A New Beginning

We arrived at the hospital at 6:45AM and after waiting several hours, Joy learned that her donor was "several time zones away" and it would be late afternoon at the earliest before we knew if this would be a dry run or the real thing. In the interim, we learned that another transplant candidate arrived shortly before Joy but he was sent home after several hours and experienced his second dry run in less than two weeks.

At 4:45PM, Joy was told that "it was a go" and they immediately whisked her off to prepare for transplant. Our emotions were high and filled with a sense of new hope however, we could not forget the grief and pain her donor family must feel. Please share with us in your thoughts and prayers for them.

We received regular progress reports from the operating room and at the conclusion of an eight hour surgery, her doctor told us that Joy came through the operation fine and without complications. She was moved to the Acute Care Unit and will remain there until she has recovered sufficiently to move to a Step Down Unit. She did not require blood transfusions. On Monday morning, she will have an epidural placed in her back for pain management before she awakens and will have additional surgery in a couple days to place the stomach feeding tube which will remain until after the Stomach Wrap surgery is completed in a few weeks. The risks remain high especially over the next few hours, days and weeks.

Caroline, Cathy, Kevin and Crystal traveled from near and far to be here to support their mother and they too, were relieved to see Joy for a few precious minutes about 2:00 AM Monday. We all ventured home for a couple hours sleep and will regroup at sunrise.

At 7:30AM Monday, I called the hospital and was told Joy was doing pretty good and they did not have any immediate concerns. Her surgeon had already been in and was pleased with her post surgery progress. They plan to place the epidural within the hour and will perform her first bronchiscope to test her new lungs. She is expected to be awakened later today however will not be able to speak until the ventilator is removed. Can you imagine Joy not being able to talk?

The medical staff has STRONGLY advised us that Joy CANNOT tolerate flowers, plants or fresh fruits due to bacteria and fungus issues and therefore, in lieu of these I know that she would appreciate a blog message or a card. Our apartment address is 11391-103 Involute Place Raleigh, North Carolina 27617.

Joy will not be a happy camper or play well with others over the next several days but we will do our best to keep her focused. Your prayers have worked fantastic so God is listening. Don't stop.