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Thursday, July 11, 2013

Two Month Update

We're nearly at two month post-transplant, and I am sorry I haven't updated in a while.  With Tricia feeling strong enough to do more for herself, we finally have our little family back together for good for the first time since October, and we have all been busy just being together.

Tricia continues to avoid all major setbacks.  We did find out a few weeks ago that Tricia's left diaphragm was paralyzed during surgery, which is making breathing more difficult than it should be.  There is a good chance that it will not fix itself, and surgery has not been discussed, which means she may never experience breathing as fully as she could have with a healthy diaphragm.  Along with her already atrophied muscles, her breathing continues to progress very slowly (but we are thankful for the progress!). 

Tricia still has her trach, is still on a few breathing treatments, and we're still using a suction pump to help bring up secretions from her lungs.  She is still on humidified room air when she sleeps to help keep her lungs moist since she isn't breathing through her mouth/nose.  All of these will come to an end soon, but until they do, we will remain in Durham.

Tricia was expecting to have her staples removed this past week, but the surgeon decided to wait a while longer to allow her incision to heal.  She was a little disappointed, as removing the nearly 100 staples across her chest will allow her more mobility, but she's tough enough.

We were given permission to travel home the past few weekends.  It was AWESOME to be back on the beach for the first time since October and spend some quality time with family and friends.  Tricia is about 3/4 of the way to graduating from her physical therapy/rehab, but again, with her recovery starting point at transplant being so low, we don't expect to be home for good before the first of August.  Our goal is to be home by the beginning of the school year in mid-August.

All in all, we are very happy with the progress, even though we always want it to move faster.  Thank you for your continued prayer!

Nate
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23 comments:

  1. UnknownJuly 11, 2013 at 11:13 PM

    Thank you for this update. So glad Tricia is progressing well, albeit a bit more slowly that had been hoped. Continuing to pray . . .

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  2. allykJuly 11, 2013 at 11:35 PM

    I've been wondering how it's been going and hoping no news was good news. Glad to hear Tricia is progressing and you have had to time to enjoy one another.

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  3. bkmanaryJuly 12, 2013 at 1:34 AM

    Awesome! So grateful for the update.
    Glad that you could all be together again and even enjoy some ocean air!
    Brad-Karen-Lauren-Dana
    Vancouver, BC, Canada

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  4. Judy KJuly 12, 2013 at 2:03 AM

    And we continue to pray and rejoice with you with this update of Tricia's progress! Praising God that you are together!

    Nana Judy

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  5. SusanJuly 12, 2013 at 2:40 AM

    That's good news (except for the bit about the paralyzed diaphram). It sounds like she is on her way to getting the staples out (ouch) and maybe the trach removed? My daughter has had a trach for 6 1/2 years (her whole life basically) and you do get used the lifestyle when you have to. Though in Tricia's case it sounds like you expect it to be temporary which is great.

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  6. AnonymousJuly 12, 2013 at 3:35 AM

    Great to hear from you, and glad things are progressing (even if they are slower than you'd like). Fab that you've been allowed to go home to the OBX a few weekends.

    Continuing to pray for Tricia - especially as this week is transplant week in the UK.

    LA

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  7. JennJuly 12, 2013 at 5:39 AM

    Thank you for the update. I am glad she is continuing to make progress.

    As a completely unrelated note, have you checked out The Piano Guys music on youtube at all? I think you might like them, based on the things you've put in to your videos in the past. Just a thought... feel free to ignore! :)

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  8. AmyJuly 12, 2013 at 6:30 AM

    Thanks so much for the update! Been checking in constantly to see how you all are doing. Praying for continued healing and recovery.

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  9. AnonymousJuly 12, 2013 at 10:07 AM

    Wonderful news! So glad to see an update!

    Gayle in AL

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  10. VivianJuly 12, 2013 at 2:32 PM

    THANK YOU-THANK YOU-THANK YOU
    for the update. I have been checking in almost daily to see how she is doing, praying for good reports on her health.
    I am praising God for these good health reports and so happy for you all.
    Family...on my they must have been overjoyed seeing her back home for the weekend.
    I will continue to pray for Tricia recovery.
    Blessing to your family!

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  11. MaryJuly 12, 2013 at 3:02 PM

    I have been praying for you all and for a positive update. Prayers answered. I am so glad to hear of progress and being a family together again. Praise God.

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  12. marjorieJuly 12, 2013 at 7:24 PM

    Thank you for the update and the good news.

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  13. MKGJuly 12, 2013 at 8:39 PM

    So happy to get an update! You remain in my prayers. God is good.

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  14. DestiniJuly 14, 2013 at 11:30 PM

    Praising the Lord tonight for the good and the bad. He has been so faithful every step of the way. I am so happy to hear your family is back together again. Enjoy every second!!

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  15. pamelaJuly 15, 2013 at 11:04 AM

    So good to hear an update.Continuing to lift you and your family in prayer.

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  16. Darah513July 15, 2013 at 3:54 PM

    Always appreciate your updates.

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  17. MaryJuly 17, 2013 at 11:43 AM

    Glad for the update. Praying for continued healing and lots of sweet time together for your family. God Bless you all.

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  18. Lil' Ladybug DesignsJuly 20, 2013 at 5:35 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  19. MillicentJuly 20, 2013 at 5:36 PM

    so awesome to hear that things are going well!!!

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  20. MeowitsmeJuly 21, 2013 at 2:12 PM

    So wonderful to hear she is getting better even if it's not quickly. Hopefully the time at home and with your children will help her even more. Still praying for you all!

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  21. nicklisa28July 28, 2013 at 12:48 PM

    WOW!! I have followed and prayed for your family for several years. When your twitter account (my only access) went private, I assumed I woudn't ever know any more. Imagine my surprise when I decided to check your blog today!! You've had quite a couple of months and I have tears of rejoicing for you and your family! I am praising God today for His goodness and blessings! Will keep praying!

    Lisa in Oklahoma

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  22. nicklisa28July 31, 2013 at 2:37 PM

    I know I already commented once but I just can't tell you how I am rejoicing with you! I am moved to tears again today at the thought of Trisha breathing with new healthy lungs and spending time with her family! Know that you are not forgotten. We are still praying for her continued strength.

    Blessings,
    Lisa in Okla

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  23. Kristi-AnnaAugust 1, 2013 at 3:18 PM

    Hi! It's Aug 1, and I was wondering how Tricia is doing now? I don't do twitter so if you have been posting there I haven't seen it. Know that she is in the prayers of many of God's faithful :)

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