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Lamar Odom Could Possibly Undergo Kidney Transplant Despite Continued Progress

By Val Powell
Published on: 19:21 PST, Oct 21, 2015

It looks like Lamar Odom is recovering fast after suffering multiple strokes a week ago.

According to Odom’s aunt, JaNean Mercer, the former pro baller has been able to “take a few steps” after he was brought to L.A.. Odom was transferred from Sunrise Hospital in Las Vegas to Los Angeles on Monday, a source close to Odom confirmed to CNN. Odom was transported as soon as doctors were confident that he was stable enough to be moved.

“As Lamar begins a new chapter on his road to recovery, PLEASE continue to uplift him and the family in prayer,” Odom’s family said in a statement released on Tuesday.

“He continues to make miraculous progress, taking a few steps in Los Angeles. We couldn’t be more overjoyed! We realize Lamar’s continued improvement will not be easy, however his unrelenting strength and faith in GOD will pull him through.”

In the statement, Mercer and the rest of Odom’s family also thanked the hospital staff, doctors, and nurses who looked after the 35-year-old basketball star during his hospitalization.

A source told ET that the children of the NBA star, Destiny and Lamar Jr., are coming to Los Angeles to be with him. Although Odom is showing signs of incredible progress, he is still reportedly undergoing dialysis treatment. He had kidney failure after suffering from multiple strokes caused by his three days of alcohol and alleged illegal drug consumption.

Odom is now able to sit in a chair but “not for a long time,” an insider told ET.

“He is still very weak and it will take a long time to recover fully,” the source confirmed.

According to Dr. Victor Gura, kidney specialist and attending physician at Cedars-Sinai, kidney dialysis is necessary to help damaged kidneys eliminate toxic wastes from the body. Dialysis helps remove excess salt and water from the kidneys, he shared in an interview with ET.

Gura added that those who choose kidney transplant over dialysis become healthier and “patients live better and longer.” He said a kidney transplant is a better choice than long-term dialysis if the patient’s kidneys are totally damaged.

Although athletes like Odom would have “a very good chance of survival and recovery of kidney function,” some prohibited drugs can cause kidney failure, which is why dialysis and/or transplant is required, Gura elaborated.

As for Odom’s chances of a successful kidney transplant, Gura admitted that the athlete’s use of illegal drugs could affect the outcome of the procedure. Moreover, the degree of brain damage he suffered has not yet been determined, and it may take a while before Odom can get back to great shape.

The athlete’s condition may still be considered critical but his aunt believes Odom will recover in no time because he is “blessed with tenacious, fighting spirit, overcoming insurmountable obstacles to achieve the impossible.” She said Odom is “defying the odds in his toughest battle to date with God’s grace.” Khloe Kardashian, Odom’s estranged wife, also expressed her gratitude toward the people who helped them during their crisis.

“You can never be prepared for an experience like this, but without the outpouring of love and endless prayers that Lamar has received and the strength I was given from my loved ones, it would have been difficult to endure,” Kardashian said in a statement she posted on her website. “Thank you for your continued support. God is great!!”

It is still unclear whether Odom will undergo drug rehab once released from the hospital. According to a source, his family has yet to discuss drug rehab as they are focused on his health and recovery.

[Image by Angela Weiss, Getty Images]

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