TJ Needs Your Help
Family and friends of TJ Miller are raising money to pay for uninsured medical expenses associated with his liver transplant.
Updates (5)
October 31, 2018
It’s been just over 3 months since TJ’s transplant, and what a ride it has been! I’ve been updating Facebook on TJ’s (and Rachel’s) healing progress, and I’ve failed to post an update here since 3 days post op!
Rachel had her 3 month post op check up last week, and she is doing wonderfully. She said it doesn’t feel like she’s had surgery at all. Somehow she feels a little guilty for that because of TJ’s long healing process. But that is our biggest hope for her, no lasting effects from the surgery.
TJ is doing pretty well. A few hiccups here and there as his body adjusts to all the new liver and new medications. That is not unexpected by his transplant team, as they have told us many times that their job is to manage complications as they arise. We continue to practice our patience and trust in the process as it unfolds.
We are so grateful for all the amazing support we have received throughout this journey. All of this was made possible by the community surrounding us.
Lots of love,
Ainsley
July 26, 2018
Wow! What an incredible and overwhelming 3 days it has been! TJ and Rachel had their surgeries on Tuesday (July 17th), and they both went very well. Rachel’s surgery began around 8AM and she was recovering in the ICU by 3PM. TJ was taken back at 12PM, and his surgery began at 2PM. The surgeons said that Rachel couldn’t have had a more perfect liver for TJ. TJ didn’t need any blood products or transfusions, which is very rare. They were able to extubate him in the operating room and he was recovering in the ICU by 9PM. So many answered prayers just regarding the surgery alone. It went exactly as the doctors hoped it would.
Rachel was up and out of bed that same evening, but her main struggle initially was keeping her nausea under control. She was moved out of the ICU and into a regular hospital room the next afternoon.
Physical therapy had TJ up and out of bed the morning after surgery, and he walked to Rachel’s room for a short visit. It was the sweetest reunion I have ever seen. Keeping TJ’s pain under control was the biggest issue, and he was moved out of the ICU after 2 nights. He happened to get a room right next door to Rachel.
Now we are on day 3 and Rachel is doing wonderfully. She has showered and been out of bed a bunch, visiting TJ, walking down to the balcony, and today a trip to the Starbucks in the lobby. She will probably be discharged in the next couple days, and when she feels ready, will travel home to Boise with her parents.
TJ’s IV meds have now been switched almost entirely to oral medications, and he was out of bed and took short walks 4 times today. He had a very rough night last night, but he made it through that and has been much much better today. TJ has been sleeping a lot, especially after each trip out of bed, and even after brushing his teeth or washing his face. One of the therapists explained that his body is burning so many calories trying to heal, that any other activity is very draining.
Thank you all for the support, prayers, and love. It really has made all the difference. We are in awe of everything that has happened in such a short period of time and can see the future unfolding before us. We are so very grateful.
Photo Galleries (1)
Guestbook
August 13, 2018
from Sonja and Pat Holbrook, toward TJ's health and the quilt raffle.
Jane Holbrook
August 2, 2018
YOU ARE ALL AWESOME!!!
Arlen Donald
July 30, 2018
This is from Pat and Sonja Holbrook. They also want to be entered in the quilt raffle. Their contact info is 69 W Rhea Rd, Tempe, AZ 85284
Jane Holbrook
July 30, 2018
What a blessing to hear about your sweet story. Our prayers for you both. We met Rachel over 20 years ago on our daughter's move in day at college.
Linda and Rusty Craft
