Good evening,
If you are still awake to read this, thank you for staying up to wait for me. Today was a great day again at the University of Washington Medical Center! Jennifer is starting to feel much better. Her pain was significantly down from yesterday and the day before. The day started out with a scheduled bronchoscopsy for this afternoon. She still had that junk in there to clear out. That was really not the news that I was looking for today, when I got there.
The nurse came in and talked with Jennifer about the connection between her lungs and brain. It was really a very nice conversation. It made total sense too. She said that her brain was programmed to tell the body that it needed a breath every few seconds. That makes sense, as she didn’t have much lung function before the transplant. So now she has these new great lungs and her brain is still telling them to take quick, short breaths. The nurse gave her some breathing exercises to help start the re-programming phase. It seemed to really work with Jen. The nurse talked about the lungs and the air sacks that fill up inside upon an inhale and deflate when the exhale process takes place. As those air sacks get bigger, they push up against each other and that process forces any fluid to be coughed up. Jen’s exercises were to inhale over the course of a few seconds and then exhale. She spent most of the day trying this.
She got to order lunch today and chose the clam chowder! Yep, they have gluten free clam chowder. The medication orders for her enzymes didn’t get switched over correctly, so they never came and the clam chowder got cold…Bummer.
Roughly 1:00pm she decided to sit in the chair. She also spoke with KPIC reporter at that time too. I am sure that many of you have seen the link, but visit www.kpic.com to see the article. Thanks Robert, Ken, and Jennifer for making that happen!
After a good stint in the chair, she made it back to bed. I think she managed to get a few minutes of nap in. I spent that time chatting with some folks from work to make sure the building was still standing! It is! Mr. Wilson and Mr. Pust are doing a great job!
Physical therapy came in this afternoon so Jen could go for a walk! Boy was it a good one. I really thought that we would make it to the door and then back to the bed. She made the entire loop of the ICU. 300 feet according to the therapist. She only had to take a slight break one time and her supplemental oxygen needs were not increased! How cool is that?
By the end of the day, her supplemental oxygen needs were at 2, yep…2. And here comes the best part, no bronchoscopy. She is clearing the fluid all on her own. The night ended by the nurse coming in and removing many of the IV pumps. She said, “All these pumps make it look like you are sick, and honey…you’re not.” They de-accessed her mediport and were going to take the IV in her wrist out tonight too! Hopefully we move out of ICU tomorrow! Big things are happening here! It is a truly a wonderful journey!
Ok, so the cancelled bronchoscopy was really the second best part of the day…The best part…
Jennifer Dwight said, “It feels good! It feels real good!”
Thanks for the continued support,
Kerry
Tell her she looks BEAUTIFUL….and her color looks so good…..She already looks healthier….so happy for her…
Great news. Jen, you are an inspiration. Thank you for the updates Kerry.
Again GREAT news! Jen u ROCK!…..Kerry we look forward each day to hear of Jen’s improvements your blog tonight made me tear up….great job! Love you both:)
Great to talk to you yesterday Kerry. It was fun to catch up, even if some of it was business:) The KPIC article was very impressive, Jen looked great and really happy. Last night at the board meeting I updated the board on Jen’s progress (everybody already knew, they are all following her progress closely) but needless to say, everyone sends their love an support. People are just so amazed this whole process is even possible and Jen’s grit and determination is an inspiration to us all. Take care and have another wonderful day… each day is precious.
Awesome news!!!! Continuing prayers!
So proud of her. Remember to take care of yourselves as well.
Your posts are so good Kerry. I look forward to reading them and hear how Jennifer’s progress is coming along. It is exciting to see how this journey unfolds and how well she is doing. Looking forward to the day she is released and breathing free.
We saw the news story and Jen looks great and it was a real treat to hear her say, “It feels good. It feels real good!” We are so happy Jen is doingso well and really appreciate the updates Kerry! We are still praying for you both, your medical team, and the donor family.
Kerry you rock at blogging and Jennifer rocks at breathing! Keep on keeping on. We love you both.
You both are such an inspiration of hope an strength. God bless.
Thank you for the daily updates Kerry. We are all following Jens progress and praying for all of you. You sure can tell God has a mission for you and Jen. So many prayers and so much love sent to you two. Jen you are amazing and so are you Kerry. What a journey of love and faith you are on and showing all of us the Power of God and Love.
Good news!!! Remember family reunion 3rd week in July!!!
Can’t wait Sheryl and Jim! Craig and I talked about it earlier this week! Kerry
Thank you, Kerry, for sharing this great journey with us. The healing is awesome, but the relationship building that is taking place is priceless. When this is all over, you wiil know what I mean. We love you and will keep you both in our prayers.
Thank you for the updates.
Great posts Kerry! So fun reading all the great news each day! You guys are blessed to have each other. Still praying!