One Month Today - Monday, Sept. 22

It's one month today that Dan has his new liver. And today, they moved Dan to the room where he was admitted back in June when I first arrived in Phoenix. The Intermediate Care pod is reopened today after being redone, and everything in the room is new, including upgraded computers and monitors.

We still remember the parents of the 19-year old boy whose liver lives on in Dan, and pray for their comfort and that will know what their gift has meant to us.

Dan continues to recover from transplant and battles the same things:
* He is getting another pericentesis this afternoon to remove more fluid from his abdomen.
* He received 2 more units of blood this morning, his hemoglobin was 7.4 this morning.

This morning, his scar was red and swollen, so the doctor made a small incision to drain the swollen part and took a sample to test for infection. They did this right in Dan's room. I have enjoyed learning about everything to do with Dan's physiology, HOWEVER watching a mini surgery was a bit much, even for me.

Funny for the day: The OT worked with Dan this morning in sitting up and doing some arm exercises. Prior to starting, she asked Dan his name and birthday, the same question every doctor or nurse asks Dan, which he answered correctly. She then pointed to me and asked him who I was. I stepped closer to him so he could see me clearly, he said I was Debbie. The OT asked if I was related to him. He said "no, she's Barbara Bush." Thankfully he then said "no, she's my wife Debbie." The OT told me I've been "promoted" but all I could think is that I must look 25-30 years older now. Gotta keep finding the humor in everything!

"Laughter 101" - Debbie and Dan