Von der Rusch Photography

The last 3 weeks have been incredibly difficult. I was concentrating so much on just getting here and not even focusing on the recovery process. The focus has now shifted and the marathon has begun. My surgery went well and after a couple days in ICU, I was transferred to the transplant unit. The surgeon took a photo of my old liver and said it was one of the largest he’d ever seen, making the incision larger. My pain was horrific. I could barely get out of bed due to the... excruciating sharp and continued pain in my side. It turned out I needed to go back into surgery after 12 days for a ‘wash out’ and get a few external bags connected to drain liquid. The first couple weeks in the hospital are a bit hazy, filled with awful drug-induced nightmares and discomfort, but things shifted after I awoke from the second surgery. I quickly decreased pain killers and have been making use of physio therapy to regain strength. The care is incredible, nurses are wonderful, surgeons and doctors finetuning meds everyday, constantly visiting and adjusting for what is working or not. Sleeping has been awful (as expected), but trying to make the best of food options, treats and new found cravings! If all goes well, I could be released on Monday to stay in Edmonton for a few weeks while coming into the hospital for blood tests. Fingers are crossed. It comes down to how my bile flow is doing and if I am released with a temporary external bag or not. My current pain and discomfort is manageable. When you think about the process and what they have to cut through, it’s no surprise the dull aches and sharp pains will continue for a while. Liver Enzymes have come down a lot, with jaundice nearly disappearing! Jess has been my rock at my side as much as possible, and I couldn’t imagine going through this without her. My amazing hero of a brother and his incredible wife are now back home in Montreal and adjusting to his old surroundings with new discomforts. As usual we’re taking things one day at a time. Small steps with small victories See more

Tomorrow is the day!!! I have always looked up to my older brother and have been incredibly proud of his accomplishments, but being my liver donor definitely makes him my superhero. Thank you all for the continued positive support and encouragement. I have kept strong because of you!

Congratulations to @mickelsonnationalgolf on your opening day! What a stunning course! Calgary just got a little better!

https://www.cnn.com//gallery/week-in-photos-0529/index.html