Our Post-transplant Journey: First week @ Home

02Mar - Sat

Enjoyed a Starbucks@home brew, complete with Hazelnut cream in Jessica’s honour;
Made the trek to the gym in our condo building down the flight of 9 stairs (note - not down 2 flights of stairs!) into the gym;
did 20 minutes at 1.2mph on the treadmill,
climbed back up the 9 stairs and O2 sats were 98% with heart working at 93 bpm
Returned to our unit and watched some golf, a task Carman can do with both eyes closed :o)

yes, the feet were a blur!

03Mar - Sun

We undertake the first post-transplant shower - ahhh, so heavenly!
A bit of a production but much easier to do with no O2 stroller, mask and tubing to deal with; even managed to keep the bulk of the water inside the shower, while Pamela did the shampoo and back (can’t lift arms over the head or twist behind yet due to incision) - and she only got her sleeves a bit wet
Post-shower shave and dressings changed and we’re all set for the day
Carman’s brother Alex & our sister-in-law, Birdie came for a visit for the afternoon

04Mar - Mon

Off to TGH for 9am Physio in The Treadmill Room with Jessica & Bonnie
This sounds easy but we check and double check everything before we leave:

all meds needed for 9, 11 and noon doses (in case we are held up anywhere before getting home, we also take late day meds with us)
a drink for Carman to take meds, and for during his workout
a snack, some meds must be taken with food
We fill the back pack and load it on the Rollator but it still feels like we’re missing something...
oh yes, the oxygen tanks...which we don’t need to fill and bring - holy cow, will this disbelief ever get old?

Everyone is shocked to see how well Carman is doing, even Carman himself can’t believe how easy his breathing is

We're excited to see Nancy & Lou arrive for physio
and then we notice Marie-Ève’s hot new shoes
She has a surprise for us...her first attempt at baking cheesecake...all for us! We arrange to do a curbside pickup on our way home and are very excited that she has honoured us in this way.

Pamela, Carman, Nancy & Lou

Marie-Ève's new shoes

Jessica, Carman & Pamela

Did a bit of visiting with friends in the Atrium over coffee after Physio
Saw our surgeon in the Atrium
Back home for lunch and an afternoon nap while Pamela headed to the airport to pick up Mom, Dad & sister, Paula
Spent the evening visiting with them, taking some abuse over the Boston Bruins snuggie and hearing them repeat “I can’t believe it!” every time they looked at Carman
Supper is a threat (there’s a Leafs fan in the house) and a treat (the cheesecake is outstanding!)
Cancel plans to attend a screening of Argo with Paula & Jess, Jess has a meds-induced migraine tonight - ouch! - feel better quickly Jess!

Treadmill walker!

our surgeon, standing in the Atrium

Adena & Carman

B:Lori & Pamela
F: Jessica, Adena & Carman in the Atrium

While we're in the Atrium, my friend Heather
sends a text - she has been moved to the top of the list.
We cross our fingers, knees, ankles & eyes
hoping there will be lungs for her, very soon!

Mom, Paula & Dad departure from NB

Mom & Paula unpacking the car in TO

Dad & Paula

Our gift of cheesecake from Marie-Ève

05Mar - Tues

Off to TGH for 10:30am Physio in The Treadmill Room (got the packing routine down now)
Paula did Physio coaching while Pamela visited with friends in hospital
Paula is amazed at Carman’s performance during Physio - bike, stretches, weights, tread - all done with no extra oxygen, no breathlessness and O2 sats well in the 90% range - wahoo!
Headed back home for some lunch
Mom, Paula & I picked up Jess & Bonnie and headed to IKEA for the afternoon
We made a couple of purchases but more importantly, a fun time was had by all...