We were awakened @ 11:15 to the sound of Lee's cell phone (which was in the kitchen charging). I had only been asleep less that an hour and was very disoriented at being awakened suddenly. It was the lung transplant nurse calling to tell us they had a lung and we were to go to the emergency room. Fortunately I had made a list and packed most everything we would need on Sunday afternoon. I hurridly dressed and then helped Lee to dress. After linning up the oxygen I realized we did not have enough to travel. I changed the two cylinders and of course one of the valves kept leaking. At this point I am getting a little frustrated. Lee was very calm and told me to get the screwdriver and the washers and he would fix the valves to keep them from leaking. Can you imagine facing a lung transplant and a coronary artery bypass and being calm enough to leisurely change the two valves on the oxygen cylinders???!! I tell you the truth, he is wired differently....truly the bionic man!
Anyway, we called our children who had asked to be called regardless of true surgery or dry run, then we called the shuttle and were on our way by 11:45 p.m. Lee was quickly moved to the prep area and after they drew 20 vials ( yes 20) of blood samples, did a chest x-ray, EKG, and a physical exam by a doctor who could not have been a day over 17, we were told to make ourselves comfortable and the nurse would call when the lungs were ready.
After being given warm blankets, Lee settled in and fell asleep around 1:00 while I in my very uncomfortable recliner finally dozed after 2:00. We both were awakened by another phone call @ 7:00 telling us that unfortunately the donated lungs could not be used and that we were discharged to go back home.
We had a big breakfast and now Lee is asleep in his recliner and must attend rehab @ 12:.30 today I will probably sneak a nap this afternoon.
Please be in prayer also for those who so generously release the lungs of a loved one recently expired. We are so thankful for their unsurpassed generiosity. We do not know where nor whom the donor & family is but we want to always be in thoughtful prayer for them. More later..........Brenda
Know of our prayers. I have asked our congregation in Raleigh not only to pray for Lee, but to agree to donate organs so that someone, some day will have another chance.
ReplyDeleteOur God is an awesome God. All we have to do is ask. We continue to keep both of you in our prayers. Just take your strength from the Lord. We, too, know the importance of the family of an organ donor. We would like to come and visit if it is ok. Just let me know. We love you guys, and if we can do anything for you just call.
ReplyDeleteAngie
Hey Lee
ReplyDeleteJust now got the address of the blog. Glad to hear you are "on the list." God will provide. I know that you are strong and will make it through this. Stay focused on the task ahead. All of the striped shirts are praying for you.
Rick
Hey guys...at least we all now know what to expect. You can just consider that one a dress rehearsal (sounds better than "dry run"). You two are amazing...keep calling us when they call you...we always want to be there in spirit with you!
ReplyDeleteLee and Brenda,
ReplyDeleteThe dry run would have been hard on anyone, much less a potential lung transplant patient . . . and spouse. It made me tired and sleepy just to read about the experience. It could happen anytime!!!! We are excited and praying daily. Dixon and Carolyn
lee and brenda, sorry to hear it was a no go this time, but all good things in time. I know from experience about transplants,my son was an organ donor. Remember we love and pray for both of you.
ReplyDeleteLee, you and Brenda are truly two special people! We love you and continue to pray for your srength and courage too persevere!
ReplyDeleteJudy and Jim