About this site

Welcome to Martha’s blog site about her husband Scott. In September, 2006 Marcus, Scott’s cousin, donated part of his liver to Scott . We are using this site to inform our friends and extended family what is going on in our lives and what the latest status of Scott’s health is.

If you are new to this site, I recommend you scroll down to “Summary” and get caught up to speed on what his happened so far. For updates on how he is doing right now - see the most current “Daily Status” on the left side - and scroll down to the end. We always add the most recent update to the bottom of the page. If you are a true glutton for information, you can read all the past “Daily Status” pages. In theory, either Scott or I update the most recent “Daily Status” pages whenever we have something to share. If he is in the hospital and the information is changing quickly we will update multiple times in one day. However, if he is home and the situation is not changing much, we may only update once a week to let you know all is as well as can be and we we appreciate your interest.

You are welcome to look around and see what else we have been up to. I highly recommend visiting the “Various Photos” page for few smiles. We were filmed though all of the first transplant by the BBC and you can find out more info under “The Documentary“. You are welcome to leave a comment by simply going to the most current “Comments” page. This lets us know you who is out there and interested in what we are going through, it also helps to cheer us up if the situation is depressing. These will get mailed to me directly as well as they can be read by everyone visiting the website (including Scott, hopefully). (Do not put personal information like phone numbers or addresses.) These really help to cheer us up and let us know there is more to life than just illness.

NOTE: Scott is home!!! ( May 5, 2008 )


Scott at Extended Stay America

Scott at the Extended Stay America. Picture taken Thursday, April 17.

The lump around his middle is where the abdomen was re closed after the surgery. Since it has been opened up so many times, it was not closed up very nicely. Hopefully, in time the lump will go away and ascities will go down (fluid buildup in the abdomen).

35 Comments

  1. Ed Amatucci said,

    August 30, 2006 at 8:29 pm

    Scott,

    We here in Code 592 wish you the best of luck in your operation and a speedy recovery!

    We need to get back out to the bowling ally and have another branch party when you return.

    Ed

  2. Lou and Camille Nehmsmann said,

    September 1, 2006 at 1:53 am

    This is a great website, and answered a lot of our questions.
    Our prayers and best wishes are with all of you and with Marcus.
    We’ll keep checking this site for updates.
    Lou and Camille

  3. Julie said,

    September 5, 2006 at 12:57 am

    Great job, Martha! I hope this website is as therapeutic for you and Scott as it is informative for the rest of us. My prayers are with you, Martha, and Scott and Marcus and his wife. I know Sept 5th will be a day of great rejoicing in your family!! Love, Julie

  4. Deirdre Holder said,

    September 5, 2006 at 3:05 pm

    Martha,
    My thoughts are with you all - counting on the surgery going well and the recovery being smooth.

    I agree wtih the other commenters - great website - thanks for sharing - I know it helps to get the info out without having to make a bunch of calls, I also hope it helps you as much as it helps all of us.

    Keep letting people know what you need - we’ll all help do what we can for you.

    On a much lighter note - after reading your page, have you discovered the circular sudoku? Charles found one for me and it’s a fun way to add different logic into it.

    Best wishes and hugs to all of you!
    Deirdre

  5. Carol Krueger (co-work and friend of Scott's) said,

    September 5, 2006 at 4:46 pm

    Scott,

    You have come a long way. With God’s help and your good Doctor you will be fine. Everyone that attend’s the Elizabeth Seaton Catholic Church in Crofton, MD will be praying for you and Marcus. I have had your name added to our pray list.

    Martha please keep us informed as to Scott’s progress. Your website is the best thing and it means so much to share Scott’s progress with his family and friends. Scott is a part of us all.

    God Bless you all,

  6. Jeanne & Frank Dell'Acqua said,

    September 5, 2006 at 10:31 pm

    We are checking this site for updates and are happy that the surgery is in progress.
    We are keeking all of you in our thoughts and prayers and wish Scott and Marcus a speedy and complete recovery.

    Best Wishes and God Bless You,

    Jeanne & Frank Dell’Acqua

  7. Jeannie, Chuck, Evan, Kathleen said,

    September 6, 2006 at 1:04 am

    Wow. We are so appreciative of the updates you have posted, Martha. I hope you have an appetite now and that the news continues to be good. Keep up your amazing courage. Much love to you all.

    From Kathleen: I hope everybody is doing great and I am happy to hear the good news. I bet it feels good to have most of the stress off your shoulders. I hope I can get together with you guys soon. Remember that Erin and Shannon are welcome to come to a sleepover whenever it is helpful to you.

    From Evan: Hi! I don’t know what it feels like to be in your position, but if you need help, we are always here for you guys! I hope Mr. Scott will be fine with his new liver and that Marcus is recovering well!

    From Bella: woof and lick. (She is happy with the good news and hopes to see you soon.)

  8. Deirdre Holder said,

    September 6, 2006 at 4:00 am

    Congratulations for the successful surgery! On to the recovery. I’m so glad that they have someplace there that you can stay - I know what a difference it will make for you. Remember, Scott needs you to take care of youself during all of this, too. We love you both!! Thanks again for sharing the news this way!

  9. Charles Holder (Cea) said,

    September 6, 2006 at 12:31 pm

    YEAH! Martha, Thanks for the updates. Hopefully you were able to rest…some. It brought tears to m’eyes reading the surgery updates, especially the “pinking up”.
    As for Scott’s jaundice, a little foundation and a good pink rouge should do the trick. Or just call it a bad application of self tanner.
    Our thoughts continue out to Scott and Markus.

    Although we’re not “next door”, we’re not that far away. If there’s anything you need, please know you can call…anytime. Hugs all around.

  10. Debbie O'Neill said,

    September 6, 2006 at 5:34 pm

    I am happy to hear that the surgery has gone well. (Scott has been a great help to us at GPM with our demiseability studies.) I hope that he will continue to improve and make a speedy recovery. Best wishes, Scott and family!

  11. Cathy & Fred Niziol said,

    September 6, 2006 at 7:55 pm

    Just want you to know we are thinking of you ALL and we are here through the months to come for whatever we can do to make this long journey you’re just beginning an easier one. ANY time, ANY task.

  12. Sarah said,

    September 6, 2006 at 9:30 pm

    So glad to hear all of the good news. Tell Scott I saw Shannon at school today and she was very upbeat. Is that David Hillen in the room next door? It’s hard to believe that there are two liver transplants in one fairly small middle school.

    When I was 6 I went to the JHH emergency room (my father was an intern there) after I tried to cut a popsicle in half with a very sharp knife. As I sat there (for hours - very low on the triage list) a horribly grisly motorcycle accident was wheeled in. I don’t think it scarred me too much. ;-)

    Thanks so much for all of the updates - this way I don’t have to pester your sister and the kids. :-)

  13. Jeannie, Chuck, Evan, Kathleen said,

    September 6, 2006 at 11:33 pm

    We eagerly flock to the computer to learn of news. Your blog is working. Thanks so much for sharing updates. We echo the words of others — make sure to take care of the primary care giver (i.e., you, Martha). I hope you can rest…

    Kathleen is calling Erin now. I hope she gets through…

    Much love,
    J, C, E, K (and B)

  14. Daniella, John and the girls :) said,

    September 7, 2006 at 4:38 am

    Martha,

    Thank you so much for putting this together!!! We are so proud of Marcus, Scott, you and Kim for undertaking this incredible proceedure! Of course we have you all (the ENTIRE family) in our players and are optomistic that the surgery will not only be a success, but that the recoveries will be quick too.

    We love you guys and are rootin’ for you all the way!

  15. Kary said,

    September 7, 2006 at 10:21 am

    Glad Scott and Marcus are both recovering well. I’ll pray that the liver works well and both guys are healthy again soon.

  16. Jeanne & Frank Dell'Acqua said,

    September 7, 2006 at 1:09 pm

    We are happy that things continue to go well for Scott and Marcus. All the Jeffers Hill neighbors are praying for a great outcome.

    Jeanne

  17. Dave O'Bryan said,

    September 7, 2006 at 2:03 pm

    Scott and Marcus (and all your family),

    I am so pleased at how well everything is going. I wish you both a speedy recovery.

    Scott,

    We have a shower to build when you are fully recovered. :-)

    Dave

  18. Teresa Camacho-Hull said,

    September 7, 2006 at 2:56 pm

    Wow!!!! here - from a witness of the recovery of these two young troopers…yesterday I got mixed up (as usual) with words…and told Scott, what a “cruiser” he was…first I saw my husband’s (Chuck) in his disconcerting eyes, saying…what do you mean? I thought I said something bad or negative to Scott……but then the “sick one” smiled and said…you are talking about the big ships…”hey, that’s the way I am feeling… like a creat cruiser…!” Martha, don’t worry..I didn’t make him talk too much…but he was the one who was bubbling with jokes…amazing!!! He looks SO unbelievable great…Our prayers have been heard…I am sure they are in the right direction… As for my “hijito” (my favorite son) - also doing fantastic…which does not surprise us…he makes us worry so mucho…and then comes back, this time right…LIIKE THE PARATROOPER! HE ALWAYS HAS BEEN, IS AND ALWAYS WILL BE…gosh…he has so many fans…luckily…so he does not feel beaten by his cousin Scott!!!!who is already famous all over the world! no kidding…there were candles lit, prayers worry and love for these two…by family members…in Geneva, Lugano, Columbia (not the country), Phoenix, Miami, Mallasa, La Paz, Cochabamba, Vatican City, Stocolm, Union Town, France, Brazil (?), Obrajes, Manchester (Md) Calacoto, Germantown, Darnestown, Los Angeles, North CArolina…Westminster and who knows where else!!!. Hey you guys…GOD BLESS YOU EVERY SECOND…we need you back in your homes and in the workforce!!! Besos y abrazos…”tia” Teresa and “Mami”.

  19. Mykl said,

    September 7, 2006 at 6:13 pm

    I’m confident that recovery will be full and as swift as possible, so here’s wishing that Scott and Marcus don’t get too bored in hospital, and that their loved ones will soon be permitted to bring them food and amusements from outside.

    If anyone who knows has a chance, can you post a snailmail address for Gallen and Marcus at the hospital?

  20. Deirdre Holder said,

    September 8, 2006 at 12:52 pm

    Martha,

    Wonderful news all around! Being with staff who are used to dealing with transplant patients will make a huge difference!

    I’m sure I’m speaking for many people when I say PLEASE don’t feel that you need to appologize about anything you are or are not posting here. You are so gracious to post so much - we all appreciate being able to know what’s going on from our respective distances. Having it as a reminder for you later on will be very helpful - so, say what you need … it doesn’t sound as rambling as you may think. We’re smiling and tearing up together out here in the ethernet. Most of all, we’re sending your entire family and medical team good thoughts and support … and grateful for the continued good news.

  21. Arlette, Roak, Jo, and Autumn said,

    September 8, 2006 at 5:04 pm

    Hi Rheannon and Gallen,
    We are so glad to hear that you were able to get this transplant, that we know you needed so much, and to hear that you are recovering well from the initial surgery. We cann’t wait to spend more time with you next Pennsic! I know the engieering corp was not the same with you on half-speed, and I can only imagine how frustrating it must have been to be told not to overdo it repeatedly! I’m sure Shannon and Erin are being a great help and very brave - and will help Rheannon keep you in line when you try to do more than the doctors want you to. Wishing you a speedy recovery, and thinking of you.
    Love,
    The Rozakii

  22. Teresa said,

    September 9, 2006 at 7:55 pm

    Mykl, I guess a good snail address for Marcus (if this request has not been already answered) would be the Hospital’s (Johns Hopkins Hospital, Nelson 7, 500 N Caroline St, Baltimore, Md) …but if it is too “snailie”…it might not find him … better send it to his office address: Marcus A. Hull, Ferris, Baker, Watts, Inc. 13236 Executive Park Terr, Germantown, Md 20874. Teresa Camacho-Hull (his mother)

  23. Sarah said,

    September 9, 2006 at 11:42 pm

    Sorry to hear things aren’t going well today. I saw a plaque the other day that said:

    This too shall pass.
    Now would be good.

    I could relate to that and I’m sure you can too.

    thinking of you all,
    Sarah

  24. Martha said,

    September 10, 2006 at 4:11 am

    Please do not send snailmail to Marcus at the hospital, he is going home too soon to get it :)

    Use his address at work above in Teresa’s comment.
    Martha

  25. Jeannie said,

    September 11, 2006 at 2:23 am

    Reading today’s posting got the tears flowing — especially Scott’s quote. I have so much admiration for you ALL. Marcus and Kim are amazing, giving people and Martha and Scott are amazing, giving people. The world is a better place thanks to you all.

    Martha — be sure to call if you need to. I am reluctant to call and disrupt any peace you may have found. (Recall my knack for knocking on the door when a nap might have happened…!) But, I am here and available to talk anytime you need it, okay?

    Thinking of you all…
    Jeannie

  26. Buddy said,

    September 11, 2006 at 4:13 am

    I was finally able to access your site. I’ve been out of town for 2 weeks and my phone wasn’t accessing the net properly. I’m very relieved that Scott is doing so well — and Marcus, too! Also, thank you, Martha for taking the trouble to keep updating; I can only imagine how difficult it’s been for you to focus at times! I look forward to seeing Scott back at work soon (but not too soon).

  27. Martha said,

    September 12, 2006 at 2:21 am

    Happy “19th” Birthday, Carol Krueger

  28. Carol Krueger (co-work and friend of Scott's) said,

    September 13, 2006 at 6:52 pm

    Scott & Martha,

    Thank you so much for remembering my Birthday. If you only knew how much it really means to me, especially after all the 911 happenings. But I can’t remember one year that Scott didn’t call me up or pass me at GSFC that he didn’t wish me a Happy Birthday. Even during all he is going through he still remembers. This man is so SPECIAL. I just wish I could stop the tears from flowing down my face right now. Hang in there both of you. Things will improve and get so much better. PLEASE Scott be a patient. I know you want out of there and so do the rest of us. But like I told my husband on December 5, 2005 when his Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm rupture and he had to have emergency surgery. It is just a temporary thing, bear it and make it thru it. He did and everything went well after that.
    I was glad to hear Marcus went home and is doing good. Scott you will be going home soon.
    Nothing good happening around here at GSFC, raining today. Everyone said hi and getting pushing.
    Well, got to stop for now - Boss is standing over me - ha ha
    Catch up tomorrow - have a wonderful night both of you.

  29. Teresa said,

    September 15, 2006 at 4:51 pm

    Scott, eventhough you don’t see us in the hospital … we are still praying, thinking of you, wishing you the best…as you said on Sunday…now starts the second phase of the difficult times ahead…but you can do it…you did SO well in the operation…and I am sure that just looking at those beautiful faces of your most important ladies…will give you the strenght to withstand anything… I am going to Bolivia tomorrow, so keep in mind how many miles away “the Bolivian family” is thinking of you and your prompt recovery. Con todo el cariño sincero de tu tía, Teresa.

  30. Teresa said,

    September 15, 2006 at 4:54 pm

    Martha, the Superlady…you rock!!!…as my girls would say…(I think… ;) YOU ARE AWESOME…your man will be alright to continue with your summer campings that got you together… Power to you! Sincerely, Teresa.

  31. Janet Barth (Code 562) said,

    November 7, 2006 at 4:31 pm

    Dear Scott,

    I heard from a little birdie that some more donated leave is coming your way!! We miss you here in the Parts Engineering branch. While I miss 561 and look forward to going back, I have been reacquainted with old friends and made many new here in 562. So, Scott I don’t see comments here from your old 562 buddies, but know that we think or you, pray for you, talk about you (all good stuff too) and want you back here at GSFC (562 perhaps!??).

    With my very best wishes for your recovery.

    Janet

  32. Jeannette Benavides said,

    November 7, 2006 at 5:26 pm

    Dear Scott:

    I only want to say that you are in my thoughts and wish that you get well soon so we can all enjoy your presence at GSFC again. I think that you are one of those very special human beings who is a privilege to know and deserve the best.

    My best regards

    Jeannette

  33. Carl (562 Computer Guru) said,

    November 7, 2006 at 5:36 pm

    I hope your operation proceeds without issue and that your recovery is swift and rejuvenating. We all look forward to seeing it happen.

    Carl

  34. Pat Friedberg said,

    November 7, 2006 at 9:02 pm

    Hello Scott!!!

    I am sooo happy to hear that you are home!!!! I have been praying for you since the surgery and after. I am so glad you have this website it is really nice to be able to send you messages. I am sure your family is delighted that your home so they can give you alot of TLC. Please if there is anything I can do to help you and your family out please let me know. God Bless

    Pat Friedberg
    P.S. I am having a terrible time trying to submit annual leave to your account, would you know who could help me?

  35. Shawn Macmurphy said,

    November 8, 2006 at 1:57 pm

    Scott,

    It is great to here that you are home. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. What seemed important to you in the past has know become trivial, your life and family are what is most important. I look forward to the day you come back to Goddard.

    Your Friend,
    Shawn

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