I started December anxiously awaiting a surgery date for my renal auto transplant, and early on in the month, we finally got the date: January 25th. Meaning six weeks until my huge, life-changing surgery, and exactly 10 months after my MALS/SMAS surgery, I will be undergoing NCS surgery. Getting the date filled my mind with both excitement and nerves. I was excited to finally get the help I need to feel pain- free and to eat again, but I was also incredibly nervous that the surgery will come with a difficult and painful recovery, and maybe that it won’t even end up helping. But when I had these negative thoughts, my mom reminded me that I have already made it through a very difficult surgery with complications last March and that all my testing, especially my renal hilar block, point towards this surgery being what I need. So, the countdown to surgery began.
The start of December also marked a full six months of TPN and a PICC line, which made me extremely unhappy. TPN and a PICC line created a frustrating schedule along with the constant risk of a blood stream infection or many more dangerous complications. I knew I needed to do something to try to get off of TPN, but I also knew that there was no way I could eat enough to stay healthy, so I decided to ask my GI doctor to put back in my GJ tube. I had a G tube, meaning I had a hole in my abdomen that had a tube into my stomach, but I needed a GJ, which has an additional tube that ends in my small intestine. Due to my conditions, I cannot tolerate anything into my stomach, by mouth or by tube, but I can partially tolerate feeds directly into my small intestine. My doctor agreed to my idea and on December 13th, I had my 7th endoscopy of the year and had a GJ tube placed.
A few days later, after my supplies arrived, I ran feeds into my GJ tube for the first time in over 6 months. To everyone’s surprise, I was able to tolerate the feeds with minimal issues. I had some pain and nausea, but I was able to get down the amount of calories and water I was getting through TPN. This meant that I could begin weaning off TPN. For one week, I was on half TPN and half feeds. TPN must be stopped slowly to avoid issues with electrolytes and blood sugar. By the last week of December, I ran my last bag of TPN, and after 7 months and 215 bags of TPN, I was done! After a few more rounds of labs to ensure my body was tolerating feeds without TPN, I was able to get my PICC line removed. On New Year’s Eve, my home health nurse came over and had me lay down on the couch. She then removed my PICC line dressing, cut the stitches that had been holding the line in my arm, and began to remove the PICC line. She held pressure and slowly pulled it out. It was around 30 centimeters long, so this process took a minute, but soon, my arm was PICC line free! Getting off TPN was my biggest victory in the past 7 months, and I couldn’t be happier. I still have to deal with running GJ feeds and the symptoms that they cause, but it is so worth it. TPN saved my life, and I will always be grateful for it and what it did for me, but I’m thrilled to leave it in 2022!
I was also happy to get to celebrate Christmas with my family this year. It was easier to celebrate and enjoy the holiday season with answers as to why I’m in pain and an end in sight. Last December, I went to the Mayo Clinic, and was told there way no physical cause to my pain and that I needed to start learning how to live with my symptoms. A year later, I have four diagnoses, one major surgery done and another a few weeks away. Last December I felt so hopeless and couldn’t feel any joy during the holidays, so I’m thankful that this year was able to be different.
I enjoyed our Christmas Eve brunch followed by watching football with my family. I also loved Christmas Eve dinner with our fun traditions. While eating a bite of dinner resulted in waking up sick on Christmas, I was able to focus on the positive side that hopefully next year I will be able to eat normally and fully enjoy the holidays with my family and friends.
I also loved spending time with my friends while they were home from school. I will miss them a lot over the next couple of months and look forward to their return back home.
For now, I am focused on getting ready for surgery, both physically and mentally. I know it will be a huge challenge, but I am so ready for it. Life 3.0, here I come!
Kate's Courage 
I continue to be in awe of your strength and your courage! Knowing that as I type this comment you are just days away from your big surgery brings a smile to my face! You can do this! You have already proven time and time again that you can do hard things! And this hard thing will bring the best reward! Thinking nothing but healing thoughts for you as you head into next week! ❤️
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Kate, you are amazing and so incredibly strong. We are continuing to pray for you, your family and your care team. It is so good to hear your positive attitude and we can’t wait to celebrate with you when you are feeling better! Love you lots!!! Anjie, Wes, Caitlyn, Mary Holland and Mallie💗
Sent from my iPhone
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Kate, You are so strong and we are in awe! Thank you for sharing your story with us. Your courage is such an inspiration. You are on the way to healing and we look forward to celebrating this milestone with you very soon!
Xoxoxo
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You got this Kate. I am so incredibly proud of you and everything you have overcome. You have many people in your corner reaching you on. You got this. Love you lots
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Kate, you are ONE amazing young lady! I am a friend of your mother’s. And, I have been following your progress. Next week will be a huge success! I just know it…….and I want to say what a special, special mother you have………I hope to meet you one day soon. And by the way, I am a UNC Tar Heel! I will be following you……you are going to do great things in this world..determined, smart, pretty……YOU have it all!
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My continued prayers for your healing Kate. You are such a testament to a full life.
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My heart goes out to you. You are such a brave girl! Our prayers for your upcoming surgery.
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Thank you for letting us know how you’re doing. Our prayers will be with you and your family today and especially next Wednesday.
May God bless you and keep you,
Jim Boyd (Mary Holland’s Granddad)
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Kate – you don’t know me, but I know your grandma, Lesley. I’ve been following your blog as she always gives us updates on how you’re doing. Sending lots of love and strength and positivity and healing your way in preparation for this upcoming surgery.
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OhKate…..we love you so much ! What wonderful things are ahead for you. Safe travels and lots of prayers are also with you. I know all will go well for you ….you’re tough, you’re brave , you’re smart , of course you’re courageous and you’re ready for 2023! ♥️You to the moon and back sweet girl! Wisconsin. .. here comes Kate and her amazing family !
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Kate, again, we have not met but I am a friend of your mom. I just want to say again, I have read your posts and I think you are just amazing!!!!! I know you are going to do great, heal and head to UNC one day soon. I am a Tar Heel, also. Safe travels and look forward to reading your next GREAT post. Love to you and your family.
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Kate! It’s finally surgery week and we are all so excited for you. You have been through so much and continue to remain brave and strong and that is what is going to make this the best year yet! We love you and will be praying for you and the surgeons and staff in Wisconsin and can’t wait to watch you get better and better each day!
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Hey Kate! I have been keeping up with your journey through your Aunt Kelly and your mom. Just wanted to wish you best of luck in this next step. You are unbelievably courageous and have such wonderful support. Stay strong and hopeful for all the good things surely headed your way. 🍀
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Kate we are in awe of your strength, courage and determination! We will all be sending out extra prayers this week for you, your family and your health care team.
❤️ Gaston, Erin, Tucker, Cooper & Nolan
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Kate- We are all pulling for you! We will be praying for you and for a successful surgery. You are so brave, and we are excited that it won’t be long before you are getting better. We love you! Stay strong! You’ve got this!
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