News about Liam

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November 6, 2007

We are so glad we didn't send out last week's update as it painted a very grim outlook. What a difference a week makes. Things are looking better for Liam this week, he has had several good days now, though his baseline is much worse than we had hoped. The majority of Liam's lab work from last week has shown positive changes and for the first time the transplant team is strategizing on what it will take to get Liam home! No time frames set yet but at least we have started the conversation. Today's Clinic Appointment should give us greater clarity.

Medical highlights from the last two weeks:

• GJ tube (semi-permanent feeding Tube) was installed last week and is working well. The feeding tube comes out of the abdomen but there are two different tubes inside, one to the stomach and one in to the jugenium (intestines). Although Liam is still vomiting daily, giving him nutrition through the "J" part of the tube allows him to at least grow stronger.
• Liam was released from the hospital last week on a temporary pass at our request for a change of environment, and a psychological and emotional boost. This pass was extended and Liam is still out of the hospital. Labs are repeated 2-3 times per week and Tuesday and Thursday are considered "Clinic" days.
• Liam sleeps more than he is awake. Sometimes it appears to be because he is exhausted, sometimes it is to avoid his depression and at other times, sleeping makes the time go by faster. Whatever the real reason, we remind ourselves that it is when our bodies are sleeping that the true healing is happening.
• Liam is quite jaundice. Although it is getting better as of a couple of days ago, there is still concern about the function of the bile ducts within the liver. In addition, Liam tested positive for a viral infection knows as CMV. This virus can cause inflammation in the organs and is known for the complications it causes in the lungs. He is on new medication for the CMV and will likely be on that medication for a few months.

Medical issues still needing to be addressed:

• Bile duct inflammation causing jaundice and billirubin abnormal levels.
• Kidneys stressed based on the BUN Keratinize levels in the blood and Polycystic Kidney Disease.
• Diabetes - Blood sugar levels have be fluxuating from 46 - 600 with no increase or decrease in caloric intake.
• Nutrition and weight gain- no oral intake and daily vomiting.
• Spleen and Pancreas.

It sounds so simple when put in writing, almost as if we can simply change a treatment, dose of medicine or type of drug and he will be better, but we all know Liam is much more complicated than that and there are no simple answers. For today we just wait patiently and rest knowing that this chapter of Liam’s life will so be leading to the next. Being home with Liam sounds so good to Liam right now. He is now well enough to know that he is homesick!

We will let you know more on Liam's return home as soon as we are given word.

As always thank you for your continued Love, support and prayers.


The Hearne Family