Well, I started my first round of diagnostics. The process begins – regular blood work and labs and abdominal ultrasounds to monitor and score disease conditions on the MELD scale. I had an abdominal ultrasound yesterday and the initial results are back already. I caution that these results are pending a final consultation with my doctor – but the ultrasound continues to confirm the cirrhosis diagnosis and showed no signs of liver cancer. The results did show continued liver inflammation as well as an enlarged spleen. These results were expected, but how they affect my MELD score is to be determined. It also showed good vascular flow through my liver, which is good news. The initial results also confirmed some abnormalities with my right kidney (which I was already aware of), but kidney function has not been impaired, pending results of my bloodwork, and seems healthy. What’s new is a moderately sized polyp located on my gallbladder; this wasn’t indicated in the ultrasound in April/May, but otherwise, the gallbladder appeared healthy too. I’ll get more clarity on this when I meet with my doctor in November. I still have to complete a round of scheduled blood work soon, and all these results will conclude an updated MELD score. I’m continuing to lose weight at a slow and steady pace. Dieting challenges are getting easier to navigate, but exercise has still been a very difficult effort for me. My major complaint is fatigue, and I will have to address this with my medical team. For now, we do what we can, stay active, eat well, and rest often. I have to say, Shannon has been my biggest supporter and motivator. She has been creative with healthy meals and continues to encourage, inspire, and motivate me to keep working hard. I’d be lost without her. No words can express how grateful I am for my life with her.