Liver Transplants

Add a Comment

Comment by Bobbiejo Winfrey on November 18, 2009 at 12:12pm

Dear Marshall,
I am so glad to know that Lina is continuing to do well after her surgery and is already up and about. I took me some time after the transplant to be able to regain my appetite, but my doctors were patient with me as they said it was normal and that I would know when I was ready, and thus one day it happened, and I did not need even to transition through diets after that day. It took me perhaps a while longer before I could really handle anything orally because I was not eating before my transplant (dependent only on TPN), but I am sure that when Lina's body is ready, she will do well. I will continue to keep both of you in my thoughts and prayers, and I hope that Lina will continue to see more improvement each day until she reaches a full recovery. My heart is just so happy for both you and Lina. May you both be abundantly blessed.

Comment by sylvia edwards on November 18, 2009 at 11:18am

congrats marshall and lina ....sooooo happy it is going well for her.... things that were once impossible are now totally possible and being done....we are blessed....there's nothing easy about all this....but, the fight is well worth the effort of all involved.....may we all be blessed with better health...sylvia franklin nc liver tx 02/17/05 at Duke Univ Med Cntr....((( where is Lina's surgery being done? If you dont mind my asking...)))

Comment by Marshall Spencer on November 18, 2009 at 10:50am

Thank you all so much ... Lina is responding very well with no transplant related issues. No appetite for food but has to eat to take her pills since she is no longer on the I/V's etc. Getting out of bed regularly for walks & a shower so they aren't letting her get lazy! In a couple of days she may let me leave a wireless laptop in her room so I know she'll be eager to catch everyone up from her perspective.

Comment by Brad shwidock on November 14, 2009 at 2:07pm

My prayers are with you Marshall and Lina. It is great getting to the "other side" of it all. But there is still work to do. Good luck to both of you
Brad. liver tx 12/17/09

Comment by sylvia edwards on November 14, 2009 at 12:19pm

fhello marshall & family.... prayers are going up ... positivethoughts are being thought.....good wishesbeing sent ... wow!!!.... what a story...... to be a donor and a recipient at the same time.... prayers will go up for all involved!!!! my your all be Blessed today !!!! sylvia franklin nc liver trnsp 02/17/05

Comment by Bobbiejo Winfrey on November 14, 2009 at 11:36am

Welcome to the group Marshall! Congratulations on your wife receiving a new liver, and I am glad that she is also helping out someone else in need with her former liver. A double blessing! I hope that she may recover swiftly and soon be able to enjoy the gift of this transplant. I am a multivisceral transplant recipient as I received six organs, the liver being one of them. I celebrated my fourth year anniversary over a month ago. I had a hard recovery (was in the hospital for about six months after the surgery), but it all has certainly been worth it. I give God all the credit for helping me to get where I am today. I certainly agree about keeping up a positive attitude and find laughter to be one of the best medicines one can have. I will be sure to keep you and your wife Lina in my thoughts and prayers and also the recipient of your wife's liver and their family. Sending many hugs and wishes for healing and renewal on the wings of hope to you both.

Comment by Carlos on November 14, 2009 at 10:17am

May not be so bad. Seems like no end-stage processes happening (ascites-swollen belly) encephalopathy is common and maddening - I couldn't dial a phone and they pinned a note with my ward # on it because I couldn't find my way back. I had >10 liters tapped. My cadaver liver was not "hot off the street" but had been on life support for some weeks - I took it.
Some people have an easy time, some don't. Post op I had hooked my laptop to the hospital's phone line and was telling friends-I was out in ~2-1/2 wks. Some have a more difficult time adjusting and may stay in hospital for a few months. Barring failure of graft or immediate rejection she may have an easy time. I'm not an MD just someone who's been there. Always keep a positive attitude and be upbeat. Mental attitude counts for a lot. I had to wait with end-stage disease for 2 yrs, so I know about mental attitude. If you were ever in the service remember what basic training was like. Don't give up. I got my liver in 2003.

Comment by NICHOLAS MARINO on November 14, 2009 at 9:43am

Marshall.Your wife and yourself have all my prayers and best wishes. May your faith remain strong and all will be okay. Good Luck, Nick

Comment by Marshall Spencer on November 14, 2009 at 9:25am

Hello all: I am a new member of Transplant Cafe and this group but have an update for you. My wife Lina Spencer got "the call" last night and she is currently in the operating room at the beginning of a 6-7 hour procedure to receive a cadaver liver.

Lina's condition is "familial amyloidosis" and has gotten to be quite bothersome in the last several months. Not just the need of the transplant itself but the side effects - nervous system, digestive system, lack of energy for our 4 year old daughter, difficulty with memory, her employer becoming anxious ... you know how it goes.

We are frightened and excited that the painful nights, uncertainty and doubt are now behind us and the journey to "normal" will begin tonight.

Lina's condition is unique in that she is both a donor and recipient today. Those aware of amyloidosis know that the liver is fully functioning, just not good for the "owner" after approximately 40 years (I just gave away Lina's age but I don't think she'll mind). Therefore, I'm also happy to announce that Lina's liver is being transplanted today to another person on the waiting list. Please also remember him/her and their family in your prayers as well.

Please also remember the family of the donor as they grieve their loss.

Best wishes and watch for an update in a couple of days - Marshall Spencer

p.s. your best wishes on Lina's page will do her a world of good!

Comment by Linda KAY McGill on November 12, 2009 at 11:41am

has any one heard of a new drug that stops rejection of new organ.

• First
• Previous
• Next
• Last