Greetings!
Today was the day we have been waiting for. When we got to the hospital, I noticed that Jen was on pressure support on the vent. I asked the nurse if she had a good night, and the answer was yes. The nurse told me that Jen was on a trial breathing run and that she was doing great. Her nurse was from New York. She definitely had that New York accent. They had to do multiple lab draws to check her blood gases. Seemed like forever. The RTs came in and said everything looked good, but they needed to wait for the attending doctor. About 10am everyone came in and the attending gave the good to go. Just like that, Jennifer was breathing on her own with her new lungs! I am still so in shock that this procedure is even possible. Jen and I talked about that vacation she wants to take. From the sounds of it, I am going to need to get another job. So if you’re hiring????
It was so cool to just sit and watch her breathe! I asked if she could tell the difference and she said, “A little.” I know her chest is very sore from the surgery. It was a pretty quiet afternoon. Teresa and Jennifer both slept and I caught up on some netflix. Then it was go time! The speech pathologist came through to do the swallow test. Jennifer passed. They said that Jennifer should go slow and just do ice chip and water from a spoon with the nurse present. Still getting plenty of nutrition from the tube feeds. After she left, Jen was ready for nap. It was quickly interrupted by the occupational therapist. They will come everyday to see Jen. Since she will not be able to lift her arms above her shoulders, they have to teach her how to safely get up, sit down, get dressed, wash hair, etc. Going to be some big changes! Things that are taken daily for granted are going to change. After that, nap time again! Wrong, the nurse wanted her to sit at the edge of the bed. Jen made it 15 minutes tonight. So amazing! A little painful, but she pushed through and is wanting to get stronger. Teresa spent a few minutes combing Jen’s hair. I bet that felt good. For some reason, she likes to have the fan on her and that blows her hair into her face. I have spent the last 4 days trying to get a headband on her head to keep the hair off. It was looking great tonight when I left.
My brother and uncle Randy brought our car to us today! I know that Seattle and back in one day is a long trip, but I really appreciate them bringing it to me! The rode home with my parents. I really appreciate them being her to support Jennifer and I through the first few days! And I am glad they got to see Jen off the vent before they had to go. They should be home by now. Thanks again, love you guys!
I also wanted to thank Erin for keeping the facebook site updated! I feel that there are a lot of people that read these blogs! I have been reading them to Jen and also started reading her the comments on both sites.
Hopefully tomorrow brings more positive changes and Jen gets to stand up and possibly walk a step or two. No rush! The nurse said tonight that she wouldn’t be surprised if half the drain tubes were removed tomorrow or Wednesday with how little drainage they are producing.
Thanks to everyone for their support. Jennifer and I really appreciate it.
Cheers to breathing easy!!
Kerry
Such amazing news! So grateful for the updates! This entire process is nothing but a miracle!
Glad things went well today. Craig emailed the staff that she was breathing on her own. That is such great news. Sometimes it may seem as if you are taking “baby steps,” but each one is a giant leap towards recovery and health. Keep up the good work!
Praise God for this great news! We are so happy for all of you. Jen, you are amazing! Thanks for all the updates. We find ourselves checking all through out the day for updates. Continued prayers for complete healing. God bless
Amazing news! My mom told me the day Jen flying to Seattle and I was shocked to hear it was happening so soon! I’ve been praying for her for months now and God is soooooo awesome! Jen, I know we don’t know each other very well but I remember your mom paying me a couple times to feed the fish when you all were gone 🙂 AND I do know you are an inspiration! Your story gives me strength. It gives me hope that any disease or conditions I have will not own me! All we can do is FIGHT and pray! I am so happy for you Jen! I’m glad you get to watch drag racing! I remember being so envious of you racing 🙂 I remember going to one of your races in coos bay with my mom, Dione, dad and brother. I wanted to be like you so much! You kicked butt then and you kick butt now! 🙂 keep fighting! Love and prayers from Wyoming!
God is good…..isn’t he….Bless Jennifer’s heart…..here is to a speedy recovery and breathing easier….with….each breath you take…..((Hugs))
Glad to hear things are looking up. Keep fighting Jen! It’s hard I know, but you can do it!!!
Wow, great news!! It truly is amazing what is possible with medical science today. However, it is only possible if you are one tough cookie!! 🙂 Keep supporting each other and we will see you back home soon. Great work you two !!
Great progress indeed. We are praying regularly and we know that there are great days ahead
Very excited that she is off the the ventilator. Being a fellow CF it is glad to see her getting better.
Fantastic news.
I am beyond thrilled to hear how well Jen is doing. The Neavoll sisters are keeping you all in our prayers.
Good to hear she is doing so good Hope to see you guys soon .
Love you Guys
Grangpa&Grandma Stewart
Hi, Jen and Kerry and all. I am one of those who has been quietly watching the blogs. Great to see how well it is going. I had an aunt go through this some years back. Medical technology is truly amazing! And so is human resilience. Bless you both and good luck as well, Pam
This is such great news! “Our God is an awesome God”, will continue to pray for strength and to breathe easier. Jen, you are strong and have many goals in life as well as your bucket list has just got bigger. Praise God for the life he has given you as a second chance. Sorry Kerry…..it may take more than one other job….lol
Jen & Kerry, we are all so proud of these accomplishments. Emotions are so high for you guys. Will keep sending strength to you. God Bless.
So happy to hear the good news. Jen you are strong and a real fighter. I admire you so much.
Kerry you have been such a strength for Jen and I image for her family also.
So excited for all of you. Kerry, maybe you could teach medical terminology at night school. Or maybe how to be a supportive husband in 10000 easy steps. I’ll keep my ears open for job opportunities. Get some rest.