News about Liam

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August 10, 2007 (pm)

Wow, what a day.

Since this mornings update we have had a set back that could have been a major deal but turned into something quite positive. This morning at 10:00 AM the ICU doctors in coordination with Liam’s lead surgeons Dr Reyes and Dr Healey discovered that Liam’s blood flow through his main portal valve had diminished substantially. Enough to require the transplant team to open Liam back up to make the determination as to what was causing the restricted blood flow. A blood clot was the greatest fear but it was quickly determined that Liam’s main portal valve had kinked, restricting the flow of blood. This was the best news that we could have heard as the other possibilities could have caused much greater problems. An additional 4 hours of surgery was successfully completed at 2:30 this afternoon. A small set back but more or less a continuation of the original transplant surgery. We were told that 1/3 of all transplant patients need to be reaccessed after they have been closed up. No new scars as the surgeons just opened the same incision.

The surgeons again expressed their excitement with the quality of the new liver and their satisfaction with Liam's progress. We were just told that the ventilator should be taken out tomorrow morning. He is still heavily sedated and is not expected to remember much of the last two days but he encourages us by squeezing our hands. His lungs are doing as well as could possible be expected. Still lots of swelling… which is probably the hardest part for us, he doesn’t look anything like our bright, cheery eyed Liam yet. Yes we have a long way to go but once again Liam is fighting as hard as he can… for all of us. Even though we know you are all here in spirit we wish you could be here to witness the determination, courage and perseverance of this inspiring young man.

Almost forgot to mention that the decision was made to remove Liam’s G-Tube, which most of you know he had installed three years back to help with nutrition. He has been on the feed 24 / 7 for the past three years. We can’t wait to tell him. He is going to be so happy. This is great news for his psyche and self esteem. The surgeons are convinced that the transplant went so well that Liam should be able to thrive with out it.

We have been told that the recovery process could take as long as 6 – 8 weeks but knowing Liam we expect him to be home in time for his 16th birthday September 20!

Please pray for continued progress, no additional set backs, no infections and a speedy recovery. A very special specific prayer request from Liam, who just wrote a note on a pad “Can tube come out”, please pray for Liam’s comfort and that he improves enough to be extubated soon.

Thank you for your continued love and support. We love you all.

The Hearne Family