Beginning a New Adventure - Heart Failure

Let me try and put the pieces of information together.

Before Ron's liver transplant, he underwent several tests, one of which was a 'once-over' of his heart. 
He was told he had some calcification (heart) but nothing more than was expected for someone his age.  We were told he should have his heart checked out once he received his liver and after recovery.

After Ron's liver transplant he began experiencing swelling in his left leg; we were told it was a side effect of the anti-rejection drug, Rappamune.

Ron began having difficulty breathing when walking over a short distance.

Several weeks ago Ron's right leg began to swell.

He has difficulty sleeping - he takes a couple of breaths and wakes himself up trying to catch his breath.  He's having vivid hallucinations during his half wake/half sleep periods; so much so, I can't sleep in the same bed with him.  He has conversations with people that aren't here - he told me this morning - that the room was filled with people last night.

His recent stress test showed heart failure (we don't know what class/stage) - he has many more tests to go through.

His kidney function is elevated.

I will update as we have more information.

Today is Ron's 1st Birthday - A Letter to the Donor's Family

Today is Ron's 1st Birthday.  A year ago today we were in ICU. 
Today is Ron's 1st Birthday.  We're thankful to the donor's family for their unselfish gift.
Today is Ron's 1st Birthday.  He has so much to be thankful for.
Today is Ron's 1st Birthday.  We love him.

This is the letter to the donor's family.  Ron will deliver this letter to the transplant team at his 1 year appointment.  The letter will be delivered to the family.

February 3, 2012



We’ve wanted to write this letter for a very long time…. we don’t have the perfect words. To say thank you will never be enough – but it’s a good start – thank you.

Our entire family are organ donors, and you of all people know why that’s so important – to share the gift of life with as many people as can be saved. That’s what you did for us – your decision saved my husband.


My husband and I have been married for 19 years; he is a loving man, a Vietnam Veteran, and we have 3 wonderful children and 5 grandchildren.


Our journey has taken us down some dark roads, and we weren’t sure he would make it through his illness; your decision was the gift we will never forget.


There isn’t a day that goes by that we don’t think of your loved one, and we promise, we won’t waste one day of our lives together.


Although we’ve never met – we want you to know – you and your loved one will forever be in our hearts – and my husband will carry this precious gift proudly.


Always,

Ron and Pam

2011 - A Year in Review

It's been quite a year - here are some highlights!

 

Savannah

Our second beautiful granddaughter, Savannah Leigh Falanga was born last night @ 11:20pm.  She is 8lbs 8oz and 20 1/2" long.  Of course we can't help but say how gorgeous she is.  We have 5 wonderful grandchildren: Caden (almost 4), Oliver (3) Brooklyn (2), Braylen (14 months) and Savannah. 

Congratulations to our son, Michael and his wife, Brittney on the birth of their new little girl.

A Thanksgiving That Almost Didn't Happen

You can't appreciate life unless you look back - I accept that - I used to think that looking back was a way of making an excuse for not looking (moving) forward.

As I sit here, the night before Thanksgiving, waiting for the official day of the holiday season to happen.....I am well aware of how thankful I am this Thanksgiving.

I am thankful for Ron.  I hope we have many more Thanksgivings together.

I am thankful for our family.....loving thankfulness for our family as it grows and blooms.....our children and beautiful grandchildren......and perhaps one day.....great grandchildren.

I'm ready to move forward, and with every milestone: anniversaries, birthdays, holidays, vacations, quiet moments together - I'll try harder - to stop and 'be in that moment'.

We are most thankful for Ron's donor; although, I'm sure we'll never meet, I hope somehow, somewhere, this amazing family will feel our love.  We are thankful for their gift.

Much love to all!

Happy Anniversary to My Husband

Ron and I were married 19 years ago today.  We dated for 6 weeks and married at the courthouse one afternoon - Ron and I, and Libby (our little flower girl).  We had dinner at the Red Lobster and brought home strawberry cheesecake for dessert.  

It seems like yesterday and at the same time (after all we've been through) it seems like 100 years ago.

This morning Ron surprised me with flowers, candy and McDonalds for breakfast.  It would have been a very different day if he hadn't had the liver transplant just 6 months ago.

So today, as we celebrate our 19th wedding anniversary, we will continue to honor the donor - he or she is with us everyday.

Happy Anniversary Ron, I love you.

Pam

Six Month Milestone

We've been talking about how lucky we are.  Six months ago (at this very moment) we were sitting in the waiting room and Ron was receiving his liver in surgery.

We know of so many people waiting for transplants, and some with End Stage Liver Disease (ESLD) who won't ever qualify for a transplant.  

We know there is a family out there thinking of this day with a heavy heart - missing their loved one.

We rejoice in being given the chance to continue our lives together.....and on this day, we honor the donor.

There are so many precious memories we've made since Ron's transplant.

I won't say it was easy, because it was not.

I won't say sometimes I didn't think we wouldn't make it through the changes in medications, mood swings and snarkiness.

We found our way through the illness, challenged through the transplant, and out the other side with hope.

Ron is well - the crazy symptoms have left - he's working, helping our grandson with soccer and enjoying the family.

Many memories and hopefully many more.

Thank you for your love and support.