Heart Biopsy Results: Perfect

I'm pleased to announce that Madison's Biopsy went well. She continues to amaze me everyday! I have a permanent smile on my face and quite often... tears of happiness. It's been quite an emotional day as I've thought about her perfect, perfect journey...


We had the opportunity to visit with Dr. Gray as the anesthesiologist was preparing the Cath Lab for Madison. Dr. Gray was thorough as he went over exactly what the Biopsy would entail and other things he would be looking for. One thing that is looked at are the pressures in her heart. This can (sort of) be compared to an exact, pin-pointed blood pressure. Knowing the pressures within her heart can also determine whether or not rejection is taking place. Just like a typical blood pressure, one wouldn't want the pressures to be too high, or too low.

Once the Cath Lab was ready, I had the opportunity to carry Madison in and be with her until she fell asleep. Thank you to our anesthesiologist for allowing me to do this.

Following her procedure, Dr. Gray was again thorough in explaining the results. Madison's pressures within her heart were high. This could mean that rejection is beginning to take place, OR it's a new heart in a new environment and simply needs more time to relax and settle. So... only knowing this much information, Mark and I continued on with the day. Dr. Gray wouldn't know anymore information until the Biopsy results came back.

As soon as Maddie could drink and felt well enough, we headed to the Cardiology Department for an echo and then to X-Ray for a chest x-ray. This was all routine and part of having a Biopsy or Cath Lab visit. It was a very long day and I was exhausted when we got home.


Last night, we received a phone call from Emily, our transplant coordinator informing us that Madison's Biopsy came back without any rejection! Mark and I were thrilled. Her little heart just needs more time to relax and settle in. So... it's ok that her pressures were high (this time).

This afternoon, I received another phone call from Emily informing us that Madison's labs came back absolutely perfect. Emily then discontinued 3 medications! Madison came home from transplant on 13 medications and now only takes 7. We are very happy and pleased with all results. One of the medications that was discontinued was her steriods. This means that we were given the green light to participate in life again. Yeah! No more lock down! WE ARE FREE!

For those who don't know, Madison does continue to take immunosuppressant medications. Prograf is one of them. She will take these medications for life. She will always be more susceptible to getting sick compared to a typical child. I will always be the paranoid mom who carries sanitizer everywhere I go. However, with this in mind... life goes on and we just be extra careful. And I'm grateful for this.

With all of this good news, Mark and I had to celebrate! We gathered our small family.. this time, Madison included and went to Red Robin for milk shakes. And I proudly walked into the restaurant with my Clorox Wipes, hand sanitizer, and high chair cover in hand.


From here, Madison continues with routine Cardiology appointments every two weeks and labs every week. Her next Biopsy will be in 6 months. After that, she will have a Biopsy every year for life.

Thank you to our friends and family for your prayers and support. Thank you to our donor family. We love you.