Update

Brian's biopsy will be tomorrow.

Today Kim and Brian attended a class about post transplant life.

Health Update

Brian is doing very well today. He walked further than he has since before the transplant and was able to look out the window in the hall. Today he met with his dietician and is learning more and more about his new post-transplant diet.

His indigestion and hiccup attacks are happening less and less. He is currently still on a diabetic diet and recieving insulin daily, but doctors are hopeful that his diabetes will go away as he is taken off certain medications.

He is still waiting on his biopsy, and doctors now say that he may be sent home as early as Wednesday. Cross your fingers!

Giving Thanks

This year Thanksgiving has been particularly meaningful for my family. We've been given the ultimate gift this year and we couldn't be more grateful. We celebrated in my dad's private hospital room with a delicious feast provided by my mom's wonderful friends, Joy Sanford, Stephanie Mason, Denise Harris and her mom. Watching my dad enjoy "normal" food again was something I'll never forget.

There are so many people we need to thank for helping us through this process. My Grandfather and my Aunts, Jeannie, Paula and Sharon and their families have been so helpful. Family friend's Kellie and Patrick Miles, Joy Sanford and Family, Brian Hughey and my dad's Tejas Materials family, his neighbors Jesse and Mike and the whole Fairway Crossing family have been so helpful, from doing chores to listening to us to coloring fun pictures for my dad's hospital room. We'd also like to thank everyone who visited, called, thought or prayed. Your love has meant so much to us.

So Far, So Good

As most of you know Brian was notified early Sunday November 23rd that a heart had been found for him. The heart was harvested at about 7 pm that night. Brian's surgery started around 10 pm and went on until around 2 am. At 3 am Dr. Lobe, the surgeon, reported that the operation was a success and that there were no complications.

Brian awoke and was removed from the respirator at 4 am, which was at least 8 hours earlier than expected. Later that day he stood on his own and has now resumed his daily walks with the physical therapist.

Brian remains heavily medicated at this point, and still slightly foggy. His doctors are hesitant to allow visitation. To keep him from rejecting his new heart, his immune system has been heavily suppressed. Children are currently not permitted to visit. We will update everyone if this changes.

Brian is currently still on a temporary pacemaker and IV. All other medical devices have been removed. He's scheduled to have a biopsy in the upcoming days to determine if he is rejecting. If he isn't he could be home as soon as Monday. His voice is weak due to the respirator tube so if you do speak to him don't be alarmed. He's having slight indigestion and oddly enough, frequent hiccup attacks, but other than that he feels pretty good.

Why a Recovery Blog?

Several loving family members and friends have asked for an easy way to recieve updates on my dad's condition following his heart transplant. Understandably, my mother, sister and I are a little hard to get ahold of by phone these days but I'm more than happy to oblige. I'll update this blog with all the information on how my dad is feeling and what the doctors are saying.

Since Brian is low on energy right now, it is hard for him to talk on the phone to everyone he loves so much. Fortunately, you can leave your well wishes and thoughts here as comments and Brian will read them and maybe respond if he is feeling up to it.

My family is so lucky to have so many people that care about us and we hope this blog gives you all the information you need.

-Jamie Hunt.