Nikki had another good day and she’s moving along in her rehab.
She was able to eat once today. Some might disagree with calling it a meal. But if you only have a couple of meals a week, a peanut butter sandwich and pudding is a two course gourmet feast. She just tried taking down some chicken noodle soup and a grilled cheese sandwich, but couldn’t finish the task. We think it was just poor timing. She couldn’t wait for her next order of zofran which would have helped control her nausea. Let’s hope she’s up for another 3 AM snack. We need to get some meat back on them bones.
They are slowly removing the tubes that keep her tangled close to her bed. Her floor looks like a spaghetti factory. The tubes which are inserted into her chest cavity are draining less and less fluid now. We hope they will get rid of these soon. This should help reduce a considerable amount of pain. The Foley catheter was also taken out today. For those not familiar with the term, it’s a tube hooked up to a reservoir that allows you to urinate without getting out of bed. A friend who stopped by today wondered if he could get one on Amazon.
It may seem elementary for most, but Nikki was able to sit in a chair a couple of times today. She also stood for a while. But the big development was taking her first steps! She walked back and forth in her room three times. Not being a parent, I never really understood this first step thing. We have a new appreciation for it now.
The patch she’s wearing in this picture isn’t there to help her sleep. During surgery her eyes were taped shut and we’re told that sometimes dried rheum (eye crust) can cause minor scratches in the eyes. Our girl tried to rub her irritated eye and injured it worse. Now she has a gel to help her corneas heal.
In case you didn’t notice in the sleeping pirate photo, she’s breathing through her mouth when she sleeps. It’s been so long since she’s breathed with the full capacity of her lungs, the muscles in her body aren’t used to functioning in this way. It’s almost as if she’s gulping for air. Her jaw is getting sore. The nurses refused her request to tape her mouth shut. I had to bite my tongue to keep from adding my two cents to that conversation.
We’ve been receiving several wonderful offers to help and we appreciate them. Please remember that Nikki cannot receive any flowers and she needs to be very careful to prevent getting sick. She is just starting to read all of the private messages via my facebook account, her website and email. She is humbled.
She’s still not ready to receive visitors. Talking is very taxing to Nikki and it zaps her of the energy she needs for rehab. We’re set for food deliveries for the next couple of days. The best help for us and the best opportunity to spend some time with Nikki will likely be when we return home. We hope that will be in the next week and a half or so.
The best way to continue to receive updates is by entering your email address at http://www.nikkisnewlungs.com Viewing the site from a mobile device doesn’t always give the option to receive email alerts so you may need to do this on a computer.
Please note that I did receive permission to use that photo. AAARGHH!!!!
Nikki's New Lungs 
Nikki, so glad things are getting somewhat better even in baby steps.Will continue to pray for your recovery.Trav is doing an awesome job keeping us informed. Just hate to see you in so much pain.Thinking of you,Love you…Tina
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Good morning and Happy Labor Day!! These updates have truely made my days,keep em’ coming;) You and Trav have a wonderful day and we love you both bunches!!!!!!
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It was great to see this update. I’m so very happy Nikki is recovering so fast! Keep up the great work Nikki and you’ll be home soon! Sending hugs, prayers and good thoughts from da U.P.!
I’m happy my sister keeps posting the updates to her FB page.
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Oh boy, such good news!! Baby steps are steps just the same, you’ll get there, girl! I cant believe you are already talking about going home. What an amazing, strong, dignified, beautiful young lady!!! I love you both! Keep up the good work!
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Happy Labor Day! Nikki’s body is laboring hard to get back to her fighting strength, that’s for sure. We are so appreciative of your posts, keeping us up to date with all the ups and downs of her recovery. We will keep our distance physically, but know that our thoughts and prayers are right at your bedside. Love you both! YeeHaw! Heidi & Scott
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Jane and I have been following the progress closely although we don’t comment every day. I am sure you get hundreds of comments. We do want you to know that we are thinking about Nikki and you as well Trav. We are so happy that Nikki is making progress and I, of course, am very interested and encouraged by the news although sometimes it is a bit scary. Jane has researched the transplant procedure thoroughly so we have some idea what is ahead. We wish you both the best in the next few months and hope to see Nikki up and polkaing at Nick’s soon.
Our best wishes for a good recovery, Rich and Jane
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Rooting for you Nikki!! Glad to hear step by step improvements. Hang in there both of you!
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Thanks for the updates Trav. So glad to hear about the progress! Say hi to Nikki for Erin and I. Continuing to pray for you both and I can’t wait to see you guys!
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We’re reading the updates daily and sending you over all of our prayers and collective good wishes Nikki! You’re an inspiration to all of us, and you deserve a speedy recovery. You are in our thoughts!
– Your Dumonceaux cousins in Saskatchewan
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nikki and travis
we are looking forward to being with the two of you as soon as the nikster is up for it. we are so happy and amazed at nikki’s recovery. keep it going guys.
xxx
r & m
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Nikki, we the Haubenschild’s/Hammer’s have been praying hard for you. Oh the pain, how I remember and how I wished I could have shared it with Jamie and you. It is a long road but so well worth it, a Mom’s dream is to see their child be able to breathe and enjoy life once again. Nikki it will happen for you, just be a patient and strong, it takes strength like no other to recover from what you have just been through. I know how hard it is but every day will get better and better. Love and prayers to all you. Faith, Hope & Love (The Hammerchild’s) That is what we called ourselves as we endured each and every day.
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Trav – you oughta be a doctor; you explain everything so well! With every day is a new chapter and I (we) can’t wait for the updates….I just hope they get better with each chapter! Knowing Nikki and the fighter she is, they will. She is first and foremost in my daily thoughts and prayers! Love you both so much!
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