I had my rib removal surgery last week and I have my vein bypass surgery tomorrow, what else should I do? Why not walk a 5k! Yesterday morning, Travis, Rosie, and I walked the Chad & Jenni Greenway’s Gridiron Gallop 5k run/walk to benefit youth athletics. Travis thought I was crazy to be in pain with my missing rib and walk that far. But really, he has known that I’m crazy for years now 🙂 We ended up walking around Lake Nokomis with our friend Bob. It was great to catch up with him. We even finished in less than an hour.
Last night, my parents, brother, and Dana all came over for dinner. Since it was Father’s Day, I wanted to make something special. I asked my mom if she would help me make one of my dad’s favorite meals. She offered to cook the main dish if I made everything else. I told her it was a deal. It only seemed appropriate that since I am in need of a “spare rib”, we had sweet and sour spare ribs of course! They were absolutely delicious.
After dinner last night, our door bell rang. It was all three of the kids that live next door. They had made a get well soon card and had a bunch of the kids in the neighborhood sign it. They also gave me some beautiful purple flowers. 
Today, my mom, Travis, and I were able to meet with the surgeon who will be performing my surgery tomorrow. It was great to have him explain the surgery and answer all our questions. The doctor explained how he will not use a vein from my thigh, but use a vein from a donor. He will use the same incision he used during the rib surgery, although he will have to make it a little longer. As I mentioned before, he also needs to break my sternum in order reach the vein under the clavicle. It was good news to learn a broken sternum shouldn’t be as painful as removing a rib! He then gave me a pleasant little surprise when he stated I need to wear a sling on my arm for six weeks! That definitely makes it more difficult around the house, but somehow I will manage.
I also met with my primary physician today. He was very helpful with the preparation for tomorrow. Unlike the last time when I had six pokes before entering the operating room, he made sure that I will have someone from ultrasound available to start my I.V. in the morning. He also informed me, I no longer need to have routine bronchoscopies . Anytime someone tells you that you don’t need to have a tube stuck down your throat to scrape samples from your lungs is a fantastic day!
Looking forward to tomorrow and getting this clot issue resolved and on my way to recovery from these last several surgeries.
Nikki's New Lungs 
Way to guy Nikki. All the best for tomorrow. I’ll bet you’re 100% by your one year anniversary!
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Hope you had a Happy Father’s Day Habibi
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Your a rock star and an inspiration to all of us that may think were having a “bad day” you have the same attitude as my Grandmother, love you both!
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Thanks Captain!
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Sending more prayers for tomorrow…. Keep up the great work 🙂
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Thank you Amie.
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Two words…..Bad A**!!!
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Ha!
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Get ‘er done and get better soon is my prayer. xoxoxoxoxo
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Thanks Heidi!!!
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Amazing what can be done. You will bounce back. My prayers are with you. Thanks for the update.
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Thanks a bunch!
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Sorry we missed seeing you yesterday…we were in with Dr. Hertz. I would like to chat sometime when you are feeling okay. Best wishes and prayers for you.
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Bum I missed you guys too. Hope the appointment went well. We will chat soon.
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Saying prayers today Nikki!
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Thanks again.
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Nikki, You are amazing!! I love the rib dinner!! Lots of prayers for surgery tomorrow. Keep your positive attitude and your great humor – you will rise above this too!!
Hugs,
Ellen
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Thanks Ellen. Hugs back at you.
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Stay strong as I know you will!! I’m going to dedicate the first leg of my 5K in Houston at the Transplant Games of America next month to my buddy Nikki!! The last 2 legs will be dedicated to my Donor Tommy for allowing me to even attempt this. Get well soon Nikki. Chan and Mtka high are calling.
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