New photos!

Check out the Christmas photos! www.picasaweb.google.com/DanandDebVanAlstine/Christmas2007

Debbie

Updates

Dan did get his labs done on Dec. 27th. His MELD is still 18, same as in November. However, he's now #4 on the waiting list, with 2 other patients just coming to Mayo with higher MELDs than Dan. I don't think we should put much hope in that waiting list, since things can change in a moment's notice. And it's not a competition anyway. Please join us in prayer for those new patients that their critical need for a liver is met asap.

Also, Dan's ammonia level is 230 (normal is under 60), so that explains the added challenges Dan is having lately like short-term memory loss, muscle tremors, sleep reversal (can't sleep at night but can't stay awake in the day), and problems with reading retention and comprehension, the most frustrating since he loves to read. He is still on meds for this, doesn't seem like they are helping much. Dan's next labs, imaging, and dr. appointments is Monday, Feb. 11 and I will be flying back to Phoenix for this, probably be there for just a few days.

I'll be posting new photos of Swen soon. He's 6 months old now and is still the most beautiful baby on the planet. He's starting to eat baby food, and we got to watch him try peas which he loved (despite Dan threatening to call child protection for "child abuse" as Dan called it-those who know Dan know he loathes peas.)

Dan had a few visitors from Hawaii in December (Erick Underwood and his friend Mike; Wally & Lorrie Enos; Cal & Elise Buenconsejo and family; Alan, Carol Ann, Cathy, Sherry Watanabe; and Furman & Faye Toney-camp managers from Puu Kahea). He received many cards, letters, phone calls, and gifts. These all mean a lot after having been away from home and his Mililani ohana for 6 months now.

Gratefully,
Debbie and Dan

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