Nikki had her first of hopefully many tube free moments yesterday. All of her chest drain tubes are out. The nerve blocks have been removed. She has begun to test out her new lungs without the aid of supplemental oxygen. And the doctors have transitioned her from a 24 hour antibiotic drip to an every eight hour cycle. Granted, those drugs run three hours at a time, but her body is not constantly trying to deal with the continuous infusion of chemicals.
Some may remember this switch from the constant drip to the three times per day regimen as being one of the turning points from her hospital stay and cleanout in April. When that drug delivery cycle was changed, that’s when she started to get her energy back. That was right before we went on the fateful Mother’s Day Bike Ride and Nikki fell off her bike. She tipped over. That little accident landed her on the couch for six weeks with the knee injury and kept her on the IV drugs until she was able to get back on a decent exercise schedule to help work her way off the meds.
Since we’re on the topic of bikes, remember what it was like to ride your bike for the first time? Or that first time riding without your training wheels? What about the first time you practiced down the street, out of your parents eyesight, until you were good enough to ride by and yell, “Look Ma, no hands!” Those little paws of yours were probably just a few inches away from clenching back on to the safety of those handle bars, but they were still off. They weren’t touching.
Yesterday, when Nikki realized this was the first time since her transplant that she wasn’t bound by any tubes, she lit up like a Christmas tree (or Jay’s Menorah). You can see it in her eyes. At times, the excitement is too much to handle.
The real big deal is severing that oxygen tube. We have heard stories of patients that absolutely did not want to give up the oxygen tube. It has been their lifeline for years. Without it they wouldn’t survive. That is, they wouldn’t with those old, diseased lungs.
She has lived with this tube attached by a nasal cannula around her ears and protruding through her nose nonstop for the last 6 years. If you’ve been to the house, you may remember that we strategically placed an oxygen concentrator right in the middle of the dining room. It didn’t really go with the décor, it was loud, and it cranked out heat; but it had to be there. That way, her 50 foot tether allowed her just enough freedom to get upstairs and barely into the shower or downstairs enough to get to her laundry room. Whenever I would come home, I never had to guess where she was in the house. I could just follow the tube. When she wanted to break free of that 50 foot vinyl chain, she had to lug around that backpack with a portable oxygen tank. Those tanks would hopefully allow her a little freedom for a few hours. If she was gone longer than that, she needed to carry extras. They are not light.
We’ve spent a lot of time in the hospital these last few weeks, and I know she often wonders about her O2 levels. She is constantly looking up at that tiny little monitor in the corner to see how her oxygen stats are doing. And now, the doctors are telling her to wean her way off of that life giving tube? Ha! As much as she desires it, this task won’t be easy. Just like the little kid on the bike giving up the safety and stability of those handle bars, we see Nikki hesitating at first. What if her stats fall? Just like the kid who would clutch for those handle bars, she is ready to grab back on to the safety and stability of that tube. I can only imagine what she might be thinking.
Will I get hurt? If I’m sleeping and my oxygen stats fall, will it affect me? Maybe I’ll get brain damage? Will I simply pass out due to lack of oxygen or forget to keep breathing?
It turns out, she’s been practicing. She’s been closely monitoring those O2 stats. Yesterday, when she was talking or exercising, she had to go back to the security of the tube. This is normal. But today, she went the entire day without the extra oxygen.
As I’ve mentioned before, these moments for Nikki are a big deal. Just like all of the firsts you remember as a kid. If you are a parent or grandparent, it may be ancient history, but you may remember seeing the joy in a child’s eyes. Nikki is like a kid again. She went through this life saving transplant and she has a shot to experience a whole bunch of firsts – again.
Nikki's New Lungs 
Truly UnHabibable! It’s incredible to watch the process. It’s all so absolutely beyond comprehension. Boy, the stuff we take for granted every day. You look incredible Nikki. May God continue to Bless both of you, your friends and families, and always remember the donor and their family. GM.
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We are thrilled withNikki’s forward progress! Travis, you should be a writer – you have a real way with words and engaging us in your updates. I am certain Ken, Kaden and I would not understand the intensity and enormity of her little steps without your putting it in perspective. We continue to pray for her antibiotic and oxygen-free life.
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Look at those TWINKLING eyes! I am in awe at this miracle who I’m proud to say is my friend! Keep it up Nikki- the Starkovich/Boutto family is cheering you on from Balkan!
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Sweet music to my ears!! I’m so happy that each day Nikki you are getting stronger and healing. You’ve come a long ways!! Travis, I hope you are feeling well, taking care of yourself and getting your much needed rest. You have also been Nikki’s life line through all of this and the years past. I know how grateful she is to have that kind of support, love and care.
Thank you Travis for all the updates; they are very entertaining and enjoyable to read.
Take care and God Bless,
Lisa
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nikki!!!! hey sister, you and travis have been in my thoughts, prayers, and on my mind non stop since your new birthday (shall we call it?)! I have been glued to your progress and could not be more excited and over joyed for your huge success!! your spirit nikki, is infectious, and I am just smiling ear to ear to see how far you’ve come! melts my heart, truly it does!!! gosh, the things that I take for granted, being able to breathe, genuinely puts life in perspective, that is for damn sure!! keep the updates coming travis…they are incredible to read! the good, the bad, the ugly, all of it! though I am not there and states away…please know my heart is thinking of the both of you everyday, cheering you on!! keep it up team nikki! big texas hugs!
❤,
JJ
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Nikki you look AWESOME!! You have come so far and yes it is amazing to watch your progress. Hopefully we will see you one day.Thoughts and prayers to the donors family, cannot say enough..Thinking and praying for you..Love you!! Continue the road to recovery you are amazing as always!!
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Screaming from the top, middle and bottom of those amazing lungs.. Can’t wait to see you soon.
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Ive been wondering how things were going for you two! What an awesome update to wake up to! Im so happy for you guys! I hope you are resting up as well, Trav, I remember how exhausting it was championing Meghan along after her transplant. We’ll keep praying that things continue in the right direction for Sweet Nikki! Love you both!!!!
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Trav, hope you are putting all this in a book either to sell as a coping method for others or just to have for your own. 🙂
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Great big huge waterworks here as I read this post over and over again;) Nikki, you look amazing and beautiful as always, I can see the stars in your eyes, the look of a child as he/she opens a much awaited Christmas gift, I am also as excited as that child for you!!!!!! Love you both and now I go on to work to share more of Nikki’s Story!!!!!!!!!!
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What a great pic! That smile says it ALL 🙂
Prayers and thoughts continue…
Thanks for the great updates Travis!
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YAAAA Nikki!! I do know the feeling, as a heart patient I was also tethered to a LVAD heart pump. That’s Left Ventricle Assisting device. Implantable pump that runs on batteries and a power base at night. Being free of that after transplant was hard to get used to. Cant wait till our first drivers ed class Nikki. Now you are the finished product!!
Bill Carlson heart #683 U of Mn June 8th 2009
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Leaving your CO2 is a really big deal!!!!. After I got home I just couldn’t give it up until my partner called the oxygen co and told them to pick it up! I almost started crying lol
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I have tears of joy for you! Your amazing gift has given you a new life! The day we have all been waiting for you. A day without Oxygen. May you have many more of those days as they just get better and better from here! Hugs.
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OMG…..looking at this picture of you this morning has just made my day! I am overjoyed with your progress and the fact that you look incredibly beautiful with that awesome smile! I had to re-read Trav’s blog over again because it was such wonderful news. I will continue to keep you, Trav, and the donar’s family in my daily prayers. Keep up the good work and can’t wait to see you! Much love to you and Trav! 🙂
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PS…….Trav – you need to change your profession and become a writer; you definitely have a talent there !
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This made my day!!! What a smile.. Prayers are being answered – thank you God! I have read some of the other comments and yes, Travis, you should be a writer. Your amazing with the way you are able to put in words what is going on with your gorgeous wife. We are so able to comprehend all of this after reading what you write. I never thought of the fear factor – but now it makes such complete sense. Nikki – keep up the amazing progress and before you know it you will be enjoying your new home. You two are in my thoughts so much that I had a dream about Travis the other night. It was a great dream. I love you both!!!! Sandy
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You’re a superstar, Nikki! Those new breathers are long overdue and well deserved. Best wishes and lots of love on every moment of progress!
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Amazing!!! Amazing the steps that are being made everyday. Just made my day/week/year with this update! Keep the good news coming!!!! Thanks for the menorah shout out as well 🙂
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Way to go Nikki! Woot Woot! You are amazing! Blessings for many more
great moments!
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Wow, Nikki you are such an amazing person. You have strength and courage beyond words and I am so proud and full of joy each time I read how well you are doing….even the bumps in the road!! As tough as it is for the donor family to lose their loved one, I am sure it brings them peace to know they have now given you the chance to LIVE again. We sure are looking forward to your presence at famiy functions in the future 🙂 You are in my thoughts often ~ Tanya and the boys
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So beautifully written, Trav. You’ve put us in the mindset of what you and Nikki are going through. Yee Haw! Keep up the great strides!
Love ya,
Heidi & Scott
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So excited for you Nikki, a new life has just begun. I, too, have tears of joy. Sending hugs and prayers. Faith, Hope, Strength & Love
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Nikki you look wonderful! You don’t know me but I have know Travis and Dana since Jr High School. I am so excited for you and wish you a wonderful recovery to a life with Happy Lungs! Best to you always!
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Travis….you should have been a liberal arts major. Nikki, I am so happy for you, and I have personal reasons for being a little verclempt! I am glad that you are making such wonderful progress, I was gettin’ a lil’ ‘fraid to read the daily report. (You can see I am not as eloquent as Trav! I want to commend you on your progress and wish you the best….and I would like to see you skate! I also want to thank you for being my personal “mini” support group. There is one “up-shot” of the whole thing of being in recovery: not having to move your household. Jane and I signed a purchase agreement today on a condo in Duluth. I can’t take care of the farm anymore. Now I have to figure out what to do with 37 years of stuff!…….I think I’ll bring it to Ben and Annie’s! Best of everything the world can offer to you, Nikki, and I hope we can talk when you “get out”.
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Wow. Nikki is amazing. What support she has by all her family and friends.. Thanks for the up date.
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You look wonderful Nikki…………..keep up the good work. Love hearing about your progress; Travis is a great writer/story teller.
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We are very excited for Nikki and will keep her and her caregivers in our prayers. The support of her family and friends is awesome!
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Looking GREAT Nik!!!
Keep the good updates coming Trav, the new James Joyce!
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Wonderful Wonderful yippee yippee yahooie hip hip hurray!!!!!! xoxoxoxo So exciting! You look beautiful Nik!
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