Andrea's Heart Transplant Saga Continues

October 19th

Yes,Andrea is still in Portland, at the OHSU hospital, and after some very scary, "touch-and-go" moments, I can tell you that she is doing MUCH better. I went to see her today (Sunday, October 19th) and when I got there she was watching TV! I was so elated I almost jumped on the bed with her. She was channel surfing and complaining that there's nothing good to watch anymore. We watched the news for awhile then chatted for about an hour or so. Well, not exactly chatted. I chatted ...
She had a tracheostomy last week so she can't talk. But she can write. Well, not exactly write, She can sort of write. The nurses and I had fun trying to decipher Andrea's handwriting. She scribbled something about not being able to move her ass, so the nurse said she would make ass-moving a priority. All in all it was a fun visit. A much needed uplifting visit!
We talked about doing some in-bed strength exercises get her on the transplant list. (She needs to be able to stand and walk). Forever the "trainer" and she a PT, we quickly made up a workout routine. Wiggling her toes, foot circles, bicycle leg circles and leg lifts were all involved.
Now what's really funny is that she was doing the exercises! The nurses were very impressed. Andrea was never a slacker, and she certainly isn't one now. I just LOVE this woman! The night nurse said she would talk to the physical therapist to see if she could get some Thera-bands for Andi tomorrow so she can start "more aggressive" exercises.
When it was time to leave, I felt like a gigantic weight had been lifted off my shoulders. When she smiled at me, said she was glad that I came to visit and, said, "I love you", I felt that there is a brighter future for her. Last week we were losing her, and this week she's almost back to the "old" Andi. All the thoughts and prayers did the impossible! Proving once again that miracles do happen. Now she has to work her way back slowly, daily.
We also get to play the agonizing waiting game. Waiting for her to get stronger. Waiting for the infection to go away. Waiting to get on the transplant list. Waiting for a donor. Waiting for yet another miracle.

Fundraising Projects

Anybody have any great ideas for some fundraising? Andrea needs a cool $1M to cover the cost of a transplant surgery. That's a lot of money! Do you have any friends with connections that could help (or give us a some tips) with the fundraising? Know of any good charitable organizations? Put on your thinking caps people. Any leads to get help for Andrea would be so greatly appreciated (it's tax deductible!).

Keep checking back for daily updates on Andrea's condition. Andrea was up and watching TV today and she sat up in a chair! Our girl is definitely showing improvement needs our fundraising help!

October 18th Update

Hi everyone, After weeks of second hand information, I can finally give you a little report of my own, as I just came back from Portland. I took my kids to OMSI, which I used as an excuse to visit Andy. I have to say that it was an emotional visit, but I am glad I went to see her. Last time I visited her was about a month ago, when she was sedated and not very responsive. This time, as she had the tracheostomy, was awake and alert. Although she couldn't talk, she was very happy to see me, and used her facial expressions and hand gestures to communicate with me. As I prepared myself for the worse, I was delighted to see that she looks like herself, just a little pale, and she made it clear that being in bed all day long for so long is not "her thing" (I think she's not too hot for the soaps on T.V...). I had a good talk with her, or as I told her " a heart to heart machine" talk, and I told her about all of you who love her, care about her and pray for her. It was important for me to let her know that she is not alone now, and that there are many people here for her. I also told the nurses how much we all appreciate their hard work and care for Andrea, and we know that she is in good hands.
On the medical front, James reported that the transplant committee reviewed her case. In order to be on the list, she needs to be able to breathe on her own and be strong enough to walk. The doctors are talking about a time line of 4-5 weeks for her to be ready to get a new heart.
Yesterday I talked to the social worker who works with Andrea and her family. James already raved about her, and after talking to her, I felt very good knowing that there is someone [James] there keeping an eye on, not only Andrea's needs, but her daughters' as well. Both daughters continue to need a lot of support, and I am going to try to connect with them to see what I can do for them. I will let you know if there's anything any of you can do for them as well. Although Andy has a long road ahead of her, seeing her gave me the hope that, if she chooses to, she will survive this one too. Thanks again for all of your support.
Ronit