Well we are finally here in Boston. We got here on Tuesday evening before the storm, thank god. Bridge, Matthew, Mark and I had a nice little dinner across the street from the hospital on
Tuesday and were here bright and early Wed for dialysis at 8:30am. Dialysis went great which was another blessing because the team in Albany, who are so amazing, said it was a good thing that she was receiving her transplant because the central line they were using was clearly at its end. Colleen and Paul also came last night and beat the storm. Paul had to get the final ok from the doctors and then the team had to check Bridge before they would start the iv infusion that runs about 3 hours. This medication basically wipes out a special type of white blood cell in the body, actually giving her flu like systems. Prior to infusion they gave her Tylenol and benadryl as well as a type of predisone drug, all iv, so as not to have a reaction when they infuse the big gun drug called "campath". Paul has to be at the hospital tomorrow at 5:30 and I believe they will start his procedure which should take 6 hours around 7am. They will come for Bridge around 7am and get her all ready for the delivery of her new kidney. The doctors all coordinate via phone every step of the way so they will know when to take out and put in. Bridge is currently sleeping which is a good thing. Bridge of course got very anxious about the iv going in, but they promised they would put all the other tubes and drains going in after they put her under tomorrow. They explained to us that she will be intubated, have a new central line, have mostly likely an epidural for pain control, a foley catheter to drain her bladder(yeah) and most likely 2 JP drains, which actually look like little grenades.(These help drain any excess fluid build up). She will be automatically going to the ICU after surgery. The team stated that they usually go to the transplant floor, but with what happened last time post-op they want to be extra cautious with her respiratory status and pain control. We are very happy with this decision!!! Afterwards Bridge will be sent back up to 10South which is the transplant floor. Paul they said should be out of here in 2-3 days, for Bridge they are talking 1-2 weeks. We are all praying we will be home for Christmas. Bridgette will have another infusion of the big drug "campath" the day after surgery to make sure they have the best possible chance for her body keeping the new kidney. Bridge will also start taking all her new medicines that she will need for the rest of her life. They went over them last night with us, it really is overwhelming. Bridge was like, no problem, I can swallow 3 pills at a time now, she is so amazing. We want to thank everyone for all your love and prayers, it means soooo much to both Mark and I and to our families. Will post another blog tomorrow most likely late in the day. Mrs. P good to see you the other day, Laur send me your email. Jack glad you are doing better, we love ya! Thanks to all our friends in VT who are looking after the animals and the house for us, have fun snowmobiling in all the new snow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!