We got word that the lungs arrived safely to the OR at noon, and just recently got word that the right lung is already in. It was a perfect fit, with no trimming needed. This is what you hope for.
Her left lower lobe was removed when she was 11, so there is a lot of scar tissue on that side. That will be more of an issue, but it’s very very good news that the right lung went in so easily. I am overcome to know that our wonderful Caitlin now has a healthy lung inside of her! Google transplanted lungs and you will see what these people have been trying to live on for so long.
Thank you, thank you, dear donor and family.
Late yesterday afternoon, I brought Jess over to the “bridge,” which connects Presby Hospital to Montefiore Hospital. It’s the prettiest part of the complex here, with lots of glass windows, and walls lined with photos of bridges across the world. (Pittsburgh is called the City of Bridges). It’s been hard for me to go over there these past ten days, because I associate it with Caitlin, but I wanted Jess to see it. We walked along and looked at all the photographs, and talked about Caitlin, and how brave she has always been. For example, in 2012, she packed all of her oxygen equipment and medicines into a suitcase almost as large as she was, and rented an apartment for two weeks, alone, in Paris. As hard as that was to do, she knew time was running out for her to do it at all. Indeed, 2013 was the year she finally crashed and began to use oxygen 24/7.
After crossing the bridge, Jess and I went into the Meditation Room/Chapel and sat quietly. I wrote a request in the Prayer Request book. Jess said, “Can I add something?”
“Of course,” I said.
She wrote, today.
Our friends MJ and Scott Hamilton told us about someone who is waiting for sainthood, but needs another miracle, so we added him, too. He died on Groundhog Day in 1921, and February 2 has always been an auspicious day for our family.
The surgeon’s call came at 10pm.
–Maryanne
9 Lives Notes 