Update from Barb

[Guest guest]

From Ken's CaringBridge site

Arne

Surgery lasted 8.5 hrs (until 9:30 a.m. this morning). We just spoke to the

surgeon and he said that the procedure was textbook perfect. However, the doctor

actually said he was " pissed' because there were complications with the organ

itself. He said all of the " connections " were good - blood was flowing

regularly,etc. But, the liver was " oozing " too much during the operation and

they kept Ken open an additional 2 hours to monitor it. During the surgery they

also took out his spleen, as that was a recommendation by the Baylor committee

since Ken had several aneurisms in it.

Ken is in ICU now. We haven't seen him yet. The doctor will closely watch the

next several blood draws to see if there is improvement in his body accepting

the liver. If there is not significant improvement he will relist Ken for a new

liver status 1A. This means he will get the first available liver anywhere in

the state of Texas or Oklahoma. That's it for now. We will update when we can.

Barb, TJ, & Kim

[Guest guest]

From Ken's CaringBridge site

Arne

We did get to see Ken this morning for a few minutes. He didn't look so

good, and his color was even more yellow than it was before the

surgery. (Doctor said that isn't unusual).

Ken is doing much better this afternoon!! They took him off the

ventilator at 3 p.m. He is talking a little and has grabbed Mom's hand

a few times. He has consumed 2 cups of ice chips already, but his

throat and lips are still very dry. His color is greatly improved.

Thanks to everyone who has expressed their support in the guestbook. We

appreciate that you are keeping Ken in your thoughts and prayers. We'll

provide another update tomorrow. - Kim