Another Echo Today

Another echo today - this one more in-depth - but all still seems well. I think the cardiologists and the surgeons are in the midst of discussions regarding whether or not Bailey benefits from the increase in VAD rate. They turned the rate up to 120 beats per minute and extra beats started again. So they turned it back down to the 100 beats per minute that it's been on since the weekend. It's really strange to watch the echo screen and see her heart beating at 60-some beats per minute but the Berlin Heart pumping twice that rate. It's an incredible thing what they're doing here. I am constantly in awe of the medical staff's abilities. But even beyond that, their ability to emotionally take care of us is incredibly impressive. Definitely the best I've ever seen or heard of. Thank you, Riley!!

I got to leave for a couple hours today to see Josie's awards ceremony at school. I'm so proud of her! She got lots of awards - honor roll, super citizen, outstanding student, art, music, and lots of others I can't even remember at the moment. I think the only one she didn't get was perfect attendance. Way to go, Josie!!

Marissa had a softball game tonight. I didn't get to go, but she said she didn't bat again (she's too scared). But she had fun! She fielded a ball and threw it to first base. She was very proud of herself . . . and so am I!

Dr. T tried to come in our room today when the curtain was drawn and Bailey was sitting at her bedside toilet. There was lots of commotion going on, so I met him at the door when he was asking if she was about done. I told him, "No, I think she needs a magazine." [Of course, Bailey was yelling at me in the background for saying that.] After we stopped laughing, he said, "Well, I can't wait around for THAT. I have work to do." So he left and came back a couple hours later to cycle her machine. (That simply means he logs in the computer, confirms the settings, and logs back off.) When he walked in, she said, "Can I do it today?" (She's only seen it . . . let's see . . . about 100 times. In fact, one of Dr. T's people came in over the weekend to do something with the machine, and he didn't remember the password. Bailey informed him what it was. He simply said, "Oh, thanks.") Anyway, he stood behind her while she cycled it herself. He said, "Good. Now I don't have to come in on the weekends."

All is going well. Just hanging out waiting on a heart. It's good to hear from everyone! Thank you for keeping in touch and praying for us. It will happen when the time is right.

Catch you later,
Angie

(P.S. Hey, Bubba, CONGRATULATIONS!!!! I am incredibly excited for you guys! Big, big hugs to both you and Stacey!! - And I laughed hysterically at your comment. I miss you, man.)