tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9904318012153973402023-11-17T14:07:35.326-05:00Taking a deep breathMy blog about my husbands need for new lungs. Beautiful lungs received on January 29, 2013. Be an Organ Donor! One Oakville woman's journey as she navigates the transplant system in Toronto, Canada. Sarah Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865551496672197954noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-990431801215397340.post-23140565110113103792016-01-29T16:52:00.000-05:002016-01-29T16:54:34.575-05:003 years, 25,228,800 Breaths. These are the gifts that Keith has been given. <h2>
3 years ago...</h2>
<div>
I was sitting in a waiting room at Toronto General Hospital, waiting for the word that the surgery was done, and that I could go and see Keith. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsHpYc13PIDTiZVHSZr4-NUX-IC7qKVF2YgipKa_G4aMNvlkh8VdxE8o-7-5PWg9VPSDrFiL407HDoDy9Z3fb-XqIpxWEZqPswLrlkwkTJO2ygu_9fIh74POT74DVGNLrJCUlupgHm8eqs/s1600/IMG_2080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsHpYc13PIDTiZVHSZr4-NUX-IC7qKVF2YgipKa_G4aMNvlkh8VdxE8o-7-5PWg9VPSDrFiL407HDoDy9Z3fb-XqIpxWEZqPswLrlkwkTJO2ygu_9fIh74POT74DVGNLrJCUlupgHm8eqs/s320/IMG_2080.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">12 days before transplant. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioQ_dJ4SODgK8gJ_bLhIXnLe7iPDczaE69-h2LmF8biYkR0OwgfkDXiT0Jv_ENekl4fZWxFCVkj3p9YNf1y_2UfaUp5mWazGEicmUrwKphYqnarHTuYA2KKdCZ4RJVn8h54FHhE2Cq6iCw/s1600/IMG_2119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioQ_dJ4SODgK8gJ_bLhIXnLe7iPDczaE69-h2LmF8biYkR0OwgfkDXiT0Jv_ENekl4fZWxFCVkj3p9YNf1y_2UfaUp5mWazGEicmUrwKphYqnarHTuYA2KKdCZ4RJVn8h54FHhE2Cq6iCw/s320/IMG_2119.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">11 days before transplant</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
That day was one of the most peaceful days of my life. I had been in a whirlwind for weeks, living with uncertainty and fear, but doing my best to keep things together - for everyone, but most of all, for Keith. We were in a no mans land, living each day wondering what the next would bring, not wanting to say what we feared, but knowing that it could happen any time. <br />
<br />
His body was done. His lungs were done. The doctors were pushing for <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extracorporeal_membrane_oxygenation" target="_blank">ECMO</a> and I was saying NO. His will was strong, he was so determined to keep going, that I wanted him to keep and use his own lungs as long as possible, until his hero came along. <br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYfzjsbjdfmSktn7qDEaVruJ0a7Vrsk3q68aOzSHEY3yXNspYx2qxRKzb0Td531YNB4l-lOforJG7EcRluYzZHQOIEfS9NJPC4fEkzJP6pgXhhbiedUburW2GtwEJS-bSGnXrQSl0yV7AC/s1600/IMG_2123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYfzjsbjdfmSktn7qDEaVruJ0a7Vrsk3q68aOzSHEY3yXNspYx2qxRKzb0Td531YNB4l-lOforJG7EcRluYzZHQOIEfS9NJPC4fEkzJP6pgXhhbiedUburW2GtwEJS-bSGnXrQSl0yV7AC/s640/IMG_2123.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Days before transplant. His body was shot. </td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-_HLGHrpsQPl1ZAmwojueCUEYOI3aRhe0CS_w0SBmpHEK7_VgtuSODqfTxHhjO3q1h1n6kXKFC1HXyr80o6l1DcnUIyvBbXFCvk8bE_WjsYvqH-gzTjSDeWzCDvxaeXeMjy3U0VhAXsSX/s1600/IMG_2163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-_HLGHrpsQPl1ZAmwojueCUEYOI3aRhe0CS_w0SBmpHEK7_VgtuSODqfTxHhjO3q1h1n6kXKFC1HXyr80o6l1DcnUIyvBbXFCvk8bE_WjsYvqH-gzTjSDeWzCDvxaeXeMjy3U0VhAXsSX/s320/IMG_2163.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dr. Hsin writing "L" and "R" on his chest!<br />
Just to be sure the lungs were in the right spot!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On the evening of January 28th, the call came in. There might be lungs. <br />
<br />
What followed, from about 10 p.m. until 6 a.m. was a quiet evening in the ICU room, with visits from time to time from nurses and doctors saying that they still didn't know if everything was a "go". At 5 in the morning, everything was confirmed, and Keith was prepped for surgery. <br />
<br />
7 1/2 hours later, Keith was out of surgery and by 7:00 that night I was holding his hand. <br />
<br />
Seeing him breathe again, knowing what had happened, knowing that he had been gifted with the most precious of gifts ever, filled me with so much emotion that it still brings tears to my eyes as I write this. <br />
<br />
Happy 3rd Lungiversary my darling husband. Here's to 25,228,800 more breaths, and more after that. Each one is a blessing. <br />
<br />
Thank you, donor. <br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
You too can be a hero. Visit <a href="http://beadonor.ca/">beadonor.ca</a> and register in Ontario. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIT-B-IfmoKpHE2CHZ7wBm8ZdiX4WCVdFYisACQwI139YjXr1IY_hXGzjEME6pYvcsTZdwkcrjW8D-M65sGkOLMVHmeBiJJU5szdMMDMPaqKJ2ys8iISDpU7UgJjPPCYeCPi4KHXBufdZd/s1600/IMG_3795.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIT-B-IfmoKpHE2CHZ7wBm8ZdiX4WCVdFYisACQwI139YjXr1IY_hXGzjEME6pYvcsTZdwkcrjW8D-M65sGkOLMVHmeBiJJU5szdMMDMPaqKJ2ys8iISDpU7UgJjPPCYeCPi4KHXBufdZd/s320/IMG_3795.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Letter from Keith's donor's wife. (who we<br />
later met, along with the rest of his family)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsysKw1Yn0OgQIvhjzC7NSC99Avs4sQMTmV3qblyiCa_RFgxAzWKve0Ue2RNr173npbI9m7UEOPZIOQQe13Nn6zM7yOniGYUTqyB3pkC8lPpzmbdV6gfPmtHntcPI_GudIhWXO3i4pdyoN/s1600/IMG_4526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsysKw1Yn0OgQIvhjzC7NSC99Avs4sQMTmV3qblyiCa_RFgxAzWKve0Ue2RNr173npbI9m7UEOPZIOQQe13Nn6zM7yOniGYUTqyB3pkC8lPpzmbdV6gfPmtHntcPI_GudIhWXO3i4pdyoN/s320/IMG_4526.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Healthy, Happy, and loving life!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div>
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<div>
<span id="goog_1366331327"></span><span id="goog_1366331328"></span>Written by Sarah Taylor </div>
Sarah Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865551496672197954noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-990431801215397340.post-42990638555935411422014-03-14T18:10:00.000-04:002014-03-14T18:10:52.103-04:00Spring Break - A different perspective. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtEp2s-qNYXJLcYtaRLnujMkRsVdMaGoIIoeSzKou-aUveczM-LDtLnAYbQR-XuI15fHQadAorC5bsuUmfWeapESsMF1TXEvwLLfwPf7pxUXVhRJQPpUvjfPazw7htqp5ckw5lB7U40E1m/s1600/1425424_10152084841633003_1823137888_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtEp2s-qNYXJLcYtaRLnujMkRsVdMaGoIIoeSzKou-aUveczM-LDtLnAYbQR-XuI15fHQadAorC5bsuUmfWeapESsMF1TXEvwLLfwPf7pxUXVhRJQPpUvjfPazw7htqp5ckw5lB7U40E1m/s1600/1425424_10152084841633003_1823137888_o.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Storch Family<br />L-R Ryan, Tara, Peyton, Todd and Taylor<br />Sunday March 14, 2010</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><h2 style="text-align: center;">
Family</h2>
<div>
Our families come in all shapes and sizes, and as we know, varying degrees of "happy". With Spring Break coming to a close, I'm sure many of us are just as happy to come back to the grind, the office, school, and a "break" from all of that togetherness. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The picture above could be any family, on a skiing trip - smiling for the camera as requested, and turning immediately after to bicker or complain about the cold, or who punched who on the car ride home, or who gets to ride with whom on the chairlift. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I want you to look very closely at this picture above. Imagine you are seeing it and have to describe what is happening. Small little things start to stand out to me when I see it. Young Ryan on the left has his head raised ever so slightly as if he is really proud to be there with his family and perhaps is feeling pretty confident on the hills and about his expertise. Peyton has that sweet innocent smile that shows that she cannot quite contain her excitement about heading up the hill in order to be able to schuss down it (again? or for the first time? - we do not know from this picture if they have already been up although everyone is looking quite lovely and dare I say, even coiffed!). Todd and Tara are the proud parents, and Todd with his arm over Taylor's shoulder is showing how proud he is of his family. Taylor has that beautiful confidence that shows through her smile, and is leaning in towards the family. I don't know about you, but I do see true love in each and every smile in this picture. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmlXlem3ha7cYnAZggHoQ5q9s_x8Pw_5npEhJjHcVcr947ZPv7wtpygiJOQKS3Zx37c_VaX6dbNNwrvqXg1FMXBanHPIXqMdB8Ia_3CdmD2vTrUiraoC2PKsfTmut4hFmM8exNoJTkqHi-/s1600/25647_376590818002_2930025_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmlXlem3ha7cYnAZggHoQ5q9s_x8Pw_5npEhJjHcVcr947ZPv7wtpygiJOQKS3Zx37c_VaX6dbNNwrvqXg1FMXBanHPIXqMdB8Ia_3CdmD2vTrUiraoC2PKsfTmut4hFmM8exNoJTkqHi-/s1600/25647_376590818002_2930025_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
The family was on the trip of a lifetime at Beaver Creek Mountain in Colorado. This was the first day of their family Spring Break vacation in 2010. The family was having a blast. They were happy. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The last run of the day belonged to Todd, Ryan and Taylor as Tara and Peyton were pooped and went for a hot chocolate at the lodge. Taylor had learned to ski that day, and being an athletic and coordinated girl, was a "natural", said her ski instructor. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That final run was, for this family, the moment when everything changed. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Taylor lost control on her skis.</div>
<div>
Taylor hit a tree head on. She was wearing a helmet. </div>
<div>
The next day, Taylor was declared brain dead. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
"Would you be willing to donate Taylor's organs?"</h4>
<div>
The response from both Tara and Todd was the same. "Absolutely! It's what Taylor would want".</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Kidneys, Pancreas, Liver, Heart and corneas. </div>
<div>
Life. To 5 different people this decision meant life. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOc8NctaVyl0LB1rIL-3XgoTThHmjrpua1_hju8v6LIhlxIq-W12iDsUbjCQwoA0AE5Rgy5ScFvBeizh7NsmhgZCm3GxYvGBVn3HIKB2quTUoygPbN-KPBTdRgaSNSf8Q2Y_nfasXtllV5/s1600/25647_376590958002_7721261_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOc8NctaVyl0LB1rIL-3XgoTThHmjrpua1_hju8v6LIhlxIq-W12iDsUbjCQwoA0AE5Rgy5ScFvBeizh7NsmhgZCm3GxYvGBVn3HIKB2quTUoygPbN-KPBTdRgaSNSf8Q2Y_nfasXtllV5/s1600/25647_376590958002_7721261_n.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taylor - pensive</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In death, Taylor Storch was a hero. In life, she was a generous, loving, and Christ centred soul. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In a poem, written the year before she died, she describes herself as "outgoing and friendly" and specifically that she tried "to make every day like her last". As we read her <a href="http://taylorsgift.org/taylorsplace/taylors-story/" target="_blank">words</a> we cannot help but imagine this 13 year old girl, full of life and look at our own children on their Spring Break. Did they fight? Was every moment pure bliss? Did they hug you every chance they got? Did they tell you that they loved you? Did YOU tell them that you loved them? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Was each day like your last? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
WAS EACH DAY LIKE YOUR LAST?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I saw Todd Storch's post today on Facebook where he shared the family image above. This image speaks to me. I see this family, and the intense smiles on every person and my eyes are drawn to Taylor's. Those stunning Taylor Blue eyes. Those eyes that look into that soul that did not know. It did not know that it was ready to share this "last day" with 5 other souls and give them life. Taylor did not know, her family did not know, but the Storch family honoured Taylor's wish in their grief. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you would like to learn more about Taylor's story, please consider reading <a href="http://taylorsgift.org/book/" target="_blank">Taylor's Gift</a> which can be ordered through your local bookstore. </div>
<h2>
<br /></h2>
Sarah Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865551496672197954noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-990431801215397340.post-26544713559547931002014-02-24T19:15:00.000-05:002014-02-24T21:32:21.730-05:001 year checkup, 1 lifetime away<h2>
Keith 2.0</h2>
<div>
Last time I wrote here, there was a new ring, a pending wedding, and Keith on a continued positive health trajectory. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The wedding was a huge success, and we were able to celebrate with our families and friends in a way that would not have been possible without the gift that Keith had received earlier last year. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHv-Hlla3ldR3PCdJKfiS1ob8xAIYW-jtLmqBlXJzCbOyFQXI_f_KcGDmhrk04aYRQfO05vMdigrshWxJ-HUSctdsKj_zQCuSmnTHvvQILNr_UuGOWsZC6QxKPKVw9BYAOlA4-l_W0TCFc/s640/blogger-image-1231028760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHv-Hlla3ldR3PCdJKfiS1ob8xAIYW-jtLmqBlXJzCbOyFQXI_f_KcGDmhrk04aYRQfO05vMdigrshWxJ-HUSctdsKj_zQCuSmnTHvvQILNr_UuGOWsZC6QxKPKVw9BYAOlA4-l_W0TCFc/s1600/blogger-image-1231028760.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THE PLANE!!! THE PLANE!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV2_E6SS1k7HoO35hveu3YFeWuKk1ubmSyt-Wh3anPA06P3LsCHeYuTf6zTktRG2fRPh6zHEvdMI7fUUZcBLqvPw84r_Ua6MatUp6FWOnSCOQm_80BqwztnDyeAFcDtFqt-y6Vx2mbNdTe/s640/blogger-image-234038229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV2_E6SS1k7HoO35hveu3YFeWuKk1ubmSyt-Wh3anPA06P3LsCHeYuTf6zTktRG2fRPh6zHEvdMI7fUUZcBLqvPw84r_Ua6MatUp6FWOnSCOQm_80BqwztnDyeAFcDtFqt-y6Vx2mbNdTe/s400/blogger-image-234038229.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think this could actually work....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
It was a chilly day in October, but the sun was shining, our family and guests were treated like kings and queens, and Keith and I could not have been happier. </h4>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
Let's get the mechanics out of the way:</h3>
<div>
Keith's 1 year numbers were great. PFT (Pulmonary Function Testing) was 89% (compared to his 8% pre-transplant, and the average healthy person of 80-90%). He did his 6 minute walk and walked 718 metres, and all other standard blood workups were good. <br />
There was some concern about kidney function as his creatinine levels were up, but they have levelled off and are at a completely safe level now and the nephrologist has no concerns. We will keep an eye on the kidney function over the next year just to make sure that it is working as it should. <br />
<br />
Essentially, all this means that these amazing incredible lungs, are working beautifully in Keith's body. The medications that he takes to keep his body from rejecting the lungs, are working well to keep it all happy. Here is a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=270015306487393&id=145060088982916&stream_ref=10" target="_blank">link</a> to the post that I put on Facebook on the day of his "lungiversary". If you haven't found the page and liked it, please do. It's a great way to connect with us. <br />
<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjueTMVjXbKpIK1MNeaERLV_o0o7h5CKSaR-hjmEB_L7V7VdZpIsJH_rFhCwZ0Ud_v0K5eANuxWIi_fhaaqJqEVwJCXQCUsGh-x-vI4zFT1dQezGMAuDJWy_txVIcYiu5Bhd4aAOuZ8bdut/s640/blogger-image-746101009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjueTMVjXbKpIK1MNeaERLV_o0o7h5CKSaR-hjmEB_L7V7VdZpIsJH_rFhCwZ0Ud_v0K5eANuxWIi_fhaaqJqEVwJCXQCUsGh-x-vI4zFT1dQezGMAuDJWy_txVIcYiu5Bhd4aAOuZ8bdut/s320/blogger-image-746101009.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ruth Vibe, Sarah Taylor, Keith Childerhose</td></tr>
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<h4>
On the evening of January 29, 2014, we had the honour and privilege to have dinner at the home of Ruth Vibe, the widow of John Vibe who was Keith's donor. It is very rare in Canada to connect with your donor family from a deceased donor, but we have been so blessed by this friendship and connection. Getting to know the family of the man who is Keith's hero has been incredible. CBC did an excellent job sharing the story. See video <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-4hzN1uBYs&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">here</a>.</h4>
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Our local paper, The Oakville Beaver, continues to print excellent coverage of Keith's story. Here are links to their recent <a href="http://m.insidehalton.com/news-story/4340985-breathing-freely-a-bonus-round-for-childerhose/" target="_blank">article</a> and <a href="http://www.insidehalton.com/video/4340139" target="_blank">video</a>. <br />
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Thank you all, for your incredible outpouring of support and positivity over the past year and a half. Keith is forever grateful to his donor, and to all of you for all of your kindnesses and practical help. </div>
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This year, for a new years resolution, I resolved to share the need for organ donors with a stranger at least once a week. Share with everyone how Organ Donation saves lives, how they can be a hero also if they register at beadonor.ca, and share their wishes with their loved ones. Tell your loved one that it is important to YOU. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6CkGZ9hpd4o3ZLrQEyqfnrF8A2tznWSEWpj_7E7USgmre0yo-99LTWiXYJ7mvRa6PDVOCZJ34CW1r3wxmR9pdIejKUqf01ui7grC7rcpUBA03oxnwbFwKMN1mb-kMriX7rdnKT8FLVrPw/s640/blogger-image--1281931975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6CkGZ9hpd4o3ZLrQEyqfnrF8A2tznWSEWpj_7E7USgmre0yo-99LTWiXYJ7mvRa6PDVOCZJ34CW1r3wxmR9pdIejKUqf01ui7grC7rcpUBA03oxnwbFwKMN1mb-kMriX7rdnKT8FLVrPw/s640/blogger-image--1281931975.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Vibe - Forever in our hearts, and always a hero</td></tr>
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Sarah Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865551496672197954noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-990431801215397340.post-5743846606896436242013-06-29T17:20:00.000-04:002013-06-29T17:20:41.308-04:00The ring - and its story<h2>
<span style="background-color: #38761d;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #38761d;">A stone with a story.</span></span></span></h2>
<span style="background-color: #38761d;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: black;">So, he proposed. Threw me for a loop, and I accepted wholeheartedly. How could I not. I had waited for this man to come into my life, and I had almost lost him. To know that he wanted our hearts to join in this way, filled me with joy that I cannot describe. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #38761d;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: black;">(I considered whether this post was appropriate for this blog, and decided that it was. Keith's story includes me (Sarah) and I shared the story of his proposal <a href="http://thedailybreaths.blogspot.ca/2013/02/a-valentines-surprise-of-epic.html" target="_blank">here</a>, so will continue on)</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #38761d;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: black;">A proposal typically includes a ring. In Keith's words "the transplant department had a very poor selection, so I didn't get you one yet". I forgave him. I will say that I am the type of girl that would want to choose my own jewellery anyway, and have Keith be part of the process. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #38761d;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="color: black;">Green has been the colour of Organ Donation for years. It represents new life, and hope, and just happens to look fabulous on redheads (!) </span> </span></span></span>I was set on getting an emerald as a centre stone and began looking. The more I researched, the more I realized that an emerald was not the right stone for an engagement ring. It is a softer stone, it scratches and is prone to chipping on an everyday ring. Clearly, I needed to find another stone.<br />
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One of my searches led me to discover the <a href="http://tsavorite.com/history/history.html" target="_blank">Tsavorite</a>. This stone, is a semi-precious deep green garnet, discovered and mined in Kenya and with an incredible story behind it. A sad story but one that speaks of perseverance, history, family and the desire to better the world that we live in. Harder than emerald, and a shade of green that speaks to me. It is clear, deep forest green with a clarity that causes it to sparkle in the sun.<br />
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An email to the company connected me with Bruce Bridges, the son of Campbell Bridges who discovered the stone in the early 60's. An email correspondence ensued, where I told him the story about Keith and pointed him to this blog. He was instantly interested in helping, understood my desire for a green stone, and we began the process purchasing the centre stone for my ring.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVobUezgV5-87U4-d-nyfYJLQYLK56TCjUdxS-YZXINKINeLqn-IAHW2OAOZJQmo3SZZtoaGjOpD4bFoGqa6C4BeGDmM5aAc8ZFP6Ztx4VQXnlFHT7xiTdR01nwse6CSUw1ycRx90BuVDG/s1600/IMG_3459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVobUezgV5-87U4-d-nyfYJLQYLK56TCjUdxS-YZXINKINeLqn-IAHW2OAOZJQmo3SZZtoaGjOpD4bFoGqa6C4BeGDmM5aAc8ZFP6Ztx4VQXnlFHT7xiTdR01nwse6CSUw1ycRx90BuVDG/s320/IMG_3459.jpg" width="240" /></a>For years, I had been wearing a ring that my mother gave me, with a lovely centre solitaire diamond and two smaller baguettes on the side. Since finances needed to be considered I asked my mother if she would mind me selling this ring, in order to help me get a new ring. With her blessing, I put that ring up for consignment and began to design my new ring.<br />
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There is a little jewelry store in the Bronte Harbour area that has long been a favourite of my mothers. She suggested I go there to have my ring made. With my lovely new tsavorite in tow, and some pictures of what I wanted, I met with the jeweler a few times, and the ring was ordered.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_SJZXGEvnNqJP8Bp3r-ZDgDcr6oW6cpaDHcQp2-bkNhJJaUZsRb2CIlLkKKlcigR9rCFPovgKes0O2dkCXG-L_VW0HII_60jIE2UKAKc4hr9323Gw-1S511PVbqhclNAU0BH-tKg6zvE/s1600/IMG_3454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_SJZXGEvnNqJP8Bp3r-ZDgDcr6oW6cpaDHcQp2-bkNhJJaUZsRb2CIlLkKKlcigR9rCFPovgKes0O2dkCXG-L_VW0HII_60jIE2UKAKc4hr9323Gw-1S511PVbqhclNAU0BH-tKg6zvE/s200/IMG_3454.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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White gold, centre tsavorite with two baguettes on either side. Simple, timeless and clean. The tragic story of Campbell Bridges, the brilliant strong green of Organ Donation, and the clear and pure love that Keith and I share is what makes this ring so special to me, and to us.<br />
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As promised, here it is. I love him, I thank his donor, and will wear this symbol of this love and gratitude with pride.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgBeJTEpFaCz0YQJJ8T1uD6_s28UBms-MArIroWPWOkmbnV18yFzqHgBZD7HzAK4WZXFChpKwOXe1r6Ljed6rRSe5b3iIog-ZtszGwm-1izeQS_9F00KDMR_7axgJZuf8NuA5oYFL1H0uY/s1600/IMG_3473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgBeJTEpFaCz0YQJJ8T1uD6_s28UBms-MArIroWPWOkmbnV18yFzqHgBZD7HzAK4WZXFChpKwOXe1r6Ljed6rRSe5b3iIog-ZtszGwm-1izeQS_9F00KDMR_7axgJZuf8NuA5oYFL1H0uY/s200/IMG_3473.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
Yes, by the way, I said yes. <br />
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<br />Sarah Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865551496672197954noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-990431801215397340.post-69072666676447336332013-04-09T20:38:00.000-04:002013-04-09T20:38:07.437-04:00The greatest gift - January 29, 2013<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">January 29, 2013 - Thank you</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">For one family, it is a date of sorrow. It is the day that their loved one left this world, but left it with a wish, with a request that any useable organs be donated, so that another can experience more life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">For our family, this date is a rebirth. It is a father able to be there for his children, and a husband (fiancé) able to walk, once again, hand in hand, with his girl, for an evening stroll. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The magnitude of this gift is not lost on Keith. There will never be enough thanks in this world, and each and every breath he takes, is a breath of gratitude. </span></div>
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This post was begun on January 29th, 2013 - Over two months ago when Keith had just received his gift. The timing in posting it now, stems out of respect for the family that have lost their loved one, and because these last two months have been focused on taking care of this precious gift, and ensuring that it continues to keep Keith as healthy as it can, for as long as it can. <br />
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I have come back to this post so many times, with the hopes that some lightening bolt will hit and I will have the perfect words. It is when I wish we had a language that had 1000 different words for thank you, and one word was just right. <br />
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Our thank you encompasses all of the above and more. Our thank you sends prayers and hugs and blessings to the family who have lost their loved one. Our thank hopes that you take comfort knowing that this gift will be cherished.<br />
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Keith and I want to let you know that we will always feel joined with your family. Keith is not a writer, but we have discussed how to say this, and I hope that I do justice to his thoughts here. <br />
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<i>When I wake, in the first few moments my thought is one of peace. Peace that I had not known for many years. I feel a level of comfort that my body had not been allowed to feel, and each fibre and nerve and muscle in my body is responding with a resounding chorus of thanks. </i><br />
<i>Breath is effortless. I confess to having moments where I don't even think about breathing, which for someone with less than 10% lung function is an impossibility. </i><br />
<i>I love my new lungs, I so appreciate that you supported your loved ones choice, and my children, my friends, and beautiful fiancé thank you for saving my life. </i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRLUAea0nDQ9HbrkMk5zcUXoqS4NO4ktwEZ6WYjRF2roNACrIDNoDjLkB0ZNlzeNaKfhVpwU1ngnY_9POycCOz2uisAT6IGy57VEEJ5g_Z3BwDDEKK2FbQHRTxbGZy3udyfcgLX7Nc98nz/s1600/IMG_2796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRLUAea0nDQ9HbrkMk5zcUXoqS4NO4ktwEZ6WYjRF2roNACrIDNoDjLkB0ZNlzeNaKfhVpwU1ngnY_9POycCOz2uisAT6IGy57VEEJ5g_Z3BwDDEKK2FbQHRTxbGZy3udyfcgLX7Nc98nz/s400/IMG_2796.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sheer joy</span></td></tr>
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Sarah Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865551496672197954noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-990431801215397340.post-78698181697540824942013-03-02T22:44:00.000-05:002013-03-02T22:44:40.575-05:00Home at last! Settling back into new life<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwXz5OXYANVgrcrOTmSG-yNV_tsoB4LmKi0bgkNg7zJv87T386BJyZDG5gA6fyAyGZhwY9xkEvILeWcwvczb64lnY3XuZgK2XAUBEzc90IIDue2ZDfxNuY61VHAtl0IsdJanKApLeWje2h/s1600/IMG_2382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwXz5OXYANVgrcrOTmSG-yNV_tsoB4LmKi0bgkNg7zJv87T386BJyZDG5gA6fyAyGZhwY9xkEvILeWcwvczb64lnY3XuZgK2XAUBEzc90IIDue2ZDfxNuY61VHAtl0IsdJanKApLeWje2h/s320/IMG_2382.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saying goodbye to 7</td></tr>
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<h2>
February 20, 2013.</h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> </span><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"> </span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6NT_9MlH6GJReu_OLdTNEmOtJas9mu0sC2sOuwEfS2koSAKUaDOJTavJ7GFodUqoGshmCpLid-Y2R0jOM46nXbq_qkFy8wgqX7siBD_VaZM_a7v8djTtbEsh98Ln_vEzP4cujoyyDhd-B/s1600/IMG_2386.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6NT_9MlH6GJReu_OLdTNEmOtJas9mu0sC2sOuwEfS2koSAKUaDOJTavJ7GFodUqoGshmCpLid-Y2R0jOM46nXbq_qkFy8wgqX7siBD_VaZM_a7v8djTtbEsh98Ln_vEzP4cujoyyDhd-B/s320/IMG_2386.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> After nearly 3 months as an inpatient, either at WestPark Healthcare Centre or at Toronto General Hospital, and 12 days on a ventilator prior to receiving his gift of life, Keith was finally allowed to go home! It was so nice to be able to walk out of hospital, and into his home with NO walker! </span><span style="font-size: large;">Our first night home, Keith really wanted to have Il Fornello pizza, so we went out and had a lovely meal with my daughters, Emma and Kathleen. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQT1lmT4RgEtaM93eE6GgTdD9BD5KEjM-UPH2GC7PWm0-swmnF6KdFbrV1x6I0HDKvdNhGKlxh3hibTTp02l6SERAwIhw2_P41ta5_5IOu1hFSNp7FpU-3_OcYTus7_0qIMk1MAd0OtX3g/s1600/IMG_2399.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQT1lmT4RgEtaM93eE6GgTdD9BD5KEjM-UPH2GC7PWm0-swmnF6KdFbrV1x6I0HDKvdNhGKlxh3hibTTp02l6SERAwIhw2_P41ta5_5IOu1hFSNp7FpU-3_OcYTus7_0qIMk1MAd0OtX3g/s200/IMG_2399.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In home pharmacy!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgee8EBb97qkHDN4tgH1yjY2iG9TjNjVYxOagiMvAYItu8PwJwwHyiSBM4LAnDcSuMxbvyHnOfSns_irqZ4EACXW60Hz2qqAj0Mgs6YlSodEig-X6KiEFb-SFfaOJB1wV3Bg4YM3EaN7Ouq/s1600/IMG_2412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgee8EBb97qkHDN4tgH1yjY2iG9TjNjVYxOagiMvAYItu8PwJwwHyiSBM4LAnDcSuMxbvyHnOfSns_irqZ4EACXW60Hz2qqAj0Mgs6YlSodEig-X6KiEFb-SFfaOJB1wV3Bg4YM3EaN7Ouq/s320/IMG_2412.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CBC interview on Saturday morning.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMszN0_q291tQATfXd4pmxLtwCxenZcxYGMgf9sWHeja5XuYL9PLSMH-rhHP9BNMavrEq0nbJ0YVhY676cJlJch9t7iEl6THMyWlBOxqUy6sxbR6qaUV4YvBRcdIJqHAvLUeiHTdfqZKBP/s1600/IMG_2398.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMszN0_q291tQATfXd4pmxLtwCxenZcxYGMgf9sWHeja5XuYL9PLSMH-rhHP9BNMavrEq0nbJ0YVhY676cJlJch9t7iEl6THMyWlBOxqUy6sxbR6qaUV4YvBRcdIJqHAvLUeiHTdfqZKBP/s200/IMG_2398.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Relaxed breakfast<br /></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">On Saturday morning, the CBC came to do an interview and finally get a chance to chat with Keith outside of the hospital. Keith did an excellent job. See the interview <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/player/News/Canada/Toronto/CBC+News%3A+Toronto+at+6%3A00/ID/2338185175/" target="_blank">here</a> (15 minutes in). </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our new reality, for a few months, is 3-4 regular trips in to Toronto a week for physical rehab, doctors visits, testing and follow up appointments. Keith is monitored very closely by his doctors, and does self monitoring every day through spirometry readings, temperature readings, and everything is charted. If there are any noticeable (10%) up or downticks in anything, he is to go to the hospital immediately. The medications that he takes to suppress his immune system, need to be taken at the same time each day, twice a day, for the rest of his life. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXg2R4_HUT_N5TkZG_Xw9c3RTJxtjXVBlBHpWNj8yw9FV7FgG0hdywjvRaKS9MMPizQzodpSm0J2KxMM60JQyiHVdY5I8glYMig3m7OUIwJR8OOMnsGSClmcWtzGSewvOkHqx8KgyedPCb/s1600/IMG_2434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXg2R4_HUT_N5TkZG_Xw9c3RTJxtjXVBlBHpWNj8yw9FV7FgG0hdywjvRaKS9MMPizQzodpSm0J2KxMM60JQyiHVdY5I8glYMig3m7OUIwJR8OOMnsGSClmcWtzGSewvOkHqx8KgyedPCb/s320/IMG_2434.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First workout day after transplant</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxsrxopDlj2kcKknOdewzExCEBTsIwL1aIsDlCRzjd7BPKba9cMDmNw41KsI4qv38Y6JDI3kLVaSGVBHiqrCfDHAUcL2gUe3LoBRG4axpRjW0PvgyxX2ZapzGdwy_jroV-rCkGb6WBQ30/s1600/IMG_2435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxsrxopDlj2kcKknOdewzExCEBTsIwL1aIsDlCRzjd7BPKba9cMDmNw41KsI4qv38Y6JDI3kLVaSGVBHiqrCfDHAUcL2gUe3LoBRG4axpRjW0PvgyxX2ZapzGdwy_jroV-rCkGb6WBQ30/s320/IMG_2435.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Treadmill. 1.8 as opposed to .6. He rocked it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv3n5WvlfjvBYyO_O1tJpubXxXfjiTklhFHI-eOUN_zKstWbaPD9j_kkjZyokLB3ylRiRSu7STXwdB-1ZbQCS29XZNaTKrerZW9pcgko1LjyBHwttZWjwTSo5LamVLLHHPtvu00VB9Srmd/s1600/IMG_2451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv3n5WvlfjvBYyO_O1tJpubXxXfjiTklhFHI-eOUN_zKstWbaPD9j_kkjZyokLB3ylRiRSu7STXwdB-1ZbQCS29XZNaTKrerZW9pcgko1LjyBHwttZWjwTSo5LamVLLHHPtvu00VB9Srmd/s320/IMG_2451.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keith and Dr. Waddell? Need to organize<br />a proper meeting :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJXbe4GY63yqQDfBbkTljlAJht1hplDE_XHTYqYwclXro2_OxW7woEqi2sPBp0-hVysbWnCOYCGmf7S0n5SpPAelyny-NaO3FlPvtuu2dPvWK12EaRkAxfav8km2p6rJ2MeGJ0nlotbZsd/s1600/IMG_2449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJXbe4GY63yqQDfBbkTljlAJht1hplDE_XHTYqYwclXro2_OxW7woEqi2sPBp0-hVysbWnCOYCGmf7S0n5SpPAelyny-NaO3FlPvtuu2dPvWK12EaRkAxfav8km2p6rJ2MeGJ0nlotbZsd/s200/IMG_2449.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Running into Derek from Spiritual Care</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinD-LHyAaNi6o9WGSsRVp35UGNmdIBZPHty-TadC1VQ1_djIx4vPk6_UEtZrIMBknPz-WZYVxUSAQxxRNwJtoDqkKSrRuCg84SXHFRY0kkZPu8YNx2ijl0AB0WMxD-nQYZv7bchsbAeQ0W/s1600/IMG_2455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinD-LHyAaNi6o9WGSsRVp35UGNmdIBZPHty-TadC1VQ1_djIx4vPk6_UEtZrIMBknPz-WZYVxUSAQxxRNwJtoDqkKSrRuCg84SXHFRY0kkZPu8YNx2ijl0AB0WMxD-nQYZv7bchsbAeQ0W/s200/IMG_2455.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Catching up with the team at Credit Valley<br />Physio Rehab</td></tr>
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It has been so wonderful to meet up with many of our friends, and people who have helped over the months and years. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqoTp1JRlOlKdvRP2CcoX8oPusw22oDqSzPPZXx0SUoIbyfl_Gs_R7WARL5-BV5pAGzDE9AylokMzLRdeh-BkZ-ftz7LwDe86k1UHMUYxHyOTfm4wNDK9-92HV30SwKwN5ElrJd6P4JtB-/s1600/IMG_2407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqoTp1JRlOlKdvRP2CcoX8oPusw22oDqSzPPZXx0SUoIbyfl_Gs_R7WARL5-BV5pAGzDE9AylokMzLRdeh-BkZ-ftz7LwDe86k1UHMUYxHyOTfm4wNDK9-92HV30SwKwN5ElrJd6P4JtB-/s200/IMG_2407.JPG" width="148" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yep, another front page from our local paper. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQu4d074Yjdzrc_uF4uHd-Mt-RU2VPoBdacqLZCHnj8PCmLV0sbxSLjW8BdxZPvhq_7c_2O81Fje4TX5Mo6pp3xgXn1n1EwZOD2nc1B81VQES1xnIlRF22LBy8JS_omHh7MtpLAlhTiXxm/s1600/IMG_2405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQu4d074Yjdzrc_uF4uHd-Mt-RU2VPoBdacqLZCHnj8PCmLV0sbxSLjW8BdxZPvhq_7c_2O81Fje4TX5Mo6pp3xgXn1n1EwZOD2nc1B81VQES1xnIlRF22LBy8JS_omHh7MtpLAlhTiXxm/s200/IMG_2405.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vince - the Physio master in MSICU.<br />This man is awesome!!!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">No post would ever be complete, without thanking the one incredible person who made this all possible. You made a choice, your family supported that choice, and not one moment, not one breath goes by that is not filled with gratitude for your most precious gift. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts. I can only hope that your family can find solace in knowing that Keith will take amazing care of this gift. </span><div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">If you would like more information on how to ensure that you are registered in Ontario as an organ donor, please go to <a href="http://beadonor.ca/">beadonor.ca</a>. Or visit <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lungs-For-Keith-To-Breathe/145060088982916?fref=ts" target="_blank">Keith's Facebook Page </a> and check out the about section for more links in other provinces and countries. </span><div style="text-align: left;">
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Sarah Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865551496672197954noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-990431801215397340.post-36515789466190826382013-02-14T22:42:00.000-05:002013-02-14T22:42:53.179-05:00A Valentines Surprise - of Epic proportions<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">A History of Keith and Sarah</span><br />
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Keith and I have known each other for over 6 years. We met online, dated for a few months, and then circumstances found us in a position to buy a home together MUCH sooner than we expected. We threw caution to the winds, bought a house together, started a business together, worked amazingly well together, and were the best of friends. Inseparable. <br />
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Over the years, we settled in to a wonderful sort of sympatico - we got along exceptionally well, rarely fought, but when we did it was with good conversation and communication, and as for things related to his health concerns, I ensured that I was as informed as I could be, so that I would be his closest and most effective advocate, should the need arise. <br />
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As you all know, the need arose. And I rose to the challenge. You have all followed Keith and I over the past month as things escalated to the point where I was seriously concerned that my best friend was going to be gone from my life. I never wavered in my efforts to help him, and to help others. There was no other choice for me. <br />
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This morning, I donned my only colourful item of clothing (hot pink), and went to the hospital. Keith was not feeling well, had not had a restful night, and was in a lot of pain. My first hour there was spent ensuring that he had hot water bottles for his sore arms and shoulders, and that his pain meds would start to kick in. <br />
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I let him rest in bed, and I was working at the computer when he told me that he wanted to reach over and touch me. He had to push his table out of the way, swing his legs over the side of the bed, and I saw him grimace as the movement caused his pain to come back. He walked two steps to where I was, and lowered himself down onto one knee. As he took my hand, I looked at him and he very simply asked "<span style="color: red;">Will you marry me</span>?"<br />
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As an aside, throughout this and for the past few years, I have always referred to Keith as my husband. For all intents and purposes, he is. We are common-law, and in the eyes of the government, we are married. Keith and I both came from previous relationships, and certainly for Keith - he had no interest nor need for any sort of formal declaration or paperwork in order to prove how he felt about me. Over the past few years, this has come up, and it was the one thing that he would not budge on. We both agreed that this was the status quo, and that what really mattered - was that we were together and loved each other. <br />
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My first reaction was "are you serious?" - romantic huh? But really, this man had told me repeatedly that he would NEVER get married again. He had made friends promise to take him out to the barn if he ever did this again. Thankfully, his two best friends have been informed, and have promised NOT to follow through on their promises. I asked him why he was doing this, and he said it was because he really wanted me to be his wife. He had had a lot of time to think while he has been going through this whole ordeal, and told me that he was so amazed at how I had handled the past few months, and the past month in particular. He has been given a new life, and he wants to spend the rest of his life with me. </div>
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<span style="color: red;">I said "yes." I love him. </span></div>
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Somewhere out there, there is a family that I have to thank for this. Thank you so much. I wish that I could find a way to tell you how much this gift means. I hate that it came at such a price for you - it is my daily prayer that you can find peace and know that your loved ones lungs are cherished. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2w8BCQyfJ7331VYfpxdWJ9Lx31FuNkmAgglN7QEFpC-t08cklLi3-609XjA_2Fjhm0XPycpM-4lXmioubnBA41p9vvcoGBsjEQ8_1PTnLHSo3g1s0Izt93-_ThR-davXhleckFQGb-wco/s1600/IMG_2315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2w8BCQyfJ7331VYfpxdWJ9Lx31FuNkmAgglN7QEFpC-t08cklLi3-609XjA_2Fjhm0XPycpM-4lXmioubnBA41p9vvcoGBsjEQ8_1PTnLHSo3g1s0Izt93-_ThR-davXhleckFQGb-wco/s400/IMG_2315.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Valentines Day - 2013</span></td></tr>
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Sarah Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865551496672197954noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-990431801215397340.post-57862644219873570792013-02-12T17:15:00.000-05:002013-02-12T17:15:46.229-05:00Two weeks post transplant. Ups and Downs.<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">The week in pictures (and lots of info)</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIBFEmguZ_02HhsMgZVlwof6rRRO-xciPvdaL5v70ux0UJNjcB_cdCARs_T4f0NfTfB8KY32nCTvpWToU68hjSkO4BHj8bhBZ7ctjQkxTxeI7IDMxrvGRLVHBjvcqGiLBv4Z5Nrjumh-jP/s1600/IMG_2262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIBFEmguZ_02HhsMgZVlwof6rRRO-xciPvdaL5v70ux0UJNjcB_cdCARs_T4f0NfTfB8KY32nCTvpWToU68hjSkO4BHj8bhBZ7ctjQkxTxeI7IDMxrvGRLVHBjvcqGiLBv4Z5Nrjumh-jP/s200/IMG_2262.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Swallow xray video</span></td></tr>
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To bring you up to date, I thought I would post an update with some of the things that have happened this past week. Keith was assessed with a swallow test a week ago to see how he was swallowing (after having been intubated for a week, and on a trach tube after that, it was imperative that he was swallowing food, and it was going down the right tube! All looked pretty good, except for a few bits that weren't making it to the right spot, so he was put on "similar consistencies" for food choices. No nuts for this guy for a while!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig2oPCR3CDf-EBvJ-Ko2wWp_B64kDcJyDOqNyU0xE5H2C5yM2soswQXCK-INmvyTNtg0Djw24dpQanK1WScYWZdhrJOBWMW4dw1k2JydeJCBIDu401SZ35bHzuE70CxsE7nThG5-Jrc8Cn/s1600/IMG_2271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig2oPCR3CDf-EBvJ-Ko2wWp_B64kDcJyDOqNyU0xE5H2C5yM2soswQXCK-INmvyTNtg0Djw24dpQanK1WScYWZdhrJOBWMW4dw1k2JydeJCBIDu401SZ35bHzuE70CxsE7nThG5-Jrc8Cn/s200/IMG_2271.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">On Friday, February 8th, the skies opened up and covered the city with white. It was beautiful to watch, but came at a time when Keith really needed me close. Keith was 10 days post transplant, and really beginning to feel the pain of his incisions and staples. Medications were still being adjusted, and gaps in pain meds really left him uncomfortable - no wait, in tons of pain. My car was in pain too, as you can see, and THAT was lots of fun to deal with at the end of a long day. (I can complain too, right?) </span></div>
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On Friday evening, a nurse came up to Keith and I in the hallway and said "I've been reading your blog!" to which Keith smiled in his new "I'm kind of a rock star now" way, and chatted with her. Her name was Roxanne, and she wanted to come by the following day with a couple of her students and change his chest dressings. Bring it on. What a great girl and she and two students (one from DeVry and one from Sheridan) took great care with Keith and got his dressings all cleaned up. The nurses here are awesome. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5gVfZL4vkwWbyCwak0Ev5nyaBbnddIbWlIbLaB5GKQ_QqFyzP9_KFL9g5Nf1FGD-UjF67DipR5e8GdUMakeaktGfd_pEL1v1IhAYTt1YSPeWxU2lhtZh6kZz_HqZ55Ns2F3-_ZpPzzURP/s1600/IMG_2291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5gVfZL4vkwWbyCwak0Ev5nyaBbnddIbWlIbLaB5GKQ_QqFyzP9_KFL9g5Nf1FGD-UjF67DipR5e8GdUMakeaktGfd_pEL1v1IhAYTt1YSPeWxU2lhtZh6kZz_HqZ55Ns2F3-_ZpPzzURP/s320/IMG_2291.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Sunday was an exciting day. Keith said goodbye to his trach tube in the morning. Dr. Leanne Singer did the honors, and later in the morning Keith's nurse Christine tidied up the trach site and covered it up with a bandage. This was crucial because it was visiting day! Keith was pretty excited when lunchtime came around, and we decided to head down to the food court and grab a corned beef sandwich from Druxy's. HUGE joy on his face as he ate the first "non-hospital" food in weeks. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1hBnbwgneYq8sJYA0MX-T_bWBVwOQPscXpMtAePOOyMM-OGQ-54HdXiMaf66pLu9MlFD5apBjyArjS9jLv59bLSPS0DvzXM-SXVxekQ3TJfcC2GHci36SFzWOnEJ5BZDayH9hTd_BJpEE/s1600/IMG_2297.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1hBnbwgneYq8sJYA0MX-T_bWBVwOQPscXpMtAePOOyMM-OGQ-54HdXiMaf66pLu9MlFD5apBjyArjS9jLv59bLSPS0DvzXM-SXVxekQ3TJfcC2GHci36SFzWOnEJ5BZDayH9hTd_BJpEE/s320/IMG_2297.jpg" width="240" /></a>Later on Sunday afternoon Keith finally had the opportunity to see his kids who he has not seen for over 4 weeks. They were overjoyed to see him and have a lovely long chat in the atrium here. Bobblehead Yoda and Darth Vader were gifts, along with some great handmade Get Well cards. I know that it was wonderful for Keith to finally see his kids after all of this, and to give them all big hugs. </div>
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They are so appreciative to have their Dad back, appreciative of the incredible gift that he has been given, and that they get to enjoy. It is times like this that we truly remember the circumstances surrounding this gift. The thanks extends beyond Keith, and I, it is a whole family and friend network who are thankful each and every moment for the gift that he has received. </div>
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On Monday, Feb 11th, Keith experienced some issues with an elevated heart rate, reduced oxygen and was feeling feverish (although did not have a temperature). The doctors did an x-ray and EKG and determined that it was possible he had an infection, which they are treating with a broad spectrum antibiotic. By today he was feeling slightly better, although the pain of the incision site is still strong. Medications manage this for the most part. He was out for a 6 minute walk test today, and walked 325 metres. I'd say he nailed it! <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lungs-For-Keith-To-Breathe/145060088982916?fref=ts" target="_blank">Lungs for Keith to Breathe</a></span><br />
The Facebook page continues to grow, and be a place where we can share the daily goings on for Keith. While I try to post as often as I can, Keith's rehab is the priority right now and I cannot always post there. <br />
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What is amazing, is the number of people who have messaged me privately to ask how Keith is doing, and offer help. Many of these people are students who have been touched by Keith's story, transplant patients both pre and post who remember how it was for them, and people who are moved by the importance of organ donation. People who never thought about it before, but having heard Keith's and so many others stories, are moved to make a difference. <br />
As we continue this journey, we will continue to ask everyone a favour - the next person you are talking with, whether it is the teacher at your child's school, your parent or relative, or a stranger you are helping on the street, - please remember that there are thousands of people waiting for organs in your province - your country. Even a simple conversation about how you have been moved by this story and are trying to raise awareness about the importance of double checking <a href="http://beadonor.ca/">beadonor.ca</a> in Ontario to see if you are registered. We CAN make a difference and raise the numbers of people registered. If you tell one person each day, who tells one person, more people will have the conversation and we will continue to spread the word. <br />
YOU CAN SAVE LIVES! <br />
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Sarah Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865551496672197954noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-990431801215397340.post-28386653980670720412013-02-08T18:00:00.000-05:002013-02-08T18:01:24.965-05:00Has it really been just 10 days?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<h3>
How is this even possible? Three words.</h3>
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On January 17th, Keith was brought to TGH, on a ventilator, unable to speak, his body ready to give up. </div>
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Years of deterioration and infection had rendered his lungs completely unable to power his body anymore. Keith had the will to continue, but his body was not cooperating. </div>
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For 12 days, Keith was in and out of coherent thoughts. Days went by when he was merely a shell, with a machine that breathed in and out for him, his mind addled by medications and his body fighting to keep him here. </div>
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When I was with him, I was strong. When I spoke to family and friends, I was strong. The nurses, media, and strangers couldn't believe how I remained calm, dignified, and even smiled and laughed when I was with him. How did I do it?</div>
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A few weeks before Keith was admitted, an old school friend told me she wanted to give me something. A talisman. I admit, I figured I was going to get some smooth rock carving made by an inuit. I had no idea. Two days after he was brought in, she brought by my present. It was a simple silver chain, with three charms on it. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Faith</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hope</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Love</span></div>
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I'm a pretty simple girl when it comes to jewellery. I've worn the same gold chain for the past 13 years. I took it off, and put this on. I touched each talisman and said the words to myself, and then out loud. This is what would get me through. </div>
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First - Faith. Faith in God, faith in people, faith in our doctors. I had to have it, otherwise there was no...</div>
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Hope. Hope that the call would come, that Keith would hold on, that life would continue so that</div>
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Love could continue. My mantra continued throughout each day. It charged me. It propelled me to continue to move forward. Faith. Hope. Love. </div>
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On January 29th, Keith received the gift of life in the form of a pair of gorgeous (I have on good authority) lungs. A simple decision that was supported by a family. There was Hope. My Faith continued to give me strength. My Love for humanity grew. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">February 7, 2013</span></td></tr>
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Keith is now in a room down on the 7th floor, less supervision, fewer bells and whistles connected to his body. No oxygen during the day, (possibly at night). Two chest tubes still in and his bad sense of humour firmly intact. </div>
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Now our hospital days are spent doing more walking, follow up doctor appointments, x-rays, more follow ups with doctors, getting some much needed rest (it's a much quieter floor than the 10th!) and healing. </div>
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Every day is a gift. Every moment is precious. And yesterday, Keith finally asked me about some timelines. He wanted to know why I was saying that he had been in the hospital for three weeks. I had to tell him that he had been here for 12 days, in and out of consciousness, and that I had been by his side for the entire time. He looked at me, puzzled, and began to weep. "How did you stay sane?", he asked. I pointed at my necklace. "Faith. Hope. Love. There was no other option for me, I have you back now. </div>
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Eternal gratitude to the donor. </div>
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Sarah Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865551496672197954noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-990431801215397340.post-80487488463462173602013-02-02T16:12:00.000-05:002013-02-02T16:12:46.467-05:00Update on Keith's progress. <h2>
As many of you know...</h2>
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Keith received the gift of life on January 29th, 2013. In a quiet evening and overnight, of reflection and anticipation, the gift was confirmed, and surgery began in the morning of the 29th. The surgery took 7 1/2 hours.</div>
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Three hours post surgery, Keith was extremely pale, fully sedated, and breathing with the aid of a ventilator from his trach tube. Having the trach, which he had received 3 days before (after a week on the ventilator) was a bonus as it meant that when he did wake up from the surgery, it would be an easier transition off the ventilator because if need be, he could be put back on with no need for intubation (through his mouth). As I sat beside him for a brief time, and held his hand, and watched him resting, his chest rose and fell, in deep full breaths, and the magnitude of what had transpired hit me. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ9tV5AUGGEES6bq_raTcVKKdNRACaZOWPW3fYbHISb8MfirCSUvr0iEyHJGx0ZLQLsAKMM1GoB8k6KCM2a6RO9oxF5dJmSvkq3v0jDPyLTtEGlTKxzQ3YRcqTIAcK-Ic-zN_HLlEO3vYy/s1600/IMG_2177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ9tV5AUGGEES6bq_raTcVKKdNRACaZOWPW3fYbHISb8MfirCSUvr0iEyHJGx0ZLQLsAKMM1GoB8k6KCM2a6RO9oxF5dJmSvkq3v0jDPyLTtEGlTKxzQ3YRcqTIAcK-Ic-zN_HLlEO3vYy/s200/IMG_2177.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gratitude</td></tr>
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There were new, donated, precious lungs in his chest. They were alive. Blood was travelling through them, oxygen was being converted to carbon dioxide and was ensuring that his body continued to function. A team of brilliant, talented and caring surgeons, specialists, doctors, nurses, orderlies, physiotherapists, nutritionists, coordinators, psychologists and countless others - had made it happen. My husband was right there, beside me, with warm hands and a strong body that I knew, was bound and determined to heal. </div>
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The following day, (lets call it Day 1) Keith was woken up approximately 10:30. It was my first look at him, in the eye, and when I did look at him, I knew that he knew. It had happened, and he was still there. While he wasn't smiling, he was still adjusting to a whole bunch of medication that keeps you pretty messed up for a while. He had also regained his colour and looked like the man I know! </div>
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Slowly, he began to get his bearings. His neck was quite stiff from being in one position for so long, so his nurse and I were trying to encourage him to move his head left to right. I was sitting on one side of the bed and encouraging him to look at me and move his head. His first note to me at this point (as he still could not speak) was that I was "too short" for him to look down at me. He's baaaaack!</div>
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He was quite tired, understandably, so Day 1 was spent encouraging him to breathe in a new way. Pre-transplant, Keith's breathing was quick and shallow, as that is all his lungs would allow. If you have been breathing a certain way for many years, your mind thinks that is how it has to breathe. We need to teach his mind a new way of breathing. Deep breath in...HOLD...full breath out - repeat. I did my best to practice deep breathing with him for a while, however drifting in and out of sleep, combined with the beginnings of some hallucinations, made it a challenge. He was still on the ventilator when I came in the morning, but was removed from it at 3:30 to allow him to begin to breathe on his own, through the trach tube. When I left at 6:30, the nurse said he would likely be put back on it overnight to give him a break. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Day 2 - </span></div>
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I arrived at the hospital at 9:15 to hear that Keith had not only walked the ENTIRE floor of the ICU, but had been dancing in the aisles with the nurses. People and doctors were commenting that he was doing exceptionally well for someone 2 days post transplant. I know that he was just overjoyed to be able to walk, straight and tall, and flirt with nurses. Did I mention he's back??? :)</div>
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I also learned that morning, that he had <b>never</b> been put back on the ventilator! This was amazing news. He had been on 32% oxygen overnight (which is 10% more than you and I take in) through the trach mask. He had been breathing, on his own 24 hours after his operation. </div>
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Day 2 was spent continuing to encourage him to do his breathing practice, lots of deep discussions with him about what a gift he had received, and additional interesting notes from him about the "goings on" in the hospital. I wont go into detail here about some of the hallucinations that he was experiencing, that will be another blog post. However, for those reading this who are waiting for transplant, be prepared. Some pretty crazy stuff happens in your head. Keith got frustrated at times when I could not understand what he was writing (because a lot of it made absolutely no sense) so I did my best to stay positive and keep him happy. He rested a lot. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plasmapheresis" target="_blank">Plasmapheresis</a></span></td></tr>
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He also began to fiddle with his NG tube (feeding tube that was in his mouth, going directly to his stomach) and chew on it constantly. No amount of telling him not to was helping. He did NOT want it in there. It was his only source of nutrition so imperative that it stay in until the doctors said it was okay for him to eat on his own. </div>
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Once a day, Keith receives plasmapheresis. See the WIKI on the link under this photo. Essentially, it is a transfusion to remove his blood, spin it to split the plasma from the blood cells, and reintroduce it with new plasma. This is done because Keith has a high number of antibodies in his "original" blood. He had multiple sessions of plasmapheresis during his 7 1/2 hour operation. The process takes about 1 1/2 hours each time, and he will have it for 5 days post transplant. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Day 3 - </span></div>
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Keith had decided that he did not like the NG tube in his mouth, and had removed it overnight. While it was lovely to be able to come in and kiss him properly, the nurse promptly inserted a new one so that he could get his feeds. </div>
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He was extremely confused this morning. Again, the hallucination post will be done when I can discuss it with Keith. I certainly don't want to seem like I am "making fun" of this period of time. While it can be amusing, the patient truly believes that these things are happening to him. I had to manage it so that Keith knew that he could trust me, and that I would ensure that he was always safe. I reassured him that everyone was taking great care of him, loved him, and only had his best interests at heart. </div>
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We took him for a short walk today, but he was extremely tired and did not do any dancing, and had a tough time standing up. He laid down for a nap mid day, and when he woke, he had removed his NG tube yet again. The nurse was trying to get someone in to determine that his swallow reflex was strong, and that he could finally eat! (and have a coffee)</div>
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By the middle of the day, he was more lucid, and we had a good discussion about where he was, why he was here, and how well he was doing. He sipped a little on water and a small medicine cup of coffee!!! The look in his eyes. Wish I'd taken a picture of that. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Day 4 - Eating and Talking!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Food - FINALLY!!! </td></tr>
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After a terrific nights sleep, Keith has had a great day so far. He has had his trach tube reduced (yesterday) and can talk when he covers it with his finger. He's a little breathy (think the Godfather, but without the threat of a cow head) but understandable if you are close to him. </div>
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I took a chance and brought him up a Tims coffee this morning. Worried it might be contraband, I covered it on my way in. When the nurse gave me the OK, I showed it to Keith. He was overjoyed. We figured out that adding coffee to the liquid nutrition drink was the perfect high calorie, nutritionally sound "cappuccino", so we went for it. </div>
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Shortly after his morning "meal" (the first food by mouth in 16 days) he went for a tremendous walk. He walked the whole floor, waved to people, and smiled at all the ladies. There are lots of ladies! </div>
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We got back to his room and got him settled in his chair and early afternoon he was brought his first meal. For someone who used to take 2 hours to eat a meal, he completely surprised me. He was done in 10 minutes. Absolutely blown away. Watching him eat so quickly was absolutely incredible. He was hungry! </div>
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That brings us up to date. I'm taking a breather, and he is having a nap. Our continued blessings and thanks to the donor family. </div>
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Sarah</div>
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Sarah Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865551496672197954noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-990431801215397340.post-55899226486378075582013-01-26T17:06:00.000-05:002013-01-26T17:09:55.895-05:00Whats going on? January 26/13<h2>
ICU - Day 9</h2>
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Busy week here. For some reason (gee, I cannot imagine why) my creative juices just don't seem to be flowing the same way they usually do. I am trying to work past it to get this information out to everyone as clearly as possible. </div>
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Yesterday, Keith's mouth tube for the ventilator was moved and a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tracheotomy" target="_blank">tracheostomy</a> was performed to give him some relief from the tube at the top of his throat. Essentially, now he breathes through the stoma in his neck, and he is still on the ventilator moving between pressure control and support. The difference between these is that on pressure control, the ventilator is doing all the work of him breathing, when he is able - a good portion of the time - pressure support just gives him a little "boost" to ensure that each breath in and out goes smoothly. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTj1WwpAHSnBOxmyI6PmzdT6gF6HNEapmyHP0ToAoVD6OXYZG56_ggoagd5u_hnH5XarzEu-cA-NsMHZpJdFJymib50OFJH9FX3FpUVc5L2j4mRb85wyDmBBYmL1fEI89eRjCE0ra1Ys7V/s1600/IMG_2142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTj1WwpAHSnBOxmyI6PmzdT6gF6HNEapmyHP0ToAoVD6OXYZG56_ggoagd5u_hnH5XarzEu-cA-NsMHZpJdFJymib50OFJH9FX3FpUVc5L2j4mRb85wyDmBBYmL1fEI89eRjCE0ra1Ys7V/s320/IMG_2142.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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The upside of this is that I can now see (and this morning, KISS) his beautiful clean shaven face, and his throat can heal so he is a little more comfortable. He can mouth words to me, and when the incision heals better, (it is a little tight now, due to the area healing) he should be more comfortable. </div>
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After his tracheostomy, the nurse inserted what is known as a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PIC_line" target="_blank">PICC line</a>. Coolest part of this, apart from the fact that it reduces the number of IV points that he has to have on his hands and arms, and doesn't need to be changed for months, the nurse doing the procedure, asked me and my daughter (who had surprised me with a visit home from university) if we wanted to watch the procedure. VERY COOL. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTgVjF2Zc_GGZmUghaYDF8c83ZVL3pKeeB0wLTTZ1p8cBKylD-4mN934bpQ76_6DyZQQA2DE75cAx2xi4_AKuM84stb3ovIFskgu6XB7C5qZcHupeWJrEx6Q_KfNIK_LzObQvsJwdVy-N3/s1600/IMG_2139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTgVjF2Zc_GGZmUghaYDF8c83ZVL3pKeeB0wLTTZ1p8cBKylD-4mN934bpQ76_6DyZQQA2DE75cAx2xi4_AKuM84stb3ovIFskgu6XB7C5qZcHupeWJrEx6Q_KfNIK_LzObQvsJwdVy-N3/s320/IMG_2139.jpg" title="The Awesome assistants " width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grey's got nothing on these two</td></tr>
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So we "suited up" and gave the camera our best double selfie pose and prepared to be amazed. </div>
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Remember when they told us in the early 90's that all these kids playing with video games were going to be doctors and doing surgery with this technology? They were right. </div>
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I'll probably botch this, and please do not attempt this procedure at home. </div>
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They took an ultrasound of Keiths upper arm and located the veins (NOT arteries, cause they are going the wrong way) The veins are wide open, the arteries pulse. Very cool to watch. They carefully marked the area where they needed to insert the initial canula (I think thats what this needle is called). They measured the length of line they would need to get to the big momma vein. Then they draped Keith's body entirely with a small area exposed where the insertion was going to take place. </div>
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Using the ultrasound as a guide, the canula was inserted, and then the PICC line was cut to size and inserted. There was a sensor on the end of the line that showed up on a computer screen and it was literally like a video game where she gently pushed the line in, and you saw it moving along where it needed to go on the screen. A couple of twists and turns and TAA DAA! It was in place. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJ-HQfDlapluzV4UPswQMUPBcSDjWVz-CScgoj9eYNfrWopLv5aLmuT1elIb8dEr5jn_YczdQNLIjVmCsgJm7jFcPc6rgt8bx5ct8bGGOlZWPyg0Af-iN1fbIPJYw2iQX7sypWXci_RtE/s1600/IMG_2141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJ-HQfDlapluzV4UPswQMUPBcSDjWVz-CScgoj9eYNfrWopLv5aLmuT1elIb8dEr5jn_YczdQNLIjVmCsgJm7jFcPc6rgt8bx5ct8bGGOlZWPyg0Af-iN1fbIPJYw2iQX7sypWXci_RtE/s320/IMG_2141.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's a Keith under all that :)</td></tr>
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The nurse who was doing the job was amazing, allowing us to watch the process from beginning to end. Only trick was we werent allowed to faint. We passed!</div>
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After this, Keith was still pretty sedated from his trach, and the snow was coming down like crazy. I said my goodbyes and we drove home in the crazy snow! (Friday night)</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">SATURDAY</span>-</div>
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Best part of today - bar none - was coming in this morning and kissing my baby on the lips. It cannot be described but not being able to kiss him for 9 days, this made my day. </div>
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Tomorrow is another day. The waiting continues. The faith, hope and Love continue. </span></div>
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Sarah Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865551496672197954noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-990431801215397340.post-57181051030543538732013-01-22T12:55:00.001-05:002013-01-23T20:52:36.588-05:00Want to know how you can help? 3-4 easy steps!<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;">How can we help?</span></h2>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUaTj3xLQPxlHCT81CPsxyrt55p7mm7eoYf9iegS-ZwuExMPQJzivf4Rv3q38nHWDC6i0Uuvdv3_B4xfyAu8m23zvlL_Zbi4o_Gd7OsBrSg_g4CpWjwDPxIcPXMCAnWZIGU320aAKWHJrY/s1600/photo+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUaTj3xLQPxlHCT81CPsxyrt55p7mm7eoYf9iegS-ZwuExMPQJzivf4Rv3q38nHWDC6i0Uuvdv3_B4xfyAu8m23zvlL_Zbi4o_Gd7OsBrSg_g4CpWjwDPxIcPXMCAnWZIGU320aAKWHJrY/s200/photo+4.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
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FLIPSIDE OF THESE</h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is the question that I am asked the most. What can I do to help? Here are the answers:</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivTCUWMF8XpmQ0IazfRMRTHc-TC8IpzcLbaLwEcp7n7V342I1Oe-_9zB6hs3-N-HcZW_V0-463_1TSdINbvKM2U1r4TFJ355765SYncxkuzR8JTO704YFF-fbl4yFgrzsVboDymxdn5E99/s1600/photo+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivTCUWMF8XpmQ0IazfRMRTHc-TC8IpzcLbaLwEcp7n7V342I1Oe-_9zB6hs3-N-HcZW_V0-463_1TSdINbvKM2U1r4TFJ355765SYncxkuzR8JTO704YFF-fbl4yFgrzsVboDymxdn5E99/s200/photo+3.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
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1. THROW AWAY THESE!</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAPVJz8rMaI93hzDFOMxGYZLqeq_jsDwsPhkAVJ__4VT0Sb28PCPZ3vDPYoir1440kvC2ucn4hkIeMOUkiTeu84WiDk2w_C6ZNupS_dTcYSvxKfYWKEMoCkqoTBrO1yC5h3oOI1_jJ4V8s/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAPVJz8rMaI93hzDFOMxGYZLqeq_jsDwsPhkAVJ__4VT0Sb28PCPZ3vDPYoir1440kvC2ucn4hkIeMOUkiTeu84WiDk2w_C6ZNupS_dTcYSvxKfYWKEMoCkqoTBrO1yC5h3oOI1_jJ4V8s/s200/photo+1.JPG" title="How can you help?" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
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2. Grab THIS</h2>
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REMEMBER THESE? YEP, WE DUTIFULLY SIGNED THEM AND HAD A CONVERSATION WITH OUR FAMILIES. GOOD ON YOU IF YOU HAVE THEM STASHED IN YOUR WALLET. <br />
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<b>NOW THROW THEM OUT.</b> Really, toss them. They are useless. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBGCI8mKdr_JiQCI0AXHbJf3kQLbtv7whPKPFOjcTvdAvgwytKK-WDSdpoYLFJmQn1AwTOpewm4Q_fY0rY-U1UZMpzeHwpEkokKOJXrM_a2sF3vQ2Tw9h9KDjRJooLuTPV6gpm7pdKnrnM/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBGCI8mKdr_JiQCI0AXHbJf3kQLbtv7whPKPFOjcTvdAvgwytKK-WDSdpoYLFJmQn1AwTOpewm4Q_fY0rY-U1UZMpzeHwpEkokKOJXrM_a2sF3vQ2Tw9h9KDjRJooLuTPV6gpm7pdKnrnM/s200/photo+2.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
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3. FLIP. See "DONOR' 'DONNEUR'?</h2>
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If you see Donor / Donneur, you are golden. You can stop, have a coffee or glass of wine and maybe chocolate. You are registered! </h3>
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<span style="background-color: #93c47d;">DONT SEE DONOR? SEE NEXT STEP</span></h2>
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GO TO <a href="http://www.beadonor.ca/" target="_blank">beadonor.ca </a>AND REGISTER. 2 MINUTES. THEN YOU GET YOUR CHOCOLATE. </h2>
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At which point you kiss your loved one, have them do the same as above, and you both enjoy your day knowing you can save up to 8 lives and enhance the lives of 75 more through tissue donation! Wasn't that easy?? </h3>
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Please "like", share, and spread the word on Facebook at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lungs-For-Keith-To-Breathe/145060088982916?group_id=0" target="_blank">Lungs for Keith to Breathe </a> Each "like" helps the internet to LOVE this page, which increases awareness for this incredibly important cause. Share with the WORLD: because we can! Share the hashtag #forKeith2breathe on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/" target="_blank">Twitter</a>. Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts. </h3>
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#forKeith2breathe</h2>
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Sarah Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865551496672197954noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-990431801215397340.post-11323739165310942232013-01-19T12:00:00.001-05:002013-01-19T12:00:52.607-05:00Greetings from ICU!Everyone has been so wonderful over the past few days since Keith decided to scare the pants off us!<br />
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As a quick update, he is still in ICU at Toronto General, is still on the ventilator (but at the lowest possible setting) and is awake and "talking" through notes on paper. He's even been gently warned that some of his humour might not be appreciated by some of the nurses so he needs to tone it down! <br />
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We are keeping our fingers crossed that he will be removed from the machine today. Although he is getting used to it, he really wants to be able to breathe on his own again and get up and moving around again. <br />
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Please keep visualizing new lungs for Keith. It wont be long #forKeith2breathe. Please share the hashtag and encourage everyone you know to flip over that Ontario Health Card and look for the words "DONOR DONNEUR" on the back. If they are there - great! If not and you wish to be, go to http://www.beadonor.ca and register your wishes. You can and will save up to 8 lives. <br />
<br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUHfbDJ8Kd9ogZiuApYsEUJ9hdegaskUpfYFrMEe0P6bQV4mVr15NuIXL8JDwW0o-YdrRkYctLMehm5O9QMVMlfGoMcY_5qRlHN4bzWbvnsFh1e7PFYdp9-GFlz5toPxPvbQWCYn_n5Ug3/s640/blogger-image-1754676389.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUHfbDJ8Kd9ogZiuApYsEUJ9hdegaskUpfYFrMEe0P6bQV4mVr15NuIXL8JDwW0o-YdrRkYctLMehm5O9QMVMlfGoMcY_5qRlHN4bzWbvnsFh1e7PFYdp9-GFlz5toPxPvbQWCYn_n5Ug3/s640/blogger-image-1754676389.jpg" /></a></div>Sarah Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865551496672197954noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-990431801215397340.post-60887336818484875622013-01-18T00:10:00.002-05:002013-01-18T00:11:49.469-05:00Venting about venting, note passing, and butt smacking<h2>
Was having a lovely sleep this a.m. when the phone rang. 4:00 a.m. </h2>
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"Keith was having some trouble breathing, so they have brought him to the Humber Church Memorial Hospital". Me in my sleepy haze asks "Am I supposed to go there?" I think the lady on the other end had second thoughts about my suitability as a partner at that point, but the answer was in the affirmative. </div>
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The QEW heading east toward Toronto is pure joy at 4:15 a.m. Best part of my day - well not quite, but we will get to that. I flew into the city, found the hospital I had never heard of, and was eventually brought in to see Keith who had been put on a CPAP machine to try to enable him to breathe better, and calm down. He was quite agitated and confused about where he was at, and unfortunately his C02 levels were elevated (oxygen going in, but not enough C02 going out) and needed to be lowered. The solution? - A ventilator to regulate his breathing in and out, and to allow his body to relax and begin to stabilize. The vent went in at approximately 5:45 a.m. </div>
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Ventilators are pretty intimidating machines. They breathe for you - end of story. You trust in the science of them, you trust in the doctors and nurses who are putting it in (who thankfully shoo ME away while doing so) and managing it while it is in. They make more beeps and blips and whiz bang noises than a 13 year olds cellphone on a Saturday night. People who have them in, don't like to have them in. These people must be sedated, in order to allow the machine to do its job, and the person to stabilize. Various bodily functions are dealt with (imagination folks) and said patient must be kept awake enough in order to allow secretions to be sucked out. It's a messy, noisy, and delicate business. </div>
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Keith rested most of the day. I sat. I didn't talk to him (because they didn't want him agitated as he would be confused about the vent) I didn't hold his hand too much (same reason) I cried some. I laughed once (great Tweet from a friend) and I listened to the other stories in the room. I prayed lots, and felt the prayers and intentions of others all day long. I truly did. </div>
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The goal was to get Keith stabilized, and then off to Toronto General Hospital, where the transplant team who is familiar with him and his case, could be on hand to see him and take care of him, and ultimately remove the ventilator. At about 3:00 the nurses at Humber advised me that TGH could take Keith at 7:30, and I could go home, get a little rest, and then meet him back downtown. Good plan. </div>
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Apparently sometime between 3:30 and 7:30 while I was trying to get some rest at home - there was white stuff falling. Lots of white stuff. It was quite beautiful to see out in Oakville. I'd say we had two or three inches of lovely fluffy stuff. After confirming that Keith was heading to TGH, I left for Toronto. Not nearly as lovely a drive as the morning fly. Slow, steady, and the whole time I was thinking about Keith, in an ambulance, with all of his various wires, tubes, and gadgets hooked up, moving across the city in this snow. I willed the driver of that ambulance to drive super extra carefully. I willed every driver on the road to do the same. </div>
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Arrived TGH around 9:15 and went up to see Keith. He had just come in about 10 minutes before me, and they were getting him settled in. I was fully suited up in a gown, gloves and mask, and they brought me in half an hour later to a lovely and extremely quiet, almost zenlike room where he was still on the ventilator, but was more aware of what was going on. His level of O2 had been reduced significantly, and his saturation levels (just how much oxygen was sticking around and travelling through his body) were a perfect 100%</div>
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He couldn't smile at me, but he knew I was there. And I realized that he wanted to say something to me. He moved his hand to try to get it out from under the sheets so I helped him - thinking the sweetie wanted to hold my hand. How touching! He reached for my gown and started writing letters on me! It was like something out of a movie, so I told the nurse, and she gave me a clipboard, and paper and pencil. He wrote me a series of notes / questions. </div>
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Keith wanted to know where he was, why, what had happened, and wanted to convey to me that he was not at all happy about the tube in his throat. Fair. I helped him with 3 out of 4. The nurse came in and explained to him about how the tube was likely going to stay in for the night, but that he was definitely on lower levels of oxygen so that it would make REMOVING the tube something to happen more readily. While she acknowledged that it was uncomfortable, she advised against increasing sedatives to numb the pain, since it might end up lengthening the time he needed to have it in. </div>
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At this point, I decided that I should try to get some sleep, so I said goodnight to Keith, and removed my gown and gloves and mask and left the room. He started tapping on the side of the bed. Like crazy. I told him that I had removed all my stuff, and would see him in a bit, and he kept tapping. I told the nurse, and she said she would go in and see what he wanted to write and grabbed the clipboard. He motioned to her to turn around, and I heard her say, "you want me to turn around?" Here's where I knew that Keith was feeling just fine. He wanted to slap my bum. There. I said it. It's what he does - and constantly asks me "what would you do if you didn't have me? Who would do this?" I love him. </div>
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I have ensconced myself in a lovely couch in the lounge on the 10th floor. They will call me if they need me. I can rest knowing that Keith is being taken care of by the best doctors and nurses for him. </div>
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Over and out. Will post update very soon. Thank you again, for all of your support. Thank you to Steve who brought me chargers for my phone. Thank you for so many of you who I don't even know, who keep Keith in your prayers and thoughts. It all means so much to him and I. Without you, this would be an extremely lonely and frustrating road. Thank you to the many of you I do know, who continue to support me, and us, with practical and spiritual help. There aren't words to say how incredibly appreciative we are. </div>
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Night. </div>
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Sarah Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865551496672197954noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-990431801215397340.post-68611079472707854122012-12-28T11:35:00.000-05:002012-12-29T09:43:00.279-05:00Patience and Grace. #forKeith2breathe<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The day to day - Holiday update 2012</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Such excitement about 10 days ago. It was going to be Christmas a week early! Sound the trumpets and ring the bells!! Not so fast. Patience required. #forKeith2breathe </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For anyone reading this who is waiting for an organ transplant, you will understand how <b>patience</b> is the single most important trait that you can have during this process. Without patience, your world will be a rotating door of disappointments. Understanding that the process is one that is many downs and ups - yes, in that order, will help you get through. Not to say that there aren't amazing ups along the way, but it is patience that will help you navigate the many emotions and physical trials along the way. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hand in hand with patience, I believe need to accept <b>Grace</b>. We all have our belief systems, some of us more structured than others. Some of us just "wing it" and believe that the universe will unfold as it will. Some of us believe in a higher being who has plans laid out for us, and will allow us to know what those plans are when the time is right. Some believe that the power of positive thinking, that intentional ideas put out to the world will affect change. Some believe in prayer. Some believe in massive group worldwide prayer. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I believe that there is power that can change things. I believe that we are all loved unconditionally and that while we may not appreciate the way we experience life, that we just may not understand the reasons at this time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I know that there are many people out there, people that we know, and many that we don't, that are actively praying, thinking, hoping, visualizing, wishing and putting out to the universe for healthy lungs to become available through the selfless generosity of a donor, for healing for Keith, for wisdom of the medical team. To all of you, thank you. Such a simple overused phrase, that cannot begin to convey how appreciative we are for your continued support throughout this process. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> Please help spread the word. We are asking for your continued positive thoughts and prayers for Keith. New Lungs. Life. #forKeith2breathe to trend throughout the earth and for me to get my baby home. </span></div>
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Sarah Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865551496672197954noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-990431801215397340.post-45512984939184197632012-12-20T12:32:00.002-05:002012-12-20T12:32:24.890-05:00After THE call - Reflections. A long heartfelt post.<h2>
So, we've had our first trial run. Thoughts and Reflections</h2>
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I'll admit it. It was pretty emotional to get that call last night. I had just sat down to dinner (made by my daughter, Emma - bless you) when Keith phoned and said "I got the call". My first response - "I'll leave now", and then promptly collapsed, crying, into Emma's arms. </div>
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Collapsed? Am I being too dramatic? Maybe, but the wave of relief that went through my mind was massive. Interestingly enough, there was a very loud voice in my head telling me that this was likely a false alarm, not to get my hopes up, and to stay calm. I can only say that I was relieved to know that we were REALLY on the transplant list. The phone call confirmed it. This COULD happen. </div>
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I drove to get Keith from WestPark, and we were at TGH within an hour of the call. This was at about 8:00 and we mistakenly went to Emergency, and were redirected to Admitting. (As Keith likes to say, where you admit that you are sick :) )<br />
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They directed us up to 7B where we were met by the Nurse on Duty Terri, along with nurses Raaj and Chriselle. Dr. Kabbani was the transplant fellow on duty who examined Keith, while the nurses took his vitals, asked loads of questions about his day, his health, his emotional state, etc. and the next hour was spent getting bloodwork done, sputum samples, various other samples (!) and getting an IV line into his arm - which took some doing! <br />
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The OR had been tentatively booked for 2 a.m. and now we needed to wait while the process to evaluate the donor lungs was carried out. We would be updated as they knew, and the surgeon would come to speak with us before the surgery should everything go well. <br />
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At this point, both Keith and I were pretty quiet. I was busy keeping up with letting everyone know what was going on, and we were both so incredibly appreciative for all of the love, prayer and support that was flowing into us from all over the globe. I was updating my Facebook status regularly to keep everyone as informed as I could, all the while being cautious to say that while we had got THE call, we needed to wait to see if the lungs were viable. False calls are common, and we were very aware of that. I talked with Keith for a bit about the lungs that he was waiting for. How the doctors were examining them so carefully to ensure that they would be perfect for him. How they were scoping them with a camera (which is amazing) and flushing them out to reduce any inflammation, and how they could even heal them if they required some healing. <br />
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In the reflective moments over the next few hours, my mind went to the scene somewhere else, where a family had made the decision to support someones wishes and give the gift of life to others. The process that happens on that other side of the coin is a very delicate one. If you can even imagine, when it is obvious that someones life will be coming to an end, there are people on hand who are trained to have the difficult discussion with the loved ones. Time is of the essence, and I cannot even begin to fathom how delicate they need to be. I want to publicly say to the world, that Keith and I are so grateful for this family, and for other families who have made or will make this incredibly important choice. It is the ultimate gift, bar none, that you can share. <br />
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At midnight, Keith was given two immunosuppression drugs, Cyclosporine and Heparin so that, should the surgery go through, he will already be suppressed and the chance of initial rejection is reduced. FYI, Cyclosporine actually smells like skunk. Thankfully, Keith's tastebuds are kind of nonexistent, so he wasn't too bothered. I got a whiff of those things before he swallowed them. NASTY. <br />
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At 1:00 I went to get a snack and ran into Dr. Kabbani in the hallway. I said a quick hello, and was going to walk past her, when she said she was coming to talk with Keith. We were silent as we walked back to the room together, but I knew. She wasn't the surgeon coming to talk with us. The potential lungs were not viable for transplant. <br />
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Keith was okay. I was okay. Expect nothing, and you will never be disappointed. We were hopeful, but realistic. It was not to be, but now we knew that Keith was ON the list. Not that we doubted it, but it is real now. <br />
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Update to Thursday morning, December 20th. With Keith's health issues as concerning as they are, and with WestPark closing for the holidays, Keith is moving to Toronto General Hospital tomorrow morning so that he will be monitored 24/7 with his transplant team in hospital. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_UyHJKsQon521WzOPFXlN6V51waZceF5Zmo7CYQfUE1CUQAjcmGUZEQDJRuHTsHgrq9hc3p5GbJfIqXLKYSOiwCFYbUhFj3K8k23HGuPCghNurVJaLG0AOkROGTZwhpNEp189atoQ6GQm/s1600/IMG_1895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_UyHJKsQon521WzOPFXlN6V51waZceF5Zmo7CYQfUE1CUQAjcmGUZEQDJRuHTsHgrq9hc3p5GbJfIqXLKYSOiwCFYbUhFj3K8k23HGuPCghNurVJaLG0AOkROGTZwhpNEp189atoQ6GQm/s320/IMG_1895.jpg" width="240" /></a>This move is the best thing for him, and along with your prayers and love and healing thoughts, we know that he will get the new lungs that he needs, and begin his new life. Faith, love, hope. Truly, they all come into play here. Thank you all so very much for your support. It means the world to both of us. We are so blessed, with family, friends, and extended friends (social media!) and the most incredible medical team in the world. <br />
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I will keep in touch. <br />
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Sarah</div>
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Sarah Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865551496672197954noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-990431801215397340.post-62726617404584051992012-12-19T22:05:00.001-05:002012-12-19T22:05:38.216-05:00The callTonight at 6:50 the call came. There are lungs for Keith. <br />
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Thank you all for your continued prayers and good thoughts. We are so appreciative of all your love and support. <br />
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Should all go well, the surgery will be at 2 am this morning. <br />
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Our hearts are full of thanks to the donor family. Please know that you will forever be part of our gratitude moments. <br />
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Updates as they come. <br />
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Love, Keith and Sarah<br />
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Over the past couple of weeks I have been so overwhelmed by the help and support that we have been given while we're dealing with this very difficult situation.<br />
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In my last blog, I talked about Westpark healthcare Center where Keith will be staying for the next six weeks. <br />
Keith went into Westpark last week on Tuesday, and is settling in very well.<br />
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Understandably, a lot of people have been asking me, "how's Keith doing"? And my friend Bob Minas, suggested to me that I get a video of Keith telling everybody how he's doing.<br />
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So here it is. <br />
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Please, if you would like to send notes of encouragement to Keith, I know he would really like to hear from everybody. The best way to reach him, would be through Twitter where his handle is @OakvilleHandy. Sarah Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865551496672197954noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-990431801215397340.post-74385105487430094192012-11-13T19:56:00.000-05:002012-11-13T19:56:03.869-05:00West Park - (pronounced South Park)<h2>
Toronto has a HUGE medical secret - And Kenny works there.</h2>
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This is not a word of a lie. When Keith's respirologist told us about a facility in the west end of Toronto called West Park Healthcare Centre, we immediately both said the words "South Park" in our minds, and, with all due respect to this tremendous facility, that is how we will always think of it. </h3>
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When Keith was referred to this hospital back in May, it sounded too good to be true. I'm not sure how I lived in Toronto most of my adult life, and never heard of this place - although now that I know what its all about, I do know. I have been lucky, and healthy and had no need!</div>
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West Park is a facility that "<span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2f33; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">helps individuals manage difficult health challenges like lung disease, diabetes, stroke, amputation and musculoskeletal issues" through a combination of physiotherapy, nutritional counselling, education and a variety of specialty disciplines. What they really are, is an amazing opportunity for Keith to improve his level of health before transplant, in an inpatient environment that will teach him methods to continue what he learns at home. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2f33; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">And there's a guy named Kenny that works in the clinic. We laughed. Oh, and this picture on the bathroom door of the clinic. I knew I liked the place when I saw this. Humour works for us. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2f33; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Not only was Keith accepted to the program, he was invited to start next week as an inpatient for 6 weeks to get him into better shape for transplant. He will come home on the weekends, and I will still see him when we go into doctor appointments at TGH, and rehab at TGH once a week - cause Denise and the gang still want to watch over him closely. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2f33; line-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This program works in cooperation with the transplant program, monitoring all of Keith's vitals, stats, levels and numbers. (it's all mumbo jumbo to me, I'm probably supposed to understand the FEV1 and O2 sat levels - but truth be told, I </span></span><span style="color: #2a2f33; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">don't. I probably will soon, and should but until then, we trust the docs and physio room workers to know) They have access to all of Keith's records and paperwork through the network, and Keith will continue to come to all doctor appointments with the rest of the transplant team. And of course, when the call, THE CALL, comes - we will be on to that next chapter and not really sure how this facility can or will fit into the picture. It might come the first day he is there...maybe not for 3 months. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2f33; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">In other news, many people are asking how Keith is doing. It's never a simple question to answer, but truthfully, he is hanging in quite well. It's hard to describe what life is like on a daily basis living while waiting for new lungs. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2f33; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">When we are not in the car travelling to Toronto, or working out in the treadmill room on the 12th Floor of TGH with all of the awesome team, and so many of our new friends that we have met there, Keith is usually resting, trying to get comfortable either on the couch, or crouched up in bed. His spirits are actually pretty decent and he is so appreciative of all the help, encouragement, and kind words that everyone has sent through this blog, Facebook and letters. Thank you all so much, please continue to keep him in your prayers. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #2a2f33; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">Sarah</span></span></div>
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Sarah Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865551496672197954noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-990431801215397340.post-76525638160924106052012-10-27T17:19:00.001-04:002012-10-27T17:19:53.719-04:00The Hardcore Heroes of the Transplant Program at TGH<h2>
New Kids on the Block - Gangnam Style?</h2>
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So, the drill now is, 3 times a week, Keith has to pump iron. Technically, very small tiny pieces of iron, but more than he is used to. He's the new guy in the physio room, still trying to figure out what clique he is going to fit into. He needs to get his body in the best possible physical shape that it can be, in order to be healthy for his operation that could come any day. Now, I know he ain't no Ron Burgundy, but he's trying to get there. (I'm going to need a chest wig for this joke to work). </div>
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And when he does, I'm going to have him dancing Gangnam Style with Hélène Campbell if she will. Are you up to the challenge, Hélène?</div>
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Leg raises, knee tucks, killer treadmill 20 minute walks (with no breaks) and a series of arm motions, stretches and strengthening exercises are going to be a huge part of his life from now on. The crazy thing, Keith was always super active! This guy was blading across Toronto and back to Mississauga, cycling wherever and whenever he could (as a teenager, apparently this stopped when he discovered girls...) and playing hockey. More recently, he was doing mission portages in Algonquin park to ensure the full on back country camping experience with me!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDbOdHGct-nK6Fdy3mmcagH7ZcAxWXle2UL6nPFlSiUQAdVSEqe-iMU3VlLhwdZl-_g-EuNy4FfHbcWx2i1OFbRjW5kinHciY1I1-aX_RnvjY-v52V4PxOGim4S_99yf1y1PYk0BHrfnKh/s1600/HPIM0962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDbOdHGct-nK6Fdy3mmcagH7ZcAxWXle2UL6nPFlSiUQAdVSEqe-iMU3VlLhwdZl-_g-EuNy4FfHbcWx2i1OFbRjW5kinHciY1I1-aX_RnvjY-v52V4PxOGim4S_99yf1y1PYk0BHrfnKh/s320/HPIM0962.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big Trout Lake - Right in the middle!<br /></td></tr>
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Exercise has always been a big part of Keith's life, and will continue to be. </div>
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<a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/pointofview/Lung-image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="121" src="http://www.cbc.ca/news/pointofview/Lung-image.jpg" width="200" /></a>Pretty soon, this (right) and this (below) will meet, and Keith will be back doing what he loves again. </div>
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The wait is on. Bring it. </div>
Sarah Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865551496672197954noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-990431801215397340.post-25202195648630676202012-10-23T21:28:00.000-04:002012-10-24T12:20:18.050-04:00Our new normal - phones at the dinner table a must!<h2>
Hands up if you have a "no phones at the table" policy</h2>
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We do. We did. We don't now. </div>
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Will this be the paranoid phase for the next little bit? Will we be double checking our phones to make sure the ringers are on? Constantly checking the battery power? Hearing phantom rings? </div>
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Today we met with our wonderful Transplant coordinator at Toronto General, met with one of the thoracic surgeons and signed all the paperwork and officially had Keith put on the transplant list for a bilateral (double) lung transplant. We found out that apparently, Keith's current lungs are too big for his body...that one weirded us both out. </div>
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The call could come in a day, a month, a year. It could come in the middle of rush hour, or 2 in the morning. It could be a false alarm, it will likely be a false alarm, or very, very real. </div>
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<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3288/2322344080_061138db6c_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3288/2322344080_061138db6c_m.jpg" /></a>I asked Keith how he feels right now. First word - relieved. Second word - um. Third word reiterates the first. He is relieved, he is happy that the team sees him as sick as he is. It's no longer a question of "is he sick enough", but can he stay healthy enough for long enough to get new lungs. </div>
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There will be physio three times a week, regular blood testing, Pulmonary Function Tests, Antibody tests, group information and therapy sessions, and clinic visits with the respirologists, and evening seminars. Amidst all of this, the phone will ring. The phone will ring, and it won't matter if the phone is at the dinner table, it won't matter what time it is, or where we are. It will ring. </div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_1548213725"></span><span id="goog_1548213726"></span><br /></div>
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When it does, Keith will be ready. I will be ready. His children, friends, and extended family will be ready. </div>
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We are armed...and ready. Bring it. </div>
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Sarah Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865551496672197954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-990431801215397340.post-59256709941514680982012-10-16T21:26:00.001-04:002012-10-20T17:27:03.877-04:00Ask and it shall be givenMy first mobile post and its a doozie!<br />
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This morning was like any other morning, and at around 10:30 the phone rang. Our lung transplant Coordinator was calling to tell us that Keith was being placed on the transplant list at the highest priority possible.<br />
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I firmly believe that the universe was listening. Last night I blogged about the agony of waiting, and this morning the wait was over. <br />
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I cannot thank enough all of the people who have continued to support Keith and myself in this journey. There are too many of you to name but suffice it to say that every single one of you has made a profoundly positive difference in our lives. <br />
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I took a quick photo of Keith right after he got the news, he is very happy.<br />
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At the risk of this reminder sounding ill-timed, I would still like to remind everybody to please make your wishes known with respect to organ donation, go to www.beadonor.ca and make sure that you are registered for organ donation. <br />
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Bless you all. The next part of our journey has begun. <br />
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Sarah<br />
<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim1Ye9TFcBUnqD0Ycp9deeOI0FU4Kw-gqWzv_rgSq7Ln8jxpB5RZ2G9S6vdHeVeSAhAiiVzvk8Ab3Z1Pxonz_0-mdduLnV5jVMZ3qEMCOWczrhZhwwDijzDm9oaOIwre2Hr7FamLklmF1v/s640/blogger-image--955007728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim1Ye9TFcBUnqD0Ycp9deeOI0FU4Kw-gqWzv_rgSq7Ln8jxpB5RZ2G9S6vdHeVeSAhAiiVzvk8Ab3Z1Pxonz_0-mdduLnV5jVMZ3qEMCOWczrhZhwwDijzDm9oaOIwre2Hr7FamLklmF1v/s640/blogger-image--955007728.jpg" /></a></div>Sarah Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865551496672197954noreply@blogger.com3Oakville Oakville43.480634 -79.629982tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-990431801215397340.post-41527288327998325342012-10-15T18:27:00.001-04:002012-10-16T23:45:59.455-04:00The Wait - Trout Tickling - 4 Cool things.<h3><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><br />
</span></h3><h3><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">“...of all the hardships a person had to face none was more punishing than the simple act of waiting.” </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">― </span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/569.Khaled_Hosseini" style="background-color: white; color: #666600; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">Khaled Hosseini</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">, </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/3271379" style="color: #666600; text-decoration: none;">A Thousand Splendid Suns</a></i></h3><div><br />
</div><div>I realize I have been quiet. Those who know me, know that this is not really my nature. Let's just say that my nature has been altered in the past few months. </div><div><br />
</div><div>We wait. It's like being in the "waiting place" in Dr. Seuss' <i>Oh the Places You'll Go! </i> "waiting around for a yes or a no" but not really. I'm being unnecessarily dramatic because I wanted this post to have punch. Look at me! Quotes! Can you believe it??</div><div><br />
</div><div>The past 24 days have been spent waiting to hear from the Transplant team as to their BIG DECISION for Keith's future. They told us between 3-4 weeks, they meet on Thursdays (! so call on Thursday night - hello!!) and we didn't hear last week so..... Yeah. That. </div><div><br />
</div><div>So for now, not really much to report. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Keith is going to his physiotherapy twice a week at Credit Valley Hospital. Apple picking, fish tickling, and treadmill walking. Yes, I said Fish Tickling. Ask Keith. It's actually hilarious. I'll get a shot of him doing it and that will be the picture. You really do have to laugh this out, its the only way. This whole lung transplant thing really gives you new perspective on life, humour, and people. </div><div><br />
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</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY4KbBk6YbLipRQ2AWDLoJycS5xA_rxA3r9DObSrb4Vcw0tp-PMW5STjMYm1qP5nmgyUUP0Yjdo3wN-nQ7KHfyJYxcXmTJSTT_XXuc87q3AkM32lIOuKnNkirc2-szg6m7y_RkavAS7rFm/s1600/Keith+Trout+Tickling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY4KbBk6YbLipRQ2AWDLoJycS5xA_rxA3r9DObSrb4Vcw0tp-PMW5STjMYm1qP5nmgyUUP0Yjdo3wN-nQ7KHfyJYxcXmTJSTT_XXuc87q3AkM32lIOuKnNkirc2-szg6m7y_RkavAS7rFm/s400/Keith+Trout+Tickling.jpg" title="Tickling the Trout" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keith - Tickling the Trout. Google it. You will thank me. </td></tr></tbody></table><div><br />
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</div><h4>And in "can you believe this happened?" news...</h4><div>I received a note in the mail today from a lady in Victoria B.C. who had read my blog, her husband had seen a tweet about it, and he linked to it in his <a href="http://myblogthatiwrote.blogspot.nl/2012/09/its-not-your-body-after-youre-dead.html/" target="_blank">blog</a>. Four cool things in one sentence:</div><div><br />
</div><div><ul><li>I received a note. Handwritten. In an envelope with a stamp even. Cool.</li><li>People in B.C. are reading the blog and sharing it! Loving that. </li><li>Her husband actually linked to my blog in his blog. (I am not a 'blogger' per se, but I get the sense in the "blogging" world that this is a good thing so I am listing it here as cool.)</li><li>Thats really only three things but hopefully few will notice. The fourth could be that I managed to insert a link in there. Nobody reads this far anyway...</li></ul><div><br />
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</div>Sarah Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865551496672197954noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-990431801215397340.post-42015318936795311672012-09-23T11:24:00.000-04:002012-09-24T08:46:34.939-04:00Keith's 41st Birthday - Walker anyone? Sexy picture alert... NOT!<h2>
In any other blog, this might be a joke - Updated Sept 24th</h2>
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You know the one, "look at you old man, turning 41, want some Grecian Formula and a cane?" You know, the bottles of Geritol and subscriptions to CARP? It's Keith's 41st birthday today, September 23, 2012. </div>
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It's not so funny when it was recommended to Keith last week at his Assessment week at Toronto General Hospital, that he will benefit from a walker. He is currently unable to walk more than 75 metres in 6 minutes, and after doing THAT, he is completely out of breath. With a walker, he managed 150. </div>
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A big part of pre-transplant preparation is physio. It is crucially important that Keith is in the best physical condition that he can possibly be in so that come that amazing day, his body is strong and ready to have the surgery that will save his life. So, a walker it is. That and Timbits, but I digress. </div>
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I've combed Kijii and Craigslist. Crazy thing, I email people on those sites but they don't email back. I can certainly run out and buy one, but there is actually an assessment process to buy one, and call me crazy, but didn't we do that last week every day, for about 6 hours a day?? </div>
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Somebody out there in the Oakville, Burlington or Mississauga area has a decent walker, with 4 wheels and a seat (not the skimpy aluminum ones that just fold, and don't do much else) that they are not using any more. And of course when I looked for an image of a 41 year old man with oxygen needing a walker, all I found was old man. I refuse to post that. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEakzhcb32EU5u9Fc8j51Qka_aBNv_Gld90IUzT2i1skgNPAeGUJajVhILatRMgq9P2H1nWJKEJ6wFLGChTMib8LWfSG9vIdIskQqiIuCSfw_YqnXo_z5c7d5HBn5hJ_2oMqvJ_8BOa3g/s400/Excel-Walker-400-x-400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEakzhcb32EU5u9Fc8j51Qka_aBNv_Gld90IUzT2i1skgNPAeGUJajVhILatRMgq9P2H1nWJKEJ6wFLGChTMib8LWfSG9vIdIskQqiIuCSfw_YqnXo_z5c7d5HBn5hJ_2oMqvJ_8BOa3g/s320/Excel-Walker-400-x-400.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty sexy isnt it? </td></tr>
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I went out this morning to get Keith some Timbits (his latest weight gaining trick, 90 calories each, and sour cream his favourite) and had a man walk up to me in the parking lot, as I was coming out. <br />
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"Do you know how fattening those are for you?" he said. "Yes, I do sir, my husband is waiting to be listed for a double lung transplant, and these are helping him to gain the weight that he needs to be strong enough for the operation" I hated to be so blunt, but lately, I find there is no time for formalities. </div>
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<span style="background-color: red;"><span style="color: white;">If you know someone in the Oakville area who is no longer using a walker like the one on the left, we are happy to purchase it from them. I'd love to get one for his birthday today. </span></span></h3>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Update - Sept 23 3:00 p.m. We received a walker from a kind soul, and were so appreciative of shares and tweets to help find one! Keith got his walker, and now we move on to the next phase. Waiting to get word of being listed! </span></h3>
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Sarah Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865551496672197954noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-990431801215397340.post-41827315459626984942012-09-19T23:34:00.000-04:002012-09-19T23:34:28.955-04:00Meeting the "Family"<h2>
Sept 17 - 21 is Assessment week</h2>
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And we are beginning to learn something interesting about this process along the way; that there is a sort of "family" that begins to happen. Not our words, but those of Hélène Campbell who we met on Monday morning while waiting for some tests. </div>
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I'll be honest, I wrote back in late July about my excitement to meet a fellow Oakville native, Rob Alexander-Carew who had just been through his double lung transplant and I was super excited at the opportunity to learn from him. When I rolled Keith in to the lab on Monday, Hélène was there and I was, well, starstruck. </div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16WUznr316CBzxOWLH6y5iKjx4KSoQLy-FBrK3-NggCoNMBtb6KpOszZwFBsamQOsoVjxsN9ZuCXSKcNvGbk8TxoDqMVRsjnmrrqHlqJS5gkRwajC1HAnmxnN5eozGFTgw0qSC1s2jaBj/s1600/He%CC%81le%CC%80ne+Campbell+and+us.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16WUznr316CBzxOWLH6y5iKjx4KSoQLy-FBrK3-NggCoNMBtb6KpOszZwFBsamQOsoVjxsN9ZuCXSKcNvGbk8TxoDqMVRsjnmrrqHlqJS5gkRwajC1HAnmxnN5eozGFTgw0qSC1s2jaBj/s320/He%CC%81le%CC%80ne+Campbell+and+us.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keith, Sarah, and Hélène</td></tr>
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Keith and I were fortunate enough to have about 10 minutes to chat privately with her, about her experience, the amazing job she did of rallying her friends to help raise awareness for organ donation, and the work she continues to do to raise the profile for IPF (Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis). She and Keith both share a love of Reese's peanut butter cups, and she is an incredible young woman who will continue to do great things for people affected by lung disease in the years to come; of this I am sure. </div>
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In addition to meeting Hélène, we met other recent lung recipients. I was actually introduced to two people as "they are singles (single lung)" and this was when the concept of the family was explained. You become a family because you share something that few others can completely relate to. </div>
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Keith and I have spent the last three days going from appointment to appointment in the hospital. We have had the privilege of meeting many more people in the transplant program, from people waiting on the list, to others being assessed to be listed. We know their names, we are learning their stories, and the connections are being formed - no matter what happens. We care what happens to them, and already I find myself thinking about how things will be in 3 months, 6 months, and beyond; for us and for them. </div>
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This truly is about Keith, about his health, about his journey, and about ensuring that he gets the care and treatment that he needs to continue to live a long and healthy life. Keith is my hero. He accepts what is with a resolve and strength that I don't know if he realizes he has. As we continue on this journey, I know for a fact that the heroes are every single person who works in the transplant department of TGH, from the technicians in the lab, to the social workers, to the rehab workers and the surgeons doing this incredible surgery, and of course, the Trillium Gift of Life program that coordinates and makes it all possible. Thank you. </div>
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I will post an update later this week with specifics of the assessment process. Until then, thank you for all your good wishes and prayers. </div>
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Sarah Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01865551496672197954noreply@blogger.com0