Just Waiting

Dressing changes are going a little easier - the goopy stuff is clearing up a bit. The infectious disease doctor came in today and announced that we don't have to wear mask and gloves anymore! I was afraid to take mine off. I've lived in mask and gloves for over 5 weeks (you would be amazed at how fast I'm typing right now!). Then we (me, Bailey and her nurse Leslie) just let Scott and then Tom and then Nancy come in all "suited up" in mask and gloves and just looked at them to see if they noticed. It took Scott the longest to figure it out - in fact, he didn't figure it out - we had to tell him. It will be strange to sleep without a mask tonight. My bed is by the window and when it gets cold outside, the window gets cold. The mask helped keep me warm on many a night! I'm still using hand sanitizer like crazy and not smooching all over Bailey - although it's hard to keep from doing that. (Except for right now, though. She's mad at me because I made her do some homework tonight. Maybe she'll forgive me after a good night's sleep.) Had a meeting today to learn more about the transplant process. Pretty amazing stuff. Also had a meeting to learn more about the financial end of this process - wow! That was eye-opening. Bailey has built up some antibodies because of blood trasfusions she's been given in the past, so they're giving her IVIG to lower her antibodies to cut down on the rejection factor after transplant. Apparently it's quite common to get shaky or the hives or some other reactions, but Bailey did just fine with it. They'll give that to her for 4 days. Also, that should allow a wider range of donor matches - we learned today that they already turned down a heart over the weekend because the match wasn't good enough. That just kind of makes us realize that it really could be any time - only God knows. It's really incredible to watch this whole thing with Bailey's heart evolve and know that it's happening exactly as God has planned. Think about it too long and it gets pretty confusing. It's just comforting to know that God is in control of the situation, and we continue to be truly blessed. Hope all is well with everyone out there! I know there are people reading this who we have never met, and just know that we thank you for your prayers too. Hugs to everyone, Angie