The 4-11.R

Last year, when Noah went in for his Cath, I think he was fighting off an infection. We had decided to fly to Denver that year and as luck would have it, we had a lunger on board.

I spent the entire flight cringing as I imagined all the infectious germies spewing forth as we breathed in the recirculated air.

While there were no complications, Noah still was weakened and sick afterward.

This year, we drove and only had our own recirculated air to breath. And while the day was long we did eventually get to our destination. And lucky for us, the night manager at the Ronald McDonald House in Aurora stayed up to check us in.

Noah's cath this year went exceptionally well. He didn't want to sleep and had to be given everything under the sun but as soon as he was allowed, he was up and running.

I was so relieved that everything went well and Noah had the strength he needed for the procedure.

I've been (not so) patiently waiting for the biopsy results to come back. I suspected that if all was well Alison would just text me. So I was a bit suspicious when my phone rang.

Turns out, it wasn't the "big fat zero" I had hoped for. His rejection level is a 1R (formally a 1A). This means there were rejection cells present. However, it's such a low level that it's not treated and it's not really classified as a rejection episode.

I was a little bummed, if I am being honest. Is it better than full-on rejection? Yes. Is it the ZERO he had last year? No.

Alison came to my rescue (as usual) and put it into perspective for me.

Last year, his level was Zero but his pressures where way too high and not good. This year, his pressures are perfect but his rejection level is a 1R, not even high enough to need treatment.

After the cath yesterday, I asked Dr. Pietra (he is FABULOUS!) if Noah's chances of developing Acute rejection (the type of rejection you think about in reference to transplants vs Chronic Rejection like CAD) was lower because he had his transplant so young and he said it was.

It's very possible that 2 years from now (yep, you read that right.... next cath is TWO years from now) his rejection level could be a zero again. For me, it's sort of hard to not think of it as progressive... like once the rejection cells are there they always will be and will just keep adding more until the rejection is serious or treated. But that's not the case.

So while it wasn't exactly what I had been praying for, it's still wonderful news and an outcome that I am extremely grateful for.

I want everyone who reads this to know how much I am thankful for your support and love. I know you have been praying for Noah and my family and there are no words to express my gratitude.

May the Lord bless each of you with the blessings you are in need of.