GREAT News!

We are finally home. Yesterday the doctors gave Bethani the green light to go home! We are so excited and exhausted at the same time. The last 2 weeks have been long ones but we are grateful that the new anti rejection medication is working.

Thank you for all your prayers and thoughtful comments on the blog they have definitely ministered to us. God Bless you and yours during this Holiday season.

with much love,

Brian, Bethani, & Wyatt

Change of Plans!

Well we have a change of plans. We are not going home for Christmas. The Liver team told us this morning that her liver #'s are not what they should be yet. They have started Bethani on another immune suppressant drug that is a whole new level. Short term side affects are severe flu like symptoms and long term affects are much more serious, but we have to get this rejection under control. We are optimistic and believing that this medication will work better than the former. Although this puts a kink in our plans for the holidays we are optimistic that everything will work out for the best.

Tonight Bethani began her first treatment and is very nervous and scared about the severe side affects. Please keep her in you prayers through this difficult time. Remember the family (myself, and her mother specifically) as we help carry this load with Bethani.

May you all have a very Merry Christmas!

With much love,

Brian, Bethani, & Wyatt

A nitetime talk.

Dear friends,



Well it is currently 10 pm Wed. night and I am about to start my 5 night treatment for rejection. I have been surprisingly positive today. I thought today would be one of the hardest days for me but God has sustained me through distractions such as getting to see my little Wyatt this evening for the first time in 5 days. I fed him sweet potatoes, and tonight was the first time he said "DADA" in front of all of us. It felt so good not to miss out on a special moment like that. Being away from Wyatt has been harder on Brian and I than we realized cause we can now see that he misses us. But I have a Goal everyone....5 nights of intense treatment and then it looks like possibly home sweet home. Pray for us to get through this next 5 nights and 5days. They say there could be a lot of flu like symptoms so they have given me Tylenol, and Benedryl 30 min before my treatment just to help... but then again most people get through it just fine. So i guess we shall see. I feel so close to each one of you its almost strange, hearing from so many of you I have not seen or heard from in years. But just knowing you are there and you are praying is doing more than you could ever realize for me and my whole family... So remember I am shooting for being home for Christmas. That's one of our prayer goals ok, well I gotta start the treatment. I love all of you and your comments are still holding me up so please continue.

I Love all of you,

Bethani Roam

PS. Sis. "P" Please don't stop doing what your doing for me.

update 100 and something!

Well we are still here at UCSF working at getting this moderate rejection under control. As you are aware Bethani had a feeding tube for about 24 hrs until she began vomitting which caused her feeding tube to come up. So, Bethani will get another opportunity to keep food down without the tube. This is a good thing.

Today she has already had another biopsy and the results will be in tomorrow. The liver team is concerned about her lab numbers hovering instead of declining. So if the biopsy says rejection again then they will move to a much more powerfull medication for anti-rejection. This will help get her lab numbers back to normal. The only problem is that there can be some harsh side affects.

Big Picture is we need prayer for her lab numbers to level out and for this rejection to stop as quickly and smoothly as possible. As I have said before we need the peace of God to surround us and keep our hearts and minds against fears, and worries.

Thank you all for your prayer,


Brian, Bethani, & Wyatt

Good News!

According to the Liver Team Bethani's labs are getting better. Her main liver #'s are going down which means the anti rejection medication is working! This is the news we have been hoping for. Also if her numbers continue to trend downward then they will not have to put the camera down her stomach and check the bile duct. We thank God for this wonderful news!

She has endured 2 very difficult days in which she has gone through a biopsy, and lung draining procedures. Last night the doctors noticed her oxygen level was a little low and so they had to drain fluid from her right lung. This was not an easy procedure but necessary for her oxygen level. They where able to drain 2 liters of fluid off her right lung.

Where to from here?
Now the plan is to put a feeding tube in some time today so they can get her some much needed nutrition. This too has been difficult for Bethani to accept, however it might just help her with the nausea problems that she has been having as well as strength for recovering.

Your prayers are definitely helping us through this crazy time, please continue to pray that this nausea subsides enough to eat and keep meds down and lastly pray that we get a complete recovery from this rejection.

My sweet little wife is in a lot of pain. Please pray for her.

Bethani and I are looking forward to our first Christmas with our son Wyatt!

with much love,

Brian, Bethani, & the "little man"

bump in the road.

Fellow friends, family, and concerned. We just finished meeting with Bethani's liver team of Doctors. We have a variety of news to give you today. First let me thank you again for all you prayer and response to this blog as it has been a great source of encouragement for Bethani, myself, and the fam.

Yesterday was a big day for Bethani in that she experienced a liver biopsy as well as a lung draining procedure. If you would like the name of the procedure it goes something like this (lksdalfoi*%4) =). J/K I will just have to translate into the normal guy terms. Anyway they were able to drain a liter of fluid from her lung which has allowed her to breath some what easier. The new pain med is making her tired but appears to be easier on the stomach so this might be a peace of the puzzle we have been waiting for.

Today's news:
First we have good news in that her liver numbers from her lab report are trending down all except for one. The treatment that they started yesterday for rejection is already taking affect but will continue until her numbers are back to normal.

Second the biopsy results are back and are showing moderate rejection and a bile duct problem. So this is not exactly the news we where hoping for today. To get a better look at what is going on with her bile duct they will be testing her later today with a stomach camera. This will kill 2 birds with one stone, by allowing them to see if there is anything going on in her stomach (nausea) as well as in the bile duct. The Doctors have again reassured us that even a bile duct draining problem is an easy fix with a stint.

Despite the 3 main issues looming, (nausea, rejection, and the bile duct) we want you to know they are very treatable and even common. However, it has still caused Bethani and I to be uneasy. Please pray the Docs get her nausea under control with the correct medicine and dosage and pray for a measure of peace to surround us in this anxious time. We feel like we are hitting another bump in the road so this is definately not easy for us here.

Finally one last bit of information, they are going to insert a small feeding tube for nutrition. This is not good news for us but because she has not been able to eat they need to get nutrition in her somehow. She has been fighting to keep food down over the past couple of weeks and really hasn't done that well. so once this nausea gets under control we can feed her.


Dependant on your prayer,


Brian, Bethani, & Wyatt

Update from Brian Roam.

To all the concerned, family, and friends. As you already know the past 6.5 weeks has been a crazy time for Bethani and I. This traumatic time started back on 10/28 when Bethani first started experiencing symptoms of liver problems. There is no doubt that without your prayers and support we could not have made it this far. It is at times as traumatic as this that you really have to rely on prayer from others and trust that God is in control.
Currently we are waiting to see what the biopsy results will bring and then her lab work as well. For those who are not familiar with transplant medicine, let me rest some of your concern. First it is common for acute liver failure transplant patients to experience rejection and this is very treatable. The doctors have reiterated to us that they can treat this with no problem. I don't want to come across as everything is ok and alright, because it definitely is not, it is very scary for us right now, however we are on the road to recovery. Please continue to pray and send comments on the blog as they are sunshine in our day. Thank you again for all your generous support. Our main prayer concerns are nausea and vomiting, rejection, and leveling of medication. These all go hand in hand and once they are corrected they will allow her to eat and speed up her recovery.

with much love,

Brian, Bethani, & Wyatt

Update

Bethani is out of her biopsy. They are waiting for results. Her fever has broke, and she is in a regular room. Prayer works!

Please keep Bethani and Brian and the entire family in your prayers!

Update

Bethani is in for a biopsy right now. Last night they hydrated her, and they are trying to get her nausea under control. She has developed a fever. She is in critical condition in ICU. They will not totally know the level of rejection until after the biopsy.

Thank you for your continued prayers!

Urgent Prayer Needed!

Bethani had her blood work done yesterday in Redding. She woke up this morning unable to keep her medications down. They called the doctors in San Francisco to discuss her problem today. After looking at her blood work they told them to come straight to San Francisco that her numbers showed that she was in full rejection of her liver.

The family is asking for your prayer! Please pray that God will reach down right now and touch Bethani. God is able!

Update

Bethani was able to go home and spend some time with Wyatt. She is still very weak, but she has been eating a little. She will take a bite, wait 20 minutes and take another bite. She is very determined to get her strength back. She has her regular doctors appointment Tuesday.

Thank you for your prayers!

Thanks and Update

Thank you so much for your concern, prayer, and words of encouragement! The strength that come from all of you is fabulous. God has been so good, and we know that He has His almighty hand upon Bethani! It is still a pure miracle that she had not only an acceptable liver, but a perfect liver for her in just one day.

Her recovery is progressing. Sometimes it seems very slow, but there is progress. Yesterday was one of those slower days. She was not able to eat at all. Her nausea is unbearable at times. Today had progress. Bethani ate a little of her lunch today. She is walking at least two times a day. Her spirit was up, and she had enough strength to talk on the phone to her sister (Denise Bobo). She is still short of breath due to the fluid on her lung, but her oxygen levels are normal. Thank you Jesus!

Continue to pray that the Lord will help with the nausea. That is a big hurdle at this time. Thanks again for everything!

Hospital Report

Bethani has been resting more and more. She was dehydrated and one of her lungs is two-thirds filled with fluid, but she had no fever. The doctors at this point think the lung fluid will clear by itself. They can drain it if it is needed (God can drain it!) The ultrasound and x-ray on her liver was fine. Fluid is flowing through her liver. Last night she was able to keep her medications in her system. They are trying different meds for the nausea. The doctors want her to eat anything at this point. The more calories the better.

She has been very determined to get better. Even when she was nauseated she would still get up and walk. The doctors very strongly told her she needs to eat more to get more strength.

Bro Bishop is at home with Wyatt. Sis Bishop and Brian are at the hospital with Bethani. Thank you for your prayer for all of them. God's family is awesome! The support and prayer they are getting is beyond words.

Hospital Update

Bethani was admitted to UC San Francisco last night. They were able to give her medication to help her get some much needed rest. They also are giving her medication to help her nausea. They expect her to be there for three days for observation and test.

Thank you for your prayer! We serve a Great God!

Update

Bethani, as you know in our last blog, has been nauseated and unable to eat. She got to the point where she could not keep her medications in her system. Sis Bishop, Brian, and Bethani were on their way to San Francisco for her Tuesday morning appointment. They called ahead to the doctors, and they asked them to go straight to the ER tonight. They are there now. We will give you another update tomorrow.

Bethani is very weak. You will never know how much it means to her knowing that you are praying! She knows from reading this blog that prayer is going up.

Thank you for your continued prayer!

Prayer Request

Bethani is in need of our prayers. The doctors are working to regulate some of her medications. Her anxiety level is VERY high. Part of this is due to her medications. She is also very nauseated and has been unable to eat which does not help with her medications.


Please pray for her! Also, please remember Brian and Bro & Sis Bishop in your prayers. They are carrying a heavy load.

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." -Phil 4:6-7

Report on Doctors Trip

Brian and Bethani went to San Francisco for her weekly appointment. They went Monday and stayed the night. Tuesday she met with the lead doctor who preformed the surgery (Dr Zang). The appointment lasted an hour and a half. The doctors were very positive and said her liver is doing well. They said she can have a normal life after recovery.

This weeks homework is to stand straight (Mom Bishop get the books out to put on her head lol). She also is taking one pain medication at night, and they want her off by her next appointment.

Bethani had her first outing Wednesday. She went to have her hair washed and conditioned (and a head massage too!) She got pampered!

Thank you for your continued prayer. Every day is better, but she still needs our prayers!

Hello from Bethani

Hello my wonderful friends and family. The first time I was feeling well enough to get online I was floored when I saw all of the messages on the blog. I laughed and cried at the same time, it felt so good. Words can not express how thankful I feel to have so many family and friends so genuinely concerned for me. The prayers that went up for me were more than I will ever know. All of you have been so supportive to my husband and little Wyatt, thank you. So many of you have financially blessed us. I don't know what we would do with out all of your help. The doctors have told me that I will have some good and some bad days during my recovery, and I have already experienced many of those, but my God has been so faithful. Sister Rash called my father the other day and said that she had a dream that she stayed up with me all night covering me with blankets because I was cold. She said she didn't know why she had the dream but to tell us about it. My parents, Brian and I feel very strongly that it represents a prayer covering over me at this time in my life. I know that your prayers are helping me to be strong through all of this. My God is so faithful.



I had a wonderful Thanksgiving! What a day to be truly thankful. My appetite was good and I was able to enjoy everything. All of the swelling in my body has gone down and my scar is healing well. I'm still not able to stand up strait, but I'm walking and climbing stairs daily. My blood pressure and temp are normal every morning. And the doctor has cut back some of my medication. Thank you Jesus. Tomorrow Brian and I will be in San Francisco for my first doctor's check up. We are looking forward to a good report. I will let everyone know whats new as soon as I can. But once again I want to say thank you for everything. Please continue to pray for Brian and I and write me. It is a highlight in my day. I love all of you so much. Thank God for the miracle he is performing in me.



Bethani Roam

Report from Bethani

"I'm eating pancakes and bacon. I slept through the night only getting up once. My vital signs are good. Blood pressure too. My coloring is more normal. Every step is BIG to me. God has been so good to me. I know there is a reason."

She is so excited to have her appetite back. She is holding Wyatt for a few minutes at a time. Bethani is overwhelmed by the love and support she is receiving. Thank you for your continued prayer, love and financial support!

Going Home Day!

Bethani is on her way to Redding! The doctors said her liver is "happy" (fully functioning). We serve a MIGHTY GOD! One week after her transplant, and she is on her way home!

Bethani is eating much better. She is eating chicken and she loves sour foods - lemons, green strawberries. sour gummy bears. She does not want any sweets! The doctors have been able to get her medication regulated. Her pain and nausea is under control. She is walking more and more each day. The doctors have told her she cannot be exposed to the sun due to risk of skin cancer - she must wear hats, sunscreen, etc.

Pray for them on their way home. They have a four hour drive, and Bethani has to walk a little every hour. Thank you for your prayers!

TO ALL THE FAMILY, FRIENDS AND THOSE WHO LOVE BRIAN AND BETHANI

"I am Bethani's father and wish to thank all that have been so kind to write your feelings and love to Brian and Bethani. Our appreciation cannot be put to words. The shock and aw of Bethani's sickness has left us stunned, but the 'help in time of need' has caused us to be in great aw. To God be the Glory.

Brian is presently an evangelist. He also has served as a college and career pastor with Pastor Timothy Flowers in Reno. Nevada and previously was a children's pastor in Stockton, California with Pastor Nathaniel Haney for approximately 7 years. The adjustment time during Bethani's recovery will affect Brian's ministry, yet he will be available to minister as his schedule would allow.

At the request of those who ask to help Brian and Bethani with their financial burden, Paypal has been set up on this blog. Also, those desiring to contact them or help them with a love offering, please send the funds to:

First UPC

Evangelist Account

PO Box 492334

Redding, CA 96049

Again, let me say how very much my wife and I appreciate all of the prayers that were brought before the throne of God in behalf of Bethani's emergency. Thank you for all of the wonderful cards and letters that have been mailed and for those that stood by us during this trauma.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts."

David and Nina Bishop

Update!

Bethani was able to spend time with Wyatt. He sat on her bed and played. She really enjoyed this time with him. Brian is doing good. They are getting an education on her recovery. Brian administered her medications yesterday. Bethani will know how by the time she goes home. The doctors have said she is doing awesome in her recovery. Thank You Jesus!

Brian enjoys company, and Bethani likes to read the comments and the guest book from visitors at the hospital, but at this time she is not allowed visitors.

Thank you so much for your continued prayer. We serve a Great God, and His family is awesome. You have been a pillar of strength to the family.

Progress Report

Bethani went up and then back down four stair steps today. This is all part of her recovery. She is looking better and better. She is still eating very little.

The family would like to express their deepest thanks for all your prayers, support, and comments. Your comments keep them going through the long hours of recovery. Bethani enjoys having your comments read to her.

Miracle Report

The doctors have told Bethani and the family that after they removed her liver that a biopsy showed that her liver was completely dead and if the transplant had not been preformed she would have only made it three more days. GOD is Great! What a MIRACLE!

Bethani is going through the normal stages of recovery after a transplant. Her anxiety, pain, and emotional levels are high. Her immune level is very, very low. Only immediate family are allowed in her room, but Brian enjoys visitors. It is uplifting to him. Brian is staying strong. It is not for certain on when she will be going home (sometime Saturday to Monday).

Thank you for your continued prayers and support. Sis Denise Bobo is with Bethani at night, and Sis Saprina Flowers is with her in the day. Keep all of them in prayers.

Prayer Request!

Thank you for all your prayers! God's family is awesome! Prayer is what changes things. Bethani is still doing good, but she is nauseated and in a lot of pain. Please pray as God continues her recovery. Through your prayers comes strength, comfort, and healing.

Please continue to pray for Bethani, Brian, and Wyatt and the entire family -
Bishop Family
Bro & Sis David Bishop
Saprina & Family (Bro & Sis Tim Flowers)
Denise & Family (Bro & Sis Scott Bobo)

Roam Family
Bro & Sis Roam
Leah & Family
Robin & Family
Sharla & Family

Your comments are read and enjoyed regulary by the family.

"We have a long road to recovery, but GOD is able!" - Saprina Flowers

Praise Report!

Bethani moved to her new room with an uncomfortable bed. The nurses brought her an ICU bed (she deserves the best!) The doctors told the family that today would be the worst day for pain, but we KNOW a Mighty GOD! She had a great day!

Her color is getting better and better. She is smiling and getting back to BEHTANI. She is sooo much better! She had 11 IVs, but today she has none. She is drinking water, and the doctors said her body accepted the liver extremely well.

Mom Bishop has been reading all your comments to her. Thank you for continuing your communication through this blog.

"We thought we lost her, but we are relieved to get our girl back. She is talking like her old self. Everything is going according to par." - Dad Bishop

Recovery Update

Bethani is out of ICU. She has been transferred to a regular room. She is doing good. A team of 9 doctors came to see her this morning. They are planning on getting her out of bed to walk today. They are still working on regulating her medications, so her pain level is still high at times.

She is looking forward to the time when she is able to read all the blog comments. The family has been telling her about them. Thank you for your outpouring of love. It is overwhelming to Brian and the entire family.

Thanks for your prayers!

Your continued prayers are felt every minute. God's strength is flowing to the family.

Please pray that a medical coverage miracle occurs. We are believing God for another miracle!

Many have been calling the hospital to talk with the family. The family has asked at this time to please communicate through this blog. Your comments and encouragement is appreciated by the family.

We have set up a way that you can make donations to Brian, Bethani, and Wyatt through Paypal. This has been request by many. We have added a link.

Thank you again for your support!!!

Praise Update!

Bethani spent two hours in a chair today. Her pain is becoming more controllable, and her yellowing is disappearing. Brian and the rest of the family got some needed sleep last night. Denise Bobo and Mom Bishop stayed the night at the hospital, and in the morning they went to the motel and got some rest.

The doctors are not rushing Bethani's recovery. They are making sure everything is done right and at the right time. They are taking every precaution. They want her in ICU a little longer so they can watch over her real close. They are a great team.

First base is over. Now they are looking at second base.

"It's just amazing" - Denise Bobo

Praise Update

Bethani is able to sit up in a chair. She is doing GREAT! She is visiting with her family, and the doctors say she will be out of ICU tonight. We serve an Awesome GOD! Thank you for your continued prayer!

Update

Bethani is doing good. They are still working on the pain (which is a normal process). Family is remaining at her side. She is still in ICU. Your prayers, food for the family, comments (they read all of them), and love offerings are GREATLY appreciated. Thank you for everything!

Recovery Report

Brian was able to spend time with her. Right now she is unable to take pain medication due to the new liver having to process the medication. Please pray that God will help relieve the pain and that the doctors will be able to medicate her soon. We are so thankful for what God is doing!

Pictures

Recovery Report

Brian is now in the recovery room with Bethani. The family is delighted. Joy can be heard at UC San Francisco. God is Good!

God is sooo Good!

The family is smiling and giving God the Glory! Bethani is in recovery and doing great! The doctors said the positive changes will be apparent very soon.

"What a day this has been" - Saprina Flowers

Praise Update!!!!

She is out of surgery! Her breathing tube is out and will only be in recovery for thirty minutes!!! THANK YOU JESUS! Tears of JOY are flowing!!!

Wyatt Resting

Wyatt is finaly resting after missing Mommy for many nights.

Brian's other sister, Sharla, and her family just arrived from Long Beach.

Thanks for the Love Offerings

Thank you to all those who have sent a love offering. Your offering will help Brian and Bethani more than you will ever know! They have been evangelizing and will need your continued support. Some have asked how can we help? Please continue praying and if you would like to send a love offering it would be a BIG blessing to Brian, Bethani and Wyatt! Thanks again for your prayers!

You can send love offerings to the following:

First UPC

Roam Love Offering

PO Box 492334

Redding, CA 96049

Praise Update

The doctors just met with the family. The new liver is in. She is doing great! Approximately three more hours to finish the surgery. Praise the LORD! Brian is smiling and eating. The Lord is Great! Your prayers are coming through! Bethani's sisters, Denise and Saprina, and their families are here and Brian's sister, Leah and Robin, are also here.

Awesome Notes Update

The number is 18,000 on the National Donor List for a liver not 10,000. Even a bigger miracle! Keep up the prayers! We feel the strength!

Thanks for Your Prayers

The family feels your support and prayers. Brian had time to rest and visit with his family. Please keep him in your prayers. Thank you so much for everything.

Awesome Notes

There are 10,000 on the National Donor List for a liver. There are only 6,000 individuals that have signed to be a liver donor. God blessed Bethani with a perfect liver in only ONE DAY. Glory be to God!

Update

Bethani is now in surgery! The doctors came and greeted the family (including little Wyatt) then wheeled Bethani by the family for them to see her. Brian can stay with her through the prep. The transplant team will consist of eleven doctors and the surgery will take five to seven hours.

Praise Update

A liver is on its way. The transplant will begin in a few hours. The doctors say it is just in time. Continue to pray. The family is gathering and appreciates yours prayers and all you have done.

Please pray for Bethani (Bishop) Roam

Bethani (Bishop) Roam is the loving wife of Rev Brian Roam, mother of a 7 month old son, daughter of Rev David and Nina Bishop. She is 24 years old. Two weeks ago she became nauseated and unable to eat. She went to two different hospital - a wrong diagnoses at one and the other not able to help. She was flown to UC San Francisco on Friday, November 9. On Saturday it was determined that her liver was infected and was not working. Her family was advised that a liver transplant was needed immediately. Please continue to prayer for her and her family.