Hi everyone-

If you didn’t see on Facebook, I finished my masters from LSU on Friday. I promised an update on my plans, so here goes…

Also, please keep reading for a special prayer intention.

My Masters in Education, is in Curriciulum and Instruction, with a specialization in Special Education. Individuals with disabilities have always held a special place in my heart.

Time and time again, when I worked for the Catholic Church, I saw how churches were/are ill equipped to handle anyone with a disability, whatever the type may be. And probably 20 years ago, when I was a college intern at a parish, I had to advocate for a young man with disabilities, to be included in the program in a way that worked for him. That experience changed me forever. I am a firm believer that Churches should be open to anyone, especially means those with disabilities.

And so, after my transplant, I started to really ask myself what I wanted my mark on this world to be. And after much prayer and thought, the answer was to change how individuals with disabilities and families encounter God and experience church. My plan now is to begin creating curriculum, children’s books and a variety of resources for individuals with disabilities, using my knowledge from my undergrad, in Catechetics and theology and my newly acquired Masters.

But, that dream is on hold for a little bit…as I am headed back to the OR on Wednesday. If you don’t want to read about female stuff, skip ahead a few paragraphs.

Some of you may remember that back in 2017, I had to have an endometrial ablation. I had always had really heavy periods and was also on blood thinners at the time, which meant I essentially hemorrhaged each month. The solution was to do the ablation, which basically cauterizes the lining, so I would still ovulate, but didn’t bleed. The surgeon told me at the time, that it would likely need to be repeated, due to my young age and being of child bearing years.

A few months ago, I started to have some bleeding. After discussing with my transplant team and a few gynecologists the options were birth control or a different surgery. I opted for the surgery, as birth control has increased my migraines in the past and my PCP and I aren’t convinced that it didn’t play a role in the progression of my heart disease early on.

While the previous ablation, made child bearing, extremely high risk, this surgery will make me unable to bear children. Child bearing after a transplant is controversial, as there isn’t enough research on it. What we do know is that pregnancy introduces antibodies into the system, which often leads to rejection. And the meds I must remain on, often cause birth defects. Lastly, a pregnancy would be life threatening, if it were to happen.

So at the time of transplant; I agreed to not get pregnant in the future. This surgery will ensure that. And while it’s hard to know as a woman, that will never happen, I’ve also had the last ten years to grieve that. The decision for the surgery was made to address the now problem and the future, with a mister, someday.

And for those wondering about the morality of it, it has been discussed with many a wise counsel.

The surgery is supposed to be outpatient. My gynecologist wants to ensure I’ve come out of anesthesia okay, my heart is handling everything well and that my pain is under control, before he sends me home. But we are rooting for getting to recover at home. Cardiology gave the all clear a few weeks ago and my PCP gave a thumbs up. I’ve had some labs and they are actually looking good and the kidneys are behaving, so from a medical standpoint this is a good time to do it.

Recovery the first few days will be rough, but then it’s supposed to be about 2 weeks and then back to normal activity. The surgery itself, start to finish, is about an hour. Mama Bear will post an update.

We appreciate your love, support and prayers. We kindly ask that you would pray for a safe and successful surgery, my surgeons and for a quick and full recovery. You all remain in our prayers.

Look out this fall for a few more big updates, like have I started my book? How recovery went, what surgery is next, and all the other fun updates.

Always remember, that Hope Wins ⚓️