That's exactly how many there are, spread over 16 half-flights from the main floor of the hospital here, to the floor where Donovan's room is...and he scurried up all of them (by passing the elevator) just like a young mountain goat. He kept up with soccer-superstar younger brother. He passed his parents, and kept one flight ahead of them. He did this all the other night, just days after his 3-month double lung transplant anniversary! Thank-you our miracle-giving God! That is more than I need for Christmas.
Yes, Donovan is for now an inpatient, but it isn't slowing him down! Stephen and I arrived here in Edmonton (Thank-you for the ride, Diane!) safe and sound on Wed. nite. It had been over a month since I had seen my boys, so it was a happy reunion. They both look so good.
Donovan's day is pretty much taken up with treatments, so he is missing the gym and physio. The drugs are toxic, and his kidneys are taking a bit of a hit. This fungus is slow-growing and it took 2 weeks to get sensitivities on it, which happened today. The Infectious Diseases specialists are quite baffled, as this particular bug is found all over including in healthy lungs, but is rarely a problem, it's very unusual for it to become an infection. Trust my boy to be one for the books! The great thing is, all the drugs Donovan has been on since the discovery of the fungus are the correct ones. The fungus was killed in the petrie dish by all of them. Yay!!! He will need to continue on at least one of them for life...so more drugs to add to his travelling pharmacy.
So, another bronch today, which we'll get results of on Monday, and if everything is good, he can come home (here) and continue outpatient IV. Then, after a biopsy and CT scan, we can possibly go home to PA early in the New Year. We are here for Christmas, but that is just fine...our very pregnant Katie doesn't need to drive all the way to PA, and we are all together. That's what matters most. Amy will join us on Christmas Eve. It will definitely be a memorable Christmas.
Ok, we need some prayers. It's been difficult to face this setback, but God is gracious to us. Let's ask for ....
Good bronch results.
Good CT results
A workable IV schedule, and that we can take it home (as we are used to doing) instead of having to run to the hospital to be hooked up every few hours, and have to wander the halls there...home would be less "germy" and more fun!
Home to Edmonton on Monday, home to PA soon!!!
Divine protection for those two lungs...no more bugs in the breathers!
Healing and correct function of those kidneys...no lasting damage
Let's praise God for....
Having Donovan feel so well despite the infection.
Finding us some sensitivities....and finding we were on the right "juice" all along....
Sixteen flights of stairs...woo-hooo!!!
Great doctors and other care givers all over the hospital, working hard to find answers and keep Donovan healthy. God bless them all!
It is wonderful seeing a few of our physio/gym fellow transplantees heading home for Christmas. We rejoice with them! Still also waiting to hear that our friend Kristen is in for a new set...let's keep asking God for lungs for her, Ok?
And we wish all of you, our wonderful supporters, friends and family, our fellow journey-ers a Christmas filled with joy, peace and love...and the realization that the best Christmas gift ever came to us over 2000 years ago, and remains unchanged, in an ever-changing world! May the knowledge of the love of God guard your hearts and minds this Christmas, and remain always with you.
Love and God bless you all,
Beth
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Hi everyone! We're following Donovan's progress on your blog. Last week we asked Dr. Weinkauf about us going to visit on the ward and he advised against it... I'm guessing that they're watching out for both Donovan and Kristen in this case, so we'll respect that. Which means that we'll have to send you Christmas wishes this way, I guess. It sounds like you'll all manage to be together at Christmas, just as we will. And really, that's all that matters. We know this Christmas will be a very happy one for you... there's no better gift than what your family has received. We wish you all the best in the New Year and hope your return home is just around the corner! Happy holidays!
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