Friends of Kaley Conway: I AM grateful for this day

Monday, August 20, 2012

I AM grateful for this day

So, it's obviously been awhile since I've blogged. I have had many, many a time that I have had news or something that I wanted to share with all of you who have been following and so faithful through this journey with me. But something always came up that derailed me. In the beginning, it was doctor appointments, procedures, hospital checkups, biopsies, blood draws, etc. (you know all that weekly life saving/changing stuff :) Then somewhere along the way it became lunches, movies, the cleaners, the grocery store, folding laundry, paying bills, driving for the first time in 7 months, going to Walgreens, the dry cleaning, meeting a friend....of course we all know the list goes on. Basically, Life started again for me and took me by complete surprise...until now.

My screensaver on my phone says, I Will Be Grateful For This Day! And every morning as I press snooze on my alarm (2-20 times depending upon how early) I see it or when I go to check a message or take a picture I am reminded that 268 days ago I was given (by many) a 2nd chance at life. So, I am grateful for this day and every one that I am given, to be with my family, my friends, my future and former students, people I have yet to meet, my organ donor and family and for every moment good or bad because I was blessed with this day.

I know that I personally take the time to complain or vent when things aren't going my way.....my food is cold, I'm stuck in traffic, I have a late meeting, have to stop for gas or forget something but I'd like to take this particular blog to show my complete gratitude for the many blessings in my life because it is life and there will always be good and bad. I truly believe that with faith, strong relationships and how you choose to view each situation, day, circumstance....it will make all the difference....

Just my experiences....And with that being said, I continually strive to focus on a positive future because as much as we plan, God will always remind you of His.

So, tomorrow I will begin a new school year after being out for 10 months.....trust me it's not the "vacation" from work I'd recommend. Since I was 5, I've had severe anxiety about the first day of school and still do at 32. But instead of looking back on my memories from last school year's beginning, I am trying to focus on the amazing positive things that God, my medical team, family, and friends have begun in my life.

Finally, onto the medical aspect :)...

---so many praises because
I am off the daily blood thinner shots because the DVT (clot) mostly cleared and the other veins around it are picking up for the chronic part that will always remain. I can fly once again--Bon Voyage ;)!

They have successfully lowered my anti rejection medications to prepare my system for being back at work!

So many prayers have been answered and I look forward to God's path for every day!

---

1 comment:

KacyAugust 20, 2012 at 9:25 PM
I'm grateful for this day and for YOU! I need my fellow KC's around to help keep things exciting! :)
Love you!
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Contribution Information and Background

If you wish to make a financial contribution towards Kaley's recovery online, please utilize the PayPal DONATE button below. If you prefer to send a check, please make it payable to Kaley Conway and email friendsofkaleyconway@gmail.com for the mailing address.

*Calls, texts and emails are all welcome. People may visit for short periods of time in very small numbers. Since Kaley's immune system is so weak and will continue to be, please do not visit if you have been, feel, think you might be or have ANY symptoms of being sick.

A very condensed version of Kaley's story:

On Monday, November 21st, Kaley was rushed to the emergency room at Dallas Presbyterian Hospital where her medical team found her to be in acute liver and kidney failure with her right lung partially deflated. Arrangements were quickly made to transport her by ambulance to St. Paul’s/UT Southwestern ICU. Upon admission to the ICU, a team of specialists determined that she would need a liver transplant in order to survive and that the liver would have to become available on an emergent basis. They began the task of getting her body healthy enough to be placed on the national liver transplant list. During this time, the medical team confirmed her diagnosis to be medication-induced liver failure, caused by Augmentin, a common antibiotic prescribed for strep throat. The next couple of days included a multitude of critical procedures, including continuous kidney dialysis, pulmonary treatments for her lungs, and stabilizing an acute infection in the kidneys and lungs. Kaley was placed on the national liver transplant recipient list on Thanksgiving day. She entered the list at the top, meaning most critical. In less than 24 hours after being listed, they received a telephone call from the UTSW Transplant Coordinator that they had located a liver, which was a perfect match and in great condition. On Saturday, November 26th, at 8:17 a.m., Kaley was taken to the operating room to receive her new liver. The surgery took 11 hours, and the medical team determined that they would preform a 2nd look-see procedure 2 days later. At the completion of the first surgery, they loosely closed her and took her to the ICU. On Tuesday, November 29th, Kaley had her 2nd and final surgery which took about 3 hours.