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