Oh, yeah...I forgot...
Back in December this was my post...

Friday, December 01, 2006 08:20 AM CST

Clinic update...
We had clinic yesterday and all was well.
Natalie's labs look fantastic!! Just beautiful. It is hard to believe that with them looking this good, that we are re-listed for another transplant.

But she can't live forever with the tube in. She needs to bathe like all the other kids, and be able to swim. She needs to learn to pull up and down her pants, without worrying about yanking the tube out of place, or worse out completely.

She needs to not have a continuous open sore on her tummy.

And so, even with perfect liver labs, she needs a new liver. A liver that will drain bile on its own, that will create healthy non-clumpy bile. A liver that will let her live.

And In October I posted:

Thursday, October 19, 2006 09:25 AM CDT

This is hard...

This is a hard update to write. I've been sitting on this news for 2 days now, not saying anything. I hate taking you all on our roller coaster, really I do.

I mentioned in my last update that when we got home Tuesday I called Joan, Natalie's transplant coordinator. What I did not mention to you all was part of the conversation.

Dr. Superina (who, Natalie will tell you, "Has a hurt foot" - he just had surgery on his Achilles tendon) took a look at last week's IR study and the study from this Tuesday. Dr. Superina, the man that didn't want to give up on this liver. Dr. Superina is ready to re-transplant.

And I think that I am too.

A shunt would be too hard.

After talking to Dr. Kim (one of the IR doctors) I learned that these mesh metal shunts are typically used for cancer patients to improve quality of life when there are few options left. The shunts usually fail within 6 months. Since the liver would grow around the shunt, if there was a problem with it, surgery of the liver would be necessary to remove it.

And the study from this week is showing that her bile ducts are doing very little draining on their own anymore, anyway.

From what we know now, she will most likely be re-activated on the list sometime next week.

Whatever the reason, surely a miracle...her team is now saying that they may be able to pull the tube.

Becca, I'm sure that means a world of difference for Natalie. I continue to keep you guys in my prayer and quite regularly check Natalie's website for updates.

I'm sorry for the waiting period your family has to go thru and the decisions you had to make. Prayers, best wishes and lots of good thoughts are shooting at you from N, E, S and West!

This is excellent news then! I am so glad to hear it...I really needed something cheerful today.

So does this mean she may not need another transplant, that the current liver may be starting to function properly?

Only God knows...her team is wanting to give it a shot, and we're praying.
If the duct can stay open, well then we won't need another transplant.

I am praying BIG TIME for that!

Thanks for the explanation, Becca. Now I don't feel so bad for asking. Believe me, I will be down on my knees praying for the Bear to come through this with flying colors! Godspeed, my friend. Keep us posted.

Loads and loads and loads of prayers for "an open duct"!!!! Have her picture in my office so I can sent one up whenever I see her. From our lips to God's ear!!

prayers from Hawaii

All my good thoughts and prayers are coming your way!

Prayers coming your way from Georgia. Hope the duct stays open and the transplant isn't needed. Little one (an parents) needs a rest from all of this.

God Bless you and your family MOPN, from another transplant family --

MOPN, I hope you can update us soon on the beginning of your summer..

MOPN, I hope you can update us soon on the beginning of your summer..

MOPN, I hope you can update us soon on the beginning of your summer..

Wow Waco...3 times

Our next big step is July 19th at 8:30 am. That is when we pull Natalie's tubey. If her bile ducts can stay open on their own, then we won't need another transplant.

Hopehopehopehopehopehopehope....HOPE!

Praypraypraypraypraypraypray...PRAY!

Praying, hoping and positive thoughts for you Becca!!!!

Ditto on all the above comments.....re: July 19th

wishing and hoping and praying ...dang now that song and Natie's picture will be stuck in my head all day. Lots of good thoughts and ((hugs)) for all of you too. I'll keep adding an extra prayer every day till the 20th when you let us know all went well. Godspeed, my friend.

Thanks...oh and BTW there are new pics of the bear on her webpage...and since we lost a good chunck of the guestbook you all need to sign it please

Good thoughts coming your way, MOPN!!! Hope all goes well for your beautiful daughter!!!

Got my fingers and toes crossed.