Good evening,
I must say that when I went to the hospital, I didn’t expect to see much change. I think I was expecting another day of just rest and not much movement on the ventilator. No valet parking on the weekends, so I dropped Greg and Teresa off at the front door (man, I’m a good son-in-law) and went to find the parking garage. First time having to park the car. I found the perfect spot and headed up to 5 South East room 5328. I don’t think I mentioned yesterday that they put Jennifer back in isolation for Stenotrophomonas (I got it right Courtney!). We had to add the gown to the gloves and masks we were already wearing. Nothing new for Jennifer’s hospital stays. The doctors said that she was on the right meds to get rid of that crap!
Anyway, I got my suit on and walked in. Immediately, I glance at the ventilator (you know, like I know what I’m doing) and the numbers look good. Oxygen of 45% and peep of 5 and the Epoprostenol was turned off. I was shocked! Super excited. They were getting ready to take Jen to I.R. to get the PICC line placed. To my surprise, they packed that entire room up and out the door they went. That procedure took quite a while. All went well. They got the PICC line placed in her left arm and the plan was to not use the groin IV by that afternoon. That happened!!! They didn’t pull the groin IV because the doctor wanted to make sure that there was enough access to for the nurses. Hopefully that comes out tomorrow.
The nurse did a blood gas measurement and it wasn’t where they wanted it to be, so the peep got moved back to 8.
Occupational Therapy came and asked us a bunch of questions about our home, recent history, discharge plans, etc. Then they had Jen do a couple exercises with her arms. She had to lift her arms, punch a target (my hand), do some curls, and a chicken wing exercise. I think it made her chest hurt.
Lots of communication with Jennifer today. She was stuck on drag racing and would ask her dad how qualifying is going. This weekend is the first race of the NHRA National Circuit. Man does she like her drag racing. At one point, she pointed to the TV. We asked if she wanted us to turn it on? She said no and held up 7 fingers. Greg said, yes it comes on ESPN2 at 7pm. He also asked if she got ESPN2, to which she wrote, “You better find out”.
It was also the day that she wanted to start using the technology! She wanted the iPad and the iPhone. Then she wanted to FaceTime people. We started with Emily this morning. After the afternoon nap, it was on to Jennifer Wood, Alesha and Craig, Erin Weber, and her Aunt Dianthia. She wanted to FaceTime Ken Wood too, but he was with Robert at an auction in Tillamook. When she first mentioned her aunt Dianthia, we told her she wasn’t a texter, but I had an idea. Have her find someone with an iPhone! Turns out, her daughter-in-law Michelle, has one! Perfect. She called early this evening and got to say Hi! They all said that it was awesome to get to see her and that she looked great.
This probably isn’t a surprise, but she wanted to watch drag racing with her dad. I headed out about 6:30. I met my parents back at the hotel and we went for some dinner. Tomorrow, I need to take the rental car back to the airport! Problem is, I have no idea where we landed! Hopefully the address is on the receipt. We are staying at the hotel through Tuesday. Hopefully I can find us a more permanent residence. This hotel really isn’t bad and it is super close to the hospital.
Thanks to Dr. Chakraborty for checking in with me on a daily basis! He is great! He calls up and get the report from the nurse, then translates it for me! I told him today that they had to move the peep back to 8. He said, “That was ok. An organ, once out of the body produces inflammatory mediator. It is very natural to have edema. She’s only on day 4. Give it some time.”
Glad he is there for us!
I think that is it for today! Can’t wait for her to get that tube out. I am hoping to film it, so everyone can experience her first breath! Hoping that tomorrow brings more great changes!
Thanks for reading!
Oh yeah, one more thing. I read (well, I tried to read them) to Jennifer today and some of the comments too. Lots of thumbs up on them! Also, noticed that I had a voice text from my cousin Heather. It was Ethan, Ally, and Olivia singing happy birthday! So cute! Thanks
Good night,
Kerry
I just teared up at the very thought of “her first breath”….. How amazing that will be! Continued prayers coming your way! Love the updates of such great progress! Our God is an awesome God!!!
Which hotel are you in? Just wondering if it was where we stayed when my brother was fighting complications from his bone transplant. Glad Jen is perking up. Hope she continues to improve at a tremendous rate.
Hey Kerry! You’re doing a great job keeping us informed and being positive. Keep the faith and remember that we love you both and are keeping you in prayer.
I can’t wait to see her take her first BREATH…..yah!!!!
Thanks for the updates. You’re getting great with blogging – sound like a person of authority, maybe in the teaching line:). Continued prayers for all around. All of you are doing great. So good to have family there. Makes a huge difference!! Chills to be able to see her take her first breath, soon!! Thanks for remembering us for that important moment.
Thank you for all the updates. I look forward to reading them and hearing all the positive improvements happening in this long courageous battle. Go Jen. You inspire so many with your strength and courage. Can’t wait for your first real breath. Still praying…
Such good news. So glad Jen is doing so well in her recovery. You are in our prayers every night. Kerry you are doing a good job at blogging.
Good news Kerry, thanks for keeping us posted. Prayers are still being said everyday!
Great job keeping us informed Kerry. I prayed the PICC line procedure would go well. Relieved to hear it did!! It’s a comfort to read about Jen’s progress, and to also read about you, so thank you for the updates. You’re all in my prayers constantly. Hugs!!!
Kerry,
You are doing a great job on the blog. I would love to see Jen take her first breath. I’m praying for all of you during this. I’m so glad that Aunt Teresa and Uncle Greg have such a great son-in-law. And that Jen has such a wonderful husband. Love to all!
Jen, so glad you are doing good! I will continue to pray for you and the family. Sounds like you are right on for progress. Can’t wait for the first breath. It gives me chills and tears to think this is really happening for you. Thanks Kerry for keeping us posted on her blog. Stay strong!!!!
I don’t know Jen but have heard about her and following her through my cousin Emily Bruggerman. I will continue to pray for her and ask God for is healing.
God is so good! Miracles are seen every day! Thank you for all the updates. Jennifer, you’re an inspiration!
Thanks for the updates. We can’t wait to see her take her first BREATH. It will be AWESOME. Thoughts and Prayers are with with, Jen and the family.
Following your beautiful wife’s journey — praying each time she comes into my mind. During my surgery in June, Christi shared a song that gave me such courage and strength, so, I’d like to pass it along…Desert Song by Natalie Grant…about God being there, rejoicing and victory. (I’m not too tech savvy, but, I’ll try to share the link on Jen’s Fight facebook page). Hugs to Jen, you and your family!!!
What a great day! Lots of positive thoughts to Jen, Kerry, Greg and Teresa!
Great job telling us everything you all are going through. We think of you very day! I can’t wait to watch her first breath as I’m sure you all can’t either! Love, The Peach’s
Praying for you all! God is sooo great and mighty! Father God, I pray for hope, comfort, strength, faith and an unmistakable MIRACULOUS healing in Jesus’ mighty name!!! Amen