Labs today

Mayo called today for Dan to get new labs done. More waiting to get his current status. "Wait" seems to be all we do these days and appears to be God's answer to our prayers...please pray that we do it honoring God.

Debbie & Dan

Still waiting

Merry Christmas everyone! We've had a great time these past few days visiting with family, church Christmas Eve service, Swen in his Santa suit. We received many nice gifts, one being a web cam for Dan and my computers. No call yet from the hospital, so we still wait for a liver for Dan. FYI, Dan is doing ok, he's having a harder time concentrating and reading, the ammonia level must be really high. I'm waiting for a call back from Mayo to see when his next labs will be and for them to also check his ammonia level and if they need to change his meds.

Dan is still #2 on the waiting list and the hospital told us it could be "any time"...but if "any time" doesn't come soon, we will really need your prayers. Thanks!

Mele Kalikimaka,
Debbie and Dan

Dan is #2 on the list!

Great news! We found out this morning that Dan is #2 on the hospital waiting list and could get called for transplant any time now.

So, thank you for your continued support and prayers, and keep praying for "liver for Christmas" -- more importantly, pray for God's perfect timing. It would be wonderful if Dan would get the call while I'm in Phoenix (Dec. 20-Jan. 1). And please continue to pray for the donor and family, as someone will have to die for Dan to get his transplant. We pray the donor's death will be quick and painless, and that he/she and family are Christians. I am also praying that we will be given the opportunity to personally thank the donor's family (hospitals do not normally allow this).

Soaring like eagles,
Debbie and Dan

Our "viking boy" Swen

Here's some photos from my recent trip to Arizona - Swen is now 4 months old. http://picasaweb.google.com/DanandDebVanAlstine/NovemberVisit4MonthsOld.

What a great daughter I have ... when I opened the door at Dan's parents' house, there was Swen in the doorway in his carseat. Amy planned it all along to be there during my visit. Dan's parents took a well-deserved few days off to travel up north, so it was the 3 of us just like old times, watching Andy Griffith shows, great movies, joking and laughing, and the bonus of getting to spend time with Swen. I even volunteered to change dirty diapers. I can't imagine any other baby loved as much as Swen, except for how much Dan and I love Amy. What a beautiful young lady she is, if I do say so myself :).

Mahalo to everyone who continue praying for us and supporting us. It's been a long wait, but you have made it easier. Much love and aloha to everyone.

Debbie and Dan

Back on the transplant list!

Just got back from the doctor and great news...Dan is back on the transplant list! The kidney stone strangely enough has moved itself back up to the lower part of the kidney. And good news, it isn't that big after all. The urologist also said no more infection! We may have to deal with that stone sometime in the future, but for now we can move forward towards liver transplant. Not sure where Dan is on the list, we hope he can slide back in to his previous placement. The doctor will remove the stent on Wednesday afternoon.

Thank you so much for your prayers!

Soaring on eagle's wings,
Debbie and Dan

Surgery updates

Dan is out of surgery now. The ureter was too narrow to get the stone out, so the doctor inserted a stent to widen the tube. He should be able to go home today, if the bleeding stays under control. Dan needs to see the urologist in 2 weeks to determine the next steps.

So, please pray for Dan:
* He has a bacterial infection - the doctors think it's from the stone.
* Dan's having a lot of pain from the stone.
* Most important: the kidney stone and the infection are both showstoppers for liver transplant. I know you have been praying for a donor liver to come soon, however, now please pray that the donor liver will come AFTER the stone is removed and the infection is gone.

"He makes all things beautiful in His time..."
Debbie and Dan

My guys

Check out my handsome guys! Dan enjoyed the past week with Amy, Swen now 3 months old, and their dog Patch. Adam had a great trip to Omaha, training for his job at Kiewit, and the Lillys are back home in Yuma.

Here's Swen's first Halloween picture:

More pictures are here: http://picasaweb.com/dananddebvanalstine/swenat3months .

Thanks for praying for Dan on Monday, Oct. 22 - he has new labs so we'll find out his current status for transplant. Then he has surgery to remove the kidney stone, and he will be out for the procedure with an airway.

Thanks also to our church family for the lei and gift this morning for Pastor Appreciation Month. Dan will really enjoy the gift certificate to CBD. We love you all. Dan especially thanks you for the cards, which arrive at just the right time and bring loads of encouragement.

Much love and aloha,

Debbie