managing our anxiety as best we could. The doctors estimated the surgery would take about 8-9 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A Major Milestone<\/p>\n\n\n\n About 6 hours into the procedure we were informed that Emma’s old liver had been removed and the new graft was being placed. This news was both relieving and nerve-wracking as we waited for further updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Surgery Success<\/p>\n\n\n\n Emma\u2019s surgery was successfully completed! They began settling her in the PICU, and we were eager to see her. Though exhausted, we were filled with immense relief and gratitude.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A Minor Setback<\/p>\n\n\n\n Later that night, Emma had to return to the OR because her hepatic artery was kinked and needed to be fixed. Thankfully, the procedure went well, and by morning she was resting comfortably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Small Victories<\/p>\n\n\n\n The next day brought more progress. Emma was able to sit up in a \u201cchair\u201d and even managed to sit crisscross last night. The doctors are not worried about anything right now, so we are just monitoring her condition and performing labs every few hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ups and Downs<\/p>\n\n\n\n Today has had its ups and downs. She was doing great this morning. She was awake and alert, taking some meds by mouth, and munching away on ice chips. Late this afternoon, though, she spiked another fever. We haven\u2019t been able to find the cause or get it to break. Thankfully by morning she was able to break the fever and is doing well! <\/p>\n\n\n\n A Heartfelt Thank You<\/p>\n\n\n\n We want to express our immense gratitude to everyone for their support for Emma and our family. Your well-wishes, prayers, and good thoughts have been deeply felt over the past few days. Emma is now 6 days post-transplant and doing great. We are still in the PICU, managing a few bumps in the road. However, the doctors are on top of everything and are taking wonderful care of Emma. We still have a long recovery ahead, but she is doing well!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Emma’s Wish List<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lastly, we\u2019ve been asked if Emma needs anything. While she isn\u2019t in need of anything specific, we have put together a small wish list on Amazon for those who want to send her something.<\/p>\n\n\n\n