Tuesday, April 24

Betsy update.

Tubes are out, pain relieving some, and walking.  Much easier to walk with out all the appendages connected to her body.  Tomorrow the last two IV’s will be replaced by oral meds.   Not sure when they will kick her out of the hospital.  Still needs to learn how to get in/out of bed, chairs, toilet, steps into rv, dressing, talking and other relevant stuff.  We have been learning about some of the meds, what they look like, and what they do.   I think Thursday will be pharmacy day where they really hand all the stuff to her and from then on, she is responsible for all medications.   Initially, probably close to 45 pills per day.  Morning, noon, eve, night.   For the rest of her new life. 

Betsy was the 10^th transplant of 2012.   Two more this week. 

Organ donation.  We do not know where the lungs came from, but are grateful to the donor and donor family.  Betsy will eventually write a letter to them.  It will be their choice to open conversation with us.  We hope they do. 

Once we make our formal escape from Seattle, I plan to work with Life Center NW and get on the road to promote organ donation.  Betsy will probably be with me, but is shy about public speaking.  Organ donation, or the gift of life is important.  Sometimes one donor, can save or enhance the lives of 20+ people.  Amazing program.  We now have first hand experience.