Marshall returned home from DUKE hospital on July 20th. He had been there for his 3rd kidney biopsy and 6th hospital stay since returning from UMICH hospital in October 2010. Lately some of his numbers have been “out of range” and the DUKE post-transplant team is trying to determine what is happening with his new kidney and what they can do to bring the numbers “back in range”.Marshall’s immune system does not appear to be rejecting the new kidney and that is good news. However, the doctors are still concerned about what is causing the creatinine and other numbers to be “out of range”. The DUKE team is currently consulting with the UMICH transplant team and we are hopeful that they will find some answers and come up with a solution. Marshall is continuing to have regular blood tests, take his numerous medications/injections, and drink his prescribed 4 liters of liquid per day.These latest setbacks and hospital stays have been difficult physically and psychologically but Marshall has been tough throughout these last several months and is dealing with these issues better than most teenagers or even adults. We have had tremendous support from family, friends, and neighbors. The many emails, phone calls, cards, visits, and prayers have been enormously helpful to Marshall and to our entire family.
As you all must know by now, playing ice hockey has been Marshall’s love and passion for over 10 years. His diagnosis of End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) in August 2005, the subsequent 5 years of treatment, and the kidney transplant operation on September 2, 2010 slowed him down on the ice but never kept him for his dream of playing competitive ice hockey as a goalie. Last August, less than a month before his transplant, he attended the Carolina Hurricanes Goalie Camp. He played on a RYHA Spring League team less than 6 months after his transplant and on August 1st he will attend the Carolina Hurricanes Goalie Camp again; this time with a new kidney and some special safety pads.Marshall has never asked for special treatment by coaches or fellow players. Even though his stamina has been far below that of his contemporaries, he makes a valiant effort to practice and play at a competitive level for his age group. He is signed up to play RYHA High School level hockey this Fall as a ninth grader attending Cardinal Gibbons HS. The only thing that will keep him off of the ice will be “Doctors’ Orders”.We continue to covet your prayers. Please visit Marshall’s website at: www.mthockeyplayer.org for more information.You can email him at: marshall@mthockeyplayer.com .Thanks for your prayers and support. Peace & Blessings to you and yours,Phil+, Susan, & Marshall Taylor