News about Liam

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August 18, 2007

Another day and another incredible story of perseverance to share. Yesterday was a reminder that Liam is not out of the woods by any means and has a long way to go with his recovery. Liam had a frightening reaction to one of his immune depressant / anti rejection drugs, Tacrolimus. For 12 solid hours Liam struggled with sever anxiety, convulsions, uncontrollable screaming, vomiting, muscle spasms and skin irritations. This reaction was later described to us as a “classic case of Neurotoxisity”. The medical team was able to control the seizures but not the other side effects. The Ativan that was given to Liam was able to calm his anxiety and slow the symptoms of the reaction to the Tacrolimus for 15 – 20 minutes but the trade off was sever headaches… then Tylenol was administered… five minutes of relief and then back to muscle spasms, anxiety, convulsions and vomiting. It was a long, long night.

The anti rejection drug is a necessary and extremely important drug and at the moment (24 hours after the first reaction and 12 hours after the side effects started to diminished), Liam is handling lower levels of that same drug . In addition the medical staff will be trying a few different anti rejection drugs hoping for better compatibility.

In the middle of Liam’s reaction he had a very low moment where he screamed “It’s (the transplant) not worth this, I can’t go through any more of this”. Very hard to hear after seeing him go through so much.

There is no doubt in our minds that Liam was on the brink of given in to the depression and intense pain but made a conscious decision to chose not to because he knows he is loved by so many. He understands that there are literally thousands of individuals and families around the world that are praying for his successful recovery. God is guiding his recovery and standing by his side through his many challenges and Liam has not lost his focus of Gods greater plan for him. Reading Liam your e-mail responses and sharing the phone messages that people have left for him has helped Liam (and the rest of us) stay motivated to overcome the frustrating set backs and unpredictable road to recovery.

Today has set back Liam’s caloric intake and recovery a full day. A very specific prayer for Liam today would be that his appetite increases enough to allow him to gain a sufficient amount of weight that will convince the doctors and nutritionists that they do not need to reinstall a feeding tube. The decision to reinstall the feeding tube or not will take place tomorrow (Sunday) afternoon. Liam is very comfortable at the moment and just finished all his Saturday night meds and ready for bed. Day five of his 6 – 8 week recovery is now behind him.

By the way. It was only a few hours after Liam’s lowest moment of the week that he had the courage and strength to realize that, as he put it, “I am so lucky (to get the transplant)” “I’ve come a long way”. And that comment we present to you as answered prayer. Liam continues to find the good in each day.

May our loving God’s peace and love, which is beyond all human understanding, be with you and your families this day and always. We are so grateful for your continued love and support. Your spirit is one with Liam as he faces another day.


The Hearne Family