It's been one week since Dad came home from the hospital and he's doing great. Even though he no longer "lives" there, he still has to be driven to University Hospital at least three times a week for blood tests, X-rays, clinic visits with his transplant team and pulmonary rehab, all of which usually last from 8am until noon - 1pm. The good news is that he's been doing pretty well at night and we've stopped needing someone else to sleepover as a precaution. He requires an IV anti-fungal medication every day at 4pm at home that Amy has now been trained to help him with since she lives so close (thank you Amy!) Bryan and Janalyn brought their treadmill all the way up from St. George last week and set it up in the family room to help with his recovery. They've done everything they possibly can to help out even though they live so far away. I seriously have the best brothers and sisters in law in the world!
He's still on 2-3 liters of oxygen until this neumo (air bubble) dissipates and he's able to breathe normally. The plethora of pills and medications that he's required to take every morning and night is mind boggling. Preparing his pill boxes for the week with over 16 different medications is a little nerve wracking when you think about how critical each one is to his survival.
I don't think he realized that he was free to remove the last of the bandages earlier this week and finally be able to take a real shower. Mom and I helped him remove the bandages tonight and when I saw him there with all the scars on the side of his chest, I got a lump in my throat because of how incredibly proud I am of him and how grateful I am to the donor and their family who's gift of life is living and breathing inside my sweet dad.
Before my girls and I left tonight, he wanted to say family prayers with us. His constant smile is back now. His color is great. He sounded so good while saying his prayer - so thoughtful of others, so grateful for his blessings, so normal in his breathing and speaking. I know it sounds silly, but I notice little things like that now. We all do. Every breath ..... every "whew" .... and even every silence in conversation that used to be filled with painful, hacking coughing fits. We notice it all, and we are grateful. So very grateful :)
