Friday July 31

I was discharged this morning.   Went home still feeling crappy.  The home nurse came and did my Bp which was 93/68 and my heart rate which was 140.   She suggested I go to the ER.  I sent a text to Dr. Harborson and he agreed.

That being said I am sitting in the waiting room of the ER.  There's a three hour wait to be seen.   This really sucks.  I hope they can give me fluids/nausea meds I need and send me home but who knows.  

There are so many people here that are sick with stomach related illnesses that they moved us to the consultation room so that I am not exposed to all these other people.   It's a horror show in here.  I am praying that I can get over this hurdle and be well again.  I will touch base in the morning

Thursday July 30

I'm still in the hospital.  Not much new to report.  They are planning on discharging me tomorrow.  The doctors want me to join a program that keeps a very small circle of doctors involved in my care.  They are hoping it will help to eliminate all of my admissions.  I'm willing to try anything at this point.  I have an appointment with them on Monday.  

Today has been pretty uneventful and boring.   I have been laying around all day.  I'm in a lot of pain and I have a lot of nausea as well.  They are able to control it for the most part.  I'm having a lot of anxiety about being here.  I'm hoping to get a good nights sleep tonight and to go home tomorrow.  I will update you tomorrow.  Have a good night.

Wednesday July 29

I am back in the hospital again.  The problem is that at home I take the nausea meds orally.   When I'm really nauseous I throw them up so its pointless.  They don't want me in here anymore than I want to be here.   It's a vicious cycle.   The month of July I have been in the hospital for 24 days so far.  In June I was in for 26.  It's really no way to live.

The doctors are assigning me to a caseworker to try and set up home infusions of the nausea meds so that when it's a really bad day it might help get me over the hurdle.  They are hoping to discharge me tomorrow with everything in place with the home nursing agency.  In the meantime they are keeping me comfortable with the iv meds.  Pray that I get better and can go home ahead of this mess.   Have a good night.  Until tomorrow......

Tuesday July 28

I was discharged from the hospital yesterday.  Not feeling any better.  Had a rough evening.  My bag broke 4 times.  I'm still really sick.  This is no fun. I will touch base later.  Just waiting on the docs to call me back.

Monday July 27

Well.....

This morning I woke up feeling alright.  I even had a little bit of energy and did a load of laundry.

As the morning progressed I started feeling more and more nauseous.  Amanda had come over for a visit with Sofia and we were sitting outside because it was a beautiful day.  I started to feel really sick and ended up running into the bathroom and started throwing up.  The vomiting was getting pretty bad and the nausea doubled.  I was shaking uncontrollably.   I called Dr. Harborson and he said to go straight to the ER.   Thank God Amanda was there!   Colin wasn't home yet and everyone was at work so Amanda drove me to the ER.  

I had the usual tests - X-rays to make sure there wasn't an obstruction - it was clear; bloodwork - we won't have the results from the blood culture for 48-72 hours.  Praying that the infection isn't back.   Unfortunately that's what it feels like.  

I'm now admitted.  Please say a prayer that the infection isn't back.   It's an extremely dangerous situation if it is and I need all the strength I can muster to beat this.  

I will touch base again tomorrow.   Until then...goodnight

Sunday July 26

I slept pretty well last night.  I was completely exhausted.  I woke up and laid around for a couple hours.   Colin and I met up with our friends for lunch.  I stayed about a half hour and came home.  I worked on organizing the bathroom a little bit.  Then I went with Amber to Walmart to get some storage containers to finish the bathroom.  She also took me to the grocery store.   

I'm home now.   Exhausted and still overwhelmed by what my friends did for me last night.  I'm overwhelmed with the number of people that were there just to support ME!  It's crazy!!  I am so blessed to have the support system that I do.   

The evening this evening will consist of me laying on the couch in my pjs and watching movies.  I'm currently watching Crazy Stupid Love.  I love this movie!!  I'll be cuddled up til bedtime.   Until tomorrow....sweet dreams and goodnight!

Saturday July 25

Woke up in the morning feeling pretty good.  Had a little mishap with my bag when I changed it the new one wouldn't stick.  It was awful.  It took me about two hours to get it to cooperate.  

I showered and got dressed for the day.  I looked in the mirror and realized my eyebrows needed done.  I asked Colin to take me to the nail place to get an eyebrow wax.  He said he would take me to supercuts because it's closer so that's where we went.  They had a sign that they did hilights so we inquired about it and decided it would be something fun since I had a big day ahead of me.  The girl started my hilights and we were talking.  I told her a shortened version of my story.  When we got to the register to pay she only charged me $35.00.  It was awesome!  She was very sweet.

After the hair, Colin thought I should go to the nail place to get my nails done.  I had a manicure and polish change on my toes.  I painted them a green.  It was a nice treat.  

Alesha came over around 3:00 and did my hair and makeup for the event.  We left around 5:30 and headed over.  I wanted to be there early so that I could greet all of my supporters.   When we got there I walked upstairs and was completely overwhelmed.   There was an abundance of food, drinks, raffle prizes and auction items.   The generosity of the community was amazing.  I can't believe everything my friends did!!  The place looked like a wedding and everything they did was for me.  It is mind-boggling.  I sat at the front desk to greet people as they were coming in.  There was a line down the steps to the point of not being able to see the end.  I tried to personally thank those who were there that I had never met and I also greeted those who I know and am friends with.   I felt like I needed to be in 10 places at once!  The abundance of people who were there for ME melted my heart.  

There are a few people who went above and beyond to make the night a success for me.   Jeremy Goodhart, Janel Goodhart, Brynn Kreider, Lisa Humphreville and Sam Seiford.  These people worked so hard to make the night a success.  I owe them the world!  They went above, beyond and then some!!  If you guys are reading this just know that I LOVE you for everything you did!  

The dj - Greg Fossler did an amazing job!  Bryan Klugh and Troy Benn did an amazing job on the website www. Hope4Heather.org.  They were also all instrumental in making the night a success!

I also want to point out that Colin did a lot for me.  He was checking on me all evening and he helped man some of the stations.  He was also overwhelmed with the number of people.  

I was ok for the most part when greeting people. I cried as soon as I saw my parents.  They have this effect on me sometimes 😉. I cried because I was so happy that they came to support me and to see everything my friends did for me.  I wiped my tears and tried not to ruin the makeup Alesha did so beautifully.   A few minutes later my brother and Courtney showed up.  Once again I was waterworks.  Then Amber and Bobby came with the twins.  Waterworks again.  I wiped my eyes and pulled myself together.  

We had a lot of people paying cash at the door.  The unofficial count of the number of people who came is close to 200!!   Astounding!   Once the crowds died down, I went in to the banquet area to mingle.  While doing this I started to feel weak and everything was tingling.  I was super nauseous and having a lot of pain.  I tried so hard to put on a face that didn't show how I was feeling physically.  I was trying to sit when I was feeling it and get up when necessary.  

Before I knew it, it was time for the raffles. I was put on stage and pulled the numbers so I could be involved.  Sitting there, looking at the sheer volumes of people was paralyzingly.  Once again the waterworks started.  I kept it under control pretty well and quickly pulled myself together.  After all the raffles were over, I was definitely starting to feel bad.  The pain was getting worse and the nausea meds were quickly wearing off.   Amber was watching me like a hawk at all times and kept me in line.  She's my mother when my mom isn't there.  

Originally I had planned on speaking, but I just couldn't do it with how I was feeling.  I decided it was time to go home.  Jeremy was awesome and made an announcement and thanked everyone for their generosity.  I left the stage and said goodbyes along the way until I made it to the door.  I definitely needed to leave at that point.   I got in the car with Cyndee and she took me home.  I got home, took my meds, laid down and fell asleep within 15 minutes.  

The night couldn't have gone any better.  My heart is full with the support, love and prayers from those that I know and even people I don't who decided to come out and support me.   Thank you to everyone for coming!!   You made the night one of the best nights of my life!  You also made this transplant a little easier for me for the future.  THANK YOU!  I love you all!!! 💜❤️💙💚💗

Ps- pics to come a little later

Friday July 24

Rough night last night.  I was interrupted a lot throughout the night and am seriously sleep deprived.  My doctor came in and I begged her to discharge me.  After giving her "puppy dog eyes" as she referred to them as, and much pleading she finally gave in.  The agreement was that I would stay until my fluids were done around 3:00.   She gave me a lot of prescriptions. Colin came in and took me home.  Exciting!!

Mom came and picked me up to take me to get my prescriptions and to take me to get a dress for tomorrow.  We went to CVS and dropped off the scripts.   The. We headed to the mall.  We went to NY and Co.   I tried on about the 10 or so dresses and found one that fits well and hides my bag well. 

I was wearing my Heathers Hope for Health tshirt.  A man and his wife stopped me in the parking lot and were asking what the shirt was for.  He asked me if I have faith and we talked about that for a while.  He asked me if he could give me something.  I told him I appreciate it but it wasn't necessary.  I gave him the information for the transplant site and told Hume he could donate there and follow my story if he wished.  He said he would rather give me a donation now that he didn't really use the computer for that sort of thing.  I told him he could but it absolutely wasn't necessary.  He told me that he wants to donate and asked if I would please accept his gift.   This man who I just ran into in the parking lot outside of Boscovs gave me every bit of cash he had in his wallet.  I thanked him and shook his hand.   He and his wife said they would pray for me.  Such a wonderful experience.  

I got home and there was a gift in the mail for me from an old friend that I lost contact with.  She sent me this beautiful necklace.  What a thoughtful person.

Isn't it beautiful?!?

I also received a message from someone I don't know on Facebook.   Her name is Stephanie:   She sent me a beautiful note on Facebook and it turns out I went to school with her husband.  Stephanie was a nurse on the floor I was just discharged from.  She was going to stop in and see me but I was discharged.  She said she will keep in touch with me.   What a wonderful surprise!!

Now I'm laying on the couch and getting ready for bed.  It's good to be home!  

Pray for me tonight that I can stay out of the hospital and that I have the will power to get through this.  Until tomorrow.  Goodnight!

Thursday July 23

Still in the hospital.  

I was awakened this morning by one of my favorite nurses on third shift.  She works on the 3rd floor.  Her name is Katy.  She stays in touch with me on a regular basis.  She popped in to say hi, see how I was doing and to pray with me.  Katy is someone you meet and instantly love.   She has so much compassion and love for others.  Katy is an amazing person.  I was happy she stopped in.

The iv nurse manager came into my room this morning to evaluate the leaking in my pick line.  It was determined that the line (the one they just put in on Thursday) needed to come out.  There was too much fluid seeping out of the area and they were worried it would cause an infection.  They came back and put a new one in my right arm.   They sent me down to X-ray to make sure it is in the correct position.  I came back to my room and was told everything looks good so the iv team came back and pulled the pick line out of my left arm.  

I chilled out this afternoon.  Jeremy came in to visit again today.  He had some more prizes for the silent auction to pick up that my Dad had acquired.  Dad was working really hard trying to help gather up items for the auction/raffle.   I can't wait for Saturday!   The generosity of people is astounding!  Jeremy left and went home to have their last minute planning meetings for the event Saturday.

Mom and Dad came in to visit this evening.  They brought me crackers and pretzels (the only thing I'm currently allowed to eat).  We hung out and watched tv.  Went for a walk and now I'm chilling out.  I hope to break free tomorrow.  Wish me luck!  Have a good night. 

Wednesday July 22

My pick line is still leaking.   The iv team here at the hospital are perplexed.  I may have to go for another test that would consist of them injecting the pick line with contrast and following it the whole way to my heart.  It would show if there are any blood clots at all.  I'm waiting for Julie my PA to contact them and let me know what the next step is.  I'm basically being told that it could just be fluids I'm retaining that have built up in that area and then the fluid comes out the insertion point of the pick because it's an exit point OR it could be a thrombosis (blood clot).  

They are leaning toward the extra fluids being the cause.   Fingers crossed that it's that simple.  Makes me nervous because it's all enclosed and the fluids are just sitting under the dressing.  It's a bacteria's dream.  I'm still getting over the blood infection and I don't want another one because someone doesn't know what to do.  It's frustrating.

Enough about that.  I took 4 walks so far today.  I'm trying to build up my strength to hopefully get out of here tomorrow.  I really don't want to miss the benefit being held in my honor on Saturday.  I am going to take it easy until then.  

This evening will be uneventful hopefully.  I'm going to try to take a nap since I didn't sleep last night.  I will update again either tonight or tomorrow.   Until then..... 

Tuesday July 21

Not much new to report today.  I have been having issues with my pick line leaking.  A different nurse came in this morning to check it out.   She spoke with Julie my PA and they decided it needed to be replaced.  

Colin came in so that he could be here while they were changing it out.  

Around lunchtime I was taken down to the procedure area and was prepped.  They took me into an OR and "fished" a wire into my PICK and pulled the one in there out.   Then they used the "fished" wire to guide a new one in.  I was told that it wouldn't hurt.....well....they were wrong.  It hurt.  I laid on the table in pain with tears streaming down my face until they were done.  The procedure went well and the new PICK seems to be working well (so far).

Jeremy stopped in again today while I was out of my room so I missed him.  It was nice of him to visit again.   It's always nice to see different faces.  I returned to my room.  There is this sweet nurse's aide that I had yesterday.  I complimented her on her nail polish yesterday bc it's a really different shade of green.  When I got back to my room she stopped with a bottle of nail polish.  She went shopping and they had the color at the store so she bought it for me.   Such a sweetheart.  It was a nice surprise.  

Mom came in to visit and to spend some time with me before she goes over to my brother's house for dinner.  Today is Courtney's birthday so mom is going over there later to give her a gift and spend some time with her. 

I just got done painting my nails with my new polish!  I'm so excited about it.  I plan on just chilling out the rest of the evening since I'm still nauseous and in pain. I will update tomorrow.   Hopefully I have some good news.  Until then...goodnight.

Monday July 20

When I was in admitting yesterday I was shivering to no end.   The nice woman at the registration desk gave me a hand made quilt and told me to keep it.  I feel awful taking it because I feel like there are so many other people in the hospital that could use this quilt to cheer them up.  Not sure why they gave it to me.   Colin's response in the matter was "I think you've been here enough, you deserve it"

Isn't it beautiful!!

Had a rough night last night with the nausea and vomiting.  My stomach hurts worse than you can imagine.   They are keeping me comfortable with the nausea and pain medicine but I still feel like I've been hit by a truck. 

The worst part of my day so far....my PICK line is leaking fluid.  It's causing the dressings to be saturated and could potentially cause another infection.   Of course no one seems to know how to handle it.   Ugh! 

More to come on that matter....

The chaplain came in to give me communion this afternoon.   We started praying and the nurse's aide knocked quickly and barged right into the room saying she needs my vitals.  I looked over and snapped at her asking her if she could please come back.   She said she needed to get them before shift change and I told her I was in the middle of communion could she come back.   She finally got the picture.   Communion only lasted a few minutes so I pages her to come back.  I felt bad for snapping and apologized to her.  At the same time I thought it was extremely rude of her.  

For now I'm just hanging out in my room.   Colin was here most of the afternoon and Jeremy came in to visit as well.   They are finalizing everything for the gala that's this weekend.   It's going to be amazing!!   I'm super excited and really hope to be well enough to make it.  There are so many interesting and gracious donations for auction.   There's also going to be a raffle.  I can't wait!

Wish me luck for the pick line to cooperate and no more infections.   I will touch base again tomorrow.  Until then....

Sunday July 19

I was discharged from the hospital yesterday.   Slept in my own bed last night.  Woke up in the middle of the night sick again.  The home nurse came this morning.  I had a heart rate of 138 and a temp of 99.8.  She called Dr. Harborson and I was admitted to the hospital again.   So I'm back in the hospital.   They are re-checking for the bacteria in the blood and giving me meds for the nausea.  I will touch base later with an update. 

Friday July 17

I'm still in the hospital.  I haven't had too much exciting happen today.  Pittsburgh decided they wanted the pick line removed from my right arm and placed in my left.  This afternoon the nurses from the iv team were able to make the change.  

The doctors are saying I should be able to go home tomorrow.  Hopefully my body will cooperate with that plan. 

Amber and Bobby came in today with Carter and Caden.   They leave for the beach tomorrow and will be gone for a week.   It's going to suck not having them around but I'm sure she'll send pictures of all the fun they are having.   

Well, not much more to report.   I will touch base again tomorrow.  

Thursday July 16

Today was a little better.   I'm feeling a little more alert and a little less pain.  My day was pretty uneventful.

I had a nice visit this afternoon from Amanda and her dad Al.  They stayed and cheered me up a little bit.   After they left my mom came in and stayed for a couple of hours.  

The docs are saying everything looks good and that I may be able to go home tomorrow or Saturday.   They just have to be able to set up home care for me.  We should know more tomorrow.  I will update you then.  Goodnight!  Sweet dreams!

Wednesday July 15

This morning my favorite doctor came in to my room and woke me up.   Dr. chory came in and said that he had an opening first thing this morning for surgery and he would like to operate right away.   I said perfect and they prepped me for surgery.   I called Colin and let him know.   Then I called my mom and let her know.   She ended up getting here just in time before surgery.   I was glad to have someone there when I went to the operating room.

Surgery went really well.   No complications.  Dr. Chory was pleased with the outcome.  He is hoping that with the antibiotics in my system I should be able to go home in the next few days.  So that's my update for today.   I'm just tired because I didn't sleep well last night.  I'm still a little groggy from surgery as well.  Other than that I'm feeling pretty good.   Thank you everyone for your thoughts and prayers.  It means a lot.  XOXO

Tuesday July 14

Well....here's the update for today.  My blood cultures are looking better.  I had lots of visitors today.   Jeremy and Janel stopped by and hung out with me for a while.   It was a nice break in my day.   Then my mom and sister Amber came after work.  Shawn and Courtney showed up a little later and stayed for most of the evening.  It was helpful to keep my mind off things.   Why do you ask?

Dr. Chory stopped in this afternoon to see me.   I'm thanking God it was him because I trust him with my life 100%.  He told me that the port in my chest has to come out and right away.  So tomorrow I will be having surgery to have it removed.  The surgery time hasn't been set yet.  But I will ask Colin to update the blog once it's done.   They said they are squeezing me in in the afternoon tomorrow.   The procedure will take about an hour. 

My head is spinning and I'm extremely nervous because I don't like surgery to begin with and I just had one a few weeks ago.  It's a whirlwind of my life.  Keep me in your prayers tonight.  Please ask God to give me strength to get through this.  I will update tomorrow.  Sweet Dreams!   Goodnight!

Monday July 14

So this morning was a bad morning.   I woke up with a fever of 102.2.  The docs came in and informed me that I have a life-threatening blood infection.  I was extremely ill all day.  I was also scared and stressed beyond belief.   

I was moved from a shared room into a private room.  The infectious disease doctors met with me in the early afternoon.  I have an infection called Klebsiella septicemia.  The infection could be from my medi-port, my pick line or from surgery.   They are doing more tests tonight to try and find the source of the bacteria so that they can choose the correct antibiotic to kill the bacteria.   I may have to have my medi-port removed.   We are waiting to hear back from the docs in Pittsburgh before any drastic measures are taken.  

Please keep me in your prayers tonight.   I need the strength to get through this.   Until tomorrow...goodnight!

Sunday July 12

Well....the doc came in to my room this morning.  Luckily they aren't going to put an NG tube in my nose.   They are just going to let me relax and let things settle.   I'll be here again overnight tonight.  They are trying to settle my guts down.   The vomiting has caused my stitches to seep because of all the wretching.  

I had some visitors today: Colin, mom, dad, amber and the twins. 

These two monkeys are always the best medicine :). I love them to death!

So....today we are trying to get control over the pain/nausea.   Then hopefully I can go home.   I've been running a fever all day so they are also trying to get a handle on that.  

So....time for bed.   I'll update tomorrow.

Friday

Well....got home from the ER last night.   I wasn't really feeling much better.   I woke up this morning to Colin moving stuff.   He had lots of help throughout the day.   My sister Amber and her husband Bobby, my brother Shawn, our friends Rob, Sean and Greg.   

I just stayed and laid around at the "old" house until the couch was gone.   The house is almost completely empty thanks to everyone who helped.  There's a few odds and ends things left but we should be able to grab them in like 3 boxes.  After all the moving I went with Colin to lowes.  He had to grab a couple things for the new living room.   While we were there I started to feel sick.  We got back to the house, and I started throwing up.  I couldn't stop.  Colin took me in to the ER again.  The ct scan they did show that my stomach is inflamed.  Needless to say...I was admitted.  It's close to 4am.   I haven't slept yet , I'm in a shared room and i

Friday July 10

Well....I was awakened this morning by my transplant coordinator in Pittsburgh.   The transplant doctors met yesterday and discussed my case.   It was determined that I need the transplant sooner rather than later.   What does this mean for me?   They are going to submit approval to the insurance company and once it's approved, I will be actively listed.   All that we do at that point is wait for a call that they have a match!   She said it could take a week or it could take a year.  It's just a matter of finding a match.  The donor for small bowels is always a deceased donor so you never know what is going to happen.

How do I feel about this?   I'm scared to death!!!   I have had an extremely emotional day today filled with happiness, sadness, anxiety, uneasiness, relief.  A wide array of emotions.  I sit and think back on everything that has happened.   I wonder if I'm ready for this step. If I'm strong enough to handle it.    I wonder whether or not I'm ready.  I think I was expecting them to call and tell me I have to wait longer.   I wonder if it's something I should do.  They are telling me it's my only option to a possible "normal" life.  This call took me by surprise.  I'm full of feelings I can't really explain.   I keep telling myself not to give up the fight.   I have so many people out there supporting me in so many ways.   I keep praying that God will help me through this.   I pray that he will sort out my emotions and come to a decision on what he wants for me.  Please keep me in your prayers and ask God to help me through this.   I know now why the transplant evaluation portion focuses a lot on your mental health. It's all starting to come together - a positive attitude is KEY to a transplant working and KEY to survival after.   I'm really trying to stay positive and look at all of the good in this.   At times it is extremely difficult.

So that was my morning.   Josh came over in the afternoon to help Colin move some things.   They took me to my osteomy appointment today at 2:30.   They fitted me for a special bag that of course is expensive and is also denied by most insurance companies.   So far the bag has been working today and I haven't had a leak.   That's a positive for the day.   

After my appointment Colin and Josh went to hang out and play golf.   My Mom called and said she would pick me up and bring me down to her house for a little bit until Colin got home.   At this point I was feeling extremely nauseous and having a lot of abdominal pain.  

Around 7:00 I asked my Mom to take me home.   She drove me home.   I got out of the car and started vomiting.  Not much was coming out except for foam. The spasms and pain were just getting worse.  I sent Dr. Harborson a text to see what I should do.  Colin wasn't home yet and my Mom didn't want to leave me home alone so she put me back in the car and took me back to her house.   I laid in her bed and put a cold washcloth on my head.   I started having a meltdown and was a sobbing mess.   (Probably NOT helping my case at ALL).  Mom brought Sparkles in to lay in bed with me and to try cheering me up :) 

Colin called to say he was on his way back home around 8.  He picked me up on his way home and I laid down on the couch.   Colin went upstairs and got all of my TPN supplies together to hook up my iv.  While he was hooking it up, Dr. Harborson sent a message telling us to go straight to the ER to make sure it's not an obstruction.   Once again....we grabbed a bag, and went on to the hospital.   The ER sent me back right away.   Once I was back they did bloodwork and an obstruction series of X-rays.  At this point the X-rays did not show an obstruction.   The bloodwork still hasn't come back yet but it's looking like I am severely dehydrated again.   While throwing up my guts inside are being jarred and spasming which is most likely the source of the pain.   It's now close to midnight and we are still here.   As you can see..Colin is exhausted.   

And now we wait.....

I hope to get home tonight.   I will try to update later this evening.   If not, I will do it in the morning.   So until then, sweet dreams!

6/29 12:30pm

So, (by her request) I've taken over the reigns for H while she's under knife.. I'll do my best to update and inform everyone. About 11:00 we were told the OR called for her, 45 minutes and a break in the chain of command later, she got to pre-op.We said our goodbyes and off she went. As they wheeled her away she shot me a smile and I realized once again, she has more fight in her little finger than I do in my whole body. One of the many reasons I married that girl.They told us the surgery should take anywhere from 4 to 6 hours. Now we wait...I'll do my best to update this when she gets in her room and settled. 

I also discussed with her getting a new sign off line like  "good night America" or  "Heather out" we'll work on it...

-Colin 

Thursday July 9

Lovely day.....uh.....nope

I think I have to re-evaluate this whole osteomy thing. I need a new outlook on it or something.   My lovely day started bc Dana picked me up to take me to my osteomy nurse appointment.  We took my car to be safe bc she has been having issues with her new car.  

We went to my appointment.   Were there for about an hour and a half.  I had a nice surprise.   My nurse ended up being one of my favorite nurses from LGH on the 8th floor - Michael.   He was always awesome.   He lived to joke and motivate me.   He's a great nurse so I was happy to see him.   It was a nice surprise.  He 

Left the hospital and is now working full time at the wound center where the osteomy nurses are.  While I was there they changed the type of bag I'm using and gave me some pointers on how to help it last longer, etc.  We left the appointment.  Went out to the car, got in and it wouldn't start.  Tried a couple of times and it just wouldn't turn over.  I called Colin to come and get us.  When he got there he tried to start it without any luck.   As we are trying to start it again, the seal on my bag broke.   We were going back and forth on what to do.  Since I was still in the parking lot I decided to go back inside and see if they would help me.  Colin took Dana back to the house to get her car to go back to work.

The osteomy nurse was sweet and she sat with me for another hour trying to figure out what she should do.  She gave me a pair of scrubs to wear since it leaked through my osteomy belt, both shirts I had on and my pants and underwear.  She adjusted some things.  Colin came back to get me with a change of clothes and we went to Sean's shop to give him the keys so he can tow my car.   Such a mess.  By the time we got home it was Colin's bedtime.  He went up to bed.   Within about an hour, my bag started leaking AGAIN!  I cleaned myself up and put in a new bag the best I could.  Amber came over with the twins so I would help her with her hair.   We were doing her hair and the boys were watching a movie when my bag broke AGAIN!!  Talk about frustrating!  I cleaned myself up again with Amber's help and put on another bag.  Amber left.  I called the osteomy place and left a message for them letting them know what happened.  

I'm now in bed.  Hoping and praying this stupid thing lets me sleep through the night.   I guess we shall see.   Goodnight!  Sweet Dreams!!!

Wednesday July 8

I'm getting a new nurse today!!!!!!!!   So exciting!!!!  Hopefully this one will be much better than my last one.   Ugh!

More exciting news - my liver functions are doing better.   They got the biopsy results back and the transplant doctors are going to meet tomorrow and review my case again for the official listing.   Good news is that as long as I stay where I'm at health wise I shouldn't need a liver transplant as well.   We can probably get away with only the small bowel.   What does that mean?  It means that I may not have to wait as long for a match.   The list for small bowel transplants is fairly small compared to the list for a heart, kidney, liver, etc.

And EVEN MORE exciting news!!!!   My friend Herb McNally who I met over ten years ago at Clipper Magazine has been helping Colin with the Golf Scramble in August.   He is at the U.S. Women's Open today in Lancaster.  He has been telling everyone my story!   He was able to get a flag signed by Michelle Wie, Morgan Pressler, Suzann Petersen, Anna Nordqvist, Britney Lincicomb, Yani Tseng, Lydia Ko, Natalie Gulbis and Inbee Park.  They are auctioning off the signed flag online.   He has been so unbelievably selfless and a blessing when it comes to the golf outing and I can't thank him enough!  He just called a few minutes ago to let me know that he has a radio interview in a few minutes with a golf radio station out of Chicago.   He's going to share my story!!!

You know.....originally I wanted to keep this all to myself and didn't really want things getting out there but I'm glad that I've gone public.   The support of my husband, family and friends has been astronomical but the outpouring of support from complete strangers has been overwhelming!    Thank you to everyone for your love, support and prayers.  You are all amazing people and I don't know what I would do without you!   I hope that one day my story will help someone else who is going through this hell.  

So, today has been a good day so far.  I have Amber coming over after work to help me organize clothes and take some over to Cyndee's.  The move had been put on hold because of my latest surgery/hospitalization.  Then later this evening Greg and Kelsey are coming to visit.   Today has been one of the best days I've had in a while!!! 

DON'T FORGET!!!

I wanted to put a quick note out there.    Don't forget about the benefit gala being held in my honor by my amazing, beautiful, loving friends!!!    It's July 25 @ 7pm.  It's going to be a huge party and I'm going to be there as long as my body cooperates!!   I'd love to see you all there!!!!

Tickets are available on my website www.help4heather.org and they are only $30/person!   A night out that cheap is impossible to come by!   Check your calendars and reserve your place today!   It's filling up pretty quickly!   Hope to see you all there!!!

Tuesday July 7

Made it home safe and sound yesterday.  The ride home was torture.   Between being in pain and already nauseous beyond belief we then ran into torrential downpours the majority of the drive.  You couldn't see ANYTHING!!   It was scary at times but we made it!  There were also the few mishaps while in the car.   My bag broke almost immediately upon getting on the turnpike.   It was all over me.   We pulled over on an emergency pull-off not realizing that it was a construction entrance.   In order to clean myself up I had to take off my shirt and pants.   So there I was, pretty much stripping down inside the car and the guys in the trucks could pretty much see everything.  Modesty is thrown by the way side when you have something like this.   The bag ended up breaking two more times.  Both times while the car was moving.  It was a mess!!   I guess I broke in Mom's new car!   She was very patient with me and didn't get angry about it at all.  I was so relieved to be home in my own bed last night!   Colin was just as happy.   It's the first night in over a month that he was able to sleep beside me.  I fell asleep around 7 last night and didn't get out of bed until around 11 this morning.  Today I have to run to the hospital for some outpatient testing but other than that I have nothing going on.  Just going to chill out and take care of myself.

Monday July 6

I'm headed home today!!   The docs just made their rounds and said everything is on track and I can go home today!!!   My Mom is here and we are packing the room and getting ready to get in the car!   Yay!!!!

Sunday July 5

Today the doc said that we may be able to go home tomorrow.   He said he can just ask a local surgeon to remove my stitches for me and then I won't be stuck here for another week.  I have such mixed emotions about everything.   This surgery has really taken a toll on my body.  I'm not sure how on earth I'm going to get through the actual transplant surgery but I'm trying to get myself ready for it.  Hopefully each day gets better and my mind will be stronger to deal with the complexity of what is inevitable in my future.  My mom came to see me yesterday so Colin headed home.  Mom stayed with me last night and is going to stay with me tonight as well.   Hopefully she will be bringing me home tomorrow.  Until then...have a good day and a great night! 💚💙💜😀

Saturday July 4. Contd

Well....for those that have weak stomachs....stop reading 😜

For those who don't.....I was able to shower again today so I took a picture of my roadmap of an abdomen.   It's such a mess but every once in a while I get a curious request to know what it looks like or feels like.   Well....here it is....

On the left in the photo is my new stoma where all the waste comes out.   Down the center from my breasts to my groin is the incisional site.   On the right in the photo is where the old stoma was closed up.  It's definitely a roadmap and a bikini will never be in my future again.  I was once again reminded today that had this keep going unnoticed by th hospitals I would have died.   Not a good feeling to have.  Just makes me count my blessings.  Until tomorrow:   Goodnight, sweet dreams!

Saturday July 4

Happy 4th of July!!

The doctors just made their rounds and said everything is looking pretty good.  They said that I should be on track to go home on Monday.  I had an ok night last night.  The pain only woke me up a 

Friday July 3

So,,,today was a good day.  I walked 5x so far.  I did a small flight of steps AND I took a shower!   I have graduated from the pain pump to oral meds.  I hope to be home next week.  The docs seem to think I'm on track.   Thank you for your support, love and prayers.  I don't think I could do this without everyone I have standing by me!   I will write more tomorrow!  Until then....goodnight!  😘

July 2, 2015

I'm am still in recovery after days of being here.  I want to sincerely thank you all for the thoughts and prays through this difficult time.   I received some special visitors today.   Brooke, David, max, gray and 

Libby.  Love you for making it a apecial visit!

Until tomorrow!  Goodnight!