Lifesavers for Latasha

It’s been a while since I’ve shared an update—mainly because this chapter of our healing journey has been heavy, and at times, nearly unbearable. I’ve struggled to find the words that feel honest without sounding angry or defeated.

This week, Latasha and I returned to the Cleveland Clinic for her one-year post-transplant biopsy and lab work. Alongside those critical tests, she also underwent a gastrointestinal study to investigate the severe, recurring nausea and vomiting that continues to leave her bedridden for days.

Before I share the results, I need to acknowledge that this journey has been incredibly hard. At times, it’s felt like a quiet, relentless kind of hell. We’ve become prisoners to unpredictability—never knowing when the next flare-up will strike or how bad it will be. There’s no clear pattern or trigger, only the constant cloud of uncertainty.

We’ve both reached moments of breaking—physically, emotionally, spiritually. We remind each other that this is a team effort, that we’re in this together—but the daily strain can test even the strongest bonds. As her caregiver and partner, I’ve had days where I feel like I’m failing—exhausted, overwhelmed, and deeply isolated. Still, we hold on to the hope that there is light ahead, even when it feels distant.

Now, to the medical update. The good news: Tasha’s transplant results were excellent. Her lung function has improved by another 20% since her last spirometry test—marking a total gain of over 60% since her surgery. There’s no sign of rejection in her biopsy, and she is officially considered a successful transplant recipient. That’s a tremendous milestone and a testament to her strength.

However, the challenging news: her gastroparesis has returned. This means the surgery meant to correct the issue may not have worked—or wasn’t sufficient. We’ll be redoing a series of GI studies soon to determine our options moving forward.

What weighs most heavily on us is the “why” behind all of this. We underwent this transplant to reclaim life—to make memories, to travel, to be present. And yet, we’re still stuck in a cycle of survival, not yet thriving. We know healing takes time, and that complications are part of the journey—but that truth doesn’t make the disappointment hurt any less.

We’re still taking it one day at a time, holding onto hope and choosing to believe in better days ahead. Thank you to everyone who continues to walk with us—your love and support remain our greatest source of strength.

I hope the next update I share brings more joy, more freedom, and more moments lived.