4:30 PM CST Update from Barby's CaringBridge site

[Guest guest]

Barby's progress has been termed as " remarkable " .

She is well known around the floor as " that liver transplant patient who is making such remarkable progress "

She just concluded a visit from the surgeon, Dr Schadde (a native German) and her post transplant hepitologist, Dr. Gilroy (a native Aussie). They are all very pleased with her progress. She is going to be switched up to a higher oral food base & removed from the IV within the next 12 hours. She is going to loose one of two surgical drains today & the second drain within the following day - after she tolerates food. How well is Barby doing? Dr. Schadde expects to send her home sometime between Thursday & Friday! Whew! Of course, rather than being elated, Barby is scared to death. However, we can deal with that within the family...

Barby continues to experience pain where the surgical drains enter the abdomen. Yet, she gritts her teeth & sets her will to taking long walks inspite of the pain. What is a long walk? About 100yds every four hours.

On the medical adjustments side - her bilirubin is up ... about 6.5. But neither doctor is concerned. They will wait to see if her body will compensate on the current levels of drugs & if not, add some large bursts of steroids. The only problem with that is that she'd get tagged next time she participates in the Olympics or the Tour de France. Barring that, should be no problem when taken in the short term.

She is hearing from persons and churches who've been praying for her around the world - as far away as Israel! With thousands of persons praying arouond the world - it's no wonder that she is termed " remarkable " . (but I knew that when I asked her to marry me 28 yrs ago )

I'll write again when there is something to write.