A Positive Follow-Up (May 26, 2026)

Hello everyone,

I recently had my follow-up appointments at the Cleveland Clinic, and I’m happy to share that things continue to look very encouraging.

My echocardiogram and PET scan both looked great, and Dr. Alvarez and the transplant team were pleased with the results. My CAV score is 0, which means there is no evidence of cardiac allograft vasculopathy. There continues to be no evidence of blockages or ischemia, and my heart function remains strong.

My kidney function is also doing very well. My GFR is currently 48, and my kidney doctor said my kidney function is the best he has ever seen it. That was especially encouraging to hear after everything my body has been through.

My Cyclosporine and Everolimus levels were slightly elevated, but the team is not making any medication changes at this time. Instead, they plan to repeat those labs, along with a lipid panel, in two weeks before deciding if any adjustments are needed.

This good news means even more after the stress and uncertainty I’ve faced with my insurance company over access to the transplant medications that protect my heart.

Overall, I left the appointment feeling grateful and reassured.

As always, I am incredibly thankful for the support, prayers, encouragement, and kindness so many of you continue to show me. Your support has carried me through some difficult seasons, and I never take it for granted.

Thank you for following along on this journey.

Payton ❤️

Update  from Cleveland Clinic (November 12, 2025)

Hello everyone,

I wanted to share a quick update after my recent follow-up at the Cleveland Clinic.

My transplant team reviewed my labs and noticed that one of my anti-rejection medications was a little below the target range, so they’ve increased the dose. I’ll repeat labs in two weeks to make sure everything’s back on track. The rest of my results looked stable, and my cholesterol was great — my team is very happy with how my heart is doing! 💗

We’ve already requested my next set of appointments for May 26, 2026, which will include my yearly nuclear stress test, echocardiogram, and follow-ups with my transplantand kidneydoctors. The best news is that they don’t feel a heart catheterizationis needed at this time — such a relief!

Even though dealing with Anthem and insurance issueshas been really stressful, I’m so thankful that medically my heart is still going strong.

If you’d like to support me and other transplant patients facing these insurance challenges, I’ve started a petition here:

👉 https://c.org/SVmc6bJCZQ

Your signature and a share would mean so much. 💕

Thank you all for your continued prayers, kind messages, and support — it means more than you know.

With love,

Payton

Wonderful News from Cleveland and a New Career Chapter (May 28, 2025)

Hello everyone,

I had my appointments at the Cleveland Clinic yesterday, and I’m pleased to share that the doctors are very happy with my progress. My kidney function has improved significantly—so much so that my nephrologist now recommends follow-up only once a year, unless any issues arise. My blood work results were excellent, and the cardiology team is also pleased with my heart function. No evidence of blockages or ischemia.

Due to recurring staph infections, cardiology also checked my immunoglobulin levels to investigate any underlying causes. I’ve been on antibiotics since February and will continue taking them through July as part of my treatment plan. I’m grateful for the medical team’s diligence and care.

Thank you all for your continued thoughts and prayers.

In other news, I recently began a new full-time position as a Payroll Specialist with the same employer I was with previously. While transitioning from my former role in the kitchen has been an adjustment, my colleagues have made the experience a smooth one. They even welcomed me with a thoughtful gift basket, which I greatly appreciated.

That’s all for now—thank you again for your support.

Payton