HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Welcome Home

I made a little welcome home sign for Dad/Papa

We are finally HOME! I say finally because we almost did not come home today. Brendan and I were busy this morning doing a few last minute things before Dad and Mom came home. I emptied the dishwasher, and vacuumed. Brendan installed one last plug and relocated "Chippy" the Chipmunk, he caught in the "have a heart" trap last night! We bid "Chippy" happy trails and were on our way

When we got to the hospital, Brendan and I grabbed a wheel chair from the holding area, in hopes of speeding up the transport process. Unfortunately, when we got to the room Dad was dressed and ready, but not to go. He had just had his last echocardiogram. It showed a fluid bulid up in the empty areas around the heart. They were talking about doing another surgery to put in a drain!!! Needless to say, this was not what we expected. So the IV nurse came in, put in a new port, and we hunkered back down expecting to stay :( Within two hours the whole outlook changed...for the better! The Dr. said he just wanted Dad to make sure he watched his numbers for the rest of the week and the weekend, then come back to clinic next Tuesday!................START THE CAR!

It took a few more hours to get everything re-established and a few trips to the car! Thank God, again Gabby was there to help us. Brendan was saying we looked like a commercial. Gabby still had her white coat on helping us with all of our stuff. "Here at Brigham and Women's we help our patients every step of the way. We even act as sherpas, helping patients and families shlep all of their stuff to the car." I have to admit, it was pretty funny trying to carry everything out efficiently.

Nurse Kerri went over all of the home instructions with us and medications. She also had Dad sign on the dotted line to seal the deal!

I told Dad to wave bub-bye to his room. He was more than ready to say bye to good ole' room 705

We stopped in the hallway to say goodbye to some of our favorite floor 7 nurses. Everyone is all smiles for the camera here, knowing we are finally headed home!

WE ARE FINALLY HOME!!!!!!!!!

It took a while to get all of Dad's equipment set up in the house and get somewhat organized.

Mom went to Walgreen's to fill all the new prescriptions. Brendan and I set up most of the stuff at home then Brendan went to grab some PIZZA from Napoli. Dad Finally got to have the pizza he asked for a week and a half ago, one day after surgery!

We are very happy to be home. I will probably not update the blog everyday. I will do an entry at least once a week for a while. I will continue to add things from time to time to keep everyone updated on any changes so don't forget visit the site once in a while.

I can not say it enough. I know I probably sound like a broken record, but, I will keep saying it. Thank you all so very much from the bottom of our hearts. All of your support is what got us home today. No matter how bad it got, you were all there to help us though the rough patches, and laugh with us when we could laugh again. Thank you for all of your prayers, well wishes, cards, gifts, calls, e-mails, blog comments, text messages, mail, visits, rides, snacks, meals, hospitality and most of all for your love and support.

Until The Next Update,

Laurie, Dad and Family