Teen Heart Transplant & Stroke Patient 

Thursday, 5/10/07 - Sarah fainted at school. She was taken to Banner Estrella Medical Center & then transported to Phoenix Children's Hospital with a possible diagnosis of Cardiomyopathy. At PCH she was officially diagnosed with Restrictive Cardiomyopathy .

Saturday, 5/12/07 - Sarah had a dangerous arrhythmia , the doctors had to use a defibrillator to get her heart back into a stable rhythm. Thirty agonizing minutes later , we got the news, Sarah's heart made it through but she was still not out of the woods. Her heart was stable on medication, without medication her heart could not sustain a life supporting rhythm. During that time, those of us at the hospital stood in agreement before the Lord & prayed for Sarah.

Tuesday, 5/15/07 - About 4:30 am, nurses came in to check on Sarah, she did not respond to them. As the nurses turned on the light they realized that Sarah could not speak & the right side of her body was not moving, in fact the right side of her face was drooping. The medical staff sent Sarah for a CT scan to determine what had happened. When Sarah was taken back to her room she began to move her toes. Margaret, her mom, left the room to get a nurse. By the time Margaret returned with the nurse, Sarah had rolled on her side and turned back to look at her mom and announced "I,m better"! We were later told that Sarah had suffered a TIA (mini stroke).
Sarah was scheduled to have a heart catheter put in so the doctors could see exactly what was going on. If not for the TIA, they would have used blood thinners that would have dislodged the blood clots that were swirling around in her heart, this would have certainly killed Sarah.

* This was the first of many miracles we would witness.

Thursday, 5/18/2007 - Sarah had a minor surgery to have a defibrillator & pacemaker put in with the hopes to send her home. However, Sarah never improved. Her health was declining and her vital organs were shutting down. We were even told at one point that she might have to have a lung/heart transplant.

Monday, 5/21/07- Sarah was transported by air to Tucson's University Medical Center in order to perform other life saving procedures.

Tuesday, 5/22/07 - Sarah was taken in for a 20 minute test. Two hours later the doctors informed us that Sarah was in grave danger and was being rushed into emergency surgery to place a Ventricular Assist Device (VAD). Her body was shutting down, her heart was not working which was causing blood to back up into other organs. Doctors explained to us that 1 in 4 patients do not survive this surgery. When it is your baby 25% is too much & we were again praying.

Depending on how extensive, this surgery should last 2 - 4 hours. Nine hours after the surgery had started Sarah's dad went to the nurse to find out what was going on. He was told they could not control her bleeding and the doctors need to talk to them.

Larry & Margaret were directed to the family room, the chaplain followed the doctors to discuss Sarah's condition. Sarah was in the operating room 4 hours longer than expected because she was bleeding uncontrollably. Sarah was placed on dialysis as her kidneys were shutting down. Sarah was also placed on a breathing machine because her lungs were hard and not functioning enough to keep her alive.

Dr. Bose stated that Sarah was in "a very dark place" and "almost at the bottom of the hill". "Sometimes we don't catch these things in time" he said. " She is in grave danger, it will be touch and go, it is up to her, if she can make it through this night."   We were stunned and unable to even fully comprehend what Dr. Bose. was saying.  Someone in our little group said "we believe in miracles."  Dr. Bose simply relplied "I certainly hope you get one."  We were at the lowest point, medical tecnology  had done all that it could do and there was so very little hope offered.  There is nothing on this earth that can turn the clock back now.  The Cardiac Team will not leave the hospital, but they have already done all that they can.  Larry and Margaret sat across from each other in the small room, their hands together, holding each other as one.  Tears were flowing freely.   Sarah's family & friends were on the phone, calling every one they could think of to pray for our baby. People throughout the world began petitioning the thrown of God for a miracle. The doctors could offer  no hope for Sarah. There was an unmovable mountain before us.  Praise God, for His strengthning grace.  In a small voice Larry said to Margaret  "we have to have faith."  Those words were our starting point.  We will have faith, we will believe in what we cannot see.  We will wait for a miracle.

All through the night Nanny, Sarah's grandma, and Auntie Leanna, stood on the promises of scripture "Isaiah 53:5 "He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed."   They did not sleep and  vowed to be the night watchmen & petition God for Sarah's healing. 

Wednesday, 5/23/07 - Early the next morning Nanny  received a call that Sarah was responsive, her kidneys were working and she wanted to see her Nanny! By the end of this day Sarah was taken off Dialysis -- her kidneys were working! Another miracle!!

Thursday, 5/24/07 - Sarah was taken off the breathing machine and made attempts to communicate with us. 

Sarah's prognosis, in just 48 hours, has gone from "grave" to being "literally pulled back from deaths doors" (a quote  from Dr. Bose)  He may not have realized the impact of his words, however, to those of us who prayed througout the night, his words held a very special meaning. .  We had just witnessed yet another  miracle. 

God hears our prayers. Sarah's  condition improved from critical to stable, until finally she was placed on the transplant list. Sarah was then listed A1 status.  The transplant team could travel up to a 1700 mile radius.  There were many offers, however because of Sarah's age, 15, the doctors refused to accept anything less then perfect.  There were two "dry runs."  This is when an organ appears to be availabe and for some reason or other the doctors refuse it.  The first heart was only mentioned by doctors and apparently was denied very quickly.  The second time, Sarah was prepped & taken to the operating room, it was then that Dr. Smith denied the heart. 

Wednesday, 7/4/07 - A third heart was accepted for Sarah. She was prepped & taken to an operating holding room early in the evening. This was our PERFECT HEART!

Thursday, 7/5/07

• 5:00AM Sarah was taken into surgery.
• 6:00AM Doctors say the heart is beautiful and surgery is going well.
• 8:15AM Sarah's doctors say it will be about another hour. She is doing well. Sarah does have some bleeding but it was expected.
• 9:00AM Dr. Bose talked to Sarah's parents, he said she looks good and she will be taken to her ICU room shortly.
• 9:20AM The right side of her heart is not beating as well as they would like. Doctors say it is getting better but still not where they want it.
• 9:30AM SHE IS OUT OF SURGERY AND  IN HER ICU ROOM!   THANK YOU JESUS!!!
• 11:00AM  The nurses say Sarah is doing well.  Her brain is telling her body that there is something foriegn in her chest. Sarah is rejecting this precious heart. The doctors were  hoping this would not happen- only 10% of transplant patients have rejection this early, of course, our Sarah would be among the 10%.  Doctors called the Red Cross for a treatment called Plasmapheresis.  During this procedure Sarah's blood was drawn out, circulated through the machine which separated the antibodies from the plasma. Then fresh clean plasma is introduced back into her body. This is a series of treatments that she will undergo every other day until she has completed five sessions.   Doctors say she is recovering, however the family is uneasy, there is something wrong.  We just don't know what it is. 

Friday, 7/06/07 - Sarah suffered  a massive stroke during the transplant surgery.   The blood clot hit the right side of her brain and shattered, she is completly paralyzed on her left side.  We feel so overwhelmed, the joy we were feeling only hours ago is gone and we are filled with such sorrow.  How much more can this child endure?  The hospital staff, drs., nurses, Sarah's VAD Techs are devastated as well.  Dominic, a VAD Tech is in tears, he cannot stay in the room with her, Tara, Sarah's  other Tech sat by her side for hours with such sadness.  We pray for strength to face what is ahead.

Saturday, 7/7/07 - Hundreds of people were praying all through the night & morning. During the morning hours Sarah was not responding -- we continued to pray. Later in the day she became more alert, she attempted to move her head to gesture no.  She tried to wave bye to her Nana, Tata & Tia Teresa!

Later Saturday, 7/7/07 - Sarah suffered a Pulmonary Embolism.  A blood clot hit her lungs cutting off all oxygen.  She grabbed for her Mom with her right hand, her back arched and she appeared to be gasping  for just one breath, but no sound came from her.  There was no oxygen getting through.  Mom screamed for help and instantaneously, Sarah was surrounded by the ICU emergency team.  Margaret felt the hand of God over her and Sarah.  The blood clot burst into many smaller pieces and Sarah took a breath.  Praise God!

Later Saturday, 7/7/07 - Doctors confirmed that one large blood clot shattered into specks thru out her lungs, this shattering  is why Sarah was able to take a breath.  They have decided to place a  IVC filter a type of vascular filter, that is implanted into the inferior vena cava to prevent pulmonary emboli, (blood clots in the lungs).  Sarah tolerated the IVC surgery well.
 
Sunday, 7/8/07 - Sarah has been more responsive today. She waived bye to her Papa & turned her head to look at her Nanny. With much effort she is able to move toes on the left foot. 
 
Sunday, 7/8/07  The doctors warned us that Sarah's prognosis depended on how much her brain swelled during the first 72 hours after the July 5th stroke.  We spent these three days in prayer.  This morning was the peak of her swelling so from this point on we are standing on faith that she will be recovering.

Later Sunday, 7/8/07 -- Sarah struggles very hard to jot down a few words on paper for us.  Though it was difficult for us to understand, we were thankful that she was able to communicate with us by writing these words,  "thanks so much, I want water".
* Her dad asked her if she wanted the phone to text. Sarah took the  phone, opened it. She wanted so much to text (don't all teenies) she is not able to yet,  but oh how she tried.   (no, she's still not healthy enough to write back).
* Sarah pulled her dad down to her &  gave him a big hug!  The night of the transplant Larry leaned close to Sarah and said, "I wasn't there for your first birth, , but I will be here for your second birth."
* She is moving the  toes on her left foot. 
* She gave her therapist a thumbs up.
* Her therapist said she has a lot of resistance on her left side.

7/17/07, - Sarah's heart biopsy did not go well. High amounts of antibodies are present.  Her body is rejecting the heart. The heart is still beuatiful, her body is fighting against it.

7/20/07, - God is good! Sarah is making progress! She is speaking today! Not mouthing the words, but speaking with her voice! She does not have the energy to project her voice and  we have to get very close to hear, but praise God, she is speaking.  Her parents got a big surprise as they walked into her room this morning.  All during the early morning hours, Nanny and Sarah practiced this phrase, " good morning Mom and Dad, I love you."  She tried to talk a lot today. There is  so much she wants to tell us.  With much concentration she moved fingers on her left hand.

It feels like we take three steps forward, then two steps back.   There are set backs everyday. Today we were told that antibodies are not only in her blood, the antibodies are attacking  this precious new heart.  The doctors are confident that an adjustment in  her medication will take care of the problem.

Later, 7/20/07 - Good news from dad.   Sarah was outside for the first time since the  transplant! Tomorrow she will be taken to the executive suite for a movie! The executive suite is a beautiful  room tucked away in the hospital. It has a huge tv screen, comfy chairs and a theather atmosphere.   VAD techs Dominic and Tara have taken Sarah "to the movies" in this room on several occasions.  They bring the treats, pizza and eegee's (eegee's are a special frozen treat that only Tucson has right now) Dominic and Tara are such faithful friends and have brought so much  joy into Sarah's life.  They have become wonderful friends to each of us and we love them tremendously.  

7/23/07 - The oral medication cannot control this bout of rejection. Sarah has to go back on an IV, with strong doses of anti-immune medicine.  She will also need  one more series of Plasmapheresis. We will let you know the details as we learn more. We know God has carried Sarah this far & He will not leave her side. Our trust is in the Lord!  She will not be able to leave ICU until the heart rejection is better.

7/24/07- It appears that Sarah is losing a small amount of blood... the  Cardiac Team is not  sure where the loss of blood is coming from. They have called in a Pediatric Hemotologist.  After several tests and consultations they have decided that the low blood volume is caused by a combination of medication and the daily blood draws required.  Every day the lab techs show up with their empty tubes ready to fill them with her blood.  We know this is neccassary, no complaints from us, but her arms are so bruised from all the pokes, it is difficult to find a spot that is not purple and blue. 

Sarah's Cardiac Therapist Rob has made  the committment to get Sarah up on her feet. She will walk!!   Rob is committed to this goal and he says that she is doing very well!

Sarah lifted her left leg  today -- without prompting!  We just have to get past this heart rejection & then she can be moved to the step-down unit.  Once in step-down, therapy will be the main focus.

7/25/07 - A great day!!!  Amber is in Tucson and the two sisters are having so much fun. They are not only sisters but best friends as well. This day was good for both of them.  God is good!  There was a very special moment for all of us.  Amber had Sarah laughing.  Before Sarah was sick she had a laugh that was contagouis and when Sarah would laugh everyone laughed.  Only when you think something is gone forever do you know how very much you miss it.  We are so thankful for this glorious day!!
 
The low blood volume may be under control and  blood transfusions have made her feel physically better.
We thank you for all of your prayers and ask that you continue to stand in prayer with us and for us. 

7/29/07 - Sarah had the Greenfield Filter removed.  It was another difficult decision to accept, but there was no other option.  The filter can only stay in place for 4 weeks, after that it would become a permanent part of her body.  The Cardiac Team does not  want anything foreign in Sarah because of her new heart.

Yesterday we were informed that Sarah has a genetic blood clotting disorder (Thrombosis). She can't take the blood thinning medication because of the blood loss she was having. She had to have the Greenfield filter taken out because of the new heart. She is between a rock & a hard spot. There are  scientist working on it. So many are  working to find how to treat her. This disorder  may have come as a surprise to us, but it is not a surprise to God.  He knows Sarah's every need.  This too is placed in His hands.  God is in control. 

Some better news... Sarah has been in better spirits the past few days and is wanting to eat more, she had her Nanny's homemade macaroni and cheese with beef yesterday. Sarah was also taken outside to see the rain  & she "absolutely loved it" says Mom Margaret. 

8/2/07 - We can't really say Sarah had a good day , she slept a lot. However, for her family, it was great! We got good news!

The  feeding tube was removed!

She is getting stronger every day & making leaps and bounds in her recovery. We are so proud of her!  She has struggled so hard and yet she lifts our spirits with her smile and sweet personality. 

8/14/07 - Sarah is discharged from UMC and transferred to Health South for inpatient rehab. This is the first time Sarah has left the hospital since 5/10/07.

8/26/07 - Sarah is discharged from Health South. Though she is out of the hospital she can not leave Tucson.  The family has an apartment and will remain there until Sarah is medically cleared by the Cardiac Team.  Thank you Jesus! We are almost home!!
 
Sarah has been admitted to UMC a few times for minor issues. She is doing well.  She comes home every weekend to visit with family and friends.  Sarah looks forward to these times so much and yet the visits always end with tears.  Goodbyes are so difficult for her.  We tell her to just stay strong-- to hang on just a little while longer and then there will be no more goodbyes.  Thank you Lord.  Sarah will soon be home.  
 
November 18, 2007 - SARAH IS HOME!!  And just in time for Thanksgiving.  We have so much to be thankful for this year.  There were so many times we thought this day would never come.  So many times we thought the mountains were just to high to climb and the giants to big to beat.  So many times  the odds were stacked against us, the statistics were not in our favor and our hope was almost gone.  Through it all our Lord and Saviour sustained us, He walked before us and when we could not gain the strenth, He carried us.  We are home. 
 
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Sarah's website has been up and running since August 2007.  We welcome you to search her blog and get caught up on all the latest news.  Thank you for sharing this journey with us.