Two Updates for Today!

8/6 - AM Update

Posted 7 hours ago

From the bitterness of disease man learns the sweetness of health.
--- Catalan Proverb

Good morning...
Just a short update this AM. Stacey, my mom and dad all had a good nights sleep last night and Stacey has been up and walking today. She walked down the hall, then back to her room (about 90 feet each way). She will get some more time today with the vocal valve and hopefully bless others with her sweet voice again today.

The doctors will continue running tests today to make sure her bowels, belly and GI systems are functioning and that there are no obstructions or leaks. We pray for healthy results...

...which is what I pray for each and every one of you on this board; health and happiness to you, YOUR loved one's and the people that you interact with today.

With heartfelt blessings and love

PM UPDATE

“Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.” --- Buddha

Good evening,
My parents are on their way to dinner but were elated with Stacey's progress, so we must share! Stacey will stay in ICU until she is breathing 100% on her own. Everyday her ability to do so is improving. Yesterday she was on the collar for 3 hours and today for 4 1/2; her perseverance is inspiring. She is doing everything the staff is asking of her to improve...

All of her blood work is also good, which is so important that the chemistry is right and the liver is burrowing it's way for a long life into her precious digestive system. She only has 1 tube down her nose / throat right now, which is a fantastic improvement from when I was there.

After a person gets a transplant, they move into a part of the hospital called "rehab" where they learn how to treat their new transplanted body. We are hoping that Stacey is doing this learning in ICU, that the step down system she is part of in ICU will count as "timed served" and that her time in rehab may be less; unsure, but we can hope!

For anyone that does not know Stacey (but will definitely get to meet her one day), she is so lovely and kind. The nurses comment to my parents that everyone on the ICU floor really adores her and thinks that she is such a sweet person. My dad commented that her "bright orange" handmade gown today reminded him of a Cal Trans worker. Hey, a little color can't hurt, right??

Anyway, that's all for now. Stacey is very tired after walking so much today and breathing on her own for so long. It takes a lot out of her, but she is getting stronger everyday!

Have a wonderful evening...
Love,
Marcey