Rachael's Path to a New Pancreas

Rachael's Path to a New Pancreas Follow Rachael's journey of receiving a pancreas transplant to cure her type 1 diabetes!

This week, we celebrate 8 months since my pancreas transplant surgery! 🎉I got a cabin in the woods and went hiking with ...
08/15/2026

This week, we celebrate 8 months since my pancreas transplant surgery! 🎉

I got a cabin in the woods and went hiking with my dog for multiple days. I have wanted to do this for years but never went because I thought it was too risky to do alone with Type 1 Diabetes. I went, I was fine, and had a great time 🙂

Thank you, Tweedle Dee (new pancreas)! ❤️

7 years ago today. I had no idea Type 1 Diabetes was wreaking havoc on my body. I dropped down to 115 lbs before I reali...
08/08/2026

7 years ago today. I had no idea Type 1 Diabetes was wreaking havoc on my body. I dropped down to 115 lbs before I realized something was wrong and went to the doctor.

The most difficult part of being diagnosed with this horrible disease, for me, was the mental and emotional acceptance that this was going to change my life forever.

Little did I know that I would “only” live with T1D for 6 years before having my life dramatically changed again by having a pancreas transplant!

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) was passed on to me from the donor organ. Thankfully, it’s a common and treatable virus. 🦠 UW Heal...
07/30/2026

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) was passed on to me from the donor organ. Thankfully, it’s a common and treatable virus. 🦠

UW Health put me on an anti-viral medication and the CMV levels have already come down 🎉 I was given approval to stop taking the medication, that’s 4 fewer pills daily 💊 💊 💊 💊

To be clear, I gave approval in the beginning to accept an organ that could have certain issues that are treatable with medication. The wait for a new pancreas would have been longer if I wanted a “perfect” organ.

Everything I have gone through has been worth it to live a life FREE of Type 1 Diabetes! ❤️

My doctor told me I could stop taking one of the medications! 🎉 I’m still taking 13 types of medication and 24.5 pills d...
07/13/2026

My doctor told me I could stop taking one of the medications! 🎉

I’m still taking 13 types of medication and 24.5 pills daily 💊 💊 💊

Slowly, but surely 🙂

My bones are strong…”for my age” 😂 Nurse: “[bone density test] Results are within normal limits for your age range which...
07/09/2026

My bones are strong…”for my age” 😂

Nurse: “[bone density test] Results are within normal limits for your age range which is great!”

Everything went great in Madison yesterday! The photo is from a walk in the park we did to shoot some B roll for the int...
07/09/2026

Everything went great in Madison yesterday!

The photo is from a walk in the park we did to shoot some B roll for the interview. The media team was great to work with 😊

✅ Bloodwork & vitals were good
⚠️ Keeping an eye on my blood pressure. It’s in range, just don’t want it going higher.
⏳ Results from the bone density test will be back in a couple days
🦠 I started taking an antiviral to combat the CMV virus which was passed on through the donor organ. Thankfully, it’s a common virus and treatable!
💊 We made some other adjustments to my meds
⚠️ Magnesium was a little low. I’m going to eat more foods containing magnesium before they decide to put me on another supplement.

Upcoming:
✔️ Primary care doctor appointment
✔️ Schedule dermatology appointment
✔️ Weekly bloodwork to monitor CMV

Wednesday is a big day. I’m just a few days away from my 7 month anniversary. Gail Bisby Fisher and I will be on the roa...
07/08/2026

Wednesday is a big day.

I’m just a few days away from my 7 month anniversary. Gail Bisby Fisher and I will be on the road starting at 4:30am to go to UW Health in Madison, WI. 🚘

I’m scheduled for a bone density test, bloodwork, and a consultation with the medical team. I had to stop taking all supplements that contain calcium for 24 hours prior to the test. 🦴

I’m also going to be interviewed for being the 2,000th pancreatic transplant patient! 😎 📸

Now, for the bad news: I have tested positive for a virus called Cytomegalovirus (CMV) which was transmitted by the donor organ. 🦠

“In organ transplant recipients, active CMV can cause life-threatening complications affecting the eyes, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract.” —CDC

The results came in today and, thankfully, I’ll be at the hospital tomorrow to pick up the antiviral medication I need. 💊

I gave the transplant team approval to accept certain conditions of an organ which are treatable, in order to increase the probability of matching with a donor. It worked and I have no regrets. We will treat this virus and keep it at bay.

💪🏼

How much do you think these medications cost?💊 Prednisone, 5mg & 2.5mg - steroid 💊 Bactrim - anti-bacterial 💊 Envarsus (...
06/20/2026

How much do you think these medications cost?

💊 Prednisone, 5mg & 2.5mg - steroid
💊 Bactrim - anti-bacterial
💊 Envarsus (Tacrolimus), 4mg & 1mg - anti-rejection
💊 Mycophenolate, 360mg x3 - anti-rejection

This is a 3 month supply, but does not represent all the medications I’m currently taking.

Today marks 6 months since my pancreatic transplant! 🎉 I feel great, taking my medication morning & night, and having my...
06/11/2026

Today marks 6 months since my pancreatic transplant! 🎉

I feel great, taking my medication morning & night, and having my bloodwork checked every couple weeks. 💊 🩸

One medication ended this week - yay! The amount of another medication has increased to compensate for the other drug going away. The medical team is keeping a close eye out for infection during this transition period.

At one year, I get to ring the bell at UW Health 🔔

Address

1829 2nd Ave. Rock Island
Rock Island, IL
61201

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