Day -8

In an earlier post, we described the transplant timeline. Today is Day -8 on the transplant timeline. The days before transplant are the negative days. Transplant is Day 0, and then the first 100+ days after transplant are counted.  We are going to follow this timeline as we post.

The past 24 hours here have been filled with answered prayers.  We are counting our blessings.

Overall, we had a good night.
Radiation went well.
We were able to get plenty of rest after radiation.
Elena is eating well and getting all of her jobs done.
We walked laps twice with our friends, Heather and Sarah.
The staff here is amazing.

Many praises and things to be thankful for!


After a 5:00 am wake-up call, we walked underground to Winship.  Thank you to those of you who told us you were up "walking with us in prayer".  Even in the tunnel, we knew we weren't alone!

 On our long walk this morning.

We will do it again at 7:15 tonight.

 Elena in place ready to go.

After about 15 minutes on this side, she rolls over

and then does another 15 minutes on the other side.

 The sign on the door to the treatment room.

The door is about three feet thick.

 When we returned from radiation,

this was the view from the little window

in our hospital room.

God's love shining brightly.

Currently, Elena is receiving IV fluids and another IV medication, an anti-coagulant. This medication is being used as a precaution to help keep Elena's blood thin and flowing since Elena is considered high risk for veno-occlusive disease (VOD) of the liver.  She had this disease in April of 2010 and her liver appears irritated heading into transplant. They are also giving her two oral medications to help strengthen her liver. Please pray that these meds will do their job and that Elena will NOT get VOD.

One wonderful part of our day was meeting all of the members of Elena's medical team. Each staff member has been friendly, positive, and upbeat.  They are all so very knowledgeable in their area of expertise and have taken the time to clearly explain things.

Today, between the hours of 12:00 and 5:00 pm, we met two doctors, the nurse practitioner, the nutritionist, the respiratory therapist, the physical therapist, the school teacher, and the child life specialist.  It has been a little busy around here this afternoon!

We have also been blessed with two wonderful nurses.  Each one has taken their time to get to know Elena and listen to her.  There are genuinely interested in her as a person and not only as a patient. 

Before going into radiation today, Maggie, our night nurse, asked Elena what was one thing she was thankful for.  Elena was already scared and nervous about radiation today. She quickly responded that she was thankful that both of us could be with her for her first radiation session. Maggie wanted to make sure Elena knew that no matter what is going on, you always have something to be thankful for.  Later in the morning, she left a note for Elena . Part of it said  "Cultivating gratitude for what is and having faith in what's to come...that is what joy is all about. Choose joy every single day and you will be home before you know it."

Praying that tonight, you have something to be thankful for and that you choose joy.
We are!

In Him,
The Tates

"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning, great is your faithfulness."

Lamentations 3:22-23