UPDATE FROM MARG - Our dear girl continues to gain strength as she rounds out her first 24 hours post-transplant. When I spoke with her mom an hour ago, Andrea was actually sitting up in a chair! She is still very sleepy and her chest is hurting her a bit, but all things considered, great news only 24 hours after surgery. They removed her breathing tube and PICC line today (the PICC line is the one that has been delivering life-saving drugs to her since November, also the source of the twedgie), and may move her out of the ICU and into a step-down unit tomorrow.
Her family is doing great and is encouraged by the progress she has made today. Please continue to post your well-wishes as comments on this blog - I think it will give them a huge boost to see just how many people are rooting for Andrea all over the country. If you would like to send Andrea some well-wishes personally, you can send her an e-card via the hospital website - they will print it out and deliver it to her. Please keep cheering her on!
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YAY. I already sent my first e-card over to her and am looking forward to when I can see her in person and rave about what a great job she did. Way to power through your first 24 A Fuller! hello to Mr & Mrs Fuller. (from co-worker Dawn)
ReplyDeleteand Marg, thanks for the update. (I'm also highly impressed that you even did a link to earlier blog post with "twedgie")
Wonderful, wonderful news! No more picc line and a new heart in the period of 48 hours! We are thinking of you and praying for a restful recovery. We love you and hope you get that delicious piece of pizza sooner than later! Love, Lindsay and Steven
ReplyDeleteJust want you to know we continue to keep you in close thought for a smooth recovery. We've drawn all sorts of people into your story and all are sending their prayers and good wishes!
ReplyDeleteI am sure that trip from the bed to the chair for the first time was a challenge . . .looking forward to the day when you can blog your perspective!
Marg . . . A+ as Andrea 2.0!
Warm wishes,
Linda (Chris's Aunt)
Keep it goin' Andrea! We're thinking positive thoughts and you are in our daily prayers!!! You are a very strong and courageous woman (funny too!) your new nickname is going to be 'pizza chick'! well wishes only!
ReplyDelete-Ivy
Way to go Andrea!!! So proud of you and can't wait to have you back at 100%! Now bring on the pepperoni pizza!
ReplyDeleteAndrea - Kathleen Poe here, your old shuttle buddy. Jo McCune sent me your blog address and I read the whole thing earlier today. I love it! Your humor and candor through all of this is truly inspiring. I'm so glad to hear you are doing well after the transplant. The Poes are all keeping you in our thoughts and prayers, and I'll be following your blog from here on out!
ReplyDeleteGo Team Andrea! Just think: Today a regular chair. Tomorrow another ode to the bedside commode! Harper and I are rooting for you.
ReplyDeleteThanks Marg! She and her incredible family amaze me more every single day. What an inspiration. Go Bird Go. A deux pas!
ReplyDeleteSo, I donated blood today for the very first time and it's all because of you, Drea. I figure if you can go through all of this, than I can get over my stupid fear of needles and hopefully help someone in need. Keep up your amazing strength and determination. I can't wait to see you!!!!!
ReplyDeleteAndrea - glad to hear that you're doing well. Here's wishing you a safe and speedy recovery!
ReplyDelete- Rajesh Mathew
Get well soon Dr Dre! :)
ReplyDeleteSo thankful to your friend Marg for updating the blog! You and your family are simply amazing! We keep you all close in thought and prayer! You will get that pizza and when you do, we'll all have a piece with you from wherever we are!
ReplyDeleteBob & Melanie Linder
Sitting in a chair!?! You are amazing!! Wishing you all the best!!!! - Erin (mcgurkin) white
ReplyDeleteAndrea! What wonderful news that the surgery was a success and you are already kicking butt in your recovery. I have been in complete awe of your strength, humor, and optimism and have 100% assurance that these assets will continue to aid in your rehabilitation. I am not sure if you know this but I'm a psychologist at a rehab hospital and have seen on a daily basis how attitude, faith, and the love and support or family and friends can make or break a recovery. You have amazing strength both inside and all around you that will guide your way to checking off the post-op "to do" list in no time!! Love you much!! ~Lauren Zimmerman Thomas
ReplyDeleteSUCH GREAT NEWS, DREDDIE BIRD!You are so amazing! We are thinking of you and cheering you on!! We can't wait until you are checking off things on your post-op to do list!
ReplyDeleteMuch love,
Elizabeth (VOR) and David
I couldn't be more excited for you, getting a heart and starting life as "Andrea 2.0"!! And your story has inspired many of my friends here in Colorado to sign up to be organ donors :) I can't wait to hear that you're able to start checking items off your "post-transplant to-do list"! Thinking of you and hoping for a speedy recovery!
ReplyDeleteThinking of you and your family everyday.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Andrea! So glad to hear the surgery was a success. I say we throw you the biggest damn pizza party as soon as you are able to partake. I had to get a new drivers license today and became an organ donor all because of you. You have been a true inspiration to so many of us, and I look forward to receiving more Andrea 2.0 updates.
ReplyDeleteAll the best,
Tennille (via Mr.Bob's account :=)
I'm thrilled that you've finally gotten your new heart and are on your way to a beautiful new life. I know you've had a rocky couple of days, but with all the love and support coming your way, you'll be back in action soon. You're an amazing girl, and I wish you all the best. You'll be chowing down on that cheesy pizza real soon.
ReplyDeleteAndrea: Just another in a long line of people that has you in their thoughts and prayers. Wishing you a strong and speedy recovery. Indy Adenaw
ReplyDeleteMy comment is to all of you "commenters" and people following Andrea's blog. Yes, Andrea has been truly amazing and strong, but she has had such support both from her best friends and from people whom she has never met. My thanks to all of you for your good thoughts and prayers. I, too, prayerfully remember her donor/family and thank them for the amazing gift of life that they have given not only to Andrea, but also to several other people. What a selfless act in the midst of their grief.
ReplyDeleteAgain, more thanks than words can express to all of you who have been so supportive of my girl.
With love from Anrea's mom
Hi Dre! Jay and I are thinking of you and praying for your smooth recovery. Your new heart is a wonderful miracle and I can't even explain how delighted for you we are.
ReplyDeleteThanks to your wonderful friends and family for keeping us all informed...even half way around the world in Germany. Danke Schon! I thought I would throw a little German in to keep you entertained.
Looking forward to hearing more positive updates. We miss you!
-Jen & Jay