Maureen

[Guest guest]

As our family approaches this holiday season, we all have so much to be

thankful for. It is still very emotional for me to think back just a

year ago at this time. We were so thankful then that Todd would be rid

of PSC (hopefully forever) by the wonderful gift was giving him.

There was so much to be thankful for at that time also, but there was so

much fear that went with it. Both guys are doing great. And yes,

despite Todd needing the 2nd transplant...the bond they have is amazing.

The transplant center had its first living liver donor appreciation

dinner last Friday night. The guys flew home from Orlando to attend.

There were about 25 donors present with their recipients. As we all

stood giving a standing ovation to the donors at the end of the

evening...I could see the bond between them as Todd stood next to his

brother clapping and smiling at him with such gratitude. It really was

such a nice gesture for the transplant center to do this for the

donors...and they hope to do this annually.

To update you on ...he continues to feel good...with the exception

of having to be more careful of his eating habits. It seems as though

since the transplant he has a harder time digesting very fatty foods

(i.e. pizza). I wonder if this could be from the removal of the gall

bladder. Did have that problem? turned 21 last month...his

friends and Todd took him out on the town at Universal's City Walk in

Orlando. Turning 21 did not change his stance on drinking. Todd was in

awe that his brother wouldn't even have a drink to celebrate becoming

legal. I think when you see your brother suffer from a liver disease

and also take such a risk at donating 60% of your own it changes your

viewpoint on drinking. Both guys are looking forward to coming home for

Christmas break...they plan on spending a lot of time snowboarding and

making up for last years season that they missed.

Todd is doing well so far on weaning off of Prograf, but it has been

very (I repeat very) gradual. The first step was to get him to once a

day (vs. twice). The first couple of weeks he had the shaking like he

did when he first started Prograf, but that has now stopped. He says he

feels no difference now. He just had blood work done last Friday and I

have not heard any results. They only notify us if there is a

significant change...so no news is good news. I still don't like it

that way, but the transplant center is not accommodating when it comes

to sending results of monthly blood work. I understand and agree with

your comment " if it ain't broke, don't fix it " , but I would like nothing

better to see Todd and all transplant recipients for that matter off all

of these horrible (yet life saving) drugs. So all in all...so far so

good and we will continue to do whatever it takes each day. I will be

happy to ask any questions you have about weaning next month at Todd's

annual check. I have quite a few questions myself, so please let me

know any specific brain picking you would like me to do. The more we

know about this better off we all are.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your wonderful family. We both have

so much to give thanks for.

Love to you all.

Joanne P.S. I attached a recent picture of the boys...but I am not

sure if it posted.