It was early Spring of 1996 and I was anxiously awaiting his arrival...
What would he think of me? Would I be what he expected? What was he even expecting?!
"Miss? We're ready to order..Miss?!"
Oops! Ok, back to reality...I had tables full of customers and it's right in the middle of our dinner rush. I just needed to relax and focus. It was so hard because I was expecting him any time now! Anytime now, he'd walk in and ask to be seated in my section...Anytime now, I'd be meeting him face to face!
I somehow managed to get all of my tables ordered and food delivered...Whew, I finally had a second to breath and gather my thoughts!
All of a sudden I get this "feeling"...This rush of emotions and a tug on my heart. I look up...I see him...he's walking towards my section...towards me. Our eyes meet and I suddenly realize that I don't need any introduction...I feel a sense of calm over me. I know it's him...And, I know he's my father. I can tell he sees it too...He knows that I am his daughter! We barely even say hello before we are standing there for what seems like such a long time hugging and laughing...tears in both of our eyes!
This was my first meeting of my "real dad"...my biological father, Russell Blanchard.
Well, now technically I did see him throughout my childhood, but it was only just a few times and up until I was about maybe 11 or 12. I was now 18 and almost positive he was my dad...not just the high school friend of my parents. Seems like a plot for some tv movie, but this was real life...my real life!
Very long adventurous story short...We discovered that this man is indeed my dad. Lots of years and lots of love later, and he's very very special to me!
Right now, he's currently on an adventure of his own...A very serious one. Let me share with you who Russ is, and allow you the opportunity to experience his “Transplant Journey”!
Russ has had to battle multiple heart issues since his mid-thirties. Each heart attack, even minor ones take a toll and weaken the heart function. In December of 2015, Russ was put into the hospital after meeting with his cardiologist because he was having a minor heart attack and had excessive fluid build up. The next day while he was in the hospital his Father passed away from a lengthy battle with prostate cancer. Russ' family went to the hospital to visit and inform him of his father's passing. That evening, his heart stopped. We are all thankful he was in the hospital when this happened. He was able to get life saving measures immediately such as CPR, Defibrillation, and I.V. medications to restart his heart. As a result of his heart failure he sustained several broken ribs and additional damage to his heart. Several of his other organs were compromised from this event and his continued heart failure. Russ was put into a lengthy induced COMA to allow his body to start healing. After the coma we also learned that his heart was only functioning at about 30% and that he needed an implanted defibrillator/pacemaker. It took Russ several weeks to regain his memory and several months in a rehab hospital to regain the strength to be independent. Even after all that, Russ continued with Cardiac Rehab on his own over the next 12 months. During that time he was released to go back to work. He started out slow but it wasn’t long before he was back to working 50 plus hours a week at a very stressful position in the company he was working for. With continued decline of his heart's function the doctor’s put him on 100% disability.
In May of 2017, Russ was diagnosed with Stage 2 Prostate Cancer...The very same cancer that took his father. He was devastated...but determined. Plans for treatment were quickly being worked out. Because of the recent heart attack and cardiac arrest, he was not a candidate for surgery (prostatectomy - removal of the prostate) due to the fragility of his heart which was only functioning now at about 24%. They frankly told him that they did not believe he would survive surgery. The oncologist instead planned for him to start radiation therapy as an alternative treatment. Russ went to each therapy session all on his own...day in and day out. His children live in 4 different states each one with families of our own...a plane ride away, making finances tight. Russ’ mother, step-mother and siblings all live hours away in different areas of California. He put on a brave face and did what needed to be done. This inevitably took a toll on him for the negative and further worsened his heart health. His heart failure was getting so badly that he had to have a weekly (painful) procedure (paracentesis) done where they’d remove fluid build up from his abdomen. They would remove 6-8 liters a week...Sometimes even as much as 11 or 12! That is almost equivalent to more than 22 lbs of fluid being pressed against his diaphragm, placing much pressure on his lungs and stomach; making breathing, sleeping, and eating intolerable to the point of almost impossible!
During his treatments for the prostate cancer and his regular heart appointments, he got some hopeful news! He could possibly be a candidate for a heart transplant...But there were some tests to make sure. He and the family rejoiced and hoped for the best! This was a very much needed positive! During the testing process, he learned that he would have to be cancer free for about 2 years before he could ever even be qualified to be placed on the transplant list. This was disheartening, but Russ remained hopeful and carried on with cancer treatments, heart appointments and fluid removal procedures. He had a wonderful team of dr’s routing for him, fighting for and advocating for him!
Shortly after his radiation therapy ended, he learned that there may still be a chance for him to be placed on the list. He just needed a few more tests to confirm that he was now cancer free. He knew this meant that he would have to endure much more invasive poking and prodding then his already very tired and exhausted body had to experience. But, his strength and hope were renewed in the possibility of a second chance at life! During these testings, they discovered that he had Cardiac Cirrhosis of the Liver. The condition was caused from his heart failure and fluid retention putting extreme pressure on his liver and causing it to overwork. He was told that he would no longer be qualified as a candidate for a heart transplant because the new heart would overwhelm his damaged liver and inevitably cause it to shut down. This began talks for a double transplant of both a heart and liver. Which of course brought on more testing...and even further tested Russ’ already over tested body...and mind!
Russ not only had a “heart team”, but now a “liver team”. They worked together to determine what the very best plan of action would be for Russ. All the while Russ was keeping his multiple dr’s visits weekly for fluid removal, blood tests, heart appointments, etc…
The two seperate teams were often in disagreement over if and or when he should be placed on the national transplant registry. One team wanted him to be cancer free for a certain period of time, the other team would fight back and state that he just didn’t have that time to survive! There were green lights...and then immediate red lights. Through every bump in the road Russ remained ever patient...hopeful for a new life to spend with his children, lots of grandchildren and even great-grandchild!
Finally on July 20, 2018, he received a wonderful phone call! He was approved and added to the National Transplant Registry under 1-A! He was told to get his things in order and to report to UCLA Medical Center on Friday, July 27th to be admitted...He’d be prepped and awaiting his much needed organs. His heart was functioning at only about 18% at this time. Things were moving quickly! We have all prayed for this day and it was finally here! It was long awaited and it all just seemed so surreal to him and the many others who adore him! The dr’s told him that he may be waiting a couple of weeks to even a couple of months. He quickly got acquainted with his team of dr’s, nurses and other hospital staff involved in his care. And quickly got into his new routine of “waiting on the list”. He had much more testing and lots more poking and prodding. As a couple of weeks passed by, Russ soon realized that this waiting was going to be difficult. His freedom is very limited and he is only allowed to take short walks on his floor. This is because they want to make sure that he remains in good health. He also has to endure a very painful procedure called a Swan-Ganz Catheter Placement. This is the insertion of a thin tube through the main artery in his neck leading to and threaded through the right side of his heart (atrium, ventricle, arteries and veins) leading to his lungs. The purpose is to monitor his heart function and the blood flow and pressure in and around his heart and lungs. He is given local anesthesia but still feels so much of the pain and must be awake for the procedure. The catheter needs to be removed and replaced on the opposite side every 10-14 days. As you can imagine, he is physically drained afterwards!
On August 30, 2018, He received THE call! A donor was possibly accepted and they were prepping him for possible surgery for the transplants! As he lay in the surgery room the medial staff were in the next room testing both organs. We all received word that this would be a no-go. The liver was great, but the heart wasn’t as healthy as they originally thought. Because he needs both a heart and liver, the transplants need to be done at the same time and from the same donor. The transplant was called off. Feelings of confusion, defeat and discouragement fell upon our family. This was hard to take. He needed those organs...But, God had other plans and Russ still wasn’t giving up!
The next few days seemed to get harder and harder. His heart function fluctuates between 10%-14%. His kidney function was starting to lessen and his blood counts were dangerously low. They decided that they better move forward with a blood transfusion. A blood transfusion at this stage in the game can complicate things further, as blood transfusions introduce foreign antibodies which may pose a risk of them possibly attacking the new organs. With this risk and now his kidney function being so low, he can’t help but wonder, “What next, God?” All the while continuing to pray and also asking for prayer. At this point most of us would have given up all hope long ago...But, not Russ!
Russ’ dr’s are now talking about possibly doing a TRIPLE transplant...Heart, liver and kidney(s)! UCLA Medical Center has successfully done this...It’s not very common, but it has amazingly been done and we all have hope! ALL 3 organs will need to be from the very same donor and done at the same time. The wait is now longer than the original expected, “a couple weeks to a couple months”. He will be waiting indefinitely until he receives those much needed organs. The waiting is so very hard on him. As to be expected there are days where depression takes over, but there are days of hope too! He misses his family and we miss him terribly! We want nothing more than to be able to be with him and to support him...to hold his hand and hug him. The wait may be long...but when that exciting day comes, his surgery will be very intense and his recovery and healing even longer! Once he is able to leave the hospital, he will be required to move near the facility so that they can regularly monitor his health closely. This process takes about a year. Russ’ dr’s are preparing him and our family to expect a long recovery period. He will need constant care. We are each planning to be there for regular visits to make sure that we are all spending that necessary time with him. Being there with him during this recovery period is so crucial for a successful recovery and complete healing!
Russ is holding onto his faith! With each new bump in the road, he stays steadfast. He is patient and positive! Always making sure to choose kindness, gentleness, and remaining loving to others. Never succumbing to hopelessness. His dr’s, nurses and hospital staff just love him and sincerely want to see him through this! His strength surpasses anything I have ever known! God has truly been with him during this whole process and has paved the way so miraculously! When doors shut, God opened others! We firmly believe that’s why the transplant surgery was called off...because God was faithfully protecting him! He knew that Russ would need this third organ...a true blessing in disguise! It’s sometimes hard to find the right words to pray...For Russ to receive what he desperately needs to live his life, another must lose theirs. That’s tough to really process. We pray for God’s will. We pray for the selfless generosity of the donor and their precious gift of life. We pray for the donor’s family and loved ones who will have to endure heartbreaking loss. We pray for all the dr’s, nurses and medical team involved in his care! We pray for God’s continued protection and goodness!
Russ and our family are so very grateful for the many of you who know his story and are already praying! We ask that you share his story and continue to pray! We covet and deeply appreciate all of your prayers!
Again, thank you so very much for your support and for taking the time to read “Russ’ Transplant Journey”!
Right now, he's currently on an adventure of his own...A very serious one. Let me share with you who Russ is, and allow you the opportunity to experience his “Transplant Journey”!
Russ has had to battle multiple heart issues since his mid-thirties. Each heart attack, even minor ones take a toll and weaken the heart function. In December of 2015, Russ was put into the hospital after meeting with his cardiologist because he was having a minor heart attack and had excessive fluid build up. The next day while he was in the hospital his Father passed away from a lengthy battle with prostate cancer. Russ' family went to the hospital to visit and inform him of his father's passing. That evening, his heart stopped. We are all thankful he was in the hospital when this happened. He was able to get life saving measures immediately such as CPR, Defibrillation, and I.V. medications to restart his heart. As a result of his heart failure he sustained several broken ribs and additional damage to his heart. Several of his other organs were compromised from this event and his continued heart failure. Russ was put into a lengthy induced COMA to allow his body to start healing. After the coma we also learned that his heart was only functioning at about 30% and that he needed an implanted defibrillator/pacemaker. It took Russ several weeks to regain his memory and several months in a rehab hospital to regain the strength to be independent. Even after all that, Russ continued with Cardiac Rehab on his own over the next 12 months. During that time he was released to go back to work. He started out slow but it wasn’t long before he was back to working 50 plus hours a week at a very stressful position in the company he was working for. With continued decline of his heart's function the doctor’s put him on 100% disability.
In May of 2017, Russ was diagnosed with Stage 2 Prostate Cancer...The very same cancer that took his father. He was devastated...but determined. Plans for treatment were quickly being worked out. Because of the recent heart attack and cardiac arrest, he was not a candidate for surgery (prostatectomy - removal of the prostate) due to the fragility of his heart which was only functioning now at about 24%. They frankly told him that they did not believe he would survive surgery. The oncologist instead planned for him to start radiation therapy as an alternative treatment. Russ went to each therapy session all on his own...day in and day out. His children live in 4 different states each one with families of our own...a plane ride away, making finances tight. Russ’ mother, step-mother and siblings all live hours away in different areas of California. He put on a brave face and did what needed to be done. This inevitably took a toll on him for the negative and further worsened his heart health. His heart failure was getting so badly that he had to have a weekly (painful) procedure (paracentesis) done where they’d remove fluid build up from his abdomen. They would remove 6-8 liters a week...Sometimes even as much as 11 or 12! That is almost equivalent to more than 22 lbs of fluid being pressed against his diaphragm, placing much pressure on his lungs and stomach; making breathing, sleeping, and eating intolerable to the point of almost impossible!
During his treatments for the prostate cancer and his regular heart appointments, he got some hopeful news! He could possibly be a candidate for a heart transplant...But there were some tests to make sure. He and the family rejoiced and hoped for the best! This was a very much needed positive! During the testing process, he learned that he would have to be cancer free for about 2 years before he could ever even be qualified to be placed on the transplant list. This was disheartening, but Russ remained hopeful and carried on with cancer treatments, heart appointments and fluid removal procedures. He had a wonderful team of dr’s routing for him, fighting for and advocating for him!
Shortly after his radiation therapy ended, he learned that there may still be a chance for him to be placed on the list. He just needed a few more tests to confirm that he was now cancer free. He knew this meant that he would have to endure much more invasive poking and prodding then his already very tired and exhausted body had to experience. But, his strength and hope were renewed in the possibility of a second chance at life! During these testings, they discovered that he had Cardiac Cirrhosis of the Liver. The condition was caused from his heart failure and fluid retention putting extreme pressure on his liver and causing it to overwork. He was told that he would no longer be qualified as a candidate for a heart transplant because the new heart would overwhelm his damaged liver and inevitably cause it to shut down. This began talks for a double transplant of both a heart and liver. Which of course brought on more testing...and even further tested Russ’ already over tested body...and mind!
Russ not only had a “heart team”, but now a “liver team”. They worked together to determine what the very best plan of action would be for Russ. All the while Russ was keeping his multiple dr’s visits weekly for fluid removal, blood tests, heart appointments, etc…
The two seperate teams were often in disagreement over if and or when he should be placed on the national transplant registry. One team wanted him to be cancer free for a certain period of time, the other team would fight back and state that he just didn’t have that time to survive! There were green lights...and then immediate red lights. Through every bump in the road Russ remained ever patient...hopeful for a new life to spend with his children, lots of grandchildren and even great-grandchild!
Finally on July 20, 2018, he received a wonderful phone call! He was approved and added to the National Transplant Registry under 1-A! He was told to get his things in order and to report to UCLA Medical Center on Friday, July 27th to be admitted...He’d be prepped and awaiting his much needed organs. His heart was functioning at only about 18% at this time. Things were moving quickly! We have all prayed for this day and it was finally here! It was long awaited and it all just seemed so surreal to him and the many others who adore him! The dr’s told him that he may be waiting a couple of weeks to even a couple of months. He quickly got acquainted with his team of dr’s, nurses and other hospital staff involved in his care. And quickly got into his new routine of “waiting on the list”. He had much more testing and lots more poking and prodding. As a couple of weeks passed by, Russ soon realized that this waiting was going to be difficult. His freedom is very limited and he is only allowed to take short walks on his floor. This is because they want to make sure that he remains in good health. He also has to endure a very painful procedure called a Swan-Ganz Catheter Placement. This is the insertion of a thin tube through the main artery in his neck leading to and threaded through the right side of his heart (atrium, ventricle, arteries and veins) leading to his lungs. The purpose is to monitor his heart function and the blood flow and pressure in and around his heart and lungs. He is given local anesthesia but still feels so much of the pain and must be awake for the procedure. The catheter needs to be removed and replaced on the opposite side every 10-14 days. As you can imagine, he is physically drained afterwards!
On August 30, 2018, He received THE call! A donor was possibly accepted and they were prepping him for possible surgery for the transplants! As he lay in the surgery room the medial staff were in the next room testing both organs. We all received word that this would be a no-go. The liver was great, but the heart wasn’t as healthy as they originally thought. Because he needs both a heart and liver, the transplants need to be done at the same time and from the same donor. The transplant was called off. Feelings of confusion, defeat and discouragement fell upon our family. This was hard to take. He needed those organs...But, God had other plans and Russ still wasn’t giving up!
The next few days seemed to get harder and harder. His heart function fluctuates between 10%-14%. His kidney function was starting to lessen and his blood counts were dangerously low. They decided that they better move forward with a blood transfusion. A blood transfusion at this stage in the game can complicate things further, as blood transfusions introduce foreign antibodies which may pose a risk of them possibly attacking the new organs. With this risk and now his kidney function being so low, he can’t help but wonder, “What next, God?” All the while continuing to pray and also asking for prayer. At this point most of us would have given up all hope long ago...But, not Russ!
Russ’ dr’s are now talking about possibly doing a TRIPLE transplant...Heart, liver and kidney(s)! UCLA Medical Center has successfully done this...It’s not very common, but it has amazingly been done and we all have hope! ALL 3 organs will need to be from the very same donor and done at the same time. The wait is now longer than the original expected, “a couple weeks to a couple months”. He will be waiting indefinitely until he receives those much needed organs. The waiting is so very hard on him. As to be expected there are days where depression takes over, but there are days of hope too! He misses his family and we miss him terribly! We want nothing more than to be able to be with him and to support him...to hold his hand and hug him. The wait may be long...but when that exciting day comes, his surgery will be very intense and his recovery and healing even longer! Once he is able to leave the hospital, he will be required to move near the facility so that they can regularly monitor his health closely. This process takes about a year. Russ’ dr’s are preparing him and our family to expect a long recovery period. He will need constant care. We are each planning to be there for regular visits to make sure that we are all spending that necessary time with him. Being there with him during this recovery period is so crucial for a successful recovery and complete healing!
Russ is holding onto his faith! With each new bump in the road, he stays steadfast. He is patient and positive! Always making sure to choose kindness, gentleness, and remaining loving to others. Never succumbing to hopelessness. His dr’s, nurses and hospital staff just love him and sincerely want to see him through this! His strength surpasses anything I have ever known! God has truly been with him during this whole process and has paved the way so miraculously! When doors shut, God opened others! We firmly believe that’s why the transplant surgery was called off...because God was faithfully protecting him! He knew that Russ would need this third organ...a true blessing in disguise! It’s sometimes hard to find the right words to pray...For Russ to receive what he desperately needs to live his life, another must lose theirs. That’s tough to really process. We pray for God’s will. We pray for the selfless generosity of the donor and their precious gift of life. We pray for the donor’s family and loved ones who will have to endure heartbreaking loss. We pray for all the dr’s, nurses and medical team involved in his care! We pray for God’s continued protection and goodness!
Russ and our family are so very grateful for the many of you who know his story and are already praying! We ask that you share his story and continue to pray! We covet and deeply appreciate all of your prayers!
Again, thank you so very much for your support and for taking the time to read “Russ’ Transplant Journey”!
Here is the FaceBook link to follow dad's amazing story...
Living on the List…..
Dad & Us Kids
