Bruce Update
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Bruce Miles Update
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Good Friday Update
I want to greet all of our friends that have faithfully been following my blogs throughout these last several months and have faithfully prayed for me as I have been recovering from my liver transplant on January 13. First, an update on my condition: I continue to improve, week by week. I am feeling stronger and more energetic with each week that passes (I am now at the three month mark post-transplant). Someone asked me last night if I felt that I was completely back to full health. I replied that I felt I was perhaps at 75% of normal capacity. That is all to the praise and glory of God. I still have some amount of pain in the incision area, but no major or troublesome issues. I have not seen my Transplant team in about six weeks, as they have allowed me to get my blood work done up here in Summit County. I am getting that done every two weeks, and so far, my lab numbers continue to look great. According to my post-transplant restrictions, I am now able (after three months) to return fully to work; thus, I am preaching for the first time this Sunday, Easter Sunday.
I am writing to ask that you pray for our services on Easter Sunday. For those receiving this update, who live in Summit County, please invite as many people as you can to our 8:30 and 11:00 services. I will be sharing the story of my illness and liver transplant, using that story as a modern-day parable of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ from the grave. This may be a great opportunity to get folks from the community who have heard of my transplant and are interested in the story, to come out to church and hear the Gospel.
Whether you live in Summit County or outside, would you be in prayer this weekend for the following things?
· 1. That both services on Sunday would be filled to capacity and that many seekers would be drawn to come to church.
· 2. That God would defeat Satan’s attempts to create confusion, distraction, or offense to the message of the Gospel.
· 3. That God would prepare the hearts of believers and unbelievers alike for the message that they will hear.
· 4. That God would anoint me as I speak for Him; that He would give me strength to preach powerfully in both services, that He would give me a strong voice throughout the day, that He would give me the precise words that He wants me to speak; that He would fill me with His Spirit.
· 5. That many unsaved would respond to the invitation and trust Christ as their Savior; that many believers would dedicate their lives to the Lord, to serve Him wholeheartedly in gratitude for all that He has done for us.
· 6. That God would be glorified in this church and in this community through our services on Sunday.
I have one other exciting bit of news to share with you: We received a call today from Kim Christianson from Channel 9 News. She is the reporter who has been working on the story of my transplant. She informed us that the story is ready and that it is going to air on Easter Sunday night at 9:00 and 10:00pm. For those living outside of the Denver viewing area, the story will appear on their website as well, so you can view it on your computer or other devices. Kim knows that I will be speaking about my transplant on Sunday, so they are hoping to provide a link to the R.M.B.C. website, so that people can listen to the sermon if they like. This has the potential to provide a huge outreach for sharing the Gospel throughout the community, the state of Colorado, and beyond. Let’s all pray that God would use this story for the maximum impact of the Gospel.
This is going to be an exciting and historic Easter Sunday for us – so please pray, pray, pray, like you mean it.
For God’s glory,
Pastor Bruce
March 30 Update
Thank you for praying for our meeting on Monday morning with little Michael (the child who received the other portion of the transplanted liver) and his mother, Ashley. Michael's father, Matt, was not able to be there because of work commitments.
When Donna and I walked into The Children's Hospital, we were met in the entryway by the Directors of Public Relations of both Children's and University Hospitals, as well as a cameraman from Channel 9. We were then escorted upstairs to a more private area where Michael and Ashley were waiting for us. With camera rolling, they filmed the initial meeting and much of our conversation for the first 5-10 minutes.
It was so gratifying to finally get to see Michael. We didn't know what to expect, but he was walking around, vibrant, full of energy, and looking pretty healthy, considering what he has been through. Ashley is a sweet young woman (22-years-old), and seems to be a very loving and caring mother. Matt and Ashley lived in Casper, Wyoming, originally, but when Michael was diagnosed with his bile duct disease, they actually moved to Cheyenne so that they could be closer to Children's Hospital. We seemed to strike up a good relationship with Ashley, exchanged personal information, and even talked of going out for a meal with them the next time they are in Denver. She spoke several times of her church family and the church's support for their family, and it appears that Matt and Ashley are believers.
After we had chatted for awhile, the 9 News reporter/cameraman asked to conduct separate interviews with Ashley, then with Donna and me. The interview was mostly focused on our meeting that day and also how life had changed for us since the transplant.
He later told me that the word around the news station was that the story would be aired sometime in May, and that, indeed, Kim Christiansen would be putting the piece together and reporting it. Brian (the cameraman) said that she was the absolute best news reporter for a story like this, because she brings so much personal feeling and emotion to the story. She was not able to be there on Monday because she is on vacation this week.
Brian also told me that they might run the story in two separate pieces because there are so many intricacies to the story. He then asked me if I was fully back to work and I informed him that Easter Sunday would be my first time back in the pulpit on a Sunday morning, and that I would be relating my story to the resurrection story. He was very intrigued by that, and asked if the sermon could be video-taped. I'd like to ask you to pray that somehow, even through our worship service on Easter Sunday, the Gospel story might go out clearly and powerfully as a result of these circumstances. I don't know how God is going to work, but I think we should pray for big things for His glory.
I will let you know when I hear any specifics about the airing of the story. Thanks again for praying for us on Monday. We could definitely feel the power of those prayers. By the way, Donna completely won the heart of little Michael - no surprise to me. She will make a wonderful grandma someday.
Pastor Bruce
March 27 Update
I wanted to share an update with the prayer chain and ask for your prayers regarding a possibility we have been anticipating since my transplant on January 13. I received a call this week from the head of the P.R. Department at The Children's Hospital. She informed me that the family of the child who received the other portion of the donated liver has expressed an interest in meeting me and Donna. I was told that the family is from the State of Wyoming and that they are bringing Michael (the child) to Children's Hospital on Monday for his regular post-transplant check-up. She then asked if Donna and I could be there to meet Michael and his parents before his appointment.
She also said that this is being coordinated with Channel 9 News, who will have a film crew on site to record the meeting. This should be the final piece of the puzzle before airing the story on the news. We haven't received any information, yet, as to when that might occur.
We're asking for your prayers for that meeting. We don't know what to expect, but pray that God would once again give us an opportunity to share our faith and to give God glory. Pray also that we might be able to establish a positive and lasting relationship with Michael and his parents, Matt and Ashley.
We'll give you a follow-up after the meeting. Thanks for praying.
Pastor Bruce
Friday, March 11 Update
Dear prayer chain participants,
Thanks to your ongoing prayer support I am experiencing ongoing progress since my liver transplant on January 13. When I was discharged from the hospital on January 18, I was initially scheduled for three blood tests per week. Two of these days, I would go up to the post-transplant clinic to meet with my transplant nurse and see the transplant surgeon.
After a brief time on this protocol, I was told that my numbers were holding steady and I only needed to come in twice a week for blood labs and clinic visits. That schedule continued for several weeks. Then, about a month ago, I noticed that when I went for my post-transplant clinic visits, I was no longer seen by the doctor. In fact, the last time the I saw the doctor, he poked his head in the door and said, "Bruce, you are doing great! I'm going to check on some people who are actually sick."
During this twice-a-week period, I would meet with the transplant nurse, who would check the results of my blood labs, most of which would come in over about an hour's time. Based on the numbers, she would tweak my anti-rejection meds, if necessary, give me instructions for the days ahead, and schedule my next appointment. She would then call me in late afternoon of that day to give me the final results of all the blood lab numbers.
Things continued to progress. Right after I had that 'bump in the road' abnormal reading a few weeks ago, my numbers came right back into line. At that point, about three weeks ago, my transplant nurse said, "You are doing so well, I don't need to see you for another week. You can go up to the mountains for the weekend and return for your labs and clinic visit next Monday. That was the day Donna and I decided to head home, making Frisco our home base, rather than Denver.
I give you all this background to report to you that when I had my labs done on this past Monday, March 7 (I was told I didn't need to come to clinic), my transplant nurse called that afternoon with some good news. Not only were all my numbers in the normal range, but I didn't need to have them checked again for two full weeks (March 21). Then she said, "Bruce, you don't need to come to clinic anymore, unless something unusual happens. In fact, when you have your labs done on the 21st and thereafter, you don't have to come to Denver to get them done. You can go to the blood lab in Summit County." She then told me that she would no longer be calling me on the afternoon of blood labs to let me know the results. The policy now is: No news is good news. She will only call if something shows up in the abnormal range.
Finally, she said that if this twice a month blood draw goes well for the next several weeks, they may be moving me to what I believe is the permanent, long-term arrangement - once a month blood labs.
In other words, they are giving me a longer and longer leash, and it has happened in a very short period of time. They are all amazed at the speed of my progress, and I keep telling them that it is the result of your ongoing prayer support for me. I think by now they are all believers in the power of prayer. Someone of my age, and as sick as I was, does not come around this quickly. Only God could pull this off, in response to the prayers of His faithful people. Thank you, thank you, thank you, for the important part you are playing in this process.
With all of this good news, I have one issue that I would like you to pray about. It seems I have a self-inflicted wound. Last Saturday morning I was walking from my house to church for Men's Bible Study, when I slipped on a patch of ice. I didn't fall, but in trying to catch myself, my body twisted in such a way that I felt a sharp twinge of pain in the area of the incision. The pain has persisted now for six days. I called my transplant nurse yesterday and she said that if it doesn't improve within the next few days, they want to take a look at it and see if there is any damage to the surgical area around the liver. Would you pray that the pain would subside and things would return to normal in the next few days? I appreciate it.
One further note: things have suddenly gone silent regarding the Channel 9 News story. We haven't heard anything for a couple of weeks. We had thought the filming would take place this week with the family of the little boy, but the station representative never contacted us. It is possible that there is a scheduling issue with the other family. I don't know if they are from Colorado or out of state. We'll keep you posted. Keep praying for God's will to be done.
Thanks again for your ongoing prayer support.
Pastor Bruce
Thursday, February 24 Bruce Update
Hello all,
I wanted to send out a quick follow-up to my update from yesterday. After Donna and I left the hospital yesterday, the lab results continued to come in and the transplant team monitored them. Finally, in late afternoon, Kathy, our transplant nurse called and said that all the results were looking pretty good. They have ruled out doing a CAT scan. The transplant surgeon had me get a scan two weeks ago, so he pulled up the results of that test. Upon closer scrutiny, he noted that the stent was missing even at that time. So, it has been gone for quite some time.
They also looked at my Prograf levels (anti-rejection medication) and found that they are at the amount they should be at this time. Thus, the transplant surgeon decided that, with everything coming back into range, there was no need for me to come in today (Thursday) for labs. In fact, he recommended that I wait until next Monday to have my next labs drawn. We take from all this that they are somewhat confident that the earlier spike in enzyme levels was a result of my Prograf amount being too low. Having adjusted it, they believe things will normalize and keep moving forward.
When Donna and I got that news yesterday afternoon, we talked about our plans for the weekend and beyond. Since today is exactly the six week mark since my transplant, and since I am feeling stronger and healthier all the time, and since I don’t have to return for testing until Monday, we decided it was time to make the transition of our home base from Denver to Frisco. Thus, we packed up our car and arrived home at about 10:00 last night. There will still be numerous trips to the hospital in Denver, but the appointments are becoming further and further apart. I am in the office at church today and we plan on attending R.M.B.C. on Sunday. As long as things keep moving in the right direction, we plan to enter the next phase of recovery here in Summit County.
Looking back on these past six weeks, it’s hard for me to even fathom all that the Lord has brought us through. But step by step, He has faithfully carried us through the worst days – and frankly, caused them not to be as dreadful and painful as I had anticipated from the front end of this ordeal. I attribute all this to three important factors: God’s providential care, your faithful prayers, and the incredible treatment I have received from the transplant team at UCH. I will still continue with the updates as things develop. Thanks for standing with me thus far.
Pastor Bruce
Wednesday, February 23 Bruce Update
Greetings to all my prayer supporters, friends and family,
I'm sending out a mid-week update to all prayer warriors, as I know many have been praying for the recent 'bump-in-the-road' developments. Just as we saw before the transplant, so in the post-transplant phase, there continue to be surprises, twists and turns in this road to recovery - just as I was warned by the transplant staff.
In my update of last Friday, I reported that my blood labs revealed that some of my results were not encouraging. The two most important numbers are liver enzyme markers (ALT, AST) that reveal whether things are working well in the liver and bile ducts. Those two markers, in particular took an unexpected spike.
As I have talked to the transplant staff these last few days, I have discovered that a spike in these numbers generally point to one of three problems: A) A rejection episode; B) An obstruction in the bile ducts; C) An adjustment needs to be made in my anti-rejection medications.
The transplant staff first looked at the most obvious solution - assuming that the stent that connected the donor's bile duct to my bile ducts had become obstructed with debris and was inhibiting the flow of bile from the liver. Thus, yesterday, I showed up for an endoscopic procedure in which they would simply remove the stent. However, when the probe reached the junction site of the two bile ducts, the stent was nowhere to be found. It had dislodged (which is a common occurrence) and had already flushed out of my system. Thus, yesterday's procedure revealed no substantial diagnostic data.
So, this morning I came to the hospital again and had my blood labs drawn. Donna and I then went up to the Transplant Clinic to await the results. Strangely, the results showed that both my AST and ALT numbers had started coming back down. One was within normal ranges and the other was slightly elevated, but moving in the right direction. This is good news and a huge answer to prayer.
They are now thinking that the issue may not have been an obstruction or a rejection episode, but an adjustment that they made in my anti-rejection medication last Friday. When I received the results of the blood test last Friday, they told me to increase my Prograf meds from 3 mgs. to 4 mgs. It is very possible that this small adjustment started things on the right track again. It is also possible that the stent was plugged, then became dislodged, thus restoring normal flow through the bile duct.
The transplant team wants me to return to the hospital yet again, tomorrow, to have my blood labs drawn again, watching to see if the numbers continue to drop into normal ranges. They may also order an ultrasound or C.T. Scan to take a closer look at that connection in the bile duct.
All in all, we are very encouraged today. This bump in the road may just end up being a minor adjustment on the road to recovery. We will continue to update you as things keep developing this week. We so appreciate your prayers on our behalf.
God bless,
Pastor Bruce and Donna
Friday, February 18 Update
Greetings to all prayer chain participants,
After another week of healing and doctor visits, I wanted to share the latest news on my recovery. First of all, the healing process has seemed, of late, to be progressing nicely. Many of the symptoms that I have spoken of in previous updates, have begun to dissipate. Here are just a few of the changes that I have noticed: 1) The jaundice of my skin and in my eyes seems to have gone away and my billirubin (Sp.?). scores remain in the normal range; 2) As many of you know, I have been plagued for the last couple of years with a sense of being cold, no matter how much clothing I wear and how high the heat is turned up. This made it very difficult for me on my last visit to Summit County a couple of weeks ago, when it was so bitterly cold. I could not warm up enough to feel comfortable. However, in the last couple of weeks, I find that I am not as chilled as before - I no longer need a blanket covering me as I am at home; 3) There has also been a history of continual itching and a sense of dry skin. This has been going on for about two years. Every night, before going to bed, I would lather my entire body with lotion so that I could go to sleep. This symptom has, all of the sudden, subsided since the transplant; 4) I spoke in an earlier update about having a metallic taste in my mouth when eating most foods. This had an effect upon my appetite. However, over the last few weeks, that symptom has also gone away, and my appetite has come on strong. I am eating well, although the weight gain has not yet kicked in; 5) The night sweats have almost completely ceased, and; 6) The spasms when falling asleep, although not completely gone, are growing less and less dramatic with time; 7) One other symptom that has plagued me for a couple of years has been repeated cramping in my legs, my arms, my hands, and my back. These would wake me up in the middle of the night with incredible pain. The only relief was to jump out of bed, stand on my feet, and slowly push the cramp out. I have not had a single incident of cramping since the transplant.
I didn't realize that some of these conditions were a result of my liver disease.
In addition to this, I have made good use of the warm days here in Denver to get out and walk each day, venturing out a little further with each walk. I can feel that my legs are beginning to gain some strength and my endurance has increased.
We went on Monday (Feb. 14) for my blood labs and clinic. The blood test results looked normal and everything seemed to be progressing nicely.
We returned to the hospital today for a blood test before the holiday weekend (the offices are going to be closed on Monday). The results have been coming in throughout the day. We just received a call from the Transplant Nurse informing us that almost every blood test result had spiked dramatically since Monday. The initial diagnosis, without tests or examinations, is that the medical staff believes my bile duct is blocked with something. Their presumption is that the stent that was placed in the bile ducts, in order to properly connect my bile ducts to the donor's ducts, may have become clogged and is now blocking the very vessel it was initially installed to keep open. They had planned to removed the stent very soon, anyway; but it may need to come out immediately.
The plan is to go to the hospital on Tuesday morning for a procedure in which they will go up into the bile duct and remove the stent. If this is, indeed, the problem, my numbers should almost immediately return to normal. Thus, on Wednesday I will return to the hospital for another round of blood tests. I would ask you to pray that Wednesday's results would turn out normal. If things do not return to normal after removal of the stent, then the situation may be much more serious. We were told that there would inevitably be bumps along the road, and this appears to be the first.
Thanks so much for your prayers. We depend on them.
Pastor Bruce
Saturday, February 12 Update
Dear faithful prayer partners,
It's been a few days since our last update, so we will try to bring you up to our present status. As we mentioned on Monday, I had labs and clinic Monday morning, and everything seems to be lining up just as we have been hoping and praying. My numbers are almost all within the normal (healthy) ranges, and the ones that are slightly outside the norm continue to move in that direction.
The post-transplant nurse also clipped off the staples from my incision, something that I was dreading (imagine that after undergoing liver transplant surgery), but they all came out painlessly. By the way, that little procedure may end up on the T.V. news, as the camera was rolling throughout.
We did mention, did we not, that the interview for the Channel 9 News story was done on Monday while I was having my clinics? They filmed throughout my examination by the post-transplant nurse, and then my transplant surgeon's visit. We then went to a private room where the actual interview occurred. Thank you for praying about that interview. I felt calm and my mind was relatively clear (for me), and I felt that God guided me in the statements that I made in response to their questions. It was quite an emotional chat, although the Lord allowed me to maintain my composure. At one point, the lady from the hospital's Media Relations Department, who actually conducted the interview, became a bit choked up and her eyes welled up with tears. Please pray the the powers that be at the 9 News channel allow the story to be told in a way that brings God the greatest glory.
My transplant head surgeon, Dr. Michael Wachs, was interviewed on the same morning. The plan was to interview the parents of the child who receive the other lobe of the liver, and the Transplant Surgeon from Children's Hospital to be completed sometime later this week. We have not received any word as to when this story will air, but we will keep you informed with information as we are made aware of it.
As for my progress, I can only say, "Thank you, Lord!" for the way He has steadily worked in my body in the four weeks since transplant. In order to properly define my progress, let me break it down to three areas:
1. Healing - The transplant experts have found from years of experience that the healing of the incision and the mending of the body from the trauma of liver transplant surgery typically takes about six weeks. That's why they want me near the hospital for approximately that period of time. I believe I am right on schedule in that department. The pain around the transplant area has almost completely gone. I have finally weaned off all pain medication, even at night, when the pain seemed to intensify. I am sleeping well, although I still wake up with significant night sweats. I am gaining my range of motion and no longer walk like the evolutionist's model of Neanderthal Man, all bent over. I think that in a couple of weeks the healing process will be complete.
2. General fitness - A surgery of this magnitude takes every ounce of strength out of your body. In addition to that, I had not gotten any physical exercise because of the failure of my liver and its many complications. There was, literally, 'no gas left in my tank'. My muscles had atrophied and my arms, legs, and chest looked like I had just been released from a Nazi concentration camp. I became exhausted with almost any physical activity. However, in the month since surgery, I believe I have begun to make some progress, at least in my endurance. I am trying to get out and go walking everyday. Donna and I are becoming quite familiar with the environs of our apartment, as we try to add to our distance each day. Today we walked down to the 16th Street mall in downtown Denver and did some shopping - a round-trip distance of probably a mile and a half. I felt good, was not winded, and was walking at what I considered to be a pretty normal pace. The gaining back of muscle to my body, however, will, I am sure, be a long term proposition that will begin only after complete healing has taken place. But I intend to do whatever it takes to get there (Look out, Mt. Royal!).
3. Normalcy - many say that it is usually at least six months or more after transplant that a person looks at themselves in the mirror and says, "I'm back." For me, most of that involves gaining back the weight (at least a good portion of it) that I lost over the past two years. At one point this past summer, I had lost 40 pounds, frightening myself and everyone who saw me. I must say, this is the point that makes me the most discouraged right now. Although my appetite has returned and I am eating a full, balanced diet, my weight remains seriously low. In fact, I have actually lost some weight since surgery. I weigh in each time I go in for clinics, and I am watching myself shrink little by little. The transplant staff and my doctors do not seem to be overly concerned about it at this point. They say that will come with muscle retention, and muscle retention will not really get underway until the healing process is complete. As Dr. Wachs said, "Bruce, it took years for your body to waste away to the point where you were at the time of transplant. Don't expect it to regain that weight quickly. It is going to take a long time." This is a matter, nevertheless,for which I would covet your prayers - at least that I would start heading in the right direction.
All in all, I am very encouraged. I hope you will all see the visual evidence of your fervent prayers when you see me soon. I may make a couple of short trips with Donna up to Frisco over the next couple of weeks, and then, God willing, make the transition to Summit County life after that. In the meantime, I have been working on a number of projects down here, including the writing of a very difficult and emotional letter of gratitude to the family of the young donor, whose decision to give his organs, at the time of his death, to me and perhaps many others, has given me a renewed opportunity to outlive my terminal disease and pursue God's purpose in my life - post-transplant. I do not know the names, address, or any personal information about the donor or his family (for the sake of their personal privacy during this traumatic time of their lives), but the hospital has said that, at the proper time, they will deliver this letter to them. Whether they desire any further contact with us is completely at their own discretion. We hope that our shared loss of a son will give us a common bond and afford us an opportunity to minister to them in some way.
Thank you for all that you do for us and for supporting and praying for us even when we are not there in your midst. God will surely bless you for you faithfulness to Him and to us. We love you so very much and hope to see you soon.
With overflowing gratitude,
Pastor Bruce and Donna
Thursday, February 3 Update
To my dear support team,
First of all, I want to humbly apologize to you for the lapse of information via this blog site in the last month or so. We have had great difficulty getting into this site, as we have attempted to update you during these critical days. We are finally back up and running and I will attempt to bring you up to date on all that has happened since our last update. Let me try to explain what happened.
We were in and out of University of Colorado Hospital several times since Christmas. I was literally too sick and too incoherent to continue the blog, so Donna tried to carry on this ministry, using the hospital's free internet connection. She typed in the password, only to be denied acess again and again. So, she figured she must be using the wrong password, and began trying other combinations. After three or four attempts, the blog provider thought this must be someone trying to hack into our account and shut the whole thing down. Even the correct password would have no longer worked. We found out later that Donna had been using the correct information originally, but the hospital' internet provider does not allow blogs; thus, they kept denying access.
We were told that we needed to apply for a new password, which Donna did. The web manager gave us a new password, but somehow in the commotion of those days, the information (new user name and password) ended up in Frisco, and we have been down in Denver for an extended period of time. We just now got a hold of the new information again and are rushing to inform you of the events of the last six weeks or so. But instead of trying to update you fully in one blog, I am going to attempt to send you the many e-mails we have sent out on the R.M.B.C. prayer chain. It's going to be a long story, but I think you will find it inspiring and fascinating. So, here goes:
January 8, 2011
To our Prayer Warriors!
I just wanted to write and thank everyone for their prayers once again for Bruce.
He was released from the hospital last night, so we are home and he is resting.
He had complications from end stage liver disease. A condition called hepatic encephalopathy.
( I am not sure why all these things are difficult to spell and pronounce!) Anyway, the past few weeks it has been getting worse and worse for Bruce to finish sentences, he gets confused, disoriented, is very tired etc. On Thursday morning, I couldn't wake him up very well...I would stir him awake for about 5 seconds and then he would fall back to sleep. He spoke with a slur and the final straw before I called the doctor was that he fell off the couch and was trying to find his way back and he couldn't respond to me. ( He doesn't remember any of this). When he did speak, he spoke with slurred speech. I did call the doctor and he told me that they would have a bed ready at the University Hospital...to bring him right in.
This condition is very common as the liver fails more and more...the toxins back up and ammonia settles in the brain, which causes foggy and cloudy thinking. They gave him medicine which helps to clear this up a little. He will have this until the transplant...but they said the medicine will help. We are praying that the transplant will take place soon. This is starting to take its toll on us. Thank you for your prayers.
I am grateful that he did not have an infection as this can really complicate the timing of his transplant. He feels pretty well...is still very tired and still somewhat "cloudy". The doctor told us that it would be best that he not drive until the transplant. I have noticed lately some swerving and missed exits..a little bit like "Mr. Toads Wild Ride". So Bruce and I came to that conclusion this week before the doctor even told us.
We are so grateful for the continued support and prayers..
Much love,
Donna
January 12, 2011
Pray like you mean it.
It is POSSIBLE that they have found a liver for Bruce. He is on his way to Denver and will know later this evening if he will be undergoing transplant surgery within the next 12-18 hours.
The surgery and results of surgery are in the Lord’s hands, so let’s lift up our hearts and prayers to the Lord and ask for His grace and mercy as we wait.
We recommend that you don’t go to Denver because the outcome is yet uncertain and the Miles’ will be very busy with the medical team. If you want to go someplace, go to your knees!
Thanks for praying and we will pass along information as we receive it. Also, tonight would be a great time to come to Prayer Meeting as pray together, LIKE WE MEAN IT!!!! Starts at 7:00 PM!!!
Kristen, Derrick & Dwight
January 12 (a few hours later)
The doctors have started the IV in Bruce! They will be taking him into surgery around 11:00 tonight. They will not know if the liver can be used until they have started surgery on Bruce. Pray that they will be able to use this liver tonight! Pray for the team of doctors as they preform their skill on Bruce!
Also, please no visitors tomorrow for Bruce or Donna. If all goes well, he will be out on drugs and in pain (another prayer item!) and Donna will be with him.
More to come !
Let me interject something at this point. When the Transplant Coordinator called me on Wednesday morning, she informed me that the donor was a 16-year-old young man from out of state (Kansas City). His liver had been offered to a two-year-old child who was also in end stage liver failure because of a rare congenital bile duct disease. The child was right across the street at the Children’s Hospital. But because of the small size of the toddler, he only required the small lobe of the deceased donor’s liver. That left the large lobe (about 75%) that could go to another needy recipient. After going through their database, the Transplant staff determined that I was the perfect match for receiving the larger lobe.
January 13
Pastor Bruce was just taken up to surgery (3:29 AM)! The transplant surgery will take 5 to 6 hours. The infant was also just taken to surgery over at Children's Hospital ! WOW... Pray that the surgery will be a success. Pray for God to allow Donna, Eric, Mandy, Brian to be able to get some rest now that Bruce is actually in surgery. Donna did not think she would hear anything for several hours. Pray for the baby and family as well !
1 Thes 5:17 Pray without ceasing. Eph 6:18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on alert with all perseverance, and petition for all the saints" Phil 1:9 "for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ"
1/13/2010
Just received a text from Donna:
Bruce has had a very good day, better than anticipated. He has slept a lot and has used his good 'ole' morphine from time to time. They said he has done better than most... as far as vitals, his blood sugar, his drainage from incision (very little) and overall health. He said he expected today to be a lot worse than it was. Tomorrow they will have him sitting in a chair (Ouch), He said he is ready. We are overwhelmed with gratitude for all your prayers. God has been so faithful to us once again. There are 5-6 people in the hospital waiting for a liver. Some are in ICU. We recognize God's hand in this. No word on the baby. Hope to find out more tomorrow. The transplant team may help us to connect. Thanks bunches for prayers. Much much love. Donna.
January 15
Hi Everyone,
This is just to give an update on Bruce's condition.
He is doing great! He had a good night's rest and felt refreshed and ready to go this morning.
They have them sitting up in a chair and will start clear liquids.
The doctors are very encouraged and said that he is doing phenomenal.
The surgeon team came in this morning and told us that Bruce's liver definitely needed to come out and that we can go look at it in the pathology lab later on. It was very diseased, which we all knew!
I spoke with the surgeon who went to Kansas City to surgically remove the liver from the donor. He said it was a VERY healthy liver and that they arrived at the hospital at 12:30 AM on the 13th. He then was one of the surgeons who assisted with Bruce's transplant!
We are so grateful and humbled by the gift from this male teenager.
We are praying for the family as they grieve his absence.
The baby who received the smaller lobe of the liver (we found it he was 2) is also doing great. We hope to have a meeting with them at some point if the transplant coordinators can set it up.
We also found out that this hospital has only done 16 of these shared livers..so Bruce has been part of something very special
We are very encouraged on this day 2...
We also just heard that they might have Bruce walking today..WOW!
We know all this is due in large part to your prayers to our Healer.
Thank you for your support, love prayers, they are so appreciated!.
Bruce will try to dictate to me so that we can get something on his blog later..maybe this evening.
We love and appreciate you!!!
With a grateful heart..
Donna
January 15 (a few hours later)
Hi Everyone,
This is just to give an update on Bruce's condition. For those of you who did not hear…he received his liver transplant. Hallelujah!
On Wed. Jan 12 th, we received a phone call from the transplant coordinator saying that they had a possible liver for Bruce. There was a 16 year old male who was on life support and was from out of state (from Kansas City Missouri). In the afternoon they confirmed that this was a viable candidate for donation and that we should head to the hospital to await.( This was so bittersweet…we know firsthand the sorrow of losing a son…so this was difficult for us. Our prayers are still with this dear family as they grieve the absence of their sweet son.)
They also told us that this would be a split…that a baby ( child is 2) was in desperate need of a liver and so this is the main reason the liver was coming to Denver. (Because if there is a donor under the age of 18 it automatically goes to a child also under the age of 18) Because Missouri is in our region they offered it to us in Denver. They were going to give the baby the smaller lobe and they now had the larger lobe to give to someone. As they looked down the list of possible recipients ..Bruce was the best match for size and plumbing.
He was the fortunate one! (We have since learned there are several very sick liver patients on our floor and in ICU awaiting a transplant). We feel so honored and blessed.
We arrived at 4:00PM and did all the preliminary paperwork and testing (heart, blood and x-rays) to make sure Bruce still handle this. He passed with flying colors.
We then waited for the surgeons from here to go to Kansas City and remove the liver and fly it back here on a private jet. It arrived at 12:30 AM.( I have since spoken with one of the surgeons who flew to Missouri and back to Colorado. He said that he also helped with Bruce’s transplant. He said the donor’s liver was in beautiful shape and perfect for Bruce’s size…so they were thrilled as well.
After waiting with friends and family in his room and in the Pre-Op room..we finally got 2 thumbs up at about 3:00 AM that both Bruce and the baby would be transplanted within the hour.
We all rejoiced because many families will get this far only to discover that the liver that they thought would be for them did not work out for one reason or another and they would be sent home. One of the nurses that I spoke with told me that it is heartbreaking for all.
So Bruce went in at 3:30 AM… it took 6 hours for the transplant and another 2 hours in the recovery room. Most liver transplant patients need to receive a blood transfusion after the surgery but Bruce did not. Also, some end up in ICU..Bruce did not. PTL! They took him back to his post transplant room. He got back here at 12 noon.
So yesterday he slept a good part of the day and stayed on morphine. He was closely monitored but all of his vitals were great. He got a good nights rest last night with no pain or nausea.
He awoke this morning refreshed and encouraged by how he felt. He has since sat in a chair and has done a lap around the unit and plans to do more tonight J
The doctors are very encouraged and said that he is doing phenomenal.
The surgeon team came in this morning and told us that Bruce's liver definitely needed to come out and that we can go look at it in the pathology lab later on. They said that it was very diseased..which we all knew! They invited us to go the pathology department and go for a “viewing” of his deceased liver.
The baby who received the smaller lobe of the liver (we found it she was 2) is also doing great.
I have also learned that the baby was in room next to Bruce’s during the transplant. We thought that she might have been at the children’s hospital, but they were doing the transplants with 2 separate teams in rooms next to each other. We had no idea that night. We hope to have a meeting with them at some point if the transplant coordinators can set it up.
We also found out that this hospital has only done 16 of these shared livers..so Bruce has been part of something very special
We are very encouraged on this day 2...
We are so grateful for this gift…one of the best we have ever received!
We know all of this is due in large part to your prayers to our Healer.
Thank you for your support, love prayers, they are so appreciated!.
I will try to keep all updated on this very special occasion…an opportunity of a lifetime!
We love and appreciate you!!!
With a grateful heart..
Donna
January 15 at about 10:30pm
Hi Prayer Warriors, We had another good night...Bruce is feeling well.! The only thing that they are closely monitoring is is blood sugar. The steroids (anti-rejection) drugs are playing havoc on his system. So his blood sugar goes way high and way low. They have it monitored now and it seems to be holding steady... where it should be. They were coming into the room last night every 15 minutes. Even though I am sleeping in the same room, I had no idea. In fact when I woke up I wondered why they were only in the room 2X last night because that is all I heard. Bruce then told me..I think he is glad he is the hands of some alert nurses who can attend to him. We just finished walking 4X around the 6th floor where we are. It was hard to keep up with him...he hasn't walked this fast for months. I can see the whites of eyes...the yellow is gone PTL His jaundice is leaving. The kids and I went to his old liver yesterday..it definitely needed to come out..It was hard and bumpy and kind of yellowish- green from the bile backing up. It looked nothing like the beef livers I have seen in the store with the maroonish color...that's how it is supposed to look. We won't miss that old liver :) I read the emails from all of you to Bruce and he tears up because is so moved by the love, prayers, and support Thank You so much. As we were praying last before we went to bed...I felt led to pray that it would be so wonderful if this young man were a Christian and that our David and him were celebrating together in heaven. That David and him could have a great bond together..It just gives Bruce and I such joy to think about that. The transplant team came in this morning and told us that by the 4th day ...( tomorrow) things can get a little rough as far as how they will feel emotionally and physically. Please pray that Bruce would continue to improve and feel great tomorrow. Continue to pray for good healing and for strength. Pray for the acceptance of this liver to his body as the anti-rejection drugs do their work. Thanks again for all your prayers...we are so glad that our Lord is surrounding us and carrying us with his righteous right hand. I have recalled Jer.33:3 Call unto me and I will answer thee and show thee great and mighty things which you do not know...He surely is showing us great and mighty things!! All glory goes to Him. Much love, Donna |
Hi Everyone,
Today was a pretty uneventful day...although they have taken a couple a tubes out.
One of them was the "stork thing" coming out of his nose for which he was very grateful.
And a GP tube that drains liquid from around his liver came out..I actually got to assist the doctor for this one.:) They put a couple stitches in his belly after this came out.
He is still doing "laps" around on the 6th floor.
Plus he is sleeping a lot...which they said he would.
As we walked today we saw the room where he was just one week ago during one of his encephalopathy episodes.(This is on the east wing of this floor. We have graduated to the west wing.) As we walked by we were recounting this past week...the struggles and the triumphs. Someone asked me last week how I was doing and I said ,"Oh great I had a party!" I am sure they were shocked and then I retorted...a good old fashioned pity party.
I seldom look at the glass half empty ..but last week it was all the way empty..and I was too. I cried to the Lord that I could take no more..I knew he knew that, too, but I thought I needed to verbalize it.
I had hit the wall..I was discouraged, sad and felt alone, even though I was surrounded by friends and family. Last Monday Bruce was so bad that I couldn't awaken him, so I had to call Dwight at the church to come and help me get some medicine down him for his encephalopathy. He and Joe Holland came and we were finally able to do that and by evening he was somewhat better. Thanks you guys!
I felt the prayers that night like no other time..I put away the pity party hat and could tell that God was renewing me for the next chapter in our lives.
When Bruce woke up on Tues, I told him that I was going to give him a haircut so that he would like nice for his transplant...he laughed..I was dead serious. So I did..plus I cleaned out the fridge, changed bedding, did all the laundry and now was ready for transplant. Someone said it was a little like the "nesting instinct" before you have a baby.
We got the call to come to the hospital the very next day!
The verse from Isaiah 40:31.says it so beautifully.."For they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up their wings as eagles..they shall run and not get weary. They shall walk and not faint ." I was renewed and ready..
and so was Bruce. He was weak on the day of his surgery, but he did not have any thinking problems. He actually felt pretty good that day.
God timing was perfect, the liver was perfectly fit for him and so far the doctor said this morning that his numbers are perfect for day #4! Our God is perfect in timing in preparations and plans. He is perfect period!
Bruce looks so handsome!! I just gave him a shave with hot towels...
I keep wanting to look at the whites of his eyes
All who see him say that he looks better than pre-transplant. He has lost 10 years in the past few days!
This is what we were recounting on our walk...God's timing and preparation. It is so wonderful!
This whole experience made me that I think I look better soaring on eagles wings than wearing a "party hat!" God has renewed both of us.
God is so good...I love Him so much!
Donna
January 19
Hi Everyone
I wanted to give you an update on Bruce..I didn't send an email yesterday. But there is a noticeable difference from yesterday to today.
Yesterday, because of the anti-rejection drugs(which have steroids in them) Bruce's emotional state was fragile. Things looked pretty bleak to him yesterday. They said this is very common
Today we are back on course as far as emotionally and physically.
Yesterday he started with clear liquid diet...we tried to pretend it was filet mignon..no such luck..it still tasted like chicken broth and yellow jello.
Today they upgraded him to a solid diet..he really enjoyed eating again, since he has had nothing to eat since last Wednesday.
All of his systems are functioning and working well
The doctors came in and said that he may be going home tomorrow. Home is our condo down here in Denver for the time being. They are going to remove the final drainage tube and also putting him on all oral meds instead of IV's.
We feel like we turned an important corner today and and we feel encouraged...and upbeat.
The doctors are VERY pleased with Bruce's progress.
All glory to to God for this..we know that the prayers of all of you have been key!
We will let you know when we get the go ahead to go home.
By the way...it is beautiful here in Denver..sun is shining and it is so warm.
We love seeing the sun shine into Bruce's room.
We are doing so well..Thanks again for those prayers!
We love you and are rejoicing with all of you!
Donna
January 20
Dear prayer warriors,
This praise item is coming from Bruce, as there is no longer any reason why I cannot continue this ministry (although I must admit that Donna is a much more entertaining writer). Praise God, I was released from the hospital today and we are now resting comfortably in our Denver apartment. As you may or may not have heard, I was upgraded to a solid diet yesterday. That has been well received by my body.
Today, six days after transplant, the transplant team came into my room. The lead doctor informed me that I was days ahead of schedule and that all of my numbers were looking great. The lead doctor then said, "Someone as healthy as you should not be in the hospital. We're going to send you home today." I was then informed that the new liver is making a smooth recovery and is actually beginning to grow within me, thus filling in all the empty spaces (since my liver and bile system was larger than my donor’s).
After a trip to the pharmacy and a final session of rules and regulations from the transplant coordinator, I was ready to go home about 5:00 pm. Tomorrow morning, I am back at the hospital for blood labs and then a visit to the Transplant Clinic, where I will be poked and prodded and evaluated as to my overall health. Everyone in the Transplant Center has warned me in advance that I am almost sure, at some point, to be readmitted back into the hospital for an infection or rejection episode. So, they have told me to pack a toothbrush every time I come in for clinics.
As far as rules and restrictions, I am to remain down here in Denver for at least the next six weeks. I am not allowed to go back to work for at least three months. I cannot lift more than ten pounds, nor drive a car for the next six weeks. I need to stay clear of anyone who has any infections or fevers, and cannot be around children for the time being. Any infection, flu, cold, or Streph could put me into a serious rejection episode and potentially jeopardize the entire transplant procedure.
I am feeling great and looking forward to every step in this process. I can't thank you all enough for the way you have all banded together to lift me up in prayer. God intervened at just the right time, as I had the foreboding sense that I would not live more than a few more weeks. God rescued me just in time, through these incredible set of circumstances and your ceaseless prayers. I love you all so much for all that you have borne on my behalf.
We'll keep you informed as things continue to change and expand from here.
Love in Christ,
Pastor Bruce
January 21
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Hi Everyone, |
I want everyone to know that since that last email, I have been progressing each day. We are spending most of our time in Denver, as I still have regular blood labs and Transplant clinic appointments. But I really could not imagine things, to this point, going any smoother than they have. I know it is because of your faithful prayers on our behalf. I hope this update brings you up to speed. Again, I am very sorry for the lapse during this time, but I hope it has still been a blessing to you to walk through the entire process with us in this blog. If you have questions or comments, please feel free to email us at the church or on our home email at milesfrisco@yahoo.com
That's all for now. We love you all.
Pastor Bruce and Donna
Saturday, January 8, 2011 Update
Dear Prayer Supporters,
I was planning to send out an update next week, but recent events have moved things forward. Wednesday morning i began having severe symptoms of end-stage liver failure. One of those symptoms is a condition called 'hepatic encephalopathy. When the liver begins to fail, it begins to store up toxins, particularly ammonia. When ammonia begins to accumulate in the brain, everything begins to slow down - cognative thinking, reaction time, judgment, severe tiredness, etc. These symptoms all manifested themselves on Wednesday morning. First of all, Donna could not get to wake up. I just kept sleeping and was completely unaware of my sorroundings. Later, I was lying on the couch and fell off, onto the floor. When Donna walked into the room, she said I was on my hands and knees, appearing to try to get back on the couch. When she asked me what I was doing, she said I just grunted. I have no memory of this incident.
When I did try to talk, my speech was slurred and I couldn't remember words. It was like trying to speaking to a drunnken man. When Donna saw all my symptoms, she called University of Colorado Hospital. The doctor told her to bring me right in, and that they would have a bed ready for me. When we got to the hospital, I was given an immediate and taken to a room. They gave me medication that would dissipate the toxins in my body. They also did a C.T. Scan on my chest and abdomen. I was scheduled to have this test performed next Thursday, which was preliminary to having my my status on the Transplant List upgraded. The transplant team determined that, since I was already at the hospital, they might as well go ahead and do the C.T. Scan on Friday. After they did the C.T. Scan, they went ahead and released me, finding no infection.
The doctor has given me two stipulations: 1) I am not to drive for the time being, as my judgment is still somewhat impaired; 2) I am not to go out walking. If I were to fall and break me hip or leg, it would take me off the list for the time being. On Tuesday, January 18, I have a doctor's appointment to learn the results of yesterday's C.T. Scan. Because it has been three months since my last upgrade, it is possible that I may receive a three point upgrade. This would potentially place me at the top of the transplant list.
Your prayers are greatly appreciated. I will let you know how things progress.
Pastor Bruce