END OF SUMMER

     It's the end of August, two-thirds of the year is gone. It has been truly one wild year. We started it off with the attitude that this was going to be a very good year. Then we received the terrible news that Eldon had a liver tumor and his liver was diseased. He now needed a liver transplant. Up until June it seemed  like we were always at the hospital for one thing or another. The first of July brought good news that the tumor was shrinking, then in August the tumor marker blood test showed the blood result had gone from 121.4 in February to 1.8 in August. This is very good news. So we have 22 points now and are on the transplant list. In September we will get another 3 points and that brings us up to 25. The transplant team is going to ask for more points at that time. A transplant candidate needs to be between 30-40 points before they are truly eligible for a new liver. So now we are in the waiting game with monthly blood tests and CT scans when scheduled.
     Eldon is doing good, with the exceptions of June when he fell out of his truck and in July he ran a screw-driver through his finger and needed stitches. He's very tired and sleeps alot and at this time that is the only side effect of this liver disease that we are seeing.
     Thank you everyone for all your love and support and prayers. It has sustained during these trying and difficult times. We love and appreciate all that we have been blessed with. We know that our Savior is with us and watching out over us.

We received some wonderful news this morning. Our nuse coordinator, Lori, at IMC called to stay that this UNOS board approved their request for additional points. We were given an additionl 11 points and we are now at 22 points, with three more coming in September. She also said that in September they will ask for additional points again. If this is granted we could be in the point range by the end of the year. Weird as this might sound, this will be a great thing.

We went to Downata Hot Springs this past weekend and had a wonderful time at the Auger Family Reunion. It was so much fun to be with so many wonderful people and everyone smiling and having a great time. This was one of the best weekends ever.

We have great news today. This morning at 7AM we went to IMC to have some blood tests done. The transplant people ordered a tumor marker blood test. It shows if cancer is present. In Feb the tumor marker was 121 and today it's 1.8. This shows that the treatment is working and we are going to beat this liver cancer. Now we have to do the "waiting dance" until we become eligible for a new liver. Thanks everyone for your support.