Are you sitting down???

Ta-da...we have a discharge date...Monday, October 6th! If everything goes as planned, that is. And of course it will. I'm joining my boys on Sunday Oct 5th, so I will be able to escort Donovan to his home for the next couple of months. Can't wait. How amazing is this news...? well, let's remember that Donovan's recovery was "supposed" to be proportionate to the condition he was in when he went into surgery...not good at all...he is continuing to defy all the odds! Being discharged 23 days post-surgery is astounding! It is best-case-scenario!

While we are speaking of good news...I like numbers. Take 7 for instance. For a white cell count? I'd call that perfectly normal. I've been waiting to hear that kind of number. It means no infection. How's 5 p.m.? That's the time of day it was before Donovan required pain medication today. Let's remember not 3 weeks ago his chest was opened much like the hood of a car....How's 50% ? That the improvement in even more of his strength exercises as measured by the machines in the physio gym....

A good day once again, and I hope you're not getting tired of hearing that, because I intend to keep on chronicling good days on this journey of hope. I'm so happy to hear that Laurier and Donovan took advantage of our lovely weather and had supper together at a picnic table outside the hospital. You facebookers may also note that Donovan changed his "status" so he's up and at 'em on the computer too. His friend Chantal is visiting for the weekend, thanks girlie, you're awesome!

On the medical front, there was teaching from dietary, and it was decided to discontinue Donovan's nightly tube feedings as there is risk of reflux entering his shiny, new lungs and causing damage there. We wouldn't want that! This means he'll have to consume tons of food during the day to help gain back lost weight, and to keep weight on, something Donovan's not been terribly good at over the years. However, he'll no longer be using so many calories struggling to breathe and fight infection. So, we'll see how this goes....

There's also been teaching on measuring blood sugar and administering insuling. It remains to be seen if Donovan will continue to be diabetic once he recovers. If he is, we'll just deal with it. Small price to pay for a new life!

Last night Donovan slept great, and he also had a good nap today. I guess they've got that insomnia side-effect under control. They woke him to go to a shower, get this, a stand-up shower! Yesterday & today! That's progress...no chair in the shower.

And I have had a wonderful week at home. The days have slipped by as I've shared our miracle with so many friends and family. I've had 3 lunch dates (no problem gaining back lost pounds here) and even gone back to preschool to visit the little ones. I've missed work so much! Great to see you, everyone!

I've also been overwhelmed by the generosity of my community. The pediatric ward here, which has been home to Donovan about a hundred times over the years, (he's been a patient many times since 'graduating' officially from pediatrics) took up a collection among staff, and presented me with a beautiful card and cheque. The level 3 nurses at the Victoria hospital are some of the most caring, dedicated professionals I've met in our multi-hospital journey with our son. They are angels and all deserve raise!

A co-worker donated her hours of work subbing for me and gave me cheque as well. I won't mention her name, but she is a truly special person, and I am so touched! Have I told you I have the best job in the world? and Laurie, you are the world's best boss. Your support means everything, as do your hugs! Thank you to Lynda and Debbie D. for lovely gifts also, you are incredibly thoughtful...and I'm thoroughly spoiled! My garden and plants are green and flowering and looking lovely. My lawn is cared for! my tomatoes are canned! You are all angels and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Did you know Park Avenue is the best place to live? (Better than that other more well-known Park Ave)!

I also want to mention those who have simply listened as we have told and re-told both the scary and joyful moments on this journey. It's been so similar to a new mom who has the need to express the profound emotions endured during labor and birth. For me, both writing and talking have helped so much to work through the incredible scope of emotions I've undergone in the last month. Thanks for reading, thanks for being there...you are more than therapists!

More heart-warming news...Tonight Stephen's soccer team walked the red carpet before our local Raiders hockey game, and Stephen as well as a girl from the other team heading to Nationals were chosen to drop the puck before the game. I was so proud! When I mentioned how thrilling this was, coach Clark said "It's for Donovan" Awww, Thanks Team!!!

It's been a rocky road, but every gesture of kindness has been a hand up when we've fallen.

Here's hugs to all....until next time,

Beth