Back in the beginning of November, Noah had an appointment with his urologist. At this appointment, we were thrown an unexpected curveball - the doctor mentioned that it would be possible for Noah to have his transplant in London. Goosebumps immediately covered my body upon hearing this! This was exciting news, and gave us so much to consider, especially in light of having this moving along with Toronto and Noah's full day of appointments scheduled in Toronto for the middle of December.
After requesting special permission (thank COVID for making this something that needed permission), Rob came with to Noah's next appointment.
This appointment was meant to help clarify things and make our decision between Toronto and London easier. It didn't help! Noah's nephrologist said he never gave us the option of London because to him it was never an option. Toronto is known for their pediatric transplants, while London is known for their adult transplants. Noah's urologist gave us London as an option because, as a pediatric urology surgeon, he is highly involved in any pediatric transplant that takes place in London. (This number is very low, but London is steadily doing more pediatric transplants).
With this appointment not helping us in our decision, we sought the advice of Noah's main pediatric surgeon from the beginning. Even though she will not be involved in the actually transplant surgery, her opinion is very valuable to us and we trust her to always be completely honest. One of the things that she mentioned to us was to not underestimate the power of the familiar in healing and recovery. This applies to Noah, and to us as a family in supporting Noah. It's just like the saying that 'there's no place like home' when you aren't feeling well.
This decision was a difficult one and took us weeks to make, with lots of prayer, questions and anxiety. Between speaking with Noah's specialists, surgeon and having a virtual appointment with the head transplant nurse in Toronto, we have made our decision: Noah will have his transplant here in London!
We are now waiting to hear from the transplant team here in London on how to proceed and are hoping that some of our preliminary work and donor-finding work can simply be transferred here from Toronto so that things continue to move forward smoothly.
We look forward to the new year when we can get things moving with the transplant team in London and hopefully find a live donor match for Noah.
Noah has had a rough go the past few weeks. He has been treated for 3 bladder infections, 2 of them requiring trips to the ER, which we haven't had to do in a very long time.
Watching Dude Perfect to keep occupied in the ER.
Playing some computer games on this hospital tablet.
When someone has a fever in the house...everyone gets popsicles!
We pray that this last round of antibiotics does it's job and completely gets rid of Noah's infection so that we can start the new year fresh and healthy!
Our Christmas Break has been enjoyable, although much different than our usual Christmas time since we haven't gone anywhere or visited anyone.
Our Christmas Break has been enjoyable, although much different than our usual Christmas time since we haven't gone anywhere or visited anyone.
We have enjoyed being able to spend time together, with Rob home from work.
Lego is always a great gift for Noah!
We were blessed with a white Christmas and made the most of it!
'Gourmetten' for Christmas dinner was a huge success!
As this year comes to an end, we would like to thank you all for your love and support.
We can once again see how God has richly blessed us and we will continue to rely on Him for the journey that will take place in the year ahead.
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher that your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Isaiah 55:8-9
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher that your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Isaiah 55:8-9
May our Almighty Heavenly Father continue to keep Noah as well as the family in the palm of His Hand.
ReplyDeleteHe is the Great Physician.💕
Such great news about Noah! Praise God from whom all blessings flow! May He continue to be with all of you during this time of preparation.
ReplyDelete