Tuesday, July 14, 2009

June 14 AN EVEN BETTER DAY!

Travis had quite a busy day today - appointments with numerous people, a very positive session with Occupational Therapy and a bigger program in physio today (they usually add a bit more each day, up to a point). Dr. Nador, who has mainly been taking care of him since ICU, is now away and Dr. Lein, (1 of 3 transplant Dr's) has taken over his care. He is not so anxious to get him out of hospital and is planning at looking at sometime next week. He feels there are too many meds that he's still on to handle as outpatient. He also has decided not to get the CT scan, at least at this point.

Bryan (cousin) came in after work today and filled Travis in about some big Ultimate Fighting tournament (wrestling I think) that was on this past weekend. It was so good to see Travis so animated and involved in the conversation - we feel another big step. He is also venturing further and further on his walks! Again, he seemed more relaxed tonight but very sleepy. Each night we wonder "what will tomorrow bring?"

Uncle Mark is here tonight so we can post more pictures for you.

Posted by Auntie Terri
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5 comments:

  1. BethJuly 14, 2009 at 10:30 PM

    Hi Travis & family....just thought I'd drop a line on behalf of the family! Well, there are always bumps in the transplant road, and if there is one things we've learned on our journey,its not to panic, but just to take them one at a time. (Truthfully, I, the mom, had the most trouble with this, as "panic" is my middle name lol!) Thankfully, the majority of Donovan's bumps were "pre" not post-transplant! But the docs and transplant ward people were quite good to us, and were quite willing to spend time answering all of our questions...

    A word about all the doctors...We found they all had their own way and manner of dealing with things...we found Dr. Nador to be the most likely to discharge from the hospital, and the most optimistic in general. He was always the "good news" guy! Dr. Lein spent the most time with us,and never seemed in a hurry. He was very empathetic and grandfatherly. A comforting guy, and delivered bad news as nicely as possible. Dr. Weinkauf worries out loud, and would be quite happy to have all his patients live in hospital till the end of their days!!! That's our opinion anyhow. Travis, he will tell you to move to Edmonton, and will say that if it was his transplant, that's what he'd do! He is a nice doc, they all are, but he scared me a little, out of the three,...and then there's Kathy, the post-transplant nurse....we just call her "scary Kathy" Seems like we always had to say "hey, Donovan's Pft's are greast today" or some such thing to get any smiles out of her! So grim! But they do deal with serious things on a daily basis so I guess it takes its toll.

    A word about being discharged...in our experience, the first few days are exhausting, it seems all you do is count pills and record your numbers, but eventually you will get the routine down cold, and pretty soon it won't seem like such a big deal. At first it was just like bringing a new baby home though, so get ready for afternoon naps after mornings at physio...we all needed them!

    A little encouraging news from Donovan..he was on 5 shots of insulin a day, and now that his prednisone is down to 5mg, he slowly resolved his diabetes! They really didn't think he would, but ya never know!

    So Travis & mom & dad...keep on keeping on...it does and will get better! You are all in our thoughts and prayers, soon you will all be breathing a lot easier! Say hello to the physio & OT people, especially Martha if you see her...Tell them Donovan is doing great!

    Take Care! Beth, Laurier &Donovan

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  2. GuestJuly 14, 2009 at 10:52 PM

    Hi Travis,
    Enjoyed spending time with you in Edmonton. Pleased to see you are improving each day, walking further, etc. Soon this will all be behind you and just a memory.
    You have a wonderful family and I enjoyed spending time with them. Nice to see Bryan and meet his family too.
    Continue working hard at getting better - Dieter and the rest of the family send their wishes for a speedy recovery and return to Calgary.
    xo Judy

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  3. GuestJuly 14, 2009 at 10:58 PM

    Dear Beth,
    I met Donovan's Dad & Aunt but never had the priviledge of meeting you. We were following Donovan's journey this past winter and he was often in my prayers. Just today I thought of Donovan again as Travis tackled the treadmill - I remember the first time (I think) that Donovan was on it during our 6 week work-up. It is so good to hear from someone who has gone this path before us. We totally relate to what you are saying!! And it's very much as I think you said before - one day/moment at a time. Also, Thanks for the 'heads-up'
    Terri

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  4. GuestJuly 14, 2009 at 11:01 PM

    Dear Beth,
    PS We are so thankful when we hear how well Donovan is doing now. Terri

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  5. GuestJuly 15, 2009 at 1:54 PM

    Hi Travis & family - This site is great. I have been checking it at least once a day if not more to read the other comments, etc...however, you'd never know that by my lack of posts! Travis, it is so great to hear you are doing well. I'm sure it feels like you've been in the hospital for an eternity, but what a miracle has taken place in your body. You are in our thoughts and prayers often. Glad to hear you're walking more and that your physio sessions are longer. Way to go! Take care of yourself. Karmyn

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