My Liver Is Crying

09/04/2022

2 days until surgery and my cat goes missing. Has anyone seen our Cali?

08/09/2022

Hello to all! I haven’t posted an update on here in quite awhile and have a lot of updates. First though, I want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for all the meals and donations (including donations of time and talent). We have felt very loved and supported by our friends and family, our church, and our community as a whole.

Now for my health update. First, I have been temporarily removed from the liver transplant list due to some new developments with my cancerous neuroendocrine tumor on my aorta. The radiation didn’t work as well as we had hoped it would. The tumor is now a functioning member of my system and is emitting huge amounts of hormones and adrenaline (10 times the normal amount to be exact). As a result I’m constantly jittery and shaky, forgetful, have slurred speech at times due to dry mouth, am constantly exhausted and am currently, at times, walking with a cane.

I was taken off the transplant list because it would be too dangerous to get one at the moment with the tumor as functional as it is. So, as a last resort, I am scheduled for surgery on September 6th to attempt to remove the tumor. It is a very risky surgery for the following reasons: I will need a blood transfusion and will also have a vascular surgeon assisting my Oncology surgeon. I could go into liver failure to to the stress of the surgery. I may need a temporary colostomy because the blood vessels are also ones that supply blood to my colon. It is very close to many blood vessels that supply the heart.

Although scared I feel that this is the best option in order to start moving forward with my health. I will be in the hospital for about a week at Vanderbilt in Nashville and recovering at home for another six weeks.

Please know that we are beyond appreciative of any and all help with meals, restaurant and gas cards, rides for Jack and Patrick and any type of help you think you can offer with your talents. We appreciate you all and could not endure this journey without you!

06/14/2022

Hi all! This is Kim posting for Kate! See an update below that Kate shared with me. This family could really use an army of angels right now! 🙏 Kate is very weak and is not able to complete many daily tasks. Please prayerfully consider helping in any way you can. If you are willing to help pick up a two hour shift to help around the house or bring a meal please comment below and I’ll reach out to you with more information.

Some people have asked how to donate! Thanks so much! 🙏 To Donate Click here: https://gofund.me/b60a497e

👉 Spoke with my liver surgeon yesterday and scheduled to meet with a cardiac surgeon to determine if cardiology thinks they can remove the tumor near my heart safely. Right now my transplant status is on hold. She said that this tumor is becoming quite dangerous because it's secreting TONS of adrenaline.

05/02/2022

Hi all! This is Kim Warnick on behalf of Kate. Please read this article below regarding this sweet family! They need all the love and support they can get! 🥰 Please consider becoming a live liver donor!
https://farragutpress.com/articles/2022/04/11770
In addition to a GoFundMe account, they also have a meal train set up, so please see the link below if you would be willing to help with meals! 👇
https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/zode3o...

Liver ‘desperately’ needed for Farragut mom; + cancer fight April 27, 2022 by Michelle Hollenhead April is national “Donate Life Month” by Donate Life America, but Kate Dee is keenly aware of the need for organ donation every day. The Farragut mother of three is suffering with non-alcoholic ...

04/09/2022

Jack, 2nd grade.😃

04/09/2022

Spring in TN.🌷⛈️🌀☃️

04/02/2022

We are raising funds to show our love and support for this beautiful family… Kim Warnick needs your support for The Dee Family Support-Liver Transplant Fund

03/26/2022

Today was a GREAT day! Done with radiation.😍

03/11/2022

Hello all! So, we finally met with the radiologist at Vanderbilt and then one here in Knoxville at UT Medical Center. I'm starting radiation next week on March 17th, St. Patrick's Day. .lucky me. In between the last post and this one I finally caught Covid. It wasn't that bad except for the raging headaches and extreme fatigue. The transplant team also referred me to receive the monoclonal antibodies.

I am going to receive radiation for a total of 5 days as opposed to the 5 days a week for 5 weeks. I will get a very high dose of radiation each day as a result. This shorter time is due partly so there is less of a chance of interruption of treatment should a liver match become available.

Although I am grateful for the fact that treatment is moving forward and that I can get it here in Knoxville, I will admit that I'm at a little bit of a low point in terms of morale. I'm exhausted all the time, taking so many medications just to simulate a functioning liver, overwhelmed with the increasing needs of care of my husband and just all over sick of being sick.

I'll post some more updates soon after radiation and my visit with the liver team at Vanderbilt, also next week. I promise my pity party will be over by then.😉🙏❤

02/20/2022

I want to thank everyone that has donated and reached out to help! Please continue to share this link and spread the word! Every little bit helps! 🥰

If anyone is interested in helping with meals for the family, please let me know!

Thanks so much, Kim W!

We are raising funds to show our love and support for this beautiful family… Kim Warnick needs your support for The Dee Family Support-Liver Transplant Fund