Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Clinic Day (Week 1)

Today was a most excellent day...Tricia says it was her best day post-transplant so far. Here's a few reasons why...

We arrived at Duke South around 7:45am (which is a miracle in and of itself, if you know how much Tricia likes her sleep...) to make her 8am Swallow Study appointment. The swallow study is done by Speech Therapy, and in Tricia's case, helps to determine if and what Tricia is allowed to eat and drink. Today's study went well, and Tricia is now allowed to eat a lot of "normal" food for the first time since early January. She is still not allowed to drink "thin" liquids (basically the stuff that you and I drink everyday...water, soda, juice, etc.), but, needless to say, she's very excited.

The next stop was to get her blood gas and culture around 9am. We'll hear back about her gas levels tomorrow, but everything tells us that they will be good. She also had her first official PFT (Pulmonary Function Test) which help to accurately measure how well her lungs are functioning. Her FEV1 level was at 37%, which is more than twice as high as her lowest known level a few months ago. This is incredible to us!

Next up around 10:30 was an x-ray, which looked good.

We then had about 3.5 hours to kill until Tricia's appointment with her pulmonologist. So, we headed over to catch up with Gwyneth for about an hour (she's doing very well and continues to grow...more on her in a later post tonight). We then went out to find me some lunch (Tricia didn't get the news that she is allowed to eat until her afternoon appointment). Check out my new favorite sub place, Firehouse Subs. And, we still had an hour to walk around the entire Duke Gardens (which allowed Tricia to get her exercise in despite missing a day of PT).

Made it back to Duke in time for the appointment. Everything looks good so far! No signs of infection or rejection yet. And, Tricia got her chest tube sutures and remaining 51 staples across her chest removed today, which totally made Tricia's day! She is very excited to lay on her sides to sleep with limited discomfort/pain for the first time since her surgery!

And, to finish the day off with a bang, we drove out to Cary to hunt down the nearest Rita's for Tricia's most favorite childhood treat of all time...an authentic Gelati. Tricia was in heaven...

Now we're chilling at home, thinking of all of the foods that Tricia is allowed to eat and wants to try out in the next little while and relaxing after a busy and fun day.

Pictures of the day coming soon...

Nate

117 comments:

Anonymous said...

Great report all around! :D

Heidi R.

Michelle said...

what a great report on the day! God is so good! I love FIREHOUSE subs!! We had them in Little Rock where my brother lives but none in Tulsa yet! :-(

Alicia said...

Yay!! Praising God!!!!

Unknown said...

Tricia is food motivated like my son, lol. So wonderful T is enjoying life and looking forward to all the little pleasures.

Unknown said...

Tricia is food motivated like my son, lol. So wonderful T is enjoying life and looking forward to all the little pleasures.

Tammy C said...

Sound slike it was a busy day.

Yummy on the trip to Rita's.

Cheryl Evans said...

Man..I wish I knew you were at Rita's...I live just up the road. Rita's is not my fav...we used to own a Ralph's Italian Ice.

It sounds like you guys had a busy day...it all sounds great! It put a smile on my face.

Sarah said...

Awesome report!!

Carmen said...

I'm so happy that Tricia had a great day..... and gets to eat some food.

Esteban Oyarzo said...

Great to "read" she's doing better!
Best wishes from Chile...

Karen said...

sigh- comfy joy abounds. Your story makes me appreciate so many little things. It has taught me to be more thankful for so many small things. I am continuing to pray for our Lord to bless you with miracles daily! I live by them.

Joyful Mom ~ Karla said...

That's an awesome praise report! She's a trooper...and so are you for hanging there as a caregiver. You all make my day!

Hugs from El Paso,
Karla

BloggyMom said...

Yeah!!! Sounds like a good day over all.

Rachel said...

Yeah for a nice fun almost ordinary day (despite all the time in doctors offices) Guess you are gonna have to share your Arby's Beef n Cheddars with Tricia. Can't wait to hear that Gwyneth's day was as good as Tricia's How chubby is that beautiful baby of yours now?

Sunshine said...

I cannot imagine how AWESOME it is to be able to drive in a car - both for you having Tricia with you and for her - being outside of the hospital! Praise God for such great news...cannot wait to read more in the coming days, weeks, and months! Sunshine

Coach Prentice said...

Most excellent day! So good to hear such awesome news about your day...and Rita's on top of it! Nicey nice!

Angela R. said...

What a great report... so happy to hear! Rita's is soo good!! Tricia enjoy the food and you both enjoy the rest of the night!!!

Praying!
-Angela

Katie said...

So glad to hear how great the day went! And Tricia by the way Rita's is my favorite too... :)
Still praying that Gwyneth is home soon!
Katie L

Twila said...

Sounds like you had a great day.

Heidi said...

Awesome news!! Your FEV1 is wonderful Tricia!!

Julie said...

Wow! What an awsome day for you both! Praise God.
Tricia, enjoy hunting down and enjoying re-aquainting with the food pleasures of life. Nate, it will be awsome for you to watch her rejoining the 'food race'! Enjoy!
Hugs and God Bless
Julie
Moonta, S Aust

Our Two Blessings From Above said...

Great update!
I look forward to seeing the pictures of the day.
I am so happy for both of you!
Rita's looks yummy.
Glad to hear Gwyneth is doing so well.
Enjoy your evening.
Still praying for Tricia and Gwyneth.

God Bless

My2Girls said...

FIREHOUSE SUBS rocks! My personal favorite ..... the Hook and Ladder. I order it "fully involved" of course.

Sounds like you two had a STELLAR DAY!

I bet Tricia will have you picking up McDonald's breakfast before you know it!

Praise GOD!

~Amy
Va Beach

Anonymous said...

aww poor Tricia had to sit and watch you eat that sub . what torture!..uggh i'd go nuts! maybe she will get to eat her favorite cotton candy now!!woohooo! Maybe she can also have milkshakes since they are thicker than juice?

Julie said...

Awesome news!! I just think it's so cool to be able to witness these miracles unfolding right before our eyes. What a blessing!

Anonymous said...

That's awesome! :D

Heather said...

That's great! Congrats, Tricia :) Enjoy your food. I can only imagine how exciting it must be!

boltefamily said...

So glad to hear things are going well! I LOVE Ritas! Now I want to go get me some! :-) I am sure that was a wonderful thing for Tricia's spirits! So glad your girls are doing so well! I am still praying!

Kay said...

So glad to hear the great report!!!! So amazing! Praise God!

We LOVE Firehouse Subs! There's one in Sarasota FL that we went to. Took a pic of our then 3-yr-old dau outside by the fireman statue. Hopefully FS will come to WI someday!

Unknown said...

Nothin' better than a Gelati from Rita's!! I'm with you Tricia! So glad to hear all the great news!

jamie said...

OOOOH, Tricia!!! Great day! Bet one of the best parts is the FOOD!!!! Hope you get a bite or 2 or 10 of everything you've been wanting!!! (After most of my surgeries, food was the best!)
Glad you 2 had a good day, looking forward to Gwyneth's pug pics!!!!
You GO GIRL!!!!
God Bless you all
Jamie in Texas

Megan @ SimplyThrifty said...

I'm so glad that the day was so successful! How encouraging. I'm so thankful that you are able to be with your girls through this whole process. What a huge blessing!!!

Be Thou Exalted said...

Praising the Lord with you all!

Be Thou Exalted said...
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Be Thou Exalted said...
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Cathi_in_TX said...

I went to Duke Gardens on Sunday for the very first time. I am from Chicago and was visiting a friend. I thought of y'all and am glad to hear you are all doing so well!

Kimberly said...

So happy that everything is going good and will keep your family in my prayers. Love from Alabama!

Nadine said...

Yeah...I am so happy for you guys...
Praise God!!

Erin said...

That is fabulous! I can't wait to hear about Gwyneth!

Nora said...

What an awesome day!!! Praise God!

Rich and Lauren said...

I'm so glad you guys had such a great day! We love you guys so much!

Nancy said...

I've been reading and praying for you guys for months now and I just had to let you know how absolutely incredible I think you guys are. God has given you a wonderful testimony to share with the world!I have been a organ donor for years but really never put much thought into it until following Tricia's story. I will encourage my adult children , grandchildren, friends to become donors and also support CF..I will make a pledge when we get our tax check. Nate thanks for taking the time to keep everyone updated on your beautiful girls!!! Nancy ...Roanoke,Va.

Blessings From Above said...

I am so happy for you both! Sounds like you had a great day, even a fun day, despite the circumstances.

Glad to hear the positive test results.

Praise God!!!

Tammy said...

Praise God!! What a wonderful day. Sounds like you got nothing but great news today. Congrats to Tricia on being able to eat solid food again!!! Still praying each and every day!!
Tammy

Dawn said...

God has blessed you all, and I know you are very aware of this. It is obvious to me by His blessings you are both people who do His will and love Him greatly. I love your blog for many reasons, but this is my #1 reason. I have prayed that through your blog, someone might want to seek a relationship with Christ after reading what wonderful blessings He has bestowed upon you. You will continuw to be in our prayers.
In His Love.

Professor TIllman said...

Tricia had the right idea with heading straight to Rita's!! Mango gelati is my all-time favorite...

Sounds like a wonderful day - what great memories you all are collecting as you journey through her recovery process. You two need to write a book. For real.

Anonymous said...

Each day I read your blog makes me think I am right there beside you. While I've only commented once or twice, I look forward to your updates. I am soooo happy for your wonderful day today. It made my heart sing to hear all the great news of clinic day. Way to go Tricia! Keep up the good work y'all!

Edwards gang said...

Fantastic News! We are so excited for Tricia! We love Rita's, too. It is one of our favorite stops after the boys' baseball practices. There is a fairly new one at Fairfield shopping center, about 2 miles from church.

Praise the Lord for the continued healing and great reports!

Kristen said...

Yay for a good report!
Laters
Kristen

So Blessed said...

Following your amazing story has been such a blessing to me. I praise God for all that He is doing in the life of your family and in the lives of every person who has been touched by witnessing His goodness and mercy that are being poured out on all of you.

Alicia said...

Reading this just made me smile and cry all at the same time! I'm so happy for Tricia!

Laurie in Ca. said...

I am so glad that the day went excellent for you and that Tricia is okay to start eating some real food again. Great reports in this ongoing miracle, and I am so blessed for you.
And sleeping comfortable, how wonderful for Tricia. Life is wonderful isn't it? Prayers continue for you guys.

Laurie in Ca.

Sabrina said...

Congrats on almost completely passing the swallow study Tricia! What a great day it was indeed!
-Sabrina from Austin TX

jamie said...

PS Tricia, isn't it great to have those darn staples and sutures gone??!!! No more tugging,pulling!! Praying for you to have the best night's sleep in a long time!!!
God Bless
Jamie in Texas

Lesley said...

So glad you had a great day! Praying for you often,
Blessings,
Lesley

careysue said...

What a great day all around! I had one too!

Anonymous said...

YAY! What a great day. Rejoicing with you from Alaska!

~Leah

Ellen said...

What a wonderful update! Nate and Tricia driving around together - not sitting in the hospital for another day. Can't wait to hear more about Gwyneth's progress as well. What a joy to be part of this journey even if only in prayer! Thank you!

Candi said...

So glad to hear the good reports (and looking forward to the pictures)!!

A Rita's just opened in our mall, but I had never heard of it. I haven't tried it yet, though.

Jane said...

YEAH GOD for a good clinic day!

Praise God that you are feeling better Tricia. God is good!

Patience Leino said...

AWESOME, AWESOME, AWESOME!!!!!!!!

Andie said...

I'm so glad things are going so well. Yea on the eating thing, I can't even imagine not being allowed to eat.
I just wanted to drop a quick note to you to let you know that the baby sling is in the mail. I mailed it yesterday morning, so I'm not sure how long it will take to get there, probably till Friday or Saturday. If you would, please drop me an email when it arrives just so I know you got it. Thanks!!
Blessings-Andie

Larissa said...

Yay for Rita's and Tricia being able to eat some real food and sleep more comfortably!

Deb said...

Tricia- As a fellow Jersey girl, I can appreciate your need for Rita's. I'm so jealous you got some! And I'm very happy for you that you are allowed to eat such goodness ;)
Have fun eating again!

The Mom Jen said...

It's so amazing how miracles work! I'm am so happy for you guys. Sounds like a wonderful day and I continue to pray for many more days of such great news!!

Andy Lawrenson said...

Go gelati girl!

K Storm said...

Great News!!

Unknown said...

WONDERFUL NEWS!!! :-)

shoutingforha said...

More good news! Hooray!

Still praying for all three of you...

Tracy said...

I don't know what a gelati is but I do know that Firehouse it the best!! You'll have Tricia eating it in no time!

BTW, you might need to pick up one of those plastic firehats that come free w/the kids meal for Gwyneth! I'd love to see a pic with her next to that red hat!

I am so excited for all of the blessings that are coming your way! Our God if faithful!

Diana said...

Awewsome news!

Kate said...

I'm glad you guys had such a good day with lots of good news!

bkmanary said...

Thanks be for a great day, what a nice change in your routines to be able to get around after a long morning of appointments! And how wonderful to walk about in the Duke Garden's! Breathing fresh garden air, what a blessing Tricia's new lungs are!!
Karen et al
Vancouver, BC
Canada

Marge Sexton said...

Sounds like a wonderful day, I'm sure you should both sleep well tonight. It blesses my heart to see your life returning to some sort of normal, and the opportunity to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. Praying that God will continue to pour his blessing out, you have been such a blessing to others.
Marge in Maryland

Allison Walton said...

I had a mango-flavored ice from Rita's tonight in honor of our girl Tricia! Way to go!

Christy said...

Awesome news!! What a relief to get those staples out! Congrats on the fev1... just wonderful. I'm so happy for you guys!! Praise God!

candicesalazar said...

Awww. Sooo Happy for you all...So glad for these most precious moments...
Still praying in Ne!!
Nurse Candice & Co

erinn::haley said...

your story is so inspirational. i read almost all of your blog last night, just totally captivated by your faith in the Lord and His sovereignty. wow.
i'm also amazed by the fact this post has only been up a couple hours and you have 78 comments already!
you are touching many lives with your story.

fuzzandfuzzlet said...

I am glad it was such a great day... all the way around.

Paige Hinrichs said...

Yipppeee! What a wonderful day!

twin power mommy ♥ said...

What a great day! Our God is sooooo good!
Keep up the good work, tricia!

terri c said...

SO GREAT that Tricia can have some foods she enjoys now!! That's got to help with recovery and with reaching and maintaining a healthy weight! And Gwyneth is gorgeous! Prayers of course continuing.

Jen said...

God is good.

~j~ said...

Wow, what a perfectly wonderful day all around for the three of you! Each day heading toward more and more of lifes simple pleasures and rejoicing with you for all of it.
Thank you Lord!

Sara said...

Keep it up Tricia - you're a super star!!!

Scott said...

Wow, that sounds like an almost normal day! I can't imagine how good it must feel to be out and about together! Many more of these days to come even better.

Unknown said...

Great report. The Lord has been good. While you were gone Rita's opened in Southern Shores. (I believe Tricia requested they open in the Banks.) Meka has taken over Tricia's old room. I believe she stated the bed is a little softer that the hotel. (She is loving it.)

Our Family! said...

We are so happy to read that you had a good day, at clinic! We continue to keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. God bless!

Love,
Rob, Amy, Emily, and Ryan Farrell

Tracie said...

Ohhh, we were introduced to Firehouse Subs when our daughter was in the NICU in Louisiana.

Sadly, we don't have one in KC.

Kristine McKowen said...

Sounds like you had a great day!

Candy said...

Fantastic day! I am so glad that everything is going so well. Praise the Lord!

The VW's said...

I'm so happy for you guys! Glad to hear that recovery is going well! Prayers that it continues! God Bless You!

Jenn & Ed said...

That is all wonderful news!!

Rebecca (Ramblings by Reba) said...

Awesome day! Yay!

Queen Mommy said...

All awesome, awesome news! I'm so happy that everything is moving along well, and hopefully Gwyneth will meet her weight goals very soon as well. Congratulations, and continued prayers!
Robin

NCBeachMom said...

wonderful wonderful news!

Amy E. said...

What great news! Glad the day went so well. And yeah on finding the Firehouse Subs!! They are quite tasty!!

okay..question...what food has Tricia missed the most that she can now have???

Have a great rest of the week and prayers are still going up in Texas!

Kim said...

What a productive day-and wonderful day that Tricia had good results AND got to eat!
Firehouse subs-good call! We enjoyed them for lunch often when we lived in Little Rock, AR.
Continued prayers for the 3 of you!

Bobbi said...

I am so happy for Tricia!!!

Anonymous said...

Yea for Rita's!!! Gelati is the best EVER! :) Just in time for summer - woo hoo!

Carol said...

A most excellent day! Real food - ahhhh! Tricia - wow you are doing great!

Mary said...

What a busy day for you two. Glad to hear that everything went well. Hope you have another great day today. (It's gorgeous here in Florida!) Cool morning temps and up in the high 70's later. Woohoo!

Mary

KYnurse said...

Great report--glad to read things are going well!!

Anonymous said...

Your story is so amazing and such an encouragement to me. Thanks for sharing, and may God continue to richly bless you all!

bdodge said...

Oh.Happy.Day.

Rachael said...

Wow, what an amazing day for you both. So happy that things are going well, baby Gwyneth is so adorable.

Lots of love to you all
Rachaelxx

Jenny said...

I'm so happy to hear all the good news! I can't wait for pictures! :)

Elizabeth said...

Firehouse subs do rock!!! Glad to hear such exciting news!!!!

Elizabeth said...

Firehouse subs do rock!!! Glad to hear such exciting news!!!!

~Seth and Nancy~ said...

nothing like rita's to top off an excellent day!!

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad that she's able to eat more foods now! I bet that is going to help lift her spirits! I'm so glad that God has healed her so well. We continue to pray for your family. :)
~Kim in Ohio

Rachel said...

really I think this is one of my favorite posts yet...well this in combination with Gwyneth's growth update. I can't wait to hear more good news. Have a wonderful time today just enjoying all the good news surrounding you.

Unknown said...

wow tricia! glad you were feeling so well to be out and about there. I'm sure the spring weather w/ everything blooming helps to boost your spirits too! (I know it does mine this time of year.)
Praise the Lord for your testimony, strength and all you've been thru to get you to this point! God uses some amazing circumstances to accomplish His will in our lives. It's all made you who you are, and you must be one strong woman. what an encouragement your story has been to me personally to keep running the race.
Prayers continue from ME

missourimom said...

how wonderful to read this!!!

Leslie

Sheila said...

Praise and thanks to God for all this great news! Wow, Tricia, you just keep getting better and better. I can imagine how wonderful that first gelato must have tasted! Way to go!
I continue to pray for your smooth and steady recovery.

Anonymous said...

Firehouse Subs is the bomb diggity.

Been awhile since you got to tag a post with the label "fun," hasn't it? God is awesome. We're still praying for great things in your lives!

katie said...

it is great that she had a good day. Didnt know if you knew, but they just opened up a Rita's in the marketplace.