Another week

Dan once again visited doctors and the dentist this week. More labs were taken and praise God, the new infection in his leg is gone. Seems the new treatments using silver have helped draw out the infection. His MELD is the same, his bilirubin and ammonia are high again so the doctor increased the dosage on his 3 different meds. Dan also visited his parents' dentist for a toothache, thankfully it was just a cavity and he got it filled. Turns out this dentist enjoys periodic vacations on Molokai.

Another complication or side effect from the high ammonia: Dan is having difficulty walking, often bumping into things or tripping over rugs, often forgetting where he is, like this week he needed help finding his way from the exam room to the waiting room. We hate his health getting worse, yet we know it must progress like this for him to get to the top of the waiting list, which the doctor confirmed he's just about there. Mayo has been getting more livers and the doctor told Dan she thinks Dan is close to getting one.

We are anxiously awaiting God's provision, sometimes feeling well, often times, like now, pretty depressed, but always knowing God is in control.

As Easter approaches, we pray you will understand just how much God loves you:

"I asked Jesus how much He loved me He answered "this much" Then He stretched out His arms and died for me."

Deb & Dan

PS: More photos of Swen here (or go to www.picasaweb.google.com/dananddebvanalstine)