and Peg was in the room for the night. When I arrived about 9, did a double take, no one was there except Ted the teddy bear that has been taking care of Emily in hospital rooms for almost twenty years. He was holding a cardboard sign : gone to breakfeast. That was so cool. The cafeteria is forever away, a really long walk. When I got down there was Emily, Peg and Ike. Ike being Ems IV pole, Ike has worked like a rented mule this week. Not only were they eating a huge breaky but had some fine news. Rounds had occurred and as all was good the final chest tube was pulled. Sweet. As the day progressed Emily walked down for xrays and pulmonary function tests. These are to establish base line measurements for the new lungs, as they get stronger and be on the lookout for changes that could indicate rejection. Also another attempt was made at weaning off of the epidural. It seems to be working. At some very rough moments with pain coming in waves but it seems to be closer to controlled. Oral morphine is now the big helper but not without some side effects. The dancing pineapple seems to be back and there is a short fat guy dressed in purple and green where the polar bear used to be. She is pretty stoned at times and is concerned that her armpits may be in south america.
mid aftenoon we had our second medication class, learning the various new meds. About twenty different meds each day, pretty darn complicated but for a CFer all part of a lifetime of a medical mystery tour.
During the late afternoon the surgeons came by again and after reviewing the breathing tests and xrays said that if the night went well there was no point in staying here any longer. Get outta here. go home. good news. So hopefully Emily is out tomorrow and we will move to an apartment that we have rented for a couple of months. It will be good to go. oh, all IV are now unhooked for the first time since transplant monday on the 16th. Free at last. Free at last.
This is such wonderful news. I'm constantly in awe of everything all of you have come through, and the unerring optimism, determination, and joy in the face of such challenges.... let us know if there's anything we can do to help -- even if i can't see emily because I might have icky Russell germs, let me know if i can help move stuff in to an apartment or buy groceries or bring Emily some CDs/trashy novels.... anything, really, let me know (and i know you have at least Dad's number, but mine's 206-790-8280 for future reference)
ReplyDeletesending love and healthy thoughts
Such wonderful news EM! I'm sure you are excited to get out and breath fresh air. Enjoy your time out and about and take a few picture for all of us. We miss your smile. Kathy O
ReplyDeleteWow. Thats a big one. I am so thrilled you're all able to get out of the hospital! I bet thats pretty close to some kind of record. I have a feeling you all are quite used to Emily surprising pretty much everyone.
ReplyDeleteI've been telling people about her all week. She's touched a lot of people here in P-town, and we're all sending her all the good stuff we've got. Everyday.
Henry
WOOOOOOOOO! No IVs, no chest tubes! Amazing. I'm sure you can't wait to get to the apartment... you have spent more than enough time in hospitals for a hundred lifetimes.
ReplyDeleteLove you so much, and I'm so proud! (BTW, loving that Henry just posted above me... :) such a sweet guy!)
Funny post about a spider as payment for an outstanding bill:
http://www.popjam.com/funny?p=7b32cfb3081
Read it when you get bored!
Love,
Brooke
What great news!! I'm glad you're going "wireless" now. Keep up the great work!
ReplyDeleteNita
Emily...great going!!! Kay
ReplyDeleteI am impressed by the quality of information on this website. There are a lot of good resources here. I am sure I will visit this place again soon. bon secours health center at harbour view
ReplyDelete