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Amy’s August Update: Grateful for Each Step Forward

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Posted on: August 24, 2025, 1:00 PM
By: James Long, Jr.

It’s been a few weeks since our last detailed update, and we’re pleased to share an update on Amy’s progress. As of today, we’ve been home for just about a month. In that time, we’ve had to return to Philadelphia twice, one of those appointments thankfully conducted virtually. That flexibility was a huge answer to prayer.

Weekly Rhythm and Medical Oversight

Each week, Amy undergoes one or two blood draws, typically early in the week. These labs are crucial: they allow her transplant team to monitor liver and kidney function and fine-tune the delicate balance of medications she’s on. We also meet with the transplant team on a weekly basis, either in person or virtually. This will remain our rhythm for the next few months.

While Amy’s strength is gradually returning, and she has been able to get out a bit more, her doctors have reminded us that we must still be extremely cautious, especially around crowds or enclosed environments. Her immune system remains suppressed, and avoiding infections is crucial at this stage.

Understanding the Stages of Transplant Recovery

Amy’s journey is being monitored through several critical milestones, each one marking significant progress and requiring ongoing care:

  1. First 24–48 Hours: Ensuring the new liver was functioning and no immediate complications arose.
  2. ICU Discharge: Stabilization of vital signs and the move to a general recovery unit.
  3. Hospital Discharge: Returning to outpatient care while staying locally in Philadelphia.
  4. 2–3 Month Post-Transplant Window: This is where we currently stand, a stage that requires intense monitoring, multiple medications, and ongoing adjustments.
  5. 6-Month Mark: A period when we hope to see reduced medications and further signs of stability.
  6. 1-Year Milestone: The long-term goal where anti-rejection care continues, but life stabilizes into a new normal.

Amy will need to be on anti-rejection medication for the rest of her life, but we’re hopeful that some of the additional medications may be tapered in the coming months.

What’s Improving and What to Pray For

We are grateful that Amy’s liver is functioning beautifully, and her kidneys have responded well, especially considering the load of medications they’re processing. Her sleep has improved, and her headaches have become less frequent, an answer to many of your prayers.

Right now, one of the newer challenges is related to her thyroid levels, which have been impacted by the medication regimen. The doctors are closely monitoring this situation, and we would greatly appreciate your prayers for stability and balance in this area.

A Word of Thanks

We remain in awe of the love, cards, texts, and messages from our home church, our previous church family in New Jersey, friends around the country, and even people we’ve never met. I may not be able to respond to every message personally, but please know that your kindness has not gone unseen by us or by God.

We also continue to pray for and thank the donor and their family. Their selfless gift is the reason Amy is making the progress she is today. We pray for their healing and peace as they continue their own journey.

Closing Thoughts

Thank you for walking this road with us. Thank you for continuing to pray. Though Amy cannot be at church in person, she wants you to know how deeply grateful she is for your continued love and intercession. Please keep praying for strength, protection, and healing for her body, and for the donor’s as well.

With all our love,
James

To read more of Amy’s journey, please follow this link: https://j.dannypro.io/category/amys-journey/

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