Evening Update

Emily spent about an hour sitting up in the chair in her room from 6-7 PM. The faster she can move around, walk, and get her breathing capacity up, she can be moved down the hall to step-down unit and then be released for her rehab. She should be in the actual hospital for 10-14 days and then be in rehab for another 6 weeks.

While she was sitting up, she had a liquid meal of chicken broth and cherry jello and even took pictures. The doctor came by and said everything looks perfect and that she is a few hours ahead of schedule as far as her recovery goes. She continues to have great color in her face and is able to talk and communicate fairly well. There is a chance that she might get rid of some of her tubes tomorrow.

There have been a few frustrations along the way too. It is very difficult when you are told one thing by one person only to be told something completely differently by someone else. When your expectations and hopes are not met and you don't feel good, that can be discouraging. One of the biggest discouragements was that Em was told that someone would be able to stay with her in the Transplant ICU overnight and then was not allowed to. I can only imagine how difficult it is to answer questions from so many patients and get it "right" all the time but I know how information is power and giving Emily a goal or something to look forward to is helpful. She was also in a lot of pain tonight and had to wait a couple of hours before she could have anymore pain medicine. We hope that she is able to sleep tonight.

Emily's Dad, Tim arrived in time for her last visitation as well. Jason and the boys went back home to pack everything that they will need for the next 8 weeks or so. The townhouse is ready for them to occupy and will be there landing place for the duration of their stay for Jason and family while they are taking care of Emily in the hospital, and for Emily once she is released for rehab.

The goal for tomorrow is to get her up and walking!