It's seemed like only plans, like it would never really happen. This kitchen remodel has been in the works for years; about seven of them. So everytime I think about it, it just seems like it is in the future, a long time in the future. Well, things are starting to feel like its really going to happen! Today the kitchen designer sent out the installer to check measurements. A couple days ago the estimate came in from the contractor. We'll be putting in our cabinet order next week! It's really going to happen! Now, I can start to feel excited! Yeah!
Our little patient got a new heart last week! He's doing great and has a new lease on life! When we took him off the ventilator, his first words were "I feel so much better!"
In an earlier blog, I let you in on the story of a little boy whose little heart just started to give out in what turned out into a long night of worry. After spending a couple of weeks on ECMO, we got FDA approval for "compassionate use" of the Berlin heart for him. The Berlin is a pump designed especially for the small, but also used for the adult. Not approved yet for use in the USA, FDA gives "compassionate use" approval on an individual basis. This now is our second one on the unit.
This is the unit that powers the pump. It works so well, that kids are weaned off the ventilator, off the cardiac IV drips that have been supporting the heart and are able to have a more "normal" life moving around and interacting! They can live for months waiting for a transplant if needed. We have now a baby and our young boy waiting and they are doing well with a new lease on life for them and for their families!
