March 28, 2019
Update March 28th Today was the 1st day Demond was able to walk. Thank you for continue prayers
Update pictures in Heart Transplant Album
May 6, 2016
I apologize for taking so long to update the site with my status.
Since coming home from my Lvad surgery in January. I have had a few setbacks which have place me back in the hospital several times. The challenge has been getting the right settings and medication to work together to get the full benefit from the Lvad.
I am back home and with the new changes we are praying and hoping to have found the right combination. I still am waiting for a new heart as the Lvad surgery was only to keep my heart from getting any weaker than it is. I've been told that I am competing with 6 other people who fit the same criteria as me. Decisions are made on who gets a heart based on status and best fit.
Again, I would like to thank everyone for their continued prayers and support. I hope to have a fundraiser function soon. Hopefully, I can see everyone then. I will keep you posted regarding this event.
January 5, 2016
UPDATE!! GOD IS SO GOOD! Demond's doctor's released him to go finally go home. We have truly been blessed for family that stepped up faithfully to take care of our kids and household while we where in Nashville we will be forever grateful! Thank so much for all the prayers,calls, texts snd thoughtful cards during this journey. Also we are so greatful for the Vanderbilt Medical Hospital team for everything that they have done. Please continue to keep us in your prayers as the process goes foward for God to bless him with a heart.
Love The Woodruff family
December 9, 2015
Demond has been moved from ICU and has moved to the Critical Care Unit. He was able to walk a full lap around the floor today. He is making great progress and becoming stronger each and everyday.
December 4, 2015
Update Demond was able to get up and walk today. So proud of him. I attached a picture to the album on his road to recovery.
December 3, 2015
Demond is doing well they was able to remove the breathing tube last night so he is breathing on his own now. Thank you for all the calls,texts,love and support.
December 2, 2015
Thank you for all the prayers! Demond made it out of surgery and is now in recovery.
December 2, 2015
As Demond and I prepare for the LVAD Heart surgery in the morning, we 1st want to give GOD all the glory for the things that he has done for our family during this journey. Our family has been blessed beyond measure with supportive family and friends who has continued to pray, kept our spirits lifted with words of encouragement. A special thanks to the Vanderbilt University Medical Center Heart Transplant Team for being with us every step of the way. So many have donated and blessed us during this journey for Demond to have a second chance of life. We will forever be thankful. My prayer tonight is that GOD will be with the Vanderbilt Medical staff, surgeon, and Demond and our family tommorow morning that this journey will only be the beginning to great things!
November 24, 2015
I could not help but share this inspiration with everyone. I was looking for a piece of paper today and found my 7 year old daughter's "Dear Santa" letter. When I read it I could not help but breakdown in tears. This took away the all the pain and worries I have been feeling. I am very blessed and lucky to have an awesome wife, 2 sons, and 2 daughters. I uploaded a picture of this letter to my album. I also will tell you what it says:
Dear, Santa
Some people don't believe in you but I have ever since I remember. I'm not telling you what I want for Christmas. I want something you don't see everyday. You see my dad is very ill and has to go really far away for a very long time and if you can I'm asking you to heal him on Christmas Day. Please don't let me down Santa you are my hero.
P.S. If you cannot heal him it is ok. (She then wrote down my name and our address for Santa)
November 24, 2015
The past couple of months have been very difficult physically and mentally for my family and I. I have taken countless tests along with medication changes in hopes of slowing down my heart failure. We met with doctors this past Thursday to discuss the next steps. Based on my continued increased symptoms and failing test scores. Doctors advised us all medication options have been exhausted. The next step is for me to have the Lvad Surgery. They stated without this surgery my chances of surviving another year are not good, due to my heart's inability to function. The Lvad will act as my heart until I can get a transplant. For those who want to know more about this device. It can be found on the internet under Heartmate II or Lvad pump. We had no idea of this device until it was discussed with us. We are very thankful for this option. I will be admitted into the hospital on Monday (11/30) and the surgery is scheduled for Wednesday (12/2).
The surgery will take 4 to 6 hours. Afterwards, I will be in the hospital for at least 2 weeks and then we have to stay another 4 to 6 weeks in Nashville for rehab and follow-up appointments. From my research (talking with patients, studies, and material) this device should make me feel better than my current condition.
We have been blessed with great friends and family. My family and I would like to thank everyone for their prayers and support. We ask that your continued prayers and support as we have a long road ahead.
September 23, 2015
My appointment on September 1st went well. The doctors placed me on a new experimental drug. The goal of this drug was to slow the process of my heart failure down. Unfortunately, my body has not responded well to this new medication and my symptoms have gotten worse. Initially, doctors wanted to monitor me monthly but they have move my next appointment up to next week due to my condition. I will have a right heart cath and other tests on Wednesday, September 30th. Again, I would like to thank everyone for their continued prayers for me and my family.
August 20, 2015
First, my family would like to thank everyone for their prayers and support. We are blessed to have family, friends, and others supporting us through this experience. Vanderbilt officially placed me on the Heart Transplant List on August 13th. I am scheduled to have my last test on September 1st. This test will allow doctors to see how rapidly my heart is failing which will tells us how soon the LVAD procedure needs to be done. Again, we thank everyone for your continued support and prayers. - Demond
