Liver Biopsy Fun

Last month's biopsy surprised us. While Shayna's liver function lab numbers had been good, the biopsy showed rejection. Less than last year, but rejection that needed treatment so back on the 20mg of prednisone twice a day she went. She responded better so the weening process has been much faster than last year as she is down to only 5mg daily now and, if labs are good today, might be lowered to 2.5mg daily. With the surprise rejection came the request of a follow up biopsy 4-8 weeks later which puts Shayna in Pittsburgh today recovering from another biopsy. As you can see from the picture above, she's a trouper and even got a cool Littlest Pet Shop toy for her troubles. We're suffering through the mandatory 4hrs bedrest which Shayna stopped appreciating 5 minutes into it. She is not one to sit still for long. 

We'll get the results of the biopsy tomorrow but won't know the long term plan until at the earliest Thursday. The transplant doctors will compare the last three biopsies at their next powwow and come up with their best idea on keeping her rejection free for a while (i.e. medication regime).

I made some roasted chicken and vegetables for Nahum, Maya, and Elijah, arrangements for the kids' school to keep Maya and Elijah until 5pm today and tomorrow, then left town with Shayna yesterday morning. We made lots of fun stops to make sure the blood flowed smoothly in our legs including New River Gorge Overlook, an elementary school playground with running track, and a Burger King playground. Shayna watched one movie but spent most of the time up front talking with me or singing along with the music. I love the conversations one can have in the car. We also had some goofy fun after resting in our Ronald McDonald apartment with a 2.3mi walk/hike to a park and back that included lots of potty humor.

We hope to check out the Pittsburgh Aviary tomorrow before we leave town then make it back to Blacksburg by 8pm. We miss the others dearly and I would be quite happy to do without these medical journeys; however, I love the chance they give me to just enjoy Shayna and stay connected with my growing, curious and goofy daughter.