The last two days have felt like a massive shift in Jake’s journey. For the first time, we aren’t spending every ounce of energy “putting out fires” or dealing with lung complications. Instead, we have seen incredible signs of strength from his heart and liver, and major progress from his lungs. We are finally at a point where we can start navigating the hurdles of him being deconditioned and rehab.

Jake’s beautiful new heart is giving a powerhouse performance! The biggest news came from Tuesday’s Heart Cath and Biopsy, and the results were exactly what we were praying for. There are no signs of rejection. His Cath measurements confirmed the heart has plenty of power and is pumping within the normal range. There is nothing concerning on his EKG or Echo results. His heart is doing exactly what it is suppose to do

Overnight Tuesday, the nursing staff was able to wean Jake’s high-flow oxygen down to 21% (room air). This is a massive win! Tuesday, during the day , he tolerated the entire Heart Cath on just 4 liters on the standard nasal cannula. His lungs are proving they can handle the “step down” in support. He was also able to visit first-floor radiology again today, and his X-ray showed improving lungs with only mild edema.

We received his Diabetes Autoimmune Profile results, and 3 out of 4 markers were negative. While one was technically positive,it was only by a hair. The Endocrine team believes this slight positive is likely due to the extreme stress his body has been under and the transplant medications. They will retest him in six to twelve months to verify, but for now, we will keep a close eye on things as we balance feeds and insulin.

His labs also reflect the physical deconditioning he has gone through over the past 6.5 weeks. Our focus will now be on rehab and stamina.

We thank the Lord for the report of “No Rejection!” We praise Him for the miracle of Jake’s new heart and liver. We continue to pray for his muscle mass to return and for his “over-stimulated” nerves to find peace as his body adjusts to this incredible new life.

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.

Psalm 28:7