Tube is Out and She is Looking Strong

The doctors have decided to remove Jen from the ventilator. "Her lungs are the best they have looked so far" Dr. Shulkin has said. Although she has been removed from the "tube" she still needs an oxygen mask to keep her lungs inflated to insure that they don't collapse. This will go on for a few days until they are confident she is strong enough without it. Her physical therapy is going well and she loves to do it, which apparently is highly unusual. This enthusiasm is a reflection of Jens great strength and determination.
During her breathing treatment today she had her oxygen mask off for 10 Mins and it was great to hear her talk with some projection in her voice. It was also wonderful to give her a proper kiss for the first time in 6 weeks.
Jen, we are getting there babe. With the courage you have shown so far and the style in which you have done it we will no doubt be stronger from this experience. We have a long life ahead of us with lots to look forward to so I cant wait to get started again.

Love Hubby.

PS. Jen for the first time today started to read the Blog. She smiled from ear to ear as she read a few postings and it will surely help in the recovery process. So thanks to everyone who has contributed and who will continue to contribute during the long road ahead.

Jen Weaning Off the Respirator: Take 2

Jen is beginning to be slowly weaned off the respirator today. I have my fingers crossed that this attempt will prove successful. Its hard work for her and today she was exhausted just trying to breathe on her own. This daily exertion will strengthen her lungs and hopefully lead to the removal of the "tube".

She is in fantastic spirits so much so she wanted to watch that cinematic classic
" Nacho Libre". At least I laughed. Jen was asleep before the trailers had even finished.

As I sit and watch my baby sleep I am overwhelmed with pride that she is my wife. Each breath she takes just reminds me of how lucky I am not only for having found Jen but for also having found such a wonderful family in the Whipples. Both my son Matthew and I are much richer people by having them so involved in our lives. We love you guys and thanks for making Jen-Jen.

Baby, we are getting there. Lets keep fighting, laughing, crying and smiling because very soon we will be hugging each other again.

I love you so much,
Hubby

Friday Afternoon

It is Friday afternoon and we are just taking a small break back at the room. Jenny had "surgery" in her room today to change her bandages and to check how things were looking. Dr. Duffy the plastic surgeon didn't see any infection which was good...and will continue to check on her daily. It appears she may have to return to the operating room next week for another procedure in checking her hands and legs but as we know this is all day to day. Her spirit today when we walked in was amazing..she was trying to talk to us...and we could "get it" mostly around the tube. She smiled and winked at me...looked so beautiful. Little Matthew had asked his 3rd grade class to write her get well cards and we read those to her...they were precious...and she loved them.
Ryan is flying in from Lawrence (KC) tonight and Richard..Randy's brother and his wife Terri are coming tomorrow. The Ringlers are also coming tomorrow for the afternoon and evening before heading to MD Anderson as Sharon has an appointment with a surgion there and can use some of Jenny's prayers. Steve is coming in on Sunday and leaving Monday for a BP meeting in Houston but will have a few hours with her. Our friends Gaylin and BB are coming on Monday for a few days, followed by Judy and Margene later in the week. Kay and Connie are here in spirit and will be here as soon as called upon.

We have an appointment with Baylor Rhab on Monday that Nick has arranged. This is to see what they can offer and to begin the search for Jen when she is able to be discharged.

I check this as often as I can..and the words that are here honestly give all of us the strength to continue on..and help her fight.

Love all of you so much, Randy, Marilyn and Martha

Jens Surgery

Yesterday as most of you know Jen had surgery. The surgery was related to the damage sustained during the original trauma to Jens tissue in her extremeties. For those of you who have seen Jen you could see that her hands and feet did not look good. Meeting with the surgeons days before the surgery it was explained to us that Jen would probably receive an amputation of below the elbow on both arms and somewhere around the knee in both legs. As it turns out the surgeons did a fantastic job and were able to provide a result better than expected, below the knee on both legs and saving the wrist on both hands.

I cant begin to imagine how Jen must feel right now, but she is handling like the amazing human being that she is. I know she is scared, angry, frustrated, frightened and confused. The coming months are going to be tough, no question as we enter rehab hospital and begin getting Jen back on her way to her old self. With the support of family and friends, which has been beyond our wildest dreams Jen will be up and running in no time.

To Jen, you will forever be my sunshine, my candle, my hottie biscotti. Your surgery has not changed Jennifer Griffin. You will always be the same person I fell madly in love with a few years ago. We will share many tears, battle lots of frustration and endure some tough times but we will always do it as a team. You are an amazing wife and I cant wait to get you home.

Love Hubby

Wednesday Evening

I have lost track of the actual date...but I think this is close. Nick will post a note later about her surgery but...she and we made it...another mile stone. I had forgotten in my last post to express our love and appreciation to a special nurse named Alex. She wrote a very heartfelt note this week...a comment to a post that Matthew made..and if you haven't had a chance..Please read. She has been an angel..and when she is with Jenny, I can actually sleep a bit.
Keep praying my dear, dear friends. She is climbing the mountain and is making some progress. Nick is her true partner and we and she are all so blessed that they found one another.

Martha and I are headed back to the hospital in a bit but wanted to check in. Again..we appreciate all that everyone has done and continues to do...Love, Marilyn