Posted: October 25, 2025
“I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.”
Psalm 27:13 (ESV)
If you’re new to our journey…
If you’re new to us, let me introduce you to Amy. She is not only my wife, but also my best friend and one of the strongest women I know. Over the last few years, Amy has walked through an incredibly difficult health journey. We’ve shared pieces of this story over time, and this latest update offers a raw but hope-filled glimpse into what she’s currently facing and what God is teaching us both through it.
Amy had a life-saving liver transplant on June 26, 2025, and we’ve been navigating the ups and downs of her recovery journey ever since.
It has been a number of weeks since I last gave an update, and I wanted to share where things stand now.
A Complicated Set of Symptoms
Last month, Amy was hospitalized with stroke-like symptoms. The doctors initially called it a TIA (transient ischemic attack), but they no longer believe it was a stroke or TIA. Instead, they believe the episode was connected to her thyroid levels, which have been out of balance for about six to eight weeks.
She has continued to experience one-sided weakness, cognitive processing difficulties, steadiness issues, and trouble walking. These symptoms are likely connected to her thyroid, though there’s also a possibility that one of her anti-rejection medications is contributing to the problem.
A Change in Plans
We traveled to Philadelphia this week for a routine checkup. However, due to the medical concerns Amy was experiencing, the team decided she needed to be admitted to the hospital on Thursday. We are still here in the hospital today, Saturday, October 25.
Tests, Monitoring, and Adjustments
The medical team has been thorough in their evaluation. They’ve run many tests. All of these tests were conducted to determine the cause of these symptoms.
The doctors now believe that one of her anti-rejection medications is the likely cause of her symptoms. As a result, they have reduced that particular medication and adjusted others to maintain the needed balance.
Looking Ahead with Hope
We’re hopeful that these changes will bring relief and that she will be discharged soon. The good news is that Amy’s transplanted liver is doing extremely well. All of her other health numbers, aside from the thyroid, are solid.
As we approach the four-month mark since her transplant, we continue to be amazed at God’s provision, even in the trials.
Your Prayers Matter
We’re so grateful for your love and ongoing prayers. If you’re willing to pray with us, please pray:
- For Amy’s symptoms to subside
- For wisdom for her doctors
- For peace and endurance
- For the continued health of the liver
- For the living donor, whose sacrificial gift of a portion of their liver made Amy’s healing journey possible. Please continue to pray for their full recovery and well-being.
A Final Word
This journey has been difficult, but God has been faithful. We continue to trust Him and ask for His healing touch.
Thank you for walking with us.
With gratitude,
James
Helpful Links
To learn more about Amy’s journey, please learn more here: https://jameslongjr.org/category/amys-journey/.
If you want to learn more about my counseling ministry, please go to: https://jameslongjr.org/
To learn more about my monthly membership and online coaching ministry, please go to: https://www.drjameslongjr.com/signup.
Suzanne Brownlee
Hi, Dr. Jim and Amy. Know i haven’t forgotten you, pray for all your needs to be met daily and just an encouraging note: our son John, is celebrating his 9th liver transplant birthday..
Oh I know the shoes you walk in, hard days and rejoicing the little wins. Yes. The donor family will always be in your prayers. Thank you for the updates
James Long, Jr.
Suzanne,
Thank you so much for your kind words and your faithful prayers; they mean more than you know. We remember you fondly and are deeply touched by your continued encouragement from afar.
Congratulations to John on his 9th liver transplant birthday! What a powerful testimony to God’s sustaining grace. You truly do know the road we’re walking: the victories, the valleys, the vigilance, and the vulnerable moments. Your words bring both hope and understanding, and we are so grateful that you took the time to reach out.
Yes, the donor and their incredible gift will always remain in our hearts and prayers. We rejoice daily in the miracle of Amy’s transplant, and we trust God for continued healing and strength through each step forward.
With love and appreciation,
Jim & Amy
Wendy Ingram
Hi, Dr. James Long and Amy ! I am praying for you both and all of Amy’s needs and all of your family needs as well. I am praising the Lord because of His constant goodness no matter what we are facing, because in the end of this life we will be healed and with Jesus for ever! What a blessing it is to be able to pray for you all and to also be brother and sister in Christ our Lord! I love you all so very much! Please be sure to give your beautiful wife a big hug for me! My mom also sends her love and prayers too! Psalm 46:10
Debbie Fawcett
Praying for a full and complete healing! Thankful God is in full control and you can rest I that assurance.
Outi oostdyk
Missed you both this past Sunday.You are in my prayers continually to the Great Physician, all-wise, all-knowing,and loving! May He heal, encourage and comfort!
To Pastor James and Amy, love, Outi
Lydia Dragan
Oh you guys are going through so much…thank you so much for your update. Don and I will continue to pray for Amy, for wisdom for the doctors, for the tweaking of meds to be just right! For you James and your whole family. For the donor. Love to see there’s good news too. Praying my 911 verse: Psalm 91:11 And He will command His angels concerning you. He’s a good, good Father. ❤️
Dennis White
Brother I am praying 🙏 for you and Amy.
And I know God is in this from the beginning and He will see you both through to the end. And praying that the end will be soon.
Sheldon
We are yet praying for Amy as she go through the healing process. Praying for you and the remainder family strength during this time. We love you both.