The Miracle of a liver transplant.

The Miracle of a Liver Transplant

Hi. My name is Steve and I am a 58-year-old that received a miracle, a liver transplant. This all started when I found myself so swollen with fluid that I could barely breathe. While on vacation last May, I only made it to the sand two times: one for a family picture and the other to just watch the waves. I could not catch my breath. My shirt was almost too tight to button. This resulted in many painful procedures to drain the fluid off my abdomen.

My diagnosis of Cirrhosis of the Liver led to MRIs, CTs and other scans. The scans showed that I also had liver cancer. A procedure to “blast” the tumor was successful, but we were told this cancer would come back each time and potentially grow to other parts of my body.

Fast forward nine months. I was told my only chance for a cure would be a complete liver transplant. I started the process of completing all the requirements: I completed an intensive outpatient program, I got all of the lab work and x-rays, I also got dental clearance and up-to-date immunizations. I started working on accumulating leave and sick time. Anytime I missed work for procedures or appointments, I would either go in early or work late to make up the time. We started putting aside some money because as a mechanic, I knew that if I had a transplant, I wouldn’t be able to work for some time afterwards.

In March of this year, I found I that I was a universal recipient and I was the only one on the with that blood type so I may get a liver soon! Soon it was! I received my transplant on March 22, 2024 at Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville.

We will be in Nashville for the next 4-6 weeks so I can be close to the hospital. We are renting an apartment (a lot covered by insurance), but still have a lot of expenses, including living costs (family members pitched in and helped with meals, day to day necessities and support in prayer), medications and other items needed for medical care.

Once we are released to go home, we will still have to go back and forth to Vanderbilt for close follow-up. I know God will provide, just like He provided my liver. Thank you all for your continued support and prayers. I won’t be able to return to work until the last week of May. Sitting at home and not working is going to be hard, but a small price to pay for a brand-new chance in life. I am so thankful to God for that!