A week ago Josh and I walked through the doors at Lahey Hospital and headed to the transplant wing. When we walk around Lahey we do it like we built the place. We know where everything is because we’ve spent so much time there.
We walked into the transplant wing reception area to smiles and welcoming hellos. We saw Evelyn and then Maria came rushing out to give us each a hug and a kiss. We chatted like family with Maria asking Josh about his upcoming wedding and medical school.
I am always amazed at how unhospitalish it feels. I know that’s not a word but I think it should be. I think you should be able to look up “unhospitalish” on Wikipedea and see a picture of my Lahey family there with a description.
Next we took a trip to the blood lab where I had my blood drawn by my favorite phlebotomist, Kimmy. I always joke with her and call her “Hello Kitty” because of her pins, bracelets and even a Hello Kitty top she has worn at past appointments. I also said hello to George, another phlebotomist I got to know when hospitalized after my transplant. Even the fact that I know the names of my phlebotomists is different. Do you know yours? Most people don’t,w but we transplant recipients often do.
A CT scan showed Josh’s fully regenerated liver and then we met with our docs for our one-year check. Dr. Pompaselli was out for his birthday (I left him a card) so I met with Dr. Lewis and my favorite RN, Pauline. He told me my numbers were perfect and “rock solid.” As always, he took his time answering my questions in a way that made sense.
And then he looked at Pauline and said, “Should we keep dragging this guy down here so often?” Pauline laughed and looked at me and said, “He’s doing great. I don’t know.”
Doc Lewis looked at me and gave me the green light. “I don’t see any reason we need to see you for another six months. And you don’t have to go get labs every month anymore either. Let’s say every other month.”
Those of you reading this who are transplant recipients know what a big deal this is. Some of you have told me you’re a little envious but happy for me. One of my friends even told me she is 4 and a half years out and still has to check in every three months and get to the blood lab monthly. I’m pumped!
Yeah, sure, Dr. Lewis gave me the cautions I will hear for the rest of my life and made me promise to call quick with any new pains, issues or fevers. We talked about the sun and my increased odds of skin cancer and we talked about hand sanitizing and being careful. I heard all that and will certainly follow his counsel but what I heard most was “rock solid” and “six months.”
Josh left his appointment with rave reviews as well. He’s perfect too. I am so thankful.
I have a little girl who prays for me every night. Her name is Coco. Her mom tells me that every night she remembers, “Lord, please heal Scott.”
Well Coco, your prayers have been answered. I am rock solid and riding my bike 40 plus miles a week. My body is doing great with my new liver and I feel awesome most of the time. The Lord has made it possible for me to thrive again and has provided the medicines that keep my new liver happy. Thank you for praying for me, Coco.
I’ve got the green light and am charging forward praying that I will be able to return to the workforce. I’m praying that the side effects from my medicines will continue to become less and less of an issue and allow me to work full time. I’m praying that the little aches and pains from lying on a surgeon’s table for 6-8 hours with my ribs compressed and my arms secured above my head will soon be a thing of the past. I’m praying that my upper body strength keeps building.
I can’t believe that today, after 2 years, I am again writing with excitement about what God has in store. Pinch me! Something is stirring within me and it is a familiar feeling. I can feel my God starting to put together new directions, opportunities and possibilities as he lifts limits.
I’ve got some ideas of what might be next but nothing is clear yet. Will you pray that things become more clear?
Some Possibilities:
1) A new ministry in the transplant community? As Robin and I navigated these transplant waters we never came across a coordinated Christian ministry to offer support, resources, counsel or prayer. I am wondering if the Lord wants me to build something new to meet this need. I know we are now uniquely qualified.
2) Church planting? The vision I had before transplant is still intact and our hearts still are heavy to connect with people not attracted by the average church formula.
3) The secular workforce? I intend to continue with my photography (http://linscottphoto.com) but we Maine photographers struggle to make a living November through April. Maybe we’re supposed to stay the course and keep serving in the local church for awhile? Please think of me the next time you need a photographer? Portraits, weddings, etc…
I will keep writing my book and blog but I sense there is more right around the corner. I’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas.
Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
he’s the one who will keep you on track.
Don’t assume that you know it all.
Run to God! Run from evil!
Your body will glow with health,
your very bones will vibrate with life!
Honor God with everything you own;
give him the first and the best…
Proverbs 3
