Improving!

I just returned from a lovely visit with Heath and Carrie. As always, Carrie was so incredibly generous with allowing me time with baby Heath! We enjoyed some breakfast together (Carrie's big treat of the day from Biscuitville!) and then enjoyed some time with Heath.

The good news to report today is that his chest tubes and catheter have been removed! His kidney function has improved greatly. The doctors are beginning to wean him off of the stronger sedative medications. Doctors will take a chest x-ray tonight and begin to work on helping his lungs get a little stronger from some normal post-op/ventilator issues. However, they expect he will be off the vent in a couple of days and begin to be more fully awake then. Of course, the more he is awake, the more time he will need constant supervision from family-what a great problem to have!

I also got to see the "beautiful" line down his chest that points to that beating, healthy heart! What a great line that is! As he woke up a little from the sedation today, he opened those big beautiful brown eyes....good medicine for this "gran"!

As I was leaving Duke today, I also saw Carrie's brother Jamie, sister-in-law Sarah and high-school friend Wendy (who surprised Carrie with a visit). Wendy not only surprised Carrie with her visit but with a lovely "gift" from a fundraiser she had organized. Carrie was so grateful and appreciative that Wendy had offered such a heart-felt gift from folks who didn't even know the Tuttles but wanted to help! Christmas miracles abound!

I hope to update more tomorrow. Our head of staff, Dr. Ron Shive, will check in with the Tuttles tomorrow. Until then...

Let us rejoice!
"Gran" Sarah