Sunday, August 23, 2009

Back in Wauwatosa

All went well again in Madison, another ZERO on my 2nd Biopsy, and I then was sent on my merry way Thursday . I'm back at home and it's fine to have guests and/or lavish dinner invitations. Yesterday we attended a going away party and a wedding , so I'm already double booking - but don't worry I'm taking it very easy as I ease back into a normal life . XOXO, Jack

Monday, August 17, 2009

Madison Moments

InnTowner Patient Protection Hotel

Heading to Bucky Badger Brunch with Beth

At The Car Wash, Baby!


My week in Madison has been going extremely well and we love it here ! I'm getting prepped to return to Tosa and encouraged to get out and about to see how I'm doing on my own. I have to have a chaperon and in addition to Brian I've had the perfect team. Special thanks to Todd (not pictured -- shocker), Beth (who I think I wore out). On Thursday Nan and Michael will be escorting me home barring any changes .
It's been a little mini getaway: brunch, dinner's out, the farmer's market, rekindled interest in shopping, a beautiful evening at an old friends home
and lots of walking all of which has felt marvelous !
See you all very soon! XOXO Jack


Saturday, August 15, 2009

Jack continues to do well, still in Madison

Have not sent an update recently (sorry!)...
Jack has adjusted well to the world outside of the hospital. He has been in Madison nearby University Hospital & continues to do amazingly well. Starting to explore the city and manage his new medicine regime. Has follow-up appointments & cardio rehab at the hopsital every other day or so. If all sontinues to go well, he should be back at home next Thursday after his 2nd biopsy.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

More good news!

Just got the 1st biopsy test results back and Jack scored a "0" (the best score possible)!!! In the process of being discharged & should now begin the recovery process here in Madison. If all continues to go well, should be returning home (to Tosa) by late next week.

Monday, August 10, 2009

Love to All from Jack !!!

Hey everyone, I'm out seven days now , feel fairly great and have completed my first of many biopsies . Thanks so much for everyone's love and concern at this time and over the past several years . It has meant very much !!!!!
All has gone so fast and so well . The surprise for me today was that this and all of the many biopsies ahead are done without sedation - Yikes. I am so fortunate and have received such beautiful care every step of the journey. Huge Thanks to every single person at Froedtert Hospital and University Hospital and Clinics in Madison , Horizon Home Health Care and Madison Medical Clinic.
We will , hopefully , have results from this first major test sometime tomorrow. Then Brian and I will stay across from the hospital for a week or so to get acclimated to all the new responsibilities.
Huge Hugs and Kisses to everyone and many special thanks. Brian has been so brave . See You All Soon,
XOXO, Jack

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Jack and His New Bible

Untubed in time for Olympic trials

Jack is in good spirits today as his last tube will be removed, making him completely unhinged from the machines around him.

He also was able to get up and walk around a few times yesterday, which had to be a happy time for Jack.

Jack told me yesterday that the Transplant Olympics will be in Madison in 2010. He's excited to participate in one form or another, and if he's gets his doctor's go-ahead, he'll be entering for swimming and/or race walking.

Friday, August 7, 2009

Recovery still going strong

Jack continues to do be doing extraordinarily well. Yesterday his chest tubes were removed. He goes on walks through the cardiac unit several times each day. First biopsy is scheduled for Monday (a day ahead of schedule) and may be discharged as soon as next Tuesday! Then, he will need to stay in Madison for a week for follow-up appts. etc. Should be home by the following week, if all continues to go as well as it has. Jack is truly a superstar!

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Jack continues to do remarkably well

Visited Jack again today & he is doing very well. His breathing device was removed last night
and is recovering faster than normal! Already has begun walking & catheter has been removed, too. Quite amazing, really, considering his surgery was less than 48hrs. ago!
He is very appreciative of everyone's well wishes and support. Will be seeing him tomorrow for the day. I appreciate everyone's support as well, as this has been quite a stressful time for both of us!

In a rare procedure, surgeons move Tosa man's reversed heart - JSOnline

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Brian is in Tosa resting...

Jack went back into O.R. this morning just as a precaution to clean up blood & improve drainage in order to prevent build-up & pressure around his heart. Brian was able to see him briefly this morning before they sent him into O.R. At some point today they plan to remove the breathing tube. In the meantime, Brian headed home to take a shower and rest. He will return to be with Jack this evening.

Jack has a new heart

On monday a heart was made available in madison! since jax is listed in milwaukee and madison, it rose his chances and it worked!

jax was 2nd in line as of early last evening for the heart, so he needed to be in madison to be prepped for the heart in case the 1st candidate was not suitable... and he/she wasnt. the heart became available for our jaxy at around midnight last night! and he has been in surgery since (its now 1030am). he should be in ICU shortly so brian can see him..... all is well so far and brian(despite being exhausted) is soooo excited! as are we!!!!!!!!!!!

Im try to keep yall updated until brian has had a chance to catch his breath.....

-(an email from Jason)