Sunday, February 23, 2014

Home Is Where The Heart Is...

... The rest of him is there, too!

Brief update of the past week.  On Monday, February 17th, Michael was transferred from the 8th Floor ICU, to the 12th Floor, which is fairly intermediate care and nothing like ICU.

On Thursday, February 20th, he had his second biopsy.  The results were a zero, showed no sign of rejection and he recovered from this one much quicker than the first one.

Friday, February 21st was a L O N G day for him.  He was both anxious and nervous to be leaving the hospital.  PICC line was removed, Pacer wires were removed, and medications were picked up from the pharmacy for the first month.  Finally, he and his Sister were on their way!  (approximately 2 1/2 weeks from transplant)

Visitors and germs will continue to be a big issue, since his immune system is compromised.  He isn't with me, so this will be up to him and his Sister and will be a vital part of his recovery.  I'm crossing my fingers, hoping they learn to be tough and say "NO" to potential contamination.

This journey is far from over, but I would like to thank everyone for the prayers, good thoughts and support!

Here are a few photos.  Thank you to Cindy P. for the beautiful heart she sent us for Valentine's Day!









44 comments:

Saraheinä said...

I'm glad that Michael is up and recovery progresses! God blessing for you all!

Cindy @ Dwellings-The Heart of Your Home said...

So happy Michael got to ring the bell! Praying for healing and for many healthy years to come!
Blessings,
Cindy

Lynn said...

What an exciting video. I have been told by others that once home and things proceed as they ought, the comfort levels rises quickly. Bravo and the best of wishes to him.

lotta joy said...

Congratulations on the zero rejection and that makes TWO beautiful hearts - both from other people! I would put out a NO VISITORS announcement and remove the welcome mat. Seriously.

ain't for city gals said...

I don't use this word often but this is a miracle! I too would put out a no visitors sign for a bit and take no chances...

mamahasspoken said...

Yeah for great news! Maybe now you and hubby can enjoy his retirement ;o)

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

Wow- how wonderful to see him walking out of the hospital! Continued prayers- he has come a long way!

Ami said...

So happy to read this! I've been down a few days with illness, so wasn't aware he'd gone HOME! AWESOME!!! That is truly wonderful news.

::tossing confetti:::

Gigi said...

I cried when I saw him ringing the bell!! I'm so happy he's home!

troutbirder said...

Wonderful!!!!!

Katherines Corner said...

such wonderful news!!!!! hugs

TexWisGirl said...

awesome, awesome, awesome!!! loved cindy p's beautiful heart photo and the framed, stitched heart below that. great to see michael and his girls. God bless him!

Linda said...

This is great news! Glad to hear it.

Betty said...

Oh Boy! I am so glad to hear he's been discharged and all is going well. I'm sure it must be a little scary to not have all the medical personnel around, but I think that's probably very normal.

Hand sanitizer should be everyone's new best friend. We have bottles in the cup holder of each vehicle, I carry one in my purse, Reid carries one in his pocket. Once in a while I'll forget and leave my little bottle behind on the table when we go out to eat. Then I panic. I run in the nearest store to get another. My hands are as dry as can be, but we use that stuff every time we touch a door handle, pump gas, sign our names on one of those things by the cash register, touch a menu, etc. Any thing that other people touch. I complain at Target, Walmart, or the grocery store if there's nothing to wipe down the cart with. Those things are so dirty and food goes in them! Walmart was so cheap over the Christmas holidays. They didn't have any wipes at Sams or Walmart until January. We only use antibacterial soap and we wash our hands all the time. I've probably become a little germ phobic, but it can't hurt. :)

We avoid buffets and self serve stuff...like some of the grocery stores have where you can get candy out of bins.

One time I was at a store where they had self serve Icees. I watched a little boy put his finger up the nozzle where the drink came out, lick his finger, put it back up, lick it again, etc. No more self serve. :)

I am so happy this morning to read your good news! It made my day.

I hope you can get some rest now. You must be exhausted.

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

Wonderful news! So good to see him up and moving around again!.. now back to the business of life. :-)

And you can BREATHE now, Ms.A. Go ahead, deep and easy.

NCmountainwoman said...

Wonderful news. It warms my heart all the way through.

Nellie said...

What amazing news! Prayers continue for all of you as the situation continues to be a serious one. Hugs!

Chatty Crone said...

Is it not amazing what God and doctors and prayers and hopes can do!

I bet you wish you had him home with you so you could watch him! That has to be scary.

But what an amazing story! God does answer prayers.

sandie

Vicki Lane said...

What a joy! All best to Michael and is fabulous family!

Momma Fargo said...

Wow. His recovery journey has been so amazing and you are so strong. Joyful news! Lots of prayers for you and Michael and for the wonderful family he has to hold him up!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

What fantastic news... God is SO good... I've been thinking about Michael and YOU --and praying for you. I hope he continues to do well... God Bless.

Hope you can get some much-needed rest.
Hugs,
Betsy

George said...

Thanks for sharing the good news. We will continue to keep all of you in our prayers.

Deborah said...

Such wonderful and deserved good news. Relax for a minute little momma. Maybe?

Sally said...

On his feet!

Hallelujah!

A miracle indeed!

So, so happy to hear this. May God continue to bless him, and all of you.

xoxo

Chana Meddin said...

Would you understand if this means so much you've left me speechless? Tears of joy but on prayers of gratitude and hope that you can all begin to decompress and trust Life again. Love to you and congratulations ALL!

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

Though you continue to live in angst, I'm happy for this mostly good news.

Prayers and love continue.
xoRobyn

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...
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Margaret (Peggy or Peg too) said...

Great news! So happy to see him standing behind that chair. I will continue to pray for continued health. Happy happy happy.

Furry Bottoms said...

It is just so amazing to see him on his two feet! Here's to excellent health, a great recovery and many years of memories being made. I like that husky in the first picture too :)

Betty Manousos said...

aww!! thanks for sharing the good news, my friend! also, thanks for sharing these wonderful photos. on his feet! awesome!!!
god bless him!!

sending positive thoughts, love and prayers your way!

Big hugs!

Help! Mama Remote... said...

My heart is overwhelmed with joy right now. Continuous prays for healing and strength on this journey.

Marie said...

This is great news! God Bless you all!
hugs,
Marie

Alexandra said...

Oh, Mrs. A, I"ve gone back and read and I can hardly believe all that has happened. I promise you prayers and love and nothing but earnest wishes for a strong, healthy recovery. All my love to your boy. xo

Unknown said...

Wonderful news! I know it's been a long journey for you. And I understand now a new chapter starts but I won't forget to include you all in my prayers just the same...

Anonymous said...

Oh, this makes my own heart sing!!! I'll be keeping him in my prayers...and you, too, since he isn't with you, and as a mama, I know that just increases the worry!! I am so very happy he was able to leave the hospital so soon!

Gunn said...

A strong posting.

Best wishes from me here in Stavanger!

Kathleen's Blog said...

Yipppeeee! You guys have been through a huge battle. Words cannot express what I feel for you all, especially Micheal!!! When I looked at the video of him read that plaque and ring the bell, I bawled like a baby!! As a side note, my niece's husband, who had his transplant just two years ago, has gone back to his old job now---full time. He's doing excellent. To look at him, you would never dream that he had a heart transplant-----It's proof that there is such a thing as a Miracle!!! Still rooting for you all from Newfoundland!!

Deb said...

What a long arduous road for you all. I hope that every step gets easier.

Unknown said...

I am so glad to hear the recovery is going smoothly. I hope it keeps going in a positive direction.

Lynn Proctor said...

oh he looks so much stronger! so happy to see this update!prayers!

WordsPoeticallyWorth said...

Praying for healing. Good luck to you and your endeavours.

Thank you. Love love, Andrew. Bye.

CiCi said...

Wonderful, hugely wonderful, news. Michael has endured so much and has been blessed with a heart and a chance at a new life. I wonder how many years he will be remembering the long rocky road like it is still going on. I know you and your family are all walking on clouds with this success.

Liz Mays said...

Oh my word is that ever good to see him up and walking! This is the BEST of the best news! So, so happy!

Family Affairs said...

GOSH, what a scary ride you have clearly been on Lx