Remembering Rheba

How To View The Funeral

2008-09-10T20:23:00.002-04:00

Here are some details about how to view the funeral if you are having problems.

1. Type in the website, www.westcog.org

2. Scroll down to right below the green box about half way down that says welcome.

3. You will see the the words Rheba Livingston Funeral. To the right of it you will see a little video camera icon (looks like a square and a triangle).

4. Click on the video camera icon and the video should start.

5. If you would like to view the video in a larger format, at the bottom of the video on the right will be a little square on a big square. Click on that icon and you will have a new window open up with the video larger.

6. A question will come up about whether you want to open a new window, click OK.

7. If you would like to see it in full screen, at the bottom of the video screen on the right is a small square with four dots in each corner. Click that button and you will have the video become full screen.

I hope this helps. The church did a really nice job in recording it. I want to thank Mike, Chris, and Scott for all their help.

Please be Patient

2008-09-10T14:22:00.001-04:00

I know many of you are trying to see the service, but please be patient. It should be available by 4pm at www.westcog.org

Webcast of the Funeral

2008-09-08T15:53:00.001-04:00

We will not be doing a live webcast of the funeral. However, at about 3pm EST, the service wil be available to watch at your convenience at www.westcog.org.

If you have any problems viewing it, please email me at mdlivingston@yahoo.com.

In Lieu of Flowers...

2008-09-06T12:54:00.000-04:00

We are asking for donations to the following:

Johns Hopkins University
Comprehensive Transplant Center
600 N. Wolfe St.
Baltimore, MD 21205

Thank you.

Details for the Funeral

2008-09-05T15:25:00.003-04:00

Funeral Arrangements for Mom will be as follows

Monday, September 8th
Viewing at Pritts Funeral Home (www.prittsfuneralhome.com/)
6-8pm

Tuesday, September 9th
Viewing at Westminster Church of God (www.westcog.org)
2-4pm and 6-8pm

Wednesday, September 10th
Viewing at Westminster Church of God
10am
Funeral Service at Westminster Church of God
11am
Graveside Service to follow at Evergreen Memorial Gardens

Also, we are 99% sure that we are going to be able to have the funeral service broadcasted live on the internet for those that will not be able to make the service. I will have more information about that on Monday or Tuesday.

Again, thank you for all your kind words and support. Mom was a remarkable person that touched so many lives. We love you all and appreciate your support.

Preliminary Funeral Arrangements

2008-09-05T09:07:00.001-04:00

We first want to thank everyone for their comforting words and prayers.

Our preliminary arrangements are to have viewings at Pritt's Funeral Home in Westminster on Monday and Tuesday with the service being Wednesday at the Westminster Church of God (www.westcog.org) at 11. This is still tenative and we will give an update as soon as things are finalized.

Mom received her healing

2008-09-05T01:02:00.001-04:00

It is with sadness and joy that I tell you mom's progress ended tonight as she received her ultimate healing as she went home to be with the Lord. I will post more info later. Please pray for us the family.

Mom Moving To ICU

2008-09-05T00:12:00.002-04:00

They just moved mom to the cardiac ICU. They have her hooked up to the maching that does the breathing and pumping of the heart for her. They want her heart to rest through the night. We are praying that God will strengthen her heart through the night and that by morning, her heart will be strong enough to beat on its own. Please pray for my family. Everyone is struggling terribly. Pray that we get some rest and that God's peace will cover all of us.

Thank you for all your prayers and words of encouragement. This will probably be the last post of the night, unless we get some startling news.

God bless you all.

Urgent Prayer Needed Again

2008-09-04T21:43:00.002-04:00

We met with the head surgeon. He said the liver is done and fine, but the heart has been hurt tremendously. In fact, the heart stopped in surgery again. They have her on a heart machine now to pump it for her. They say the next half hour is critical. If it does not pump on its own, they will need to put a heart pump on her throughout the night and keep her in cardiac critical care. They say she has maybe a 20% chance of making through the night. We know God can do a miracle, so pray that God will do it.

Details on what happened

2008-09-04T20:11:00.002-04:00

Now that we are a little pass the scare, here are the details.

The doctor called us into a private room (that is not a good sign right there) and proceeded to tell us that she developed a large blood clot that went to the heart. They were actually able to see it enter the heart. It filled the complete right side of the heart. She said that they were amazed that her heart did not even flinch. As the clot enters the heart, that is when it is most dangerous and she did not even flinch!!! The doctor said she had a very strong heart.

Because of the clot, they had to suspend the work on the liver and kidney and immediately call in the cardiac surgeon to cut open her chest, place a whole in the heart and try to remove the clot. It was a very critical procedure (you are probably saying, well, duh!!!!). There other concern was that since the new liver was not completely hooked up, the liver could suffer damage enough, that her body would not be able to function with it. They had to get the clot quickly. Finally, because of this complication, their goal became to get the clot, hook up the liver, and get her stable. They will patch her up temporarily and stabilize her overnight in ICU under heavy sedation. Then, in the morning, go in and replace the kidney and finalize the surgery.

The doctor also said that she has done over 50 of these and she has never seen the liver that was removed look so bad. She said is was smaller than her fist and shrivelled up. She was amazed that mom was even walking before the surgery.

Well, we know that God has answered prayer in SOOOOOO many ways. The clot was removed within 15-20 minutes and they began to immediately hook the new liver up. We are waiting for the good news from that now.

Then, they will get her to ICU for the night. Thank you for all your prayers. The doctor says she is stable now but there are still many risks. Continue to pray.

Again, thank you.

Praise the Lord

2008-09-04T19:50:00.000-04:00

They just called and said they got the clot out and are back working on attaching the liver. It is still serious but praise the Lord for the answer to prayer.

Urgent prayer is needed!

2008-09-04T19:33:00.001-04:00

I am having to give the quick version here, but mom has developed a blod clot that has gone into the heart. They have brought in the cardiac surgeon and are trying to remove it now. Please pray. This next hour is critical.

Correction to last update

2008-09-04T18:18:00.000-04:00

We found out that they are actually working to put in the new liver, not the kidney yet.

5:30pm update

2008-09-04T18:05:00.000-04:00

Got an update. They said they were putting the kidney in butthe timeline did t not seem right so we are waiting to hear back as to exactly where they are. Wanted to give everyone an update though.

The pics are of us just sitting around trying to past the time.

Latest Update

2008-09-04T14:47:00.000-04:00

The doctor came out and told us that things are going well. They are still taking out the old liver and said that it is a slow process and that we can expect a long night. He said mom was doing good and that it was going better than they expected. We praise God for he good report.

Noon Update

2008-09-04T12:33:00.002-04:00

We just got the update that the surgery is still ongoing and that mom is doing well.

Just Starting Surgery

2008-09-04T10:06:00.001-04:00

They just let us know that they are just starting the surgery and that she is doing fine.

Things are moving fast

2008-09-04T06:33:00.000-04:00

Well, things have moved fast. They came to get mom for what we thought would be pre-op. However, they took her to the operating room so we had to say our goodbyes. She is in the Lord's hands now. Please pray for her.

They said they will give us updates every two hours.

Waiting for them to take mom

2008-09-04T05:59:00.001-04:00

Sitting in mom's room waiting for them to take her to surgery. So far everything is a go. I will update the blog everytime something new happens. Keep checking in frequently.

Surgery will be in the morning

2008-09-03T18:55:00.002-04:00

We have not seen the doctor yet, but they did bring mom a clear liquid dinner and told her that the surgery would be in the morning. So tonight we will pray and try to get some rest.

The doctor came in while I was writing this and told us that the person is a normal size young person that is a perfect match. Their concern is the size again. It looks like things will be ok though. She will begin at 6am and the surgery will start about 8am and last about 12 hours. They have shared with us that with this being her 3rd transplant that this is the surgery equivalent of high stakes poker. The liver is going to be good, but the complications of surgery can be difficult. Please pray.

Checking In

2008-09-03T18:09:00.001-04:00

We are at the hospital and have gotten checked in. Mom is in Nelson 754. Waiting to hear from the doctor now.

We got a call from Hopkins

2008-09-03T13:44:00.002-04:00

Mom got a call just a moment ago from Hopkins that they have a liver and kidney for her. We are heading down today. They said the surgery will be either tonight or tomorrow. They are trying to get the other organs that will be donated lined up with others.

So, we are asking for your prayers. I will keep you updated as things progress.

Mom made a decision

2008-09-02T18:54:00.001-04:00

Mom talked to Memphis today and told them that she is going to wait here for Hopkins. If nothing happens in the nex few weeks, then she will reevaluate.

Asking that you pray for mom to have peace in the decision she made.

Please Pray

2008-08-31T02:58:00.001-04:00

Ok, this is one of those times that I have to admit that I am totally lost as to what God is doing. It is almost 3 in the morning and we are all trying to calm down. Mom just woke me up and said that God had answered prayer Hopkins just called her and said they had a liver and kidney for her and that surgery was scheduled for 6:30 this morning for mom. As I was waking Laura up, Hopkins called back and said that it was not going to happen. I am not sure why, and neither is mom. So we are all trying to calm down. Please pray for mom and dad as I know that emotionally, they are drained. Mom even said "How do you calm down after that call?"

We got the call

2008-08-30T22:38:00.001-04:00

Mom got the call from Memphis yesterday and they told us that her score is high enough that they recommend she come to Memphis to wait for a liver. They told her to think about it over th weekend and let them know on Tuesday what her decision is.

We are asking desperately for your prayers. We are ready to say yes to Memphis and are asking God to close the door to Memphis if he wants her to wait for the liver at Hopkins. How He does it, well, that is in His hands.

Thank you for your prayers.

Rheba's Score Climbs Again

2008-08-28T15:03:00.001-04:00

We got mom's latest MELD score today and it is up to 24. This means that she should be even closer to getting the call. Please be praying.

First Day of School

2008-08-26T10:40:00.000-04:00

When we moved in with Mom and Dad in May, one of our biggest concerns was Olivia having to start 2nd grade at a new school this year. Well today was the first day of school and she did great! She is the first stop on her bus route so she did not have to worry about walking onto a full bus and looking at a bunch of strangers staring at her (a.k.a. Forrest Gump syndrome - "seats taken". Her Mimi (Rheba) even got up to see her get on the bus.

Please pray that she will have a good start to the school year.

First Day of School

2008-08-26T10:29:00.000-04:00

Please pray that she has a good start to the school year.

Celebrating Rheba's Sister's Birthday

2008-08-23T20:02:00.001-04:00

We went to Richard and Shellia's house to celebrate Shellia's birthday. Rheba is feeling good and is enjoying being with her sister. Still waiting to get a call.

New MELD Score

2008-08-22T11:24:00.003-04:00

After the roller coaster of emotions that we had to start the week, every one is doing fine now. Mom has really done well this week. She is feeling the stress of everything, but is doing really well.

We received her latest MELD score (refer to the first post of this blog) and her score is 23. That is high. In fact it now has us at a true crossroad that we are asking for your prayers over.

With that score, Mom is waiting for Memphis to call her and tell her that she needs to come to Memphis to wait on a liver and kidney in that it could be within the next month. At the same time, Hopkins is telling her that it should be within the next month also. So, do we stay here at Hopkins and hope that a liver comes in the next few weeks, or do we head to Memphis and hope that a liver is available there soon. We truly need prayer for God's direction and peace.

I want to thank all of you who have posted your comments on here. It has been a true blessing to mom. If you are having trouble posting your comment, make sure you click the WORD comments under this post. Some people have clicked the icon that looks like an envelope and that is something different.

Hope this helps. God bless.

Not happening today

2008-08-18T17:07:00.001-04:00

Well, we did not get the news we wanted. The liver from the donor is too large for mom. So, we are going home tonight and waiting for the next call.

Keep praying.

Still Waiting

2008-08-18T15:11:00.001-04:00

We are still waiting for them to take mom. I am puttung this post up from my cell phone and I am trying put a picture up. If it does not show up, I am sorry.

Taking Mom to the Operating Room

2008-08-18T14:04:00.001-04:00

Well, they are getting ready to come and take mom to the OR. They are coming back with the Liver and it sounds like things are a go. I will post an entry when I know for sure.

Mom's schedule today

2008-08-18T07:48:00.001-04:00

Ok. We met with the doctors this morning. At this point, things are looking positive. The liver and kidney seem to be a match. Their main concern now is the size of the liver. It is coming from a large person and if the liver is too large, then it would not be good for mom.

The time frame has them extracting the organs this afternoon and mom receiving them late afternoon or evening. So right now we are in a waiting game.

If the organs will not work, they will discharge her. She is though, the number one on the list in Maryland, so she will most likely get her transplant within the next few weeks if this one does not work.

Please keep praying and checking the blog as we update it with new information.

A Little While Longer

2008-08-17T20:30:00.000-04:00

Well, it looks like mom's surgery is going to be in the morning now. Not sure of the time, but we are anticipating about 8:00am. Please keep her in your prayers and my father. He needs his strength for tomorrow so pray that he sleeps well.

Admitting Mom to Hopkins

2008-08-17T14:30:00.000-04:00

They have admitted mom and started all the paperwork and testing. They said if everything is a go, that the surgery would not happen till tonight or early tomorrow. Continue to pray and we will stay in touch.

Also, a praise report. The last three days, mom has been feeling great! In fact, this morning, she told some people at church that with the way she was feeling, that this would be the best time to have the surgery.

Heading to the Hospital

2008-08-17T12:32:00.001-04:00

Well, we got the call today at about noon. We are headed to Johns Hopkins now to see if the liver and kidney are going to be a match. Please be in prayer and I will update this blog as soon as I have confirmation on the surgery.

Meeting with Kidney Doctor

2008-08-08T11:07:00.002-04:00

Mom met with the Kidney Doctor at Johns Hopkins yesterday and things went well. She told mom that the kidneys alone are not at the point where she would need a transplant, but combined with the Liver, she is recommending the kidney transplant also. The transplant team will meet next Wednesday and should (I emphasize should) be placing mom on the Kidney transplant list also.

Some really good news also. The kidney doctor says that Mom is actually high on the transplant list at Hopkins. In fact, some of the liver doctors had been talking to her about Mom and they knew that Mom was coming to meet yesterday with Mom. Next week, mom is to have her bloodwork done again where they get her MELD score again. It takes about one week to get the results. The doctor yesterday believes that it will be just a matter of days after that, when Mom will get the call to get her transplant. We are having reserved optimism, but praise the Lord for this wonderful news. Please be praying for Mom and the family over these next few weeks that God's perfect Will will be accomplished.

Also, please be in prayer for mom mentally. With her already going through two transplant surgeries, she knows the tough battle that is ahead. She is scared and frightened. It did not help that last night on the TV show Hopkins, they showed a man who got a liver transplant and four weeks later died of a blod clot. I know Mom saw the show and I know she worries about that. We know that she is in the Lord's hands, but I do ask for continued prayer that she will have peace about this whole process.

Mom's Doing Well

2008-08-04T16:14:00.001-04:00

It has been almost a week since mom came home and she is doing well. When she first got home, she was sleeping a lot. Too much in fact. After talking with her doctor at Hopkins, they determined that her blood pressure medicine was causing the fatigue. So, they reduced her medicine and she improved almost immediately.

On Saturday, the Livingston cousins wanted to see her, and before we knew it, we had a crowd coming to the house. We were worried that Mom would not be able to rest, but it worked out great. She rested until they all arrived while Laura and I cleaned the house and set the party up outside. Aunt Trudi and her family brought most of the food, including steamed crabs and Shrimp!! What a feast. I will have pictues soon of the party. Mom came outside for a little while and then rested inside in the recliner. She said she felt fine and got up just fine on Sunday. We praise the Lord for this because in the past, it would have taken her a few days to recover.

This week she has an appointment with the kidney doctor at Hopkins to determine if she will be approved for the kidney transplant at Hopkins. Please be in prayer that everything goes well.

She has appreciated all your prayers and well wishes on here. Keep them coming!

Mom is Home

2008-07-29T21:00:00.002-04:00

Well, Mom came home tonight. What a blessing to have her home. She still needs to see the kidney doctors at the outpatient center at Hopkins over the next few weeks to get everything approved for the Kidney Transplant.

However, she met with the Transplant Surgeon today and he sounds optimistic about her having the transplant soon.

Please be praying that God's perfect will be done and that he will receive all of the glory through this.

First Entry

2008-07-29T17:29:00.001-04:00

Ok, so here we begin the world of Blogging! I hope that this will be a help to you and to us as we keep you updated on Mom's condition.

She is coming home tonight from the hospital!!! We praise God for keeping her safe and healing the infection she had.

As far as where we are in the transplant process, Rheba is on the list at Johns Hopkins for a liver transplant, but not yet for the kidney. At Memphis, she is on the list for a liver and kidney transplant.

They say that this latest battle she has had will not move her up any quicker on the list. The only thing that can move her up is her MELD score (http://www.unos.org/resources/MeldPeldCalculator.asp?index=98). This score needs to be at about 21 or higher to really move things along. She is currently at 18 and will be tested again in a few weeks.

So, that is where we are. We ask for your prayers and well wishes. Please feel free to leave a comment or a prayer. We will make sure that Mom sees them all.

We want to encourage you to follow mom's progress on here, so that she can rest at home. It is amazing that with all the people that call to see how she is doing, it is difficult for her to rest sometimes.

We will try and post a comment each week or more if things change. I will event try to get Rheba to blog a little (she is so not a computer person!!!).

We love and appreciate you all. Thank you for your concern and continued support.