Day 2 Post-Transplant (2)

Refreshing Day Two (2)

Mitch's exploratory surgery last night went well and they found the "leak", as I said.

He was not bleeding when we went in this am, and was finally more awake. He actually, and thankfully, did not realize he had even had the transplant yet--- he seemed confused and asked for, or I intuited, the "big picture" explanation and when I said, " You know you had the second transplant"- he shook his head no, and seemed relieved.

The whole day was working towards getting off the ventilator- which he finally did at about 3pm, or 230pm. Interestingly, towards the end, a huge psychological dependence on oxygen surfaced- which was definitely understood because of the incredible dependence that developed the last two-three weeks that Mitch lived prior to second transplant. That dependence on oxygen was felt also by myself- I was always seeking another source, more powerful source, to keep him alive that last week- but today; Today, he just needed security- He got a mask and an hour later, the nasal cannula.

He was understandingly feeling very uncomfortable- already surfacing were the pains of double/back to back surgeries-

Gayle (his beloved mother and I) got to be fantastically gleeful in the circumstance of our new familiar position as massage therapist, scratcher, nurse, respiratory therapist, etc. - we high-fived and giggled in the memory and present fortunate circumstance and are ultimately and forever grateful at the opportunity at a second chance... thank you, UNC and Dr Haithcock!!! Beyond thank you...