Details as Recovery Begins

Ian has received some blood transfusions due to some bleeding overnight, but is currently stable. He will remain in ICU, unconscious under full sedation. He is unable to breathe or move on his own.

Due to the suppression of Ian's immune system, his risk of infection is high. It is very important that he have no visitors until doctors indicate otherwise.

Successful Surgery!

Ian was in surgery last night from roughly 7:00 PM to 1:00 AM. The surgeons report that the surgery went flawlessly! Ian is now in ICU. This was the report late last night from the very sleepy Smiths. I will post more as soon as I hear.

Thank you, Lord, for answering our prayers for a successful surgery

short update

Just a brief update; it is taking some time for the Cedars organ harvesting team to return to the hospital with the donor heart. Ian has spent the day waiting in a room at the hospital, with Vickie and all 3 kids. We are hoping the heart will arrive early this evening (I heard 6pm as an estimate,) and they will begin Ian's surgery as soon as the heart is in the building.

Please read the previous post from today for prayer requests, and as always we send our love and thanks to family and friends.

Katie Smith

A HEART ON ITS WAY

Ian is almost at the hospital now; he received a call early this morning (a little after 4am maybe? that a donor heart is available for him. PRAISE THE LORD!!!

As far as I know, they will begin prepping Ian as soon as he arrives at Cedar's, and at the same time they will be transporting the heart to him. Please pray today for the strength of Ian's body to withstand this surgery. Pray for the surgeons' skill and wisdom. And pray for the family of the donor; as we rejoice in this gift, they are surely in deep sorrow for the loss of their loved one.

Many thanks and love to all!!
Katie Smith

Back on the List!!

As of yesterday, Ian is back on the transplant list. He met with the transplant coordinator today to learn more about the process. We expect him to receive a heart relatively soon, due to his common blood type and his high placement on the list.

This Thanksgiving, the Smith family gives thanks to GOD for Ian's health and especially for all of the support we have received from you, our family and friends. Thank you so very much. Have a wonderful holiday with your loved ones.

Great News! Praise the Lord

The biopsy that was completed during Ian's prostate surgery has come back-- he is now CANCER-FREE! Ian now has the doctor's clearance to be placed back on the "list" for a heart transplant. He might be released Saturday to go home and wait for his new ticker.

Please continue to pray for the Lord's timing and provision of a new heart.

Recovering well; may be home soon!

Ian is recovering well. He has been moved from ICU, back to the Cardiac Critical Care Unit, where he has spent much time these past several weeks. As you can probably imagine, Ian has befriended all of the nursing staff on the 6th floor, especially Paula, his favorite.

He was in good spirits today. He's still on pain meds and they are monitoring him closely, but his doctor has said he may be able to be released on Wednesday!