Breath For Bill

Happy Holidays

2010-12-23T09:17:00.002-05:00

WOW - it is so wonderful to be home for the holidays again. The Lord has truly blessed our family. I hope everyone has a beautiful holiday with your love ones and family.

One Year Anniversary

2010-11-19T09:05:00.001-05:00

We have been so blessed and are so grateful.

Thank you God for all your blessings.

Believe!

6-Month Anniversary

2010-05-21T12:22:00.002-04:00

Hello everyone.

Its been awhile - but we are all doing great. Bill and I are in Cleveland today for his 6-month check up. So far all good reports. He is having his broch test now and we hope for good news.

Bill is busy during the day -- building his leg muscles - we bought an ellipitical and bike for him. Mikaela and I enjoy riding around the neighborhood with him. Can't wait till summer when we could all ride to Tim Horton's for breakfast!!!

Mikaela is busy with dance - dance recital at the end of the month. I stay busy with the yard - love to plant flowers, mulch and pick weeds.

Bill and Mikaela celebrated birthdays this month - such a blessing.

We believe in dreams do come true!!

Fun Adventures

2010-02-18T20:31:00.006-05:00

So its been awhile since I posted. Bill's recovery is going well. We went to Cleveland this week, they found fluid near his left lung in the chest wall, they say its common, so they drained it.

They are still determining if this is a sign of rejection. Waiting to here results of blood work and broch. He is getting stronger each day. His right foot is still trying to recovery from the surgery - they refer to it as "drop foot", they say PT and time should get in back to normal.

Bill has enjoyed visiting with friends and Mikaela's activities. He actually watched her music concert and dance class. We also took her to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, we all enjoyed the time together.

Wacky Weekend

2010-01-17T21:12:00.002-05:00

It started out as a very relaxing and fun weekend at the neighbors and watching the playoffs with friends. Than.....

Mikaela....she got the touch of my stomach bug and a fever. Watched a lot of TV and napped.

Bill...his breathing machine numbers have been steadily low for the FEV1, the FEV have still been good. So we thought it might be the machine or infection or rejection. So we called Cleveland, he needs to go in to do PTTs, oddly tho this evening he blew the best numbers ever....so we are confused but don't want to overlook anything

My Mom...she fell Sat. night, and she is now having surgery for her fractured thigh bone. Spirits are good, I'll keep you posted.

Mommy....running back in forth to hospital, taking care of Mikaela and Bill and .....

Ugh...mommy sick

2010-01-14T18:25:00.002-05:00

So the past two days I was home sick with some type of stomache bug. Bill and I kept our distance. Bill was more in charge and I think Mikaela liked it - lol. Bill start rehab this week and I think he is feeling better because he is starting to get a bit stir crazy in the house.

This weekend I hope to be well enough to buy he an easel to start painting again.

Glad its warming up...looking forward to Spring!!

Bill's Story - His Words - His Tale

2010-01-10T11:05:00.002-05:00

Hi

As you could see Bill has finally shared his tale with everyone about his amazing journey.

He is getting stronger each day - especially with me bugging him!!!

Enjoy reading his story.

Great News!

2010-01-05T21:07:00.002-05:00

Bill returned from his Cleveland appt. and he got really wonderful news - his kidneys are almost back to normal and his lung x-ray was perfect and right now shows no signs of rejection. His lung function jumped up from 14% prior to his transplant to 89%. His doctor was very happy with Bill's recovery progress. We go back in February.

We appreciate all of your thoughts and prayers.

Buffalo Bills WIN

2010-01-03T20:02:00.002-05:00

So it snowed alot today. It was nice just being home and watching the Bills game. We won the last game of the season so our record was 6-10, so hopeful for next year - if we get a great coach, quarterback and O-line. It was very cold today, but Mikaela and I found time to go to the neighbors and slide down their sledding slide - it is so much fun!

Bill assisted me in putting up Mikaela's horse border in her room - it was nice having him help me - he had energy today to do that - we all know that painting, and putting up wallpaper, in addition to carpentry was one of Bills trades!!

My sis and I re-arranged Mikaela's furniture again - the room looks cool and Mikaela added some of her crazy touches! She is so funny - hanging family pictures all above her bed frame.

Tomorrow I go back to work - hoping for a snow day - lol. Peace!

Happy New Year

2010-01-01T10:25:00.002-05:00

How wonderful it was to celebrate New Years with my family and friends!!!! It was great this year to kiss my husband at the strike of midnight - cuz last year he was in the hospital.

2010 we are looking forward to sharing so many wonderful moments with Bill, Mikaela, family and friends!!!

We have been truly blessed this holiday season and are hopeful for good recovery for Bill.

This week has been busy and fun with the cousins....bowling, sledding, movies, Wii games, D & B - a lot of stories and laughs. We will miss the Long Island Clan.

Wishing everyone a very healthy and happy new year - 2010!

Tired today

2009-12-28T21:02:00.003-05:00

So today - Bill was extremely tired - so he rested most of the day.

I took Mikaela and cousins bowling with some friends. They also got to play in the snow - we finally got enough to shovel!!

We meet with the urologist tomorrow and hope the cath could come out.

Holiday Joy

2009-12-26T10:23:00.003-05:00

We have had a joyous holiday with Bill home and recovery. We are trying to get into a routine of all his meds, PT exercises and walking. He has been very sore the past few days - we think with him moving around more is body is getting to do more things. Walking is still a challenge - his legs are a bit better but his ankles and feet are still very swollen, especially the right side.

For Christmas we went to his sisters house for gifts and dinner - Bill asked for seconds - which was good to hear!!!! Afterwards Bill went home to rest and put his feet up and Mikaela and I went to my parents to see the Long Island Clan. Mikaela was so excited to see her cousins and vice versa!!!

"A house is made of walls and beams; a home is built with love and dreams."

BJ Home!!!

2009-12-22T19:13:00.001-05:00

Enough said!!!!

Happy and tired...long day of docs!!

Many blessings to everyone...this will be a Holiday and New Year to remember.

Chest Tube Out

2009-12-21T14:54:00.003-05:00

Getting closer to home - we hope. We met with the surgeon today - they pulled Bill's last chest tube - yeah!!! Now the healing on the right side could really start. His lung x-ray looks good and Bill is feeling well.

We have appointments all day tomorrow and hope to hear good news!

We look forward to seeing everyone. God Bless and Be Well.

Mikaela and friends add some fun

2009-12-20T18:37:00.004-05:00

So this weekend was awesome. We got to celebrate the last night of Hanukkah with Mikaela. Dana has been our savior - visiting us every weekend. We also got a special visit from friends - we loved playing Rock Band, swimming and going to Dave and Busters. It was good for Bill to visit for a bit with everyone, rest and still have the chance to see Mikaela in her glory. I still do most of the running around -Bill is resting and recovery nicely - he was able to walk to longest today - we are hopeful for our appointments this week.

Thank you to all for the prayers and thoughts for Bills recovery!!

Adventure Day

2009-12-17T20:31:00.002-05:00

Today was Bills first real trip out. We went to Target!!!! He enjoyed pushing the cart and buying some warm fleece relaxing pants!!

We ejnoyed the sunshine that Ohio has and the relatively mild weather. We hope it lasts. Looking forward to Dana and Mikaela's trip down this weekend - Dana your the BEST!!!

I made Bill another home cooked meal - yum!!! Can't wait for family to come down so we could order out.

Just Chillin

2009-12-16T15:25:00.004-05:00

The Man - enjoys relaxin in our suite. We took a tour of our area - I found all my hot spots - Target, Kohls, Borders, Panera, Buffalo Wild Wings, and more!!!

Bill is cravin ice cream so I just bought him Rocky Road - lol.

Lookin forward to doing more things with Honey Bunny. I'm sure this weekend we'll hit Dave and Busters with Mikaela if she comes down.

Bill is still swollen but walkin and just being with me helps!!! I'm actually going to cook tonight!

DISCHARGE - the man

2009-12-15T21:22:00.003-05:00

YAHOO, WOOT, WOOT, YEAH, YEAH

Bill was discharged today - he is with me. We will stay in Ohio for about a while, various appointments and such. Bill looks forward to having a lot of fun with me!!!!

We will tour the area tomorrow and do some holiday shopping!!!

Mikaela Weekend

2009-12-14T19:33:00.003-05:00

So this weekend was great - because Mikaela came down and finally got to see Daddy!

They we're both so excited. She kept Aunti and I busy with shopping and playing Wii.

It was great having them here for Hanukkah. Bill is starting to remain stable and we hope for good news tomorrow - discharge!!!

Pray and be well!

Looks like Monday!

2009-12-11T12:27:00.002-05:00

So the docs came in - Bills one chest tube is still releasing fluid - too much for them to release him feelin comfortable. So we will hang out here for the weekend and discharge on Monday.

Swelling looks better -but a bit weak today.

That's all. Happy Hanukkah!!

Getting close...

2009-12-10T16:23:00.004-05:00

Well we are getting close - I think they will discharge Bill tomorrow - keeping fingers and toes crossed.

Kidney numbers have been the same for a few days (still high) but they feel they have leveled off and will start coming down - but will still be looked at as outpatient.

Hoping to show Bill our new place in Cleveland and tour around - I'll drive, he'll navigate. - lol

Not much else - but hopeful :)

When you're down to nothing, God is up to something. The faithful see the invisible, believe the incredible and then receive the impossible.

Family Conference Game Plan

2009-12-08T21:15:00.002-05:00

Bad News: Well ugh!!!- they put the cath back in....need to look at other things in the morning - kidneys, bladder, prostrate. This is my time to be Bill's advocate so I'm calling a Family Conference in the morning with all the teams to find out their game plan for a discharge end of week if possible.

Bill is getting very frustrated - I can't blame him tho.

Good News: Bill got to walk off his floor today - I took him to the Rooftop to see the sites (its ok we really were not outside, its enclosed)

Thx Hollis for the advice.

Good News, Bad News

2009-12-08T13:03:00.000-05:00

Good News first - They talked to us about discharge for tomorrow or Thursday!!!! - yeah!

Bad News - still waiting on the kidneys to produce better numbers before discharge!!!

Bill and I take many walks around his unit, we do his therapy exercises - so we are hoping things will start working better.

We are hopful for the discharge date to be sometime this week - if that happens Mikaela will come down to see Daddy - can't wait.

Waitin Still

2009-12-07T21:43:00.003-05:00

Back in Cleveland....Bill looks good - still swollen but making laps around his unit. The docs feel the kidneys may be turning around - but really still waiting.

Lungs look good - which is a relief...not much too report...just very sad when I left Mikaela today...she keeps texting me, love technology!

It was so wonderful being home! Soon we will all be together.

R & R

2009-12-06T21:44:00.002-05:00

It was good to be home and will be even better when Bill joins me. It was wonderful to see Mikaela dancin on the stage. She was so animated and her personality will shined through. We did so much, and it was great to see my family and friends.

Bill was feeling good - Hollis had him doing laps around his unit -I am hopeful that things are starting to get better so more recovery could start.

I pray everyday - sometimes twice a day for my husband and the wonderful donor and family that blessed our lives. Words cannot express how lucky and honored we feel to be given a second chance to life.

Thank you so much for your prayers and thoughts - I look forward to seeing Bill.

Take care.

Surprise!!!!

2009-12-05T14:10:00.004-05:00

I surprised Mikaela a day early for her Nutcracker Show. It was so gooooooood to be home and to see her, my family and friends!! I can't wait to see Mikaela perform!!!!

Bill is about the same - the KIDNEYS - please wake up and start working!!!!!!!

I am hopeful and have all the faith in the doctors. One day at a time. I am getting my strength to conquer more days up in Cleveland.

God Bless and thank you for all the support!

Worn out

2009-12-03T14:45:00.002-05:00

A bit worn today. I got here early to meet with doctors - but Bill was swept away the first 5 mins. for daliysis. I tried to sleep in his room (the nurse were very nice they gave me a pillow and blanket)but between the pt guy, the rabbi, blood check, and Anita (the cleaning lady - who is very nice) I only nodded off to bells ringing, the phone ringing and a code blue on Floor 7.....so at 2:15 I decided I should eat something since I'm goin on a bowl of Corn Flakes (they need better cereal selection).... when I finally got up to eat something, another guy was at Bill's room to take him for some procedure, but Bill was not back yet from dalysis....so.......

Bill still has high toxin levels and an air pocket on the right side of chest cavity, the kidneys are the real problem right now...no real answers yet.

Well - I look to tomorrow for a better day - since this one is almost over.

Ground Hog Day

2009-12-02T21:38:00.000-05:00

Pretty much the same today as yesterday. Walked a bit - its hard tho, cuz he has so many things hooked to him. He passed the PT walk test -yeah! Doctors changed chest tube to help air pocket and still waiting on the kidneys.

Tyrin to keep Bill's spirit up, so I washed his hair in the sink and he shaved - so he looks good. He was up for a picture, but of course I didn't have the camera on me. Maybe tomorrow we will do a photo shoot.

Hopin for a brighter day for him. I pray that some progress is made tomorrow.

Bill saw blog

2009-12-01T22:39:00.000-05:00

So I finally had a chance to show Bill his blog - first he was very impressed with my skills - thank you very much -I have to do something with my time besides going to the Fitness Center. He loved reading everyones messages.

His only complaint was my music choices - soo I added some Eric Clapton and Steely Dan - I couldn't find any Beatles on project playlist - oh well!!

Miss and love you all.

Long Day

2009-12-01T22:03:00.000-05:00

Well - this morning was very busy - Bill had a test to check out his new lungs - no official word but heard things look good - waiting to meet with doctor tomorrow.

Then he was off to dialysis - kidneys still not coming around - Bill is very swollen - its to be expected - tryin to get through it.

While Bill was off doing his tests - I got us set-up in a new place to stay - bigger living quarters - bedroom, living room, kitchen (yes - Bill wants me to cook - should be interesting - lol)

This evening we got to finally spend some time together - and walk a bit, than respiratory therapist came in.

Hoping for a brighter day tomorrow!

Quote of the day: Never let go of hope. One day you will see that it all has finally come together. What you have always wished for has finally come to be. You will look back and laugh at what has passed and you will ask yourself, "How did I get through all of that?" - Author Unknown

Walkin and Swollen

2009-11-30T20:52:00.000-05:00

It was a very frustrating day for Bill. He is very swollen, but they say not as bad as some, however the fluid build up is so much in his feet and knees. The kidneys are the main issue right now - need to get that cleared up.

Bill walkin around his room and bit outside his room, no laps around his unit yet. But he finally got to put on hospital pants!!

Baby Steps

2009-11-29T18:37:00.000-05:00

Today Bill took some walks around his room. Just tryin to build some strength.
We enjoyed our time together watching football - Browns vs Bengals....good to see other teams play as bad as the Bills - and what a surprise the Bills actually WON!!!

I know some of you are looking for an address for Bill - Cleveland Clinic, Lung and Heart Transplant Floor, 9500 Euclid Avenue, J8-2- Room 3, Cleveland, Ohio 44195

Movin on up....

2009-11-28T13:35:00.000-05:00

So yesterday was a really good day. They moved Bill to his private room in the heart and lung transplant wing for patients to recover. He really loves the accommodations. A brand new facility that opened in October he calls it the " Taj Mahall" - lol. Everyone is really nice and helpful.

Today is a down day - Mikaela left to go home with sis and Bill has some discomfort with an air pocket. They say its common -- they are doing some suctioning of fluids and air - this should help him in the next 24-48 hours. He wants to get up to walk a bit but not quite there yet with his discomfort.

It is sunny and cold in Cleveland - I assume the same for Buffalo.

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T14:48:00.000-05:00

Wishing everyone a very blessed Thanksgiving. We are so blessed for the special gift received and for the baby steps Bill is taking in the right direction. His numbers are looking better and Bill ate a lite liquid breakfast and lunch today - yeah!!!

The doctor said his lung x-ray looks brillant which we are so thrilled about. Day, by day, we will make it, day by day. We miss you all! Enjoy your holiday, I am thrilled to be able to have Mikaela and my family with me. We are off to my cousins in Vermilion!

God Blesss and Be Well.

Making Progress

2009-11-25T21:19:00.000-05:00

Today was a better day. Bill was much more alert and less groggy today. He looked really good, the nurse washed his hair and a bit off the beard. We met with the doctors, things are starting to bounce back. His lungs are looking good, so I am very hopeful and faith in the doctors.

It is wonderful having the family here!! I feel so blessed!

Mikaela....

2009-11-25T17:00:00.000-05:00

my strength arrived today. So this Thanksgiving is going to be very special. We are so blessed. Dana, Mom, Dad and course Mikaela came down to visit. We are so lucky to have our special Ohio cousins nearby, where we will spend Thanksgiving. Just like the good 'ol days when I was a kid.

He touched my face

2009-11-24T15:45:00.000-05:00

....enough said

Still Waiting...

2009-11-24T15:17:00.000-05:00

The lungs and heart so far so good, but we are still waiting for Bill's kidneys to come back. The levels are not alarming yet (still concerned tho), but we need them to start filtering the toxins out. We cannot move forward until the kidneys start functioning, so the rest of his body will start responding. Still waiting, is the frustrating part, I prayer that they will bounce back sooner than later....

He is able to stand on own feet with help to move from bed to chair, but not a whole lot of room in the ICU.

Better Night

2009-11-23T22:16:00.001-05:00

The day ended better than it started...Bill was lifted to the chair and we got to spend some time together...he is so cute!!!! The doctors are monitoring and hopeful that things will come together tomorrow. The nurse Matt said tonight that Bill is the best transplant patient after surgery he has seen in the past two years, so I guess that is good!!! Well, I hope for a better day tomorrow

Rough Day Again

2009-11-23T15:56:00.000-05:00

Hey...a bit weak today, that is Bill and I. Docs are still trying to adjust poisons. Certain levels are not back yet, kidneys, etc... for the rest of the body to get in sync....they say to be patient. A volunteer Andrew, a lung transplant recipient came by to talk with us today. He had his transplant 1999, and he just got back from a weekend of playing golf - WOW - I could only hope Bill and I could go back to Hilton Head someday!!! He said be patient and have faith - I do, but getting anxious. Bill is anxious to be able to do more but he is too weak and the drugs are knocking him out..... pray for strength!

Bill was Cleveland's 140th lung transplant, they do 1 lung transplant every 3 days...AMAZING!

Rough Day, but Nurses say "doing great"

2009-11-22T21:13:00.000-05:00

Well, today was not a good start to the day, Bill was still feeling groggy, out-of-it, in a daze and haze (and not a purple one). So they stopped his pain meds…to make some changes, so he had some discomfort. He was lifted to the chair again, but still very weak and tense. This evening his pain was less and by is own choice he was sitting up with his legs over the side of the bed, still a bit groggy, but engaged in some fun conversations. The nurse Katie said he is really doing great… all his heart and lung numbers, etc… she said he is moving in the right directions, baby steps, they are going to give Bill new pain meds, so this should help get him out of his funk. She said he should proud of how good he is doing….that is so nice to hear from someone that works with transplant patients all the time. I think this made Bill feel good… he is my hero and blessing….. I know tomorrow will be a better day. :)

Another Milstone

2009-11-21T18:39:00.000-05:00

So today didn't start out to good. Bill was in a lot of pain. the pain drugs were not working, plus he told the nurse he felt groggy, dizzy, etc...

So they changed his meds and he rested nicely.....the big milestone today is Bill is sitting up in a comfy chair, he could barley keep his eyes open tho, and his nurse Katie is going to wash his hair and give him a shave!!! I'm looking forward to seeing him all cleaned up, but I was hoping he would grow his beard back :)

I cannot so enough about the staff here - the nurses are all so wonderful!!

Breathing on Own

2009-11-20T13:36:00.000-05:00

So today they pulled the tubes out and Bill is breathing on own. The doc says he is doing great with the new lungs - breathing, oxygen and stuff - so now he just needs to exercise them.

He is in some pain and discomfort but that is to be expected.

So respond to my blog - I guess that is how it works. I will post pictures once Bill let's me take some - you know how our Billy is.... he looks great tho.

Got the call

2009-11-19T14:53:00.000-05:00

So we got the call last night - Bill received a wonderful gift of new lungs. I will try to keep this updated as our journey began last night with our drive to Cleveland. Thank you for all the thoughts and prayers!!! All of you are wonderful friends and a loving supportive family.