Nikki returned home on Friday. Please click on this video to watch Rosie greet Nikki as she arrived home after nearly 3 weeks in the hospital.
She later hopped right in the car to be close to Nikki.
It’s been a chaotic weekend but we’re glad to have her home. She’s only there for a week. Remember, we’re moving on Friday.
The first day home, she needed a little bit of help getting in to and out of bed. After a couple of days, she figured out how to handle it on her own without using her arms or stomach muscles too much.
The edema continues to be a problem. The medications are contributing to her retention of water. She looks like Popeye. Check out this picture of her arm.
The doctors say it will go away over time, but it’s causing some minor irritations. She didn’t eat very much for the better part of three weeks so we’re sure her body lost a lot of muscle. One would expect her to lose a bunch of weight. Instead she’s gained over 10 pounds! She’s probably carrying around 15-20 pounds of extra water weight! This makes it difficult to get up and down the stairs.
We were fortunate that my mom, sister, and friends Kara & Brent stopped by over the weekend to put in a lot of difficult hours. We were packing while we had help with cooking, laundry, and attending to Nikki’s care.
She needs 24/7 care for the first several weeks and we are finding out that it really does take a village to raise a new transplant patient.
We’re all set to move on Friday. My dad will want to get started loading trailers first thing on Friday morning. A few people have offered to help and will be filtering in as their schedules allow. They say many hands make light work. A few professional movers also helps. I’ve hired a team to handle the big stuff.
We appreciate those that are able to take some time to help and will be compensating with beverages, some good home cooked food and of course, good times.
Nikki's New Lungs 
Baby steps sometimes, but getting home is a big step. So happy for you guys!
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Welcome home Nikki. I wish I were there to help. Thank God you have such a terrific husband, many great friends and family! You’re in our Prayers EVERYDAY! Keep truckin’ Rocket!!! GM.
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Awesome read! I am betting that Rosie hasn’t let Nikki out of her site and has been at her side constantly;)) The only thing that this old Aunty worries about is with so many people around…I pray that no one is harboring the aweful flu bug, got the extra masks from the hospital? Sure wish that we were there to lend a hand or a good old fashioned candied ham for Nikki….but soon enough, I will find the biggest ham around and fix it for her;)) love the 3 of you great big bunches!!!!
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I am so excited for you. As a liver recipient (2001) and a kidney recipient (2008) I think I have a handle on what you are going through. It is like being reborn. You have received a beautiful gift that is going to make you a whole person again. All the stuff you couldn’t do you will be able to do again. The things that were hard will be easy. It will take time but it will happen. Don’t me discouraged.
I have met you quite a few times at LifeSouce and have always admired your courage.
Wishing you a fast and safe recovery. My prayers are with you.
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This girl is amazing. Thanks for the update. It show what can be done when you have a positive attitude and wonderful family and friends. Good luck with the move. Time does heal and that is the hard part waiting.
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Welcome home! The girls are reunited and no doubt snuggling!
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I hope all is going well at home. Sending my prayers to you, your family & the donor family
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