There are a variety of sign-offs that you need before being released after a transplant. One of them is being able to demonstrate to the staff that you understand your medication regime. To ensure this, there is a transition to self-medicating--initially under the supervision of the nursing staff.
Friday, one of the pharmacists came by with a shoe box-sized plastic tote full of prescription bottles. We then went through each, her explaining what the medications are for, dosage and time of day, side effects, etc. We then used one of those seven-day, four slots per day pill boxes to distribute the meds into the proper partitions.
Eighteen different medications, several in multiple doses. 21 pills in the morning, 12 more in the evening and 9 at night. The most important of these are the anti-rejection drugs: Tacrolimus, Mycophenolate and Prednisone. These will be part of her daily regime for the rest of her life (Or as Shirley suggests--at least until they perfect stem cell research and she's able to grow her own new lungs).
Others are to prevent various kinds of infections, lower heart rate, cholesterol and prevent strokes. And then there are a bunch that are basically there to counter the side affects of the other drugs. It's all a balancing act and I suspect that there will be adjustments over the next few weeks.
The routine now is that when each pill-taking session takes place, Shirley pulls the pills out and explains to the nurse what each is and what it is for. This process will be repeated until she is discharged.
Monday, February 25, 2013
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Stuck on the Plateau
After reaching so many amazing milestones over the first few days post surgery, we feel like we've fallen into a rut with much less visible progress on a daily basis and a few setbacks. I've previously written about the A-Fib issue which continues to occur once or twice a day, but is at least falling into a predictable pattern and settles down within 15-30 minutes.
Our newest challenge is a rise in white blood cell count. Typically, this is an indicator of an infection, so both blood and urine tests have been ordered to try and identify a possible culprit. The rapid UA test didn't indicate a bladder infection and we're now waiting on the cultures to grow to see if anything shows up. The white cell count isn't high enough that they feel an immediate need to start antibiotics blind, but with her suppressed immune state, they are being cautious. There is also the possibility that the count is going up because of the prednisone she is taking, so we wait to see if the tests point to something that needs to be treated.
I've written about her remaining chest tubes a time or two; and despite mentions on several mornings by the doctors they would be coming out, they remain in. We understand the purpose they play and that removing them prematurely could lead to problems, but having hopes dashed about this last set of tubes being taken out has been very frustrating and disappointing to Shirley. We've asked them to stop saying "maybe" and instead stick to the facts about why they are still in. The tubes serve two purposes: the most obvious is that they provide a means of draining excess fluid around the lungs.
The second purpose is they provide a means for the medical staff to determine if there are any small air leaks in the lungs. Today they explained that often during the transplant process the new lungs get small nicks that allow air to escape. These heal over time but with the chest tubes in, they can ask Shirley to cough and can see small bubbles.
The fluid volume has reduced to the point that they could remove the tubes, but there is still evidence of a few air leaks that they want to be able to monitor.
So the wait and the healing continues.
Our newest challenge is a rise in white blood cell count. Typically, this is an indicator of an infection, so both blood and urine tests have been ordered to try and identify a possible culprit. The rapid UA test didn't indicate a bladder infection and we're now waiting on the cultures to grow to see if anything shows up. The white cell count isn't high enough that they feel an immediate need to start antibiotics blind, but with her suppressed immune state, they are being cautious. There is also the possibility that the count is going up because of the prednisone she is taking, so we wait to see if the tests point to something that needs to be treated.
I've written about her remaining chest tubes a time or two; and despite mentions on several mornings by the doctors they would be coming out, they remain in. We understand the purpose they play and that removing them prematurely could lead to problems, but having hopes dashed about this last set of tubes being taken out has been very frustrating and disappointing to Shirley. We've asked them to stop saying "maybe" and instead stick to the facts about why they are still in. The tubes serve two purposes: the most obvious is that they provide a means of draining excess fluid around the lungs.
The second purpose is they provide a means for the medical staff to determine if there are any small air leaks in the lungs. Today they explained that often during the transplant process the new lungs get small nicks that allow air to escape. These heal over time but with the chest tubes in, they can ask Shirley to cough and can see small bubbles.
The fluid volume has reduced to the point that they could remove the tubes, but there is still evidence of a few air leaks that they want to be able to monitor.
So the wait and the healing continues.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
A-Fib
There are many common side affects of a transplant. One of the more unnerving is Atrial fibrillation, which is an irregular heartbeat. Since release from ICU, Shirley isn't on a heart monitor in her room, but has does have a portable transmitter that sends her vitals back to a center nurses station.
A few nights ago, she had a brief episode that lasted about 30 minutes. Tonight, three different nurses came running down to the room to check on her as another A-fib event took place. This time, they hooked the heart monitor back up in the room. This became very disconcerting as her heart rate would go from 114 to 135 to 160 and back again in quick succession. The monitor's alarms were continuously going off.
The first dose of a beta blocker to control her heart rate had no affect. A little over an hour later, a second dose was administered and her heart fell back into normal rhythm again.
Aside from some tense moments, it cost Shirley her evening walking. Earlier in the day, she had her first walk around the ward without oxygen--despite the thick N95 particulate mask that she has to wear whenever in public.
The surgeon stopped by and indicated that her two remaining chest tubes would likely be taken out tomorrow and Monday is a likely release date from the hospital.
A few nights ago, she had a brief episode that lasted about 30 minutes. Tonight, three different nurses came running down to the room to check on her as another A-fib event took place. This time, they hooked the heart monitor back up in the room. This became very disconcerting as her heart rate would go from 114 to 135 to 160 and back again in quick succession. The monitor's alarms were continuously going off.
The first dose of a beta blocker to control her heart rate had no affect. A little over an hour later, a second dose was administered and her heart fell back into normal rhythm again.
Aside from some tense moments, it cost Shirley her evening walking. Earlier in the day, she had her first walk around the ward without oxygen--despite the thick N95 particulate mask that she has to wear whenever in public.
The surgeon stopped by and indicated that her two remaining chest tubes would likely be taken out tomorrow and Monday is a likely release date from the hospital.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Slow Progress, Slow Process
Shirley is now wrapping up her second day on 5 Northeast. The chest tubes that we had hoped to come out today are still in. Sam, her very helpful RN, explained that there is still more drainage than her body can absorb naturally, so they will stay in until the volume decreases to under 100cc per day.
The process of getting out has begun though. We are meeting with various teams to be trained in how to manage outside the hospital. The Physical Therapist is working with her on strengthening exercises and will make sure that she can manage things like the 8 steps leading into Pete & Carolyn's house.
The Occupational Therapist has worked with her on limitations to her movement to ensure the incision can heal fully. Arms not raised above the shoulder; no reaching behind; no lifting, pushing or pulling of over 10 pounds for the next three months.
Tomorrow, there are appointments with the Respiratory Therapist who will show her how to use a micro respirometer that she will take home to measure her lung capacity each day.
She will also meet with a pharmacist who will go over all her medications. Before being discharged, she will need to demonstrate the ability to accurately self medicate. Given her prior experience with all the Alpha 1 medicines, this is a no-brainer--except there are a lot more pills.
On a side note, I have confirmed that Shirley is not to be in close proximity to fresh flowers for the next three months. I know some have asked about sending flowers, but this would not be good for her.
Thanks for your continued thoughts and prayers. They are truly appreciated.
The process of getting out has begun though. We are meeting with various teams to be trained in how to manage outside the hospital. The Physical Therapist is working with her on strengthening exercises and will make sure that she can manage things like the 8 steps leading into Pete & Carolyn's house.
The Occupational Therapist has worked with her on limitations to her movement to ensure the incision can heal fully. Arms not raised above the shoulder; no reaching behind; no lifting, pushing or pulling of over 10 pounds for the next three months.
Tomorrow, there are appointments with the Respiratory Therapist who will show her how to use a micro respirometer that she will take home to measure her lung capacity each day.
She will also meet with a pharmacist who will go over all her medications. Before being discharged, she will need to demonstrate the ability to accurately self medicate. Given her prior experience with all the Alpha 1 medicines, this is a no-brainer--except there are a lot more pills.
On a side note, I have confirmed that Shirley is not to be in close proximity to fresh flowers for the next three months. I know some have asked about sending flowers, but this would not be good for her.
Thanks for your continued thoughts and prayers. They are truly appreciated.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Happy Birthday Shirley
(My bad--I meant to post this yesterday on Shirley's actual birthday, but didn't hit the Publish button)
Nobody really likes spending their birthday in the hospital, but if you must, getting to move from Intensive Care into a normal recovery ward is not a bad present. Earlier today, the pain management people made it sound like she might spend another day in ICU, but 3:30, word came down that she would be moving.
Thanks to all for the phone calls, text messages, balloons and cupcakes. Shirley really appreciates them.
Nobody really likes spending their birthday in the hospital, but if you must, getting to move from Intensive Care into a normal recovery ward is not a bad present. Earlier today, the pain management people made it sound like she might spend another day in ICU, but 3:30, word came down that she would be moving.
Thanks to all for the phone calls, text messages, balloons and cupcakes. Shirley really appreciates them.
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Last Day in ICU
Compared with some of the more recent days, today didn't have any monumental milestones. Shirley did get a PICC line inserted which allowed her other IV lines to be removed. She walked twice more and spent the majority of the day in a chair instead of the bed.
One fun thing today was that Shirley's sister Betsy was here when the portable x-ray machine came in and took a chest X-ray. Betsy is a radiologist, so she was able to point out to me how Shirley's new lungs had the more traditional shape missing from the old, damaged pair. She also showed me the PICC line catheter reaching into one of the chambers of her heart. We also saw the line of staples closing the incision across her chest (more on this in another posting).
The good news today was when the Charge Nurse Tyler, said that her orders to be moved out of ICU had been written and she would be moving in the morning. So Shirley got a new set of lungs for Valentines and will get out of ICU four days later on her birthday.
One fun thing today was that Shirley's sister Betsy was here when the portable x-ray machine came in and took a chest X-ray. Betsy is a radiologist, so she was able to point out to me how Shirley's new lungs had the more traditional shape missing from the old, damaged pair. She also showed me the PICC line catheter reaching into one of the chambers of her heart. We also saw the line of staples closing the incision across her chest (more on this in another posting).
The good news today was when the Charge Nurse Tyler, said that her orders to be moved out of ICU had been written and she would be moving in the morning. So Shirley got a new set of lungs for Valentines and will get out of ICU four days later on her birthday.
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Photos
Shirley has had a chance to review the photos I've taken and has approved of me sharing these.
(Wednesday, 2/13, 1pm) We were allowed to take our time getting to Seattle this time. This allowed us to stop in Kelso and have lunch with Shirley's dad. This is her self portrait at the restaurant.
(Thursday, 2/14, 2:45 am) Pre-surgery, the anesthesiologists insert an arterial line. Unlike veins that run near the surface, arteries are deeper, so an ultrasound is used to help locate them. Shirley was very intent on watching the procedure.
(Thursday, 2/14, 11 am) Immediately after being moved to ICU.
(Thursday, 2/14, 11 am) Tubes and wires everywhere.
(Thursday, 2/14, 10:30 pm) Shirley in the BiPAP mask that she needed for the first night. Night #2 was mask-free.
(Friday, 2/15, 4 pm) Her first post-op food. Applesauce.
(Friday, 2/15, 4:55 pm) Shirley's first walk. (Not exactly traveling light. :)
Pulmonary Toileting
There is a white board in Shirley's room that shows her Nurse and Doctor's name, family contact info, etc. It also has a section for Today's Goals. Among those for today is Pulmonary Toileting. What you ask? This is the process of breathing deeply to make sure the CO2 leaves her lungs and coughing to bring up any mucus that may be accumulating.
She has two devices to help her with these efforts. One is called an inspirometer (aka "incentive deep breathing exerciser"). It has a mouthpiece connected to a foot-long flexible tube which enters a small plastic chamber. There is a clear cylinder with a float in it. When she breathes into the tube, the goal is to keep the float near the top of the chamber as long as possible.
The second device is called a flutter valve. It looks like a giant kosher pickle (yes it's green) with a mouthpiece at one end and a filtered exhaust port at the other. When she blows into it, it makes a fluttering sound. I don't know how this thing works, but apparently it helps break us the junk accumulating in your lungs. After using this, Shirley tries to cough.
Shirley is about to get out of bed to go for her second walk. This is still major undertaking. She has a walking onto which she rests her arms, but it also serves as the holder for the collectors for four check tubes and her catheter (which is to come out later today). She also has two rolling IV stands that she is hooked in to. They removed the IV in her neck earlier today and one of her other IV lines is starting to close up, so tomorrow they are putting in a PICC line. This should make administering IV meds easier.
BTW, for those of you who know Shirley's obsession with Diet Pepsi, she was cleared today to have some. Unfortunately, this is a Coke hospital, so I had to drive around and find a soda fountain with Diet Pepsi this morning.
She has two devices to help her with these efforts. One is called an inspirometer (aka "incentive deep breathing exerciser"). It has a mouthpiece connected to a foot-long flexible tube which enters a small plastic chamber. There is a clear cylinder with a float in it. When she breathes into the tube, the goal is to keep the float near the top of the chamber as long as possible.
The second device is called a flutter valve. It looks like a giant kosher pickle (yes it's green) with a mouthpiece at one end and a filtered exhaust port at the other. When she blows into it, it makes a fluttering sound. I don't know how this thing works, but apparently it helps break us the junk accumulating in your lungs. After using this, Shirley tries to cough.
Shirley is about to get out of bed to go for her second walk. This is still major undertaking. She has a walking onto which she rests her arms, but it also serves as the holder for the collectors for four check tubes and her catheter (which is to come out later today). She also has two rolling IV stands that she is hooked in to. They removed the IV in her neck earlier today and one of her other IV lines is starting to close up, so tomorrow they are putting in a PICC line. This should make administering IV meds easier.
BTW, for those of you who know Shirley's obsession with Diet Pepsi, she was cleared today to have some. Unfortunately, this is a Coke hospital, so I had to drive around and find a soda fountain with Diet Pepsi this morning.
Friday, February 15, 2013
Going for a walk
This afternoon, Shirley got up and took her for her first walk. It's a rather major undertaking considering that she has four chest tubes, a Foley catheter, an IV line in each wrist and another in her neck. The cords and tubes took about 15 minutes to arrange before she could stand up. And since she was leaving the confines of her nice sterile room, she had the added challenge of wearing a particulate filter mask that made breathing more challenging.
Shirley and her enterauge or two nurses and an occupational therapist walked into the hall, turned left down a side hall and just kept going. About halfway down the hall, Shirley stopped, pulled her mask aside and asked "how far is average?" One of the nurses replied "Honey, you are way beyond average!" She finished the side hall hung a right at the cross hall and another right back to her main hall and all the way back to her room.
After returned, one of the nurses--so impressed with how far she went--found a floor plan with distances listed. She walked about 94 yards in her first walk a mere 37 hours after surgery!
Shirley and her enterauge or two nurses and an occupational therapist walked into the hall, turned left down a side hall and just kept going. About halfway down the hall, Shirley stopped, pulled her mask aside and asked "how far is average?" One of the nurses replied "Honey, you are way beyond average!" She finished the side hall hung a right at the cross hall and another right back to her main hall and all the way back to her room.
After returned, one of the nurses--so impressed with how far she went--found a floor plan with distances listed. She walked about 94 yards in her first walk a mere 37 hours after surgery!
Amazing milestone
Amid all the talk about Shirley's rough night, I didn't want to bury an amazing milestone from this morning. Around 9:30 am, about 24 hours after her new lungs were inserted, Shirley got out of bed, stood on her own and then sat for awhile in a chair next to her bed.
I continue to be blown away by how quickly the recovery takes place.
I continue to be blown away by how quickly the recovery takes place.
FYI
I feel a need to take a moment to go over a few informational items not directly related to Shirley's health, but more so with communications about her situation.
Most importantly, I want to assure the readers that what I am sharing has the full blessing of Shirley. When we first started this blog nearly 5 years ago Shirley was very interested in not only sharing her story with friends and family, but also wanted to make this available to anyone who may have a loved one in a similar circumstance--or even just the curious. As we were driving to the hospital Wednesday, we talked about this again and she confirmed that this is a story she wants to share. With that said, please feel free to share a link with the blog with others if you think they are interested our would benefit from hearing her story.
As I write new posts, I will try to put an FYI on both her Facebook page as well as mine. I believe you can also subscribe to the blog so that you get an email when a new posting is made.
I was asked today about an address of where to send cards. Rather than send to the hospital, please direct cards to her brother's house: 831 30th Ave South, Seattle, WA 98144. Flowers are not permitted in the ICU and Shirley is allergic to some varieties. I would ask that you refrain from sending flowers at least for now.
Thank you
Most importantly, I want to assure the readers that what I am sharing has the full blessing of Shirley. When we first started this blog nearly 5 years ago Shirley was very interested in not only sharing her story with friends and family, but also wanted to make this available to anyone who may have a loved one in a similar circumstance--or even just the curious. As we were driving to the hospital Wednesday, we talked about this again and she confirmed that this is a story she wants to share. With that said, please feel free to share a link with the blog with others if you think they are interested our would benefit from hearing her story.
As I write new posts, I will try to put an FYI on both her Facebook page as well as mine. I believe you can also subscribe to the blog so that you get an email when a new posting is made.
I was asked today about an address of where to send cards. Rather than send to the hospital, please direct cards to her brother's house: 831 30th Ave South, Seattle, WA 98144. Flowers are not permitted in the ICU and Shirley is allergic to some varieties. I would ask that you refrain from sending flowers at least for now.
Thank you
Rough night
Sorry that I didn't get a new post out late last night. I took a break yesterday and enjoyed a lovely dinner with Pete, Carolyn and Frances (thanks for letting me crash your Valentine's dinner). I returned to the hospital expecting to spend a couple hours with Shirley and then return to the Hague hotel for the night. It didn't work out that way.
As I was arriving, Sally the night nurse was calling me. Shirley was not exhaling deeply enough and the CO2 was beginning to build up in her lungs. They had put on a BiPAP mask which was supposed to help by monitoring her breathing and by supplementing for her if her breaths were too infrequent or not deep enough. It had been mentioned that if the BiPAP didn't help reduce the CO2 level, they may have to reitubate her.
The fear of having the tube reinserted was at odds with the pain associated with breathing deeply enough to reduce the likelihood of this. But Shirley was a real trooper and fought through the pain. The next round of blood chemistry results showed the CO2 levels dropping into the acceptable range. By morning things looked good and she was told the potential of having the tube go back in had passed. The look of relief in her eyes was as if a huge burden had been lifted.
Still, the pain issue remained. This morning, an anesthesiologist stopped by and checked her epidural. Apparently, it had slipped out of place somewhat, which was making the pain medication much less effective. A little adjustment and wham, she got the full effect of the pain meds. But this is all a balancing act, and an increase in the pain meds contributed to a decrease in blood pressure, so they've now backed off on the epidural and have found the point where is is comfortable but her BP is in the range they want to see it.
As I was arriving, Sally the night nurse was calling me. Shirley was not exhaling deeply enough and the CO2 was beginning to build up in her lungs. They had put on a BiPAP mask which was supposed to help by monitoring her breathing and by supplementing for her if her breaths were too infrequent or not deep enough. It had been mentioned that if the BiPAP didn't help reduce the CO2 level, they may have to reitubate her.
The fear of having the tube reinserted was at odds with the pain associated with breathing deeply enough to reduce the likelihood of this. But Shirley was a real trooper and fought through the pain. The next round of blood chemistry results showed the CO2 levels dropping into the acceptable range. By morning things looked good and she was told the potential of having the tube go back in had passed. The look of relief in her eyes was as if a huge burden had been lifted.
Still, the pain issue remained. This morning, an anesthesiologist stopped by and checked her epidural. Apparently, it had slipped out of place somewhat, which was making the pain medication much less effective. A little adjustment and wham, she got the full effect of the pain meds. But this is all a balancing act, and an increase in the pain meds contributed to a decrease in blood pressure, so they've now backed off on the epidural and have found the point where is is comfortable but her BP is in the range they want to see it.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Breathing on her own
Feb. 14. 7:30 pm
One of the first milestones of a lung transplant recovery is when the patient no longer needs the assistance of the respirator and is able to breath on their own. We had been told to expect this would happen about 24 hours of the completion of surgery. However, when I spoke to her nurses (she has two dedicated full time to just her) after lunch, they said she was doing great and expected that her breathing tube would be removed this afternoon.
Around 3 pm, I went into Shirley's room and they had her sitting upright. Her ventilator was turned off, but the tubes were still down her throat. She had to breath on her own for 30 minutes after which time they did a blood gas test. The test revealed her CO2 levels were still a little high, so they adjusted her medications slightly and had her do 30 more minutes of breathing on her own. She was quite the trooper as she was conscious while having this tube down her throat. The second blood gas test showed the improvement they were looking for and the extubation was ordered.
So a little before 5 pm out came the tubes. And in the competitive spirit that will help her healing process, the first thing she asked was if she had the fastest time from surgery to extubation.
She was experiencing some pain and as I left for a dinner break, they were adjusting her pain meds to give her more relief.
This is such an amazing miracle. At this time yesterday, Shirley still had her diseased lungs and was still 8 hours away from the start of her surgery. Twenty four hours later, she has a new set of lungs and is breathing on her own. Amazing.
Stay tuned...
One of the first milestones of a lung transplant recovery is when the patient no longer needs the assistance of the respirator and is able to breath on their own. We had been told to expect this would happen about 24 hours of the completion of surgery. However, when I spoke to her nurses (she has two dedicated full time to just her) after lunch, they said she was doing great and expected that her breathing tube would be removed this afternoon.
Around 3 pm, I went into Shirley's room and they had her sitting upright. Her ventilator was turned off, but the tubes were still down her throat. She had to breath on her own for 30 minutes after which time they did a blood gas test. The test revealed her CO2 levels were still a little high, so they adjusted her medications slightly and had her do 30 more minutes of breathing on her own. She was quite the trooper as she was conscious while having this tube down her throat. The second blood gas test showed the improvement they were looking for and the extubation was ordered.
So a little before 5 pm out came the tubes. And in the competitive spirit that will help her healing process, the first thing she asked was if she had the fastest time from surgery to extubation.
She was experiencing some pain and as I left for a dinner break, they were adjusting her pain meds to give her more relief.
This is such an amazing miracle. At this time yesterday, Shirley still had her diseased lungs and was still 8 hours away from the start of her surgery. Twenty four hours later, she has a new set of lungs and is breathing on her own. Amazing.
Stay tuned...
Out of Surgery
11:30 am, Valentine's Day, 2013
Pete (Shirley's brother) and I just got a chance to go back and see Shirley in ICU. The staff indicated that she is doing very well and that they expect to be able to extubate her in less than 24 hours. She is being kept sedated so that she isn't conscious of the tube down her throat,. I have photos, but will not post them until she is awake and provides permission for me to share.
The lead nurse indicated that she would probably be in ICU for 3-4 days, but will be brought out of her induced sleep as soon as they remove the tube. The activity board in her room says that tomorrow they plan to have her up walking around three times. Pretty amazing.
For those interested in visiting, we ask that you refrain until she is further along. Anyone with the slightest case of the sniffles is not allowed in the ICU and healthy people have to mask and glove up.
We are very encouraged by the first visit with her,. When I said her name to her and told her I was there, she opened her eyes slightly.
We will mainly let her rest today and will report again this evening.
Thanks to all for your continued prayers, positive thoughts and well wishes.
Greg
Pete (Shirley's brother) and I just got a chance to go back and see Shirley in ICU. The staff indicated that she is doing very well and that they expect to be able to extubate her in less than 24 hours. She is being kept sedated so that she isn't conscious of the tube down her throat,. I have photos, but will not post them until she is awake and provides permission for me to share.
The lead nurse indicated that she would probably be in ICU for 3-4 days, but will be brought out of her induced sleep as soon as they remove the tube. The activity board in her room says that tomorrow they plan to have her up walking around three times. Pretty amazing.
For those interested in visiting, we ask that you refrain until she is further along. Anyone with the slightest case of the sniffles is not allowed in the ICU and healthy people have to mask and glove up.
We are very encouraged by the first visit with her,. When I said her name to her and told her I was there, she opened her eyes slightly.
We will mainly let her rest today and will report again this evening.
Thanks to all for your continued prayers, positive thoughts and well wishes.
Greg
This time feels real
We are now down in pre-op. The anesthesiologist and his resident are with Shirley now. They've inserted an epidural in her back that will be left in for several days to control pain in her back. They are now inserting an arterial line that they use to monitor blood pressure real time.
I was speaking with the charge nurse who was here during the last dry run. He said that this time feels real and that baring some kind of last-minute issue with the final evaluation of the lungs that he thought this one was going to really happen.
Soon, she will be wheeled into surgery, but I'm being told that it will be an hour or more before they make the final determination that the lungs are good and actually put Shirley under and begin the surgery.
I was speaking with the charge nurse who was here during the last dry run. He said that this time feels real and that baring some kind of last-minute issue with the final evaluation of the lungs that he thought this one was going to really happen.
Soon, she will be wheeled into surgery, but I'm being told that it will be an hour or more before they make the final determination that the lungs are good and actually put Shirley under and begin the surgery.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Is the third time the charm?
Greetings!
Today once again finds us driving up to Seattle as one family's tragedy becomes hope of an extended life for several others. Shirley received a call from the transplant team around 9:30 this morning. But unlike our two previous calls, this time the pace was more relaxed. This time, she was encouraged to take a shower, have a meal and just be up to the hospital by 4 pm.
Since our last dry run was a mere seven weeks ago, the routine was fresh in our minds. Shirley's niece Souang came over and will stay with the girls. My folks picked up Joy after school and my daughter Chloe was on call to pick up Chenyang after her ski team returned late tonight.
Seven weeks ago, things just didn't seem right. Shirley was just getting over pneumonia and was not feeling 100%; the surgeon we had met and really liked was on vacation; Jess and Donovan were coming home from Korea and would be missed. It just didn't seem like the pieces were coming together.
This time the feeling is completely different. Shirley has been feeling really healthy and at ease about the whole thing. I don't want to jinx things, but I think we both feel like it might really happen this time.
One of the surgeons came in awhile ago. He says "cut time" is between 3 and 4 am. He says the surgery goes 4-6 hours with an hour on each side for pre- and post-operative steps. Shirley will be kept sedated for about 24 hours while on a ventilator. We're told to expect 2-3 days in ICU and then 10-14 days total in the hospital.
I will use this blog to keep everyone updated.
Greg
Today once again finds us driving up to Seattle as one family's tragedy becomes hope of an extended life for several others. Shirley received a call from the transplant team around 9:30 this morning. But unlike our two previous calls, this time the pace was more relaxed. This time, she was encouraged to take a shower, have a meal and just be up to the hospital by 4 pm.
Since our last dry run was a mere seven weeks ago, the routine was fresh in our minds. Shirley's niece Souang came over and will stay with the girls. My folks picked up Joy after school and my daughter Chloe was on call to pick up Chenyang after her ski team returned late tonight.
Seven weeks ago, things just didn't seem right. Shirley was just getting over pneumonia and was not feeling 100%; the surgeon we had met and really liked was on vacation; Jess and Donovan were coming home from Korea and would be missed. It just didn't seem like the pieces were coming together.
This time the feeling is completely different. Shirley has been feeling really healthy and at ease about the whole thing. I don't want to jinx things, but I think we both feel like it might really happen this time.
One of the surgeons came in awhile ago. He says "cut time" is between 3 and 4 am. He says the surgery goes 4-6 hours with an hour on each side for pre- and post-operative steps. Shirley will be kept sedated for about 24 hours while on a ventilator. We're told to expect 2-3 days in ICU and then 10-14 days total in the hospital.
I will use this blog to keep everyone updated.
Greg
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