A quick note: for those of you interested in my writing pursuits, I've started a blog devoted to entirely to writing with a little parenting thrown in, from time to time. Please hop on over to the blog and follow me! I would appreciate it and if you could spread the word, that would be great.
http://swingsandkeyboards.blogspot.com/
Sheriff Sarah
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Cruise Control
The blog has been quiet because, well, things with Sarah have been quiet. All is well in the Kraft household for the moment, and hopefully that continues for many months. Sarah had some virus that made all her fingernails peel but besides saying "owie" and continually pointing them out to us, they didn't seem to bother her.
At the last clinic visit on Jan 11th they cleared her, once again, for 3 months between clinics. We take her once a month for labs and as long as the numbers are okay, we won't have to see the docs until April - which, coincidentally will be her 2 year transplant anniversary. It would be cool if we could reach that milestone without any issues.
At the last clinic visit on Jan 11th they cleared her, once again, for 3 months between clinics. We take her once a month for labs and as long as the numbers are okay, we won't have to see the docs until April - which, coincidentally will be her 2 year transplant anniversary. It would be cool if we could reach that milestone without any issues.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Moving Forward in 2011
I hope everyone had a truly wonderful Christmas and New Year's. I know it was a great time for my family and provided some quality down time. After getting our Wii connected a couple of days ago, I'm sure our house will never be the same. We've never owned a gaming system before and I've never even played games on the new-fangled systems out there. Our first weekend with it was a hoot and I'm looking forward to many more fun times playing with the kids.
While it's difficult to believe another year has arrived, I'm optimistic about what 2011 brings. On the personal side, I'm hoping for a little more normal in our "new" normal as far as Sarah's liver goes. A few less hospital trips and biopsies would be welcome.
I'm humbled to watch my children grow, year by year, into wonderful people. I'm looking to continue to focus on leading by example and instructing them through the life of Jesus and the Bible. They really are amazing kids if I do say so myself.
I'm going to focus more on set date nights with Patty, dedicating the time necessary to nurture the most important relationship apart from God. I'm looking forward to engaging in a Bible study with two friends for accountability and growth.
You know I couldn't go an entire post without mentioning my writing. This fire has been fueled the past three months to the tune of 75,000 written words. One manuscript is complete (less the editing "ring of fire" I will now be passing through) and I've nearly completed half of the second novel. My goals are modest - continue to write at least 25,000 words per month and complete three more novels this year. I'm going to begin querying in March and hopefully can land at least a smidge of interest from agents or editors at the two or three writers conferences this year. When December rolls around, I'd like to say that an agent has offered me representation.
What about you? What are your dreams, goals or expectations for 2011? Think lofty, but also be realistic.
While it's difficult to believe another year has arrived, I'm optimistic about what 2011 brings. On the personal side, I'm hoping for a little more normal in our "new" normal as far as Sarah's liver goes. A few less hospital trips and biopsies would be welcome.
I'm humbled to watch my children grow, year by year, into wonderful people. I'm looking to continue to focus on leading by example and instructing them through the life of Jesus and the Bible. They really are amazing kids if I do say so myself.
I'm going to focus more on set date nights with Patty, dedicating the time necessary to nurture the most important relationship apart from God. I'm looking forward to engaging in a Bible study with two friends for accountability and growth.
You know I couldn't go an entire post without mentioning my writing. This fire has been fueled the past three months to the tune of 75,000 written words. One manuscript is complete (less the editing "ring of fire" I will now be passing through) and I've nearly completed half of the second novel. My goals are modest - continue to write at least 25,000 words per month and complete three more novels this year. I'm going to begin querying in March and hopefully can land at least a smidge of interest from agents or editors at the two or three writers conferences this year. When December rolls around, I'd like to say that an agent has offered me representation.
What about you? What are your dreams, goals or expectations for 2011? Think lofty, but also be realistic.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
ACK! Strep is in the House
Here's hoping that you all had a wonderful Thankgiving and are enjoying the Christmas season.
As for us, 2/6 of the Kraft household has strep throat. Fun times! Right now Patty and Caleb are on anti-biotics and I have a sore throat coming on. The three girls haven't shown symptoms yet but it'll be hard for them to avoid it since strep is so contagious. Still, we are praying they miss this round. I'm just hoping everyone is okay by Christmas.
Other than that, Patty and Sarah returned home last Friday afternoon. Our weekly lab visits have resumed so we will be headed down Wed night for those.
May you all be blessed this Christmas.
As for us, 2/6 of the Kraft household has strep throat. Fun times! Right now Patty and Caleb are on anti-biotics and I have a sore throat coming on. The three girls haven't shown symptoms yet but it'll be hard for them to avoid it since strep is so contagious. Still, we are praying they miss this round. I'm just hoping everyone is okay by Christmas.
Other than that, Patty and Sarah returned home last Friday afternoon. Our weekly lab visits have resumed so we will be headed down Wed night for those.
May you all be blessed this Christmas.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Acute Liver Rejection? Going once, going twice...
I just spoke with Patty and Dr. Horslen is 99% sure Sarah is having acute liver rejection. This isn't completely a surprise. She has been off her anti-rejection med for several weeks now, in order to fight off the EBV. From what Dr. Horslen has said, they are more concerned with the EBV, and what it can do/cause, so they would rather eliminate that and deal with a rejection if it comes.
The biopsy could come back tomorrow and show negative (PLEASE!) but Patty and Sarah are going to be admitted for at least tonight and then tomorrow will reveal if its going to be the full meal deal of 4 days.
Sure, it's frustrating and I would be lying if I said it wasn't. What bugs me the most is that tonight is Katarina's first Christmas concert as part of her preschool class and Patty will be missing it. This is when I need a blasted video camera! Guess I'll have to add that to my Christmas list.
Thanks for your continued prayers. Patty is feeling a little bit under the weather and is exhausted. Please lift her up and that Sarah would not be fussy during her stay at Children's.
The biopsy could come back tomorrow and show negative (PLEASE!) but Patty and Sarah are going to be admitted for at least tonight and then tomorrow will reveal if its going to be the full meal deal of 4 days.
Sure, it's frustrating and I would be lying if I said it wasn't. What bugs me the most is that tonight is Katarina's first Christmas concert as part of her preschool class and Patty will be missing it. This is when I need a blasted video camera! Guess I'll have to add that to my Christmas list.
Thanks for your continued prayers. Patty is feeling a little bit under the weather and is exhausted. Please lift her up and that Sarah would not be fussy during her stay at Children's.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Merry-Go-Round
So I'm the one who actually gets the call this afternoon from Marsha in transplant clinic that Sarah will need another biopsy (yes, I know, hard to believe, huh?) Tuesday morning. It appears the EBV has been vanquished because now her liver numbers have risen - AST 356, ALT and GGT in the 100s.
Our tired girls, Patty and Sarah, head down very early for a 730 ultrasound appt followed by an 11am biopsy. In all likelihood they will head back home in the evening to await biopsy results which won't come back until probably noon on Wednesday.
To say we are a bit "finished" with all these tests is an understatement. Sarah's been poked and prodded in the past few weeks more than she has been in a long time and the continual up and down, bad news, good news has worn us all down.
Still, we're optimistic that the biopsy will come back negative. They plan to being tacrolimus again Tuesday night and if necessary, prednisone on Wednesday, IF there is a acute rejection. Again, we're just praying for NO four day hospital stay. We'd like to make it through the holidays without one if possible.
We would be nowhere without your support and you are all so appreciated.
Our tired girls, Patty and Sarah, head down very early for a 730 ultrasound appt followed by an 11am biopsy. In all likelihood they will head back home in the evening to await biopsy results which won't come back until probably noon on Wednesday.
To say we are a bit "finished" with all these tests is an understatement. Sarah's been poked and prodded in the past few weeks more than she has been in a long time and the continual up and down, bad news, good news has worn us all down.
Still, we're optimistic that the biopsy will come back negative. They plan to being tacrolimus again Tuesday night and if necessary, prednisone on Wednesday, IF there is a acute rejection. Again, we're just praying for NO four day hospital stay. We'd like to make it through the holidays without one if possible.
We would be nowhere without your support and you are all so appreciated.
Friday, December 3, 2010
A Very Brief Update
Sarah's EBV level has decreased to 95 according to her last lab results. Patty will take her again Sunday so we can know by Tuesday night if they have truly reached the "negative" level. In the meantime, the docs had originally prescribed her valcyte to help ward off the EBV but since that is now so low they have taken her off that med. She is still not taking tacrolimus so basically there is nothing external to fight the viral stuff or rejection.
I have to admit I'm a bit hesitant to not have Sarah on SOMETHING but according to Dr. Reyes, this is the best avenue to take until they can verify the EBV has been eliminated. They would then place her back on tac next week.
Your prayers for Sarah's health to not be compromised further during this short stretch would be appreciated. She seems to be feeling better but continues to cough intermittently.
I have to admit I'm a bit hesitant to not have Sarah on SOMETHING but according to Dr. Reyes, this is the best avenue to take until they can verify the EBV has been eliminated. They would then place her back on tac next week.
Your prayers for Sarah's health to not be compromised further during this short stretch would be appreciated. She seems to be feeling better but continues to cough intermittently.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)