5/30/2012 - Can you believe it!  It has been already one week since Noel received his new Liver!

At least for the next 6 weeks Noel will have labs 3 days a week and 1 Liver Clinic visit a week.  He has already had his medication increased from 22 pills to 26 pills a day.  He still is taking insulin shots 2-6 times a day as well.  Yup he's a pin cushion!  Tomorrow he will be having a Ultrasound of his new liver. 

Labs & Clinic visit today!  Thank you Janet you are the greatest coordinator!

 Thanks Dr. Millar we love your jokes!

Hey had a little quiet time with Noel & Brett after Hospital Visits.  Took in a bit of dinner at IN-N-OUT Burger and then off to Brett baseball game.  Great night for baseball...

Great pitching Kendahl!

Thanks Coach!

We decided to sit in the car and watched the game in the outfield.  It was a bit of a walk and it would of been hard on Noel.  Later on Kelly, Kristin, Makenzie & Makailee came to watch Brett as well.  Noel a bit tired after the game finished about 9:30.  He's showing slight signs of swollen feet & ankles.  Well off to bed early appointment at the University tomorrow...



5/28/2012 - Things settled down a bit time for a quiet little nap for Noel & I. 

Had a nice chat with The Hayes Family, John Barlow and Jim & Deanna Allred.  Mary Clark called and said there family barbecue was over and that they had extra food and would love to share it with us.  Thank you Jeff & Mary and Brad & Nicole Clark Families for sharing your yummy food with the Smith Family it was very much appreciated!

 I think Noel knows he's getting his medicine now!

 YUM!

 YUM!



A SURPRISE VISITOR FOR NOEL!

Wow!  Thank You Coach Whittingham for visiting Noel you made his day complete!

 Thank you for the autographs the kids thought that was pretty COOL!

Thank you again Coach!  We appreciated you taking your time out of your day to visit with Noel & our family, who by the way are all some of your biggest FANS!

* * *

  This has been quite the journey so far for the Smith Family.  We know we still have a huge mountain to climb with Noel health but know we aren't alone in climbing that mountain.  We will keep you updated on his progress with the many office & lab visits he will going to in the months ahead.  We thank you friends & family for everything and sharing our joy of this new gift that Noel has received for another chance at life!



5/28/2012 - Well family and friends I am happy to announce that Noel is being discharged today.  Just a few minor details.  The VAC Line removed in the incision area, MAC Line removed in his neck, instructions from our transplant coordinator, instructions from the pharmacist about medication.  I think I have it all. 

Oh forgot the pic of the incision after vac line & foam bandage removed!

All ready to go!  Oh not just quite yet!

Need to have my last hospital meal!

 Waiting!

 Waiting!

 The nurses have arrived to remove the MAC Line...

removing the MAC Line...Thank you nurses!  Now that feels much better...

 I think I'm ready to go now!

 Ready set...

I think it's time to go!

 Surgical Speciality Transplant Unit (SSTU) Room 5202 from 5/25/2012 to 5/28/2012.  Leaving 1:30 pm from the hospital just 5 days after surgery...

A little quiet time visiting Chad grave...

Very Peaceful!

"NOEL'S HOMECOMING & WELCOME PARTY"

 Look at these cute signs and balloons the kids made for their Dad & Papa!

There he goes again showing off that incision.  Belly a whole bunch swollen and will be for a while.  It isn't as hard and full of fluid like it was a week ago...

We must not forget the huge pill case now that will be our best buddy!

Will report later tonight just having some quiet time, dinner and giving Noel his medication...

5/27/2012 - Pretty quiet day so far.  Doctor visit reports that Noel is doing well and no problems.  Possible change in a diet plan.  Creatinine (kidney function) a bit high.  Doctors say their not worried it's just the kidney's not use to being with a functioning liver.  Removed drain tube from stomach with a couple of stitches to finish it off...Pretty yucky outside and cold!

 Doing pretty good there Noel!  Nice walking attire!



Thanks Bruce & Linda for your visit and helping us understand a few medical terms...

Thanks Tawannee & Alesha for visiting and sharing your stories about your Liver Transplant Journey with us...



Thank you Carl & Lu for taking the time to come and visit Noel.  It is much appreciated...

 Good job Brooklyn for wearing your mask!

 Thank you for visiting Papa Nicole & Brooklyn...

Good job people for wearing your masks!

Thank you Jill for bringing Mom to visit.  Also thank you Jill for your visit and a few tears we could share together...

 Thanks Brooklyn for walking with Nana & Papa around the block and keeping your mask on.  You were a big helper...

Time to close now with a big "THANK YOU" from our visitors today.  Having another quick walk around the block before it's time to head to bed...