Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Not so good news...

       We paid a visit to the kidney clinic today. Here's the latest…

     Let's start with the good news. Sawyer is beginning to stabilize. His dialysis continues to improve and it's reaching the doctor's goals. His blood pressure is trending in a good direction and other critical stats (potassium, phosphorus levels, etc.) are looking better as well.

     We are hoping this stabilization ushers in the "new normal" soon. A little less drama would be a good thing. There have been a lot of ups and downs, twists and turns over the last few weeks. We only like rollercoasters at amusement parks. So, we welcome some semblance of routine.

     Now the not so good news… Sawyer's kidney function continues to deteriorate. His kidneys, at best, are functioning at 5%.  Sawyer's doctor has given up on his kidneys and  wants to stop treating them.  She believes continued treatment could bring more harm to Sawyer than good. So, we gave her permission to end treatment.

     This was no surprise to the doctor. She has been preparing us for this outcome since day one.

     Obviously, we are disappointed.  We were hoping for a better result and we still do.   Stopping treatment, or finding a new one, matters little to God if He chooses to intervene and revitalize these kidneys.  So, we will continue to pray hard and trust Him regardless of the outcome.

     Now that Sawyer is stabilizing and treatment of his kidneys is coming to an end, the doctor can turn her attention more to kidney transplantation. Karen and I begin the testing this week to determine if we will be the donors. We are the only donors that the doctors will consider at this time.  The qualification process will take approximately four months.
 
     I know many of you feel like you are on the rollercoaster with us.   Thank you for hanging in there with your support and prayer.  God is using you and we are grateful.

11 comments:

Amber said...

We are praying for Sawyer and the family!

Gloria said...

when will you know if you guys are a match?

S Juanita Owen said...

I am so sorry Toby. Sawyer has been on my prayer list since this started. He has been threw so much he's a fighter. When will you find out if you or your wife is a match?

Brad Montague said...

Praying for you and your family, Toby. What a strong boy you have.

Bax and Ruth said...

I get dizzy on a swing...yet I will
hang on tight to the Father during this roller coaster ride. We pray He will give you the power of His presence during the ride...and His steady hand until the ride is over.
Phil.4:13

Raquel said...

Toby - continuing to lift you and your family up to our Heavenly Father.

Psalm 23
A psalm of David.

1 The Lord is my shepherd. He gives me everything I need.

2 He lets me lie down in fields of green grass.
He leads me beside quiet waters.

3 He gives me new strength.
He guides me in the right paths
for the honor of his name.

4 Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid.
You are with me.
Your shepherd's rod and staff
comfort me.

5 You prepare a feast for me
right in front of my enemies.
You pour oil on my head.
My cup runs over.

6 I am sure that your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life.
And I will live in the house of the Lord forever.


love you guys!

Lori :) said...

wow . . . praying for you guys!

Lori :)

jerry & brenda said...

Toby, just heard the news about Sawyer at church last night. Our thoughts, and especially our prayers are with you and your family. Sawyer sounds like a real fighter. That's a good thing. He'll keep on fighting, and we'll keep on praying. Love ya,
Jerry and Brenda

Unknown said...

So sorry to hear this news. Please know we are still praying and will continue to. We will add this new direction to the prayer now. Thank you for the update as I am sure it was hard to write about. Continued prayers.

The Frizzell's said...

Hey Sawyer. Ms. Kelly has never liked Roller Coasters, but this Roller Coaster ride is one that I will ride with you the whole way! Devin & Kaylee sends their love and laughs and most of all their prayers:) We prayed yesterday that you may be able to come to Devin & Kaylee's 7th birthday party in November. That would be so much fun! We love you!

Love,
Kelly, Kaylee & Devin
Gates, NC @ AHBC

Nick and Teresa Sonin said...

Praying for you right now! Please let us know what we can do to help.