Smiley Face

She was only able to go five hours on the trach collar this morning. The good news for the day is that the doctors may have confirmed why Cathy lacks energy and is experiencing a diminishing ability to breathe on the trach collar. An ultrasound of her chest cavity has shown an accumulation of fluids around the outside of her new lung. These fluids are keeping her diaphragm expanded and pressure on the outside of her lung. Tomorrow morning the doctor is going to insert a needle into her chest cavity and drain these fluids.

Today was the first day since her transplant that Cathy was allowed to eat. Since she cannot eat while on the ventilator, and she was only on the trach collar for a few hours this morning, she was not able to indulge in the culinary delights of the pureed menu.

The physical therapist worked with Cathy on some exercises that can be performed while she is sitting. Between this exercise and the pneumo vest tortures, she is zapped of her energy.

Tonight, as exhausted as she is, and with the anxiety over the thought of being poked with a big needle tomorrow, she is still managing to keep a bright smile on her face.