Merry Christmas From our Hearts to You

I am sorry it has been so long since our last post. Can you believe we have been home for 17 days? Most of them have been hectic, trying to get settled back into our Charlotte home, getting ready for Christmas, and for me going back to work. We celebrated our 31st wedding anniversary on December 17th, by going out to dinner. It feels so good to do things like share a leisurely meal together, and just laugh and talk. Not to have to think about anything except our lives ahead.

Alan has been taking me to work and picking me up, so he could have the car. We were planning on buying Alan a truck when we got home. Our daughter, Traci, found him an S10 truck for sale by a private owner in Mooresville. We went to look at it on Saturday. It was exactly what he was looking for, so we bought it. God continues to answer prayers for us in so many ways. He is very excited about his truck.

He is going to the fitness center at Presbyterian Hospital to work out 3 times a week. Around the house he is working like a crazy person. He rarely stops, a real energizer bunny. There is definitely something to be said for being able to breathe.

This morning I was getting ready to leave for work, and I walked by the hall bathroom. He was in there dancing in his sock feet on the tile floor. He could really slide and move and comb his hair all at the same time. I asked if he was excited about Christmas, and he said "NO! I am excited to be alive." My heart melted. I thought about that moment all day today.

On December 29th he has to go back to Durham. Traci is going to take him, because I have no FMLA, sick days, or vacation left. We initially thought he was supposed to have a stomach wrap, because one of the last tests he had before we left Durham, showed that he had acid reflux at night. The stomach wrap would keep the contents of the stomach from aspirating into his pristine new lungs. But yesterday, he spoke with a transplant coordinator and asked her why the appointment said to come to clinic instead of the hospital. She said it was a consultation with the doctor to decide if they were going to do the stomach wrap. So, maybe he will have the stomach wrap, maybe not. We will let you know.

On January 14th and 15th we have to go back for a bronchoscopy and more pulmonary function tests.

As we move ahead, we want to give back in some way. We want to always remember how precious the gift of life is, how emotional and draining our journey was, how faithful God was and is, how blessed we are, the love and support we received from our family and friends, and how very humble we feel after such a life altering experience. We want everyone to know that God gave us this second chance, and we want to glorify and thank him. When you have no control, and you let go, God does his most beautiful work in and through us.

Home

Hello Everyone, We have been having some internet problems that kept me from posting. I went back to work on Friday, December 5th. After work I drove back to Durham to get Alan, and we came home together on Saturday. Traci, Mark, and the kids came down for dinner. As we sat down at the table Anna Kate said what we all felt, "This feels normal....really good." It does feel so good to be back home.

Alan has a blood clot caused by the picc line. They said it was not high risk. He is giving himself Lovenox shots to thin his blood.

I will continue to update the blog every few days to let you know what is going on with him. Thanks to all of you for traveling on this journey with us. It has been extraordinary. We are so thankful and full of hope and joy for our future. Love, Judy & Alan

God's Many Blessings

I had hoped to get this post to the blog done before Thanksgiving, but I needed to write them out first. So, I am a little late. We give God the Glory for everything that has brought us to the reality of Alan's Second Chance. I will never be able to list them all but here goes

God at work in our lives these last 5 months


- Spiritual Growth
- Physical Healing, Pushing himself at the fitness
center made his body stronger pre and post surgery
- He came off the ventilator with no problems
- He did not have to have a feeding tube or stomach
wrap
- No special diet
- Minimal diabetic
- Walked 28 miles in the hospital the first time and
18 miles the second time in the hospital. After surgery
they require that you walk 1 mile before you leave
the hospital. Alan pushed through the pain and
broke records.
- Financial Security and my Manager held my position
open for me.
- Neighbors to watch our home in Charlotte
- Family in Durham, My cousin Carol has been our
"Angel"
- Our car has had a few quirks, but I only prayed,
did not take it to a garage, and God has been
faithful to keep it running.
- Safety for us and our loved ones as they visited
- We found a supportive church, Berea Baptist
- Duke Transplant Team and all the wonderful nurses, cnas, technicians that cared for Alan in ICU, 3rd flr, & 7th flr
- Everyone at the Pepsico Fitness Center where
Alan exercised 5 days a week
- The people that we met here at the hospital and
the apartment complex where we live, that are
taking this journey as well. Relationship in ( )
- The Carlton Family - Met ICU - (Wife & Mother)
- The Natoli & Shannon Families - Met ICU
(Daughter and Grandaughter)
- John and Barbara
- Paulette
- Don and Brenda
- Sonny and Ellen
There is a wonderful story here. Our daughter,
Traci was a youth minister one summer in
college. She lived with an amazing couple
from the church that have since gone to
Heaven, Artie and Gladys. Sonny is Glady's brother.
It really is a small world
- Jack
- Christian
- We learned something and shared a lot with all
of the people above. We will take them home in
our hearts and prayers.
- Co-incidental Blessing
- My cousins husband is a camera man for a
TV station. He is filming a donor family
the time they make the decision to donate
their loved ones organs, through the teams
coming to harvest all the way to the
recipients of the organs. Alan and I have
been hungry for insight into the feelings
and thoughts of the donor family.
- Our daughter, Traci, has visited with her
family many times since we have been here.
She and her husband Mark came for 2 dry runs
and the surgery. Mark stayed for 4 days and Traci
for 8 days. She called us every day, sometimes more
than once. Our grandchildren, Lane, Connor, and
Anna Kate have loved and prayed us through also.
- EACH OF YOU!!! You have prayed, called, visited,
emailed, sent cards and packages. Your love,
support and encouragement has been invaluable
and will NEVER be forgotten. If your church has
been praying for us, we would love to visit and
thank them in person. Just give us the word.
LAST OF ALL, This would never have been possible
without the DONOR and their Family. They gave us the
GIFT of LIFE.....and a SECOND CHANCE. Our prayer is that we honor them by giving something back. We want to make a difference, and we pray God will lead us in that direction. As always, we hold you close in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers. Alan and Judy

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Happy Thanksgiving to each of you. Our family has so much to be thankful for this year.....we are especially thankful for all of you. It is your prayers, encouragement, and love that has brought us through. We are so excited that we will be going home on December 6th. We thank God for this journey and the precious gift of life.

Light at the End of the Tunnel

We are excited to tell you that Alan is doing very well, getting stronger every day. He has to do 11 more days at the fitness center and then we can head home. We know we have asked for so many prayers and you have lifted us up, and now we have another one. My leave is up and I have to go back to work on December 5th. Alan should finish his time at the fitness center on December 4th, if he doesn't have to miss anymore. Please pray that we get to be at home and with our family for Christmas. We have been here a little over 4 months, it will a week short of 5 months if we go home on the above dates. The Christmas classic "I'll Be Home For Christmas" has real meaning for us this year.

Traci, Mark, Anna Kate, Lane, and Connor are coming for a couple of days for Thanksgiving. We are going to Cracker Barrel for our Thanksgiving meal.

Our oldest grandson, Lane, fractured a bone in his ankle this past Sunday. He now has a bright red cast. Please say a prayer that the fracture will heal completely. He did not take his crutches to school today because he has to go up and down a lot of stairs, and he was having some pain this afternoon.

Happy Thanksgiving! We thank God for each of you. Judy & Alan

Normal is Nice

This week has been the closest to normal we have had since being here. Alan is stronger. We went to clinic and the doctor yesterday and his pulmonary function tests that checks his breathing volume were greatly improved since the fluid has been removed. The doctor and the entire transplant team are very pleased with how well he is doing. He does need to gain some weight, so he is supposed to eat 3000 calories a day. Since the surgery he is diabetic, and that was making it a little tricky for me to know how to cook and get that many calories a day in him. We talked with a dietician yesterday, and she gave us some good sound advice that helped a lot.

He is back at the fitness center everyday. He really enjoys the staff and having the opportunity to talk to other pre and post transplant folks that are there. He is walking really fast, riding the bike, and doing some exercises with weights.

Yesterday we spent some time together. We went to a store in Chapel Hill that we have ordered gift baskets from, and it was amazing. We had lunch at their restaurant. The name of the store is A Southern Season, and if any of you order gift baskets for the holidays, we highly recommend them, www.southernseason.com . It seemed like a small miracle to just browse the store and then have lunch together. I hope we never take these moments for granted. We even went out to dinner after the doctor's appointment. It was a wonderful day, because it held the promise of many more to come.

Thanks again for your prayers. We pray an thank God for all of you. Judy and Alan

Three Liters Later

I am sorry that I haven't posted since Monday. I have spent most of my time at the hospital. On Tuesday they drew another liter of fluid from the right chest cavity. On Wednesday they did an xray and found that the left side had fluid collecting again around the lower lobe. This time they put in a chest tube to drain it. They got around another liter. It slowed to very little drainage just a few hours after they put the chest tube in. So, yesterday they watched it, and decided they would pull it today. They pulled it this morning and said everything looked good on the xray except one spot which they think was caused by the lung collapsing a little when they pulled the chest tube. They said when he gets an xray at clinic next week, it should be gone. He got his picc line out and his staples from surgery out. I counted the staples before they took them out and there was 78. The fluid removed from the lungs showed no bacteria or infection, and there is no sign of rejection. Hallelujah!!! We got back to the apartment around 4p.

The doctor we were leary of was pleasant. Thanks for the prayers.

Traci and Anna Kate are with us until Sunday. Anna Kate is doing very well since her surgery.

Still in Hospital

Tomorrow they are going to decide about how they are going to remove the fluid from the outside of Alan's right lung. They might drain it or they might put in chest tubes to drain it. The good news is that the ecoli bacteria is gone, and his last IV of antibiotic for the ecoli is tomorrow. He is eating well and walking 4 miles every day.

We do have a prayer request. The pulmonologist making rounds this week is the only person we have had any problems with since we have been here. Alan had requested not to see him again. They can honor that request at clinic, but not on rounds at the hospital. So, Alan saw him today, and he got upset, and will have to see him again tomorrow. We think he must be a fine doctor or he would not be part of the transplant team. Maybe it is just personality conflicts. Please pray that he won't upset Alan anymore.

Thanks to all of you. Alan & Judy

A Liter is a Lot

Yesterday they did a bronchoscope on Alan and drew around a liter of fluid from around his lungs. They didn't put any chest tubes in, which is good, I think. They are running tests on the fluid to see what kind it is. I looked up plueral effusions on the internet and there are 4 different kinds of fluid, I can't explain them but the internet does a good job. There is a little pocket of air they are watching since they drained the fluid. They want to keep him for a few days for osbservation. Wanda, Eddie, and I could tell a big difference in him immediately after they brought him back to the room from draining the fluid. They used a local anesthetic so he was wide awake, talking, and in a great mood.

Anna Kate's pain is less today.

Thank you all for keeping tabs on us and praying for our specific needs as they arise. Judy & Alan

Still Waiting

Alan went back to the hospital about 7p last night. I came home about 10p because they said his procedure wouldn't be until 10a today. My sister Wanda and her husband Eddie are here with me. We all got up at 5a and got to the hospital a little after 7a. They put Alan's procedure off until tomorrow at 1p, because the doctor was backed up today. He will have a bronchioscope and they will remove some fluid and I think put in a chest tube or tubes. They said they did not know how long he would have to stay. I came home early tonight because Wanda and Eddie are cooking a wonderful homecooked dinner for me. It has been awhile since I ate someone else's cooking. I am excited.

Anna Kate's surgeon said her surgery went well but that she would have some pain. He gave her some medicine for pain. I talked to her and her voice was soft, sweet, and a little groggy. When I asked how she felt, she said "I had to take a little nap when I got home, Nana." I said "Surgery is tough." She said "YEP". Please keep praying her through the pain.

Love, Judy

Back to the Hospital

We went to clinic yesterday and saw Dr. Lin, the surgeon who did Alan's transplant. When Alan was in the hospital, he told us that Alan had pleural effusions (fluid) between his lungs and the wall of the chest cavity. They did an xray yesterday, and the effusions are still there. Late this evening or tonight they will call to tell us they have a room ready for us at the hospital, and Alan will be back there for 2 to 3 days. They will put a chest tube (tubes?) in to drain the fluid, and give the lungs room to expand. It is important to do this as soon as possible, otherwise the lungs might not expand as they should. We are trusting God, he has been with us every step of the way.

Wanda, my sister, and her husband are coming to stay with us for a few days. I am grateful.

Please remember Anna Kate as she has her surgery tomorrow.

Thank you. Judy & Alan

Getting Stronger

Alan is getting stronger. I have a cold or sinus infection, and am feeling puny. I am wearing a mask and have the hand disenfectant in every room, so I wash my hands continually. I have been sleeping in the spare bedroom, and until last night he slept on the couch. Last night he slept in the bed. I put his meds in his pill box, but he is remembering to take them on time, check his insulin, and give himself the shots. We tag team the IV, and have it down to a science. He even laid on the bed and did some arm weights today. Determined is a good word for him. It seems like we are taking baby steps, but we gain ground every day.

Sweet dreams, Judy

Special Prayer Request

Good Morning, Today we have a very special prayer request. It is not for us, but for our Granddaughter, Anna Kate, who is 6 years old. Most of you know that she has mild to moderate Cerebral Palsy. On October 30th she will have surgery on her legs, they will lengthen the achilles tendon in her right leg to get her heel to go down flat when she walks, right now she walks on tiptoe, and they will lengthen her hamstring in both legs so her legs will turn out and not in when she walks. She will have a full cast on the right leg AND the left leg. She has requested 2 different colors for the casts. The cast on the left leg will stretch the muscles. Anna Kate is VERY excited about the surgery because her doctor told her if it does what it is supposed to do she won't have to wear braces anymore. She does not like wearing the hard plastic braces. They make blisters and are very hot and confining, she gets very tired quickly. You have been so generous with your prayers for us, we know you will join us in praying that Anna Kate's surgery will be a success. She brings us such joy and laughter. We know that God hears our prayers and answers. We have felt the power of your prayers. We are living proof that prayer works. We will keep you posted on Anna Kate too. Thank You!!!!

Getting into a Routine

I feel like today we have started settling into a routine. Alan went back to the fitness center, and he was tired when I picked him up, but a good tired. We gave the IV of the antibiotic together this afternoon, and it went smoothly. We have much to be grateful for.

He just fell asleep on the couch. He says it is more comfortable than the bed.

Thinking of all of you, Judy & Alan

We are HOME!!!!! (Apartment in Durham)

I am so happy to say we are out of the hospital and back at the apartment. We thought we would get to come home on Tuesday, but the infectious disease folks wanted to keep us an extra day because of the ecoli. They needed time to study the cultures of the ecoli and determine what type of ecoli it was and which antibiotic would be the best to treat it. Yesterday he got his first IV of the antibiotic, Ertapenem. The transplant coordinator had to come before we could be discharged and go home, she was there from 4:30p - 5:30p, and we left the hospital around 6:45pm. We had to drop prescriptions off at the drugstore. I hadn't eaten since breakfast, because I was afraid I would miss the coordinator, so I grabbed a sandwich at Wendy's. Alan had all 3 meals at the hospital. We went by the apartment to unload and for me to eat. Alan went back to the drugstore with me and went in. When we got back to the apartment, he walked across to the mailboxes to check the mail for the first time since we have been here. Before transplant he did not have the energy to walk over to the office and check our mailbox. I am going to like having my husband back. Since we have been here I have pretty much done everything by myself, now I have my best friend back. JOY! JOY! JOY! JOY! Down in my heart, down in my heart to stay.

His insulin is up since surgery as are all (most?) transplant patients. So he came home on insulin. Very small doses. Last night we were too tired to even try to figure out the machine to check blood sugar levels. So this morning we hit the floor running, he had to have meds at 8a, we worked on the machine and figured out how to do the test, only to realize we had no syringes to administer the insulin. Meanwhile the home health care nurse showed up to train me on giving the IV of anitbiotic for the ecoli and how to flush his picc line. She left at 12p and we ate breakfast, and then I went back to the pharmacy to get the syringes to give the insulin. Got home and we tested his glucose levels and he gave himself the shot.

Now he is napping, and I am blogging. But I have to get busy on organizing everything. This is very much like bringing a newborn baby home from the hospital. Everything is new. I am grateful he did not have to go back to the Center for Living (fitness center) today, that will happen tomorrow, and we can have today to get a handle on everything.

WE APPRECIATE EACH AND EVERONE OF YOU WHO ARE TRAVELING WITH US ON THIS AMAZING JOURNEY. OUR SECOND CHANCE IS BECOMING REALITY.

Sunday and Monday

On Sunday Alan got the remaining 2 chest tubes out. Traci, Mark and the kids were at the hospital with us when his surgeon, Dr. Shu Lin came by and said we would all need to leave the room while he removed the tubes. So, we went to the ICU waiting room to visit with some of the families we had come to know. After about 15 or 20 minutes, Traci looked up and said "Daddy is coming down the hall." We looked up and he was walking with no walker, no chest tubes,no IV tree, and of course he has not had oxygen since the surgery. It was so miraculous to see him. When we all ran toward him, he started to sob and just kept saying that God had given him a second chance. God gave all of us a second chance. Then Alan did 3 jumping jacks. He said it hurt, but felt good at the same time.

Today the infectious disease doctors came in a couple of times talking with us about the ecoli in his lungs. The first bronch they did showed ecoli but the culture itself was not growing, the second bronch did not show ecoli but ecoli is growing on the culture from the 2nd bronch. They are going to let him come home tomorrow, but will have a home health care nurse come by every day for 2 weeks to give him an IV of an antibiotic that is good at killing the ecoli. They don't seem overly worried because Alan is doing so well otherwise, but they still feel like this is necessary. We are now in isolation. When I or anyone else go into his room, we have to put on one of the paper gowns and plastic gloves. Those gloves make my hands sweat. If I leave the room for anything, I have to throw the one I have on away and get a clean one when I come back.

Alan is in very good spirits, but a little bored. He is inspiring a lot of the other patients.

While we were in ICU waiting for Alan to get his last 2 chest tubes out, I saw a young man that I had come to know just a little in the hallway. I guess he is about 16 or 17 and his name is Xavier. He looked upset and I asked if he was okay. He told me that his brother (19 years old) had just died. I didn't know what to say. I just put my arms around him and prayed. I was so rattled. I hope God let me say something of comfort to him. The last name of the family is Ramirez, please remember them in the loss of their loved one. And remember Martina who is 17 and had a lung transplant and is still in ICU, and Elois Carlton who is 56 and had a lung transplant and is still in ICU, and the many other people in ICU and their families.

I hope all of you have a great week! Hugs, Judy

Plugging Along

Saturday was an eventful day for Dad.  We found out that unfortunately the bacteria he has is ecoli.  They are treating it with an inhaled antibiotic and feel confident about the ability to treat it.  He had another bronchioscope and then the doctor clamped his two chest tubes as a test to see if he could do without them.  Dad is really hopeful as he has been told that his pain will reduce drastically once the chest tubes are out.  He walked 72 laps around the unit which means he walked 4 miles.  I know, we cannot believe him either.  The doctors, nurses, and other patients are amazed at him.  The local pharmacy prepared all of his home meds and Mom picked them up yesterday, so they are prepared when he is discharged.

We will get the results of the bronch and xrays Sunday to see how the lungs are expanding.

The best part of his day though was getting to see his grandchildren.  By age, only Lane is allowed to see him, but his nurse let all three kids come up.  Dude was thrilled!  The kids were also very glad to get the see him and know he is really okay.

Continued prayers are still appreciated.  Love, Traci

Still Ahead of the Norm

Hey Everyone, It is 8:03pm on Friday. As Traci told you yesterday Alan still has 2 of his chest tubes in for drainage. He is still draining more than they want him to be when they take him off them. Also, the left lung has not inflated as much as they would like for it to and the drainage cylinders pump air into the lungs as well as remove drainage. They did a bronchioscope yesterday and told us this morning that he has a little bit of infection in one of the lungs. The doctor that came by today did not seem concerned. The are sending a tissue sample to the lab to find out exactly what is causing the infection and how to best treat it. Meanwhile, they are giving him antibiotics. She also said that sometimes the lungs will be a little slower to expand, but that will come if Alan does everything he is supposed to do. He had been on thickened liquids and soft food, and today he was told he could eat and drink normally. He is doing everything he is supposed to do, breathing exercises, walking several times a day (3 2/3 miles today, or 66 laps around the hospital hallway, coughing to get everything out of his lungs that shouldn't be in there, asking for pain medicine before it gets unbearable, and so much more. Everyone that meets him is quite taken with his spirit, determination, and sense of humor. We probably won't be going home over the week-end, so we will just have to wait and see. God has brought us this far, we know he is with us.

Traci is with him tonight at the hospital. I stayed last night, so I am tired and going to bed soon.

I have been reading your emails, and it means a lot to hear from you. I have not been very good at responding, because when I come home and read them I am pooped and going to bed for a nap so I can get back to him. Please keep emailing us though, because when I come home the first thing I do is check emails and go to the mail box. It lifts our spirits to hear from you. When he gets home, I will have more time. I hope all of you are well. Judy

Thursday Update

Dad is continuing to progress well.  He did not sleep well last night due to new pain, but he got some much needed rest during the day today.  Yesterday, he walked 3 miles and today he reached his goal to walk 3 1/3 miles.  He is amazing everyone at Duke.  He is still having quite a bit of drainage from his chest tubes, so the last two could not be removed today.  So far, we have no signs of infection or rejection.  Please continue to pray for recovery and for his adjustment when he is discharged.

Also, please continue to pray for the other families at Duke.  Most of them are not recovering as quickly as Daddy.  Mom purchased a large bag of chocolate that she shared with the nursing staff in Dad's unit and with the folks in the ICU waiting room.  Staff and family members were so grateful for Mom's thoughtfulness.  Mom and I decided that chocolate is a universal language.

We cannot tell you how much we appreciate your concern and prayers. 

Traci

Wednesday update

Hello Everyone, Today Alan got one of his chest tubes removed, his epidural removed, his catheter removed, and all of the IV's except the ones with antibiotics. He walked 36 laps early afternoon and 18 more at 8:30p, for a total of 3 miles. WOW!! I walked with him tonight and a doctor fell into step beside him, and said "Are you Mr. Wolf? They told me I would see you walking a lot." Everyone is cheering him on, it is really heartwarming.

Since he is not getting anymore pain medicine through the epidural, he is taking tylenol and oxycodone through the pic (piq?) line they put in during the wee hours of the night, from 1a to 2a to be exact. Since he won't automatically be getting the pain meds, he will have to pay attention and as he starts to feel pain ask for medicine so it won't get too bad.

His surgeon Dr. Shu Lin said that Friday would be the earliest he could go home, but that is not a definite.

We have had some amazing nurses and think that is God's doing. They have been angels. Amanda and Claire, if you read this, Thanks Again.

We have met many families who have not been as fortunate as we have. Their loved ones are still in ICU fighting for their lives, please pray for them, they have touched our lives. Also please continue to pray for the donor family that gave Alan a second chance. We do not take it lightly, and give God all the Glory and Gratitude because with him all things are possible.

I have stayed at the hospital all night the past two nights. Traci is staying with her Daddy tonight and I bet I will sleep very soundly. I am tired.

Traci and Mark have been so supportive, we could not have made it through this without them. We also thank all of you, Gail and Bob for coming and being with us during the surgery and ICU, and the rest of you for staying in touch and lifting us up in prayer. God has honored your prayers.

Alan is feeling very good and happy about his progress. He said he hopes he can be an inspiration to someone else. He is an inspiration to me. I look forward to making many more memories.

I am off to sleepyland. Good Night. Judy

Dad Keeps Setting Records

Dad had another great day.  He was a little more tired this morning and dealt with a couple bouts of pain, but he also continued to break hospital lung transplant records.  He got to begin eating soft foods today and when he ate for the first time, he realized how hungry he was.  Lots of people came in and out to check on and discuss a variety of things.  He walked twice today - 30 laps right after lunch and then 20 more laps this evening.  18 laps around the unit total a mile, so he completed almost 3 miles of walking today.  Remarkable, huh???  All the people on his medical team are amazed at him.  So are we!  The projection is that he will be discharged on Friday if all continues to go so well.  Again, a record - discharge 6 days post lung transplant.  Mind boggling!

Thanks again for all the continued support and prayers.

Traci

Dad continues to amaze

Dad is continuing to make amazing progress.  His ICU nurses pulled two of his chest tubes today plus two other lines he still had in his neck, then they moved him to step down.  Yes, believe it or not, he was moved out of ICU today - 48 hours post-transplant.  He walked himself from ICU to his step down room.  His new nurse couldn't believe that he was her patient.  She actually asked the ICU nurse where her patient was and Daddy was right behind her.  She said she normally received patients via hospital bed or wheelchair.  

After resting for several hours after the move, Daddy then got up and walked 20 laps around the step down unit; 18 laps equal one mile.  His nurse had no idea he had actually walked 20 laps but he did.  In step down, Mom is able to stay with him at night, so she is there and I am in the apartment.

Please continue to pray for Daddy's recovery, the donor family, and the other precious lung transplant patients and their families.  We have met so many families whose loved ones are still struggling through recovery.  We have had the privilege of getting to encourage, support, and pray for and with other families.  Daddy is an inspiration to them (and me) as their loved ones continue to fight.

Love, Traci

Alan's miracle walk

We tried to upload the video Mark took to the blog, but didn't have success. If you would like to see it, go to www.youtube.com and search for "Alan's miracle walk". Let us know if you are as amazed as us.

The 700 foot walk

Good Morning, Mark used his camera yesterday to video Alan's first walk, 30 hours after his transplant!!!! His nurse said he had never had a transplant patient walk as far as Alan did......700 feet or a little more than 2 football fields!!!!!!! He is dazzling the staff with all that he can do and his positive attitude!!!!

We don't know anything about the donor, but please continue to pray for the donor family.

We are celebrating life and praising God!!!!!

Love to you all, Judy

My Husband is my Hero

Good Morning, It is 5am..can't go back to sleep..can't go see Alan until 9a because visiting hours in ICU are 9a - 9p. So, it is a good time to update all of you. Alan has told me over and over, "I am going to have the surgery, work harder than hard to get better, and we are going to have our lives back, I can do this for my family, for you Judy, for Traci, for Mark, for Lane, for Connor, for Anna Kate. I want more time with all of you."

Well, yesterday we all saw that as we know, he is a man of his word. He got out of surgery at around 10a and was in ICU by 12p. We got to see him for the 1st time around 1p, and he was still asleep. By 8p last night they had him awake and he was responding to us with hand motions, facial expressions, and moving his feet. He still had the tube for the ventilator in his mouth so he couldn't talk, but his spirit was shining through. He gave us several thumbs up signals. His nurse said that often after the surgery it takes the patient a lot longer to respond, but not Alan. They knew right away that he was alert, aware of everything they were saying to him, and he was very responsive. God has poured so many blessings out on us, and on this day of Alan's surgery, he has given us a miracle, a second chance, and we intend to never cease praising and thanking HIM. Afterall, he is the one that gave Alan his spirit of determination, his love of God and family, and the desire that burns in him to make many more memories with all of the people that love him. You can expect great things from my husband. I do!

When we left last night they were planning on taking the tube out, and maybe getting him up in a chair. I just called the hospital and talked to his nurse and THE TUBE IS OUT!!!!! ALAN IS TALKING ABOUT PLUMBING WITH HIS NURSE!!! I am crying tears of absolute joy. The nurse said they had a very good night. You just can't outgive God can you. As Traci's best friend Aileen would say. God is showing off. None of this is ordinary, it usually takes days, sometimes weeks to get to this point, and Alan has done it in 24hours.

That is MY husband, My hero. I am sure as you follow his progress he will become your hero too, if he is not already.

There is a set of lungs at the end of the rainbow

Daddy has two new lungs!!!  God is so good!  He got out of surgery around 10am and we are waiting to get to see him.  The surgery was completely successful and both lungs are functioning properly.  He is breathing on 22% air and 21% is room air.  Wow!  

The average time for patients to wake up is 6 hours.  The doctor told us that older patients may take longer.  Of course, he is heavily sedated and intubated.  Doctors will attempt to take out his intubation tube as soon as he is awake and alert.  Amazing, huh?

We have been rejoicing and thanking God and singing our song.  Join along:

"Zippedee do dah, zippedee yay.  Dude got new lungs today.  Really good breathing headed his way.  Zippedee do dah, zippedee yay."

Please continue to pray for his recovery as the transplant surgeon stated several times that he is not out of the woods yet.  The first few weeks are critical.

Again, we appreciate your thoughts and prayers.

Love, Traci & Judy

4th and last time (we pray)

Daddy received another call to come to the hospital just before 7pm as they were evaluating another set of lungs for him. He was taken into the operating room around 1:15am and the surgery began around 2:30am. Daddy had really struggled the past two weeks medically, so we are so grateful that the time for his transplant has arrived. We will post an update as soon as we can. We appreciate your prayers during this time.

Love, Traci

Too Long

Hello Everyone, I know I have waited too long to post to this blog. We just absolutely have no news. Our days revolve around the fitness center and then Alan has zero energy left. They did tell us a while back that he would reach his peak performance at the fitness center and then he would start to go down from there. That is where he is right now, getting weaker all the time. We weren't supposed to go to clinic again until Oct. 7th, but they moved it up to tomorrow. They will check his pulmonary functions to see if they are declining. The last time we went he had declined some. Please continue to keep us in your prayers. Thank you so much for all the cards, calls, and emails. We love to hear from you, it helps make the time not so slow.

I hope the next post will be the one with the BIG news. God Bless.

Love, Alan & Judy

Oops

Dad made it all the way to the operating table, and the physicians decided to examine the available lungs one last time.   The doctors determined that the lungs had deteriorated too quickly and were not going to be acceptable after all.   Dad was then brought back to pre-op/post-op to have his IV and monitor devices removed.  He had been back in the surgical area for an hour and a half before Mom got the word.  The doctor spoke to all of us and was extremely apologetic.  We were reminded that even the doctors are not in control - only our God is.  I know it is difficult to understand; we do not understand either.  Dad and Mom live in this uncertainty day in and day out right now.

I'm sorry for not being able to post an update until now.  We did not get in the bed until 3:30am. We appreciate your thoughts and your prayers.  We hope that we will have more news to post soon.

Blessings, Traci

A Blast of Hope

This is it!!!!! I am headed to Durham as we got word that Dad is headed to surgery. We appreciate your prayers. We will post again to the blog as soon as possible.

Thanks, Traci

A Ray of Hope

Dad received another call today around 1pm to let him know that a potential set of lungs has become available. The lungs have to be evaluated and accepted and Dad (and Mom) have gone to the hospital as directed. Dad has already had some blood work and a couple of other tests. It is now almost 7pm and we are still waiting to hear if the lungs are acceptable. Please be praying that these lungs are the ones meant for Dad. We all want God's timing and the lungs God has picked out for him, but the wait is getting more difficult for Dad and Mom both physically and emotionally. We are not sure when we will hear. Mark and I will head to Durham immediately if the surgery is going to happen. We do appreciate the prayers you offer on Dad's behalf. We will post as soon as we can get to a computer.

Blessings to you all, Traci

Wishing We Had More News

Hello Everyone, I know it has been a long time since I posted. We don't have any news to tell you. Since our last dry run we have been waiting, literally 24/7. We trust God's timing completely, however our patience gets a little worn sometimes. God is literally carrying us, because waiting for something that is life changing and not knowing when it will happen is one of the most difficult things either of us has ever had to do. Please pray for patience and God's peace for us.

We have seen lots of success stories since we have been here, and that is very encouraging.

We appreciate all of you from the bottom of our hearts. We know we are covered in your prayers. Thank You

2nd Dry Run

We just got back from the hospital for a 2nd dry run. We got a call this morning at 8:15am to go to the hospital. She said we would be a stand by. The lungs were hopefully going to a person who was having 2 different organ transplants at the same time, if both organs came here healthy he would get them, but if only the lungs were healthy, Alan would get them. He got them, and we are happy for him, we were only told that he had been waiting for some time. Alan will get lungs when the exact match is ready.

They did say we are at the top of their radar.

We appreciate your prayers, please pray for the others waiting and receiving transplants, and the whole transplant team, especially the surgeons. They are extremely busy right now.

Dry Run

Until last night we had only heard the term dry run. A dry run is when the transplant coordinator calls you and tells you to get to the hospital because lungs are available, and the lungs turn out to be no good. We got the call at 8:30pm last night, Wednesday. We were at the hospital by 9:05pm. We called Traci so that she could get child care arranged if it was a go. Mark's Mom, Elaine, was at their house. So, Traci and Mark decided to come even before we got word that it was a go. They arrived around 12:30pm and the 4 of us waited in the room with Alan. At 4:30am our nurse told us that one set of lungs was no good, but a second set had become available and that is why they were keeping us. We got the call around 8:30am that the 2nd set of lungs were no good, and that we could come back home. The nurse on duty came in and she said this in a very playful way, "They tell me no lungs tonight, right? So, get out. We'll see you again soon."

We came home and had breakfast and fell into bed. Traci and Mark only slept about 3 hours, and they just headed for home. I got up to tell them bye, but I think I will head back to bed with Alan. We both need rest, what if it happens again tonight?????

We will keep you posted. Love, Alan & Judy

This Time It Is Real...Zippity Do Dah!!

This past Tuesday as we were preparing to get Alan to the Fitness Center for his daily workout, we got a call that they were POSSIBLY going to list (activate) Alan. They wanted us to go to the clinic immediately for blood work and to see Dr. Steele, one of the pulmonologists to talk about activation. We went to the clinic, saw the doctor, Alan had blood work, and the transplant co-ordinator told us she would call on Wednesday to let us know we were listed. On Wednesday she called to say they needed a sputum culture and another ct scan because of a nodule they had been watching. On Thursday we were at the clinic at 8am for the sputum culture, then Alan went to the Pespico Fitness Center to exercise from 12:30PM - 4:30PM, AND THEN we went to the hospital for the ct scan. We got home about 6:15pm.

This morning the call we have waited for came - Alan is Activated and in the database for the United Network of Organ Sharing, and the search has begun for lungs that are a perfect match for him. We can't begin to describe all the emotions. Alan has to have new lungs to be able to live, but on the other hand someone will lose their life, and because they are an organ donor, they will save Alan's life. Theirs is truly the gift of life, and we are grateful from the bottom of our hearts. We ask that you pray for the donor's
family, their loss, their heartache. Pray for comfort, strength, peace, and that God will wrap them in his love in such a way that their pain will be eased.

Traci, Lane, Connor, & Anna Kate were with us when we got the news this morning. We shouted, and probably disturbed our neighbors. We are not used to being in an apartment. We also offered praise, thanksgiving, and petitions for the donor family. We had an Activation Party for Alan when he came home from the fithess center today. We had a cake, balloons, and made up a song for him. Please sing it with us, to the tune of Zippity Do Dah. Here goes, ready? Sing....Zippity Do Dah, Zippity Yay, Dude's gonna get new lungs some day, really good breathing coming his way, Zippity Do Dah, Zippity Yay. We are so happy they were here with us to hear this life changing news.

Thank you again for your love, prayers, and support.

Holding Steady, Getting Stronger

We spoke with the lung transplant co-ordinator this past Friday, August 1st. The transplant team will not discuss activating Alan again until their August 26th meeting. We have accepted this and Alan is continuing to go to the fitness center each day, and is working so very hard. His focus and determination is amazing. We did finally have one of the pulmonologists explain to us why the anxiety is such a red flag. It could cause serious complications post transplant.

So, he is working with the psychologist on breathing exercises, relaxation exercises, and finding other ways to help relieve the anxiety. He maintains a very positive attitude and is still striving to do everything that is asked of him. My hero.

He had a test last week for his kidneys to make sure they are okay before transplant, and next week he has a gastric empty to make sure food enters and leaves his stomach properly. We have met with the psychologist several times and the social worker once.

His sinuses have bothered him since the first week we arrived, and last week he finally got to see a doctor and he prescribed some meds for him. It seems to be a lot better, still a little drainage. They are also going to set up a ct scan of his sinuses.

As we said in our last post, we trust God and his timing.

Thanks again for all of your support, prayers, and encouragement, and especially your humor. Alan and Judy

Going in Reverse

Hello Everybody, We have had an emotional roller coaster of a week. At the first of last week they told us they were preparing to activate Alan, then by the end of the week they were backpeddling a little. When we got the call this week, we found out he will NOT be activated. Instead there are more tests to be done. Also, they want him to go the see the Social Worker and the Psychologist. They will work to make sure he has the coping skills he will need after the transplant. I think this is a good idea, the timing is what bothers us. They have been telling us he needed to see them everytime we have been here for an appointment, and Alan told them to set up the appointments and he would be there. So, we get here, have the activation so close, and now we are not sure how long before activation. Maybe a few weeks. Alan is so ready to have the transplant, and this turn of events has disappointed him very much. We have decided though that it might be for a reason. The lungs that will be the perfect match might not be ready just yet, and this is God's way of making sure the timing is perfect.

Lane and Connor went to Bible Camp this week, and Mark had to travel for business, so Traci and Anna Kate came and spent 2 nights with us. We can't tell you how wonderful it was to see them.

They are working Alan very hard at the Pepsico Fitness Center. He goes for 4 hours a day, and he is exhausted when I go to pick him up. His fortitude and determination amaze me. I know when the lungs are ready, that he will give everything he has to taking care of them and healing.

Thanks to all of you for you love, support, and encouragement. We love to hear from you through the blog, emails, phone calls, and cards. I run to the mailbox like a kid everyday.

We will post again as we have news.

Activation Pending.......

We have received 2 calls today saying they are trying to get everything up to date and in order so they can activate Alan next week. We just heard the term activate when we got here this week. It means he will be put in the system and the search and wait for his new lungs begins in earnest.

We both cried. It is very emotional. I can't put it into words. We said a prayer together to thank God, and ask that he continue to be with us. We definitely know it has been his hand at work since this process began. He has not shut a single door, but thrown them wide open, and we are walking through knowing God IS Indeed With Us.

The Social Worker called after I had taken Alan to the fitness center for his part time job as they put it (work out and lectures).
Matt, the Social Worker, asked what kind of support system we had. I told him a daughter, son-in-law, grandkids who are phenomenal and an unbelievable number of family and friends that are praying, staying in touch, encouraging us, and volunteering to come if we need you. All of you are priceless.

The Social Worker did also say that it is good to have people here during the surgery. We will be able to see Alan for a few moments at a time, but that for him to hear our voices and see our faces would be a real boost for him.

Hugs till next post, Judy

We Are In Durham!!!

Hello Everyone, We relocated to Durham to begin the transplant process on Sunday. Traci and Lane helped us move, or should I say, they did most of the loading and unloading and unpacking. What a help! Lane worked really hard. On Monday Alan had an appointment at the Pepsico Fitness Center at 12:30pm. They did an introduction/orientation to let us know what they would be doing and what would be expected of him. Alan will be going Mon thru Fri from 12:30pm - 4:30pm. He will exercise with rest periods between and then attend various lectures. Tomorrow he has appointments at the clinic for lab work and to see the pulmonologist, so he doesn't have to go to the fitness center. He comes home VERY tired.

I went to the grocery store yesterday, and cooked dinner for us last night. Today we feel like we are getting into a routine. We are waiting, hoping, and praying for the moment they say he is on the list. It could be a couple of weeks, maybe longer. They are not real forthcoming with information, it is just waiting, doing everything the ask us to do, and asking God for patience.

We are having trouble with our email. Hopefully we will get it resolved soon.

Thanks to each of you for the phone calls, posts on this blog, and cards. We are grateful for each of you. Please continue to stay in touch, it means a lot to us. Hugs, Alan & Judy

Today was my last day at work until Alan has the transplant and we come back home. I will miss my co-workers who are also my good friends. Alan went to respiratory therapy here at Presbyterian Hospital's Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center. He also made sure his oxygen was delivered to our apartment in Durham, because he will need it immediately when we arrive this Sunday. Our youngest grandson, Connor, will be baptized Sunday morning. After church we will come home and pack up the car and head for Durham. Sunday night we will spend the first night in our new temporary home. Monday morning we go to the Pepsico Center, which is Duke's fitness center. They will evaluate him and determine if he is physically ready for the transplant. We have an appointment with the doctor on Wednesday. Alan is excited and says "Lets Rock and Roll." We will
tell you all about our new home and neighborhood soon. Alan & Judy

We got the call today!!!!

We got the call from Duke to relocate to Durham and begin the transplant process. We immediately contacted the apartment complex where we will be living and set up the week-end of July 12th & 13th to relocate. Alan made arrangements to get his oxygen delivered the day before we arrive. So, we have 2 weeks
to get arrangements made for everything here, close the house up, load the car up and head to Durham.
He will go immediately to the Duke Pepsico Fitness Center and begin respiratory therapy like he has been doing here since January. He will also have to go to the clinic for more tests. He is excited and anxious to breathe again, and I am a little frightened, but full of hope. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

I will update again when we get to Durham. Judy & Alan

Genesis 2:7

Genesis 2:7 (American Standard Version)

7 And Jehovah God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

Copyright © 1901 Public Domain

Alan and I have begun a journey of hope, trusting God who breathed the breath of life into each of us, to give Alan breath again through new lungs. We invite each of you, our friends and family, to travel this road with us. We greatly appreciate and need your love, prayers, support and encouragement.

We have been going to Duke Hospital University since January of this year. Alan has had almost 50 tests, we have met with psychologists, social workers, financial planners, a surgeon, and a pulmonologist. He goes back to Duke on June 19th and it is our prayer that they will tell him it is time for us to relocate to Durham.

Once we relocate to Durham, he will have his new lungs in 7 to 21 days. We have found an apartment, so we are ready when they make the decision to come. I will post our address when it is definite.

Until we have more news.......