The transplant journey is never an easy one and this week has felt especially hard. I don’t know if it was the news of Jake’s broken pacemaker lead or just the past 6 months of being on edge waiting for the call taking its toll, but the dread of the transplant visits left us feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.

The appointments we were all dreading finally arrived yesterday. While the pacemaker lead is broken and Jake is in heart block, his body seems to be tolerating it well. His oxygen levels remain in the upper 80’s, his heart rate is within range and his appetite or energy level remain unchanged. Once again, when things seemed like too much, we have been reminded that God is good and He always provides.

While the appointments went well, it was a difficult trip for Jake. His PICC line had moved and needed to be removed and replaced before he could leave the hospital. This meant having to return to the dreaded 7th floor and be put into a sterile room that reminded him of the surgery suite. He handled his nerves and the procedure with incredible strength and bravery. He was so happy to leave St. Louis and return home that evening. Now he is resting up for physical therapy today followed by a night of fun and games with friends.