The last few weeks have been fairly uneventful without much to report. With the exception of doctors appointments and a few drives around the area, Madeline has been mostly homebound. However, the recent routine was a bit different this week. During a weekly blood test, it was determined that Madeline’s liver enzymes were slightly elevated. On Wednesday, Madeline met with a hepatologist who concluded that her liver does not appear to be compromised and that Madeline’s medications may have caused the higher liver enzymes. Her medical team will be monitoring this situation closely.
Thursday was an appointment with the transplant pulmonologist which included additional blood work, a pulmonary function test (PFT) and a chest x-ray. The x-ray showed a pneumothorax (air pocket) above the right lung. If left untreated, a pneumothroax could cause the lung to collapse. The timing was fortuitous as Madeline had a lung biopsy scheduled for Friday, which could have exacerbated the pneumothorax had it remained undetected. Madeline was immediately sent for a CT scan which was then reviewed with her transplant surgeon. Madeline was then readmitted to UPMC. On Friday, Madeline underwent a procedure to insert a "pig tail tube" into her upper chest to drain the air. Later in the day she was brought to another OR to have a pulmonoscopy and lung biopsy to check for signs of rejection. Another chest x-ray was performed on Saturday morning. The good news is that the pneumothorax is diminishing. The even better news is that the biopsy continues to show no signs of rejection. Hopefully tomorrow will be a busy day -- remove the “pig tail”, have a barium swallow test and be discharged once again. If the barium swallow is successful, Madeline’s medical team will allow her to begin eating and drinking soft foods -- the first step toward the removal of her feeding tube. Madeline’s last meal of veal parm on January 19th is a distant memory, but she is dreaming of ice cream and an eventual chardonnay, which are not far away! Jim and Mad are still hoping to be home in Rhode Island in May and can’t wait to see the family and friends who continue to support them each day.
11 Comments
Jane Iannetta
3/26/2017 09:48:48 pm
So thankful for these updates. Prayers continue unending. Praying for continued steady progress and and return to RI some time in May! Stay strong Madeline and Jim!
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Pat and Joan
3/26/2017 09:57:25 pm
And we can't wait to see Mad and Jim! All POSITIVE thoughts and prayers ALWAYS! You certainly have the BEST medical team anybody could ever hope and pray for! Keep going on this miracle journey back to RI!
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Lynn
3/26/2017 10:13:08 pm
So glad things are moving along. Hopefully soon you'll be tasting real food. One day or week at a time and you'll be back in RI
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Deb Rowley
3/27/2017 06:24:44 am
It's so great to receive an update. I was missing them. My family continues to pray for you Madeline and can't wait to hear you're really coming home. Have a Happy Easter.
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3/27/2017 07:39:40 am
Mad....what a week....!! So happy to hear no rejection....and Brickleys on the horizon!!! Great to know May should bring your "homecoming" and before u know it....the new granddaughter!!! Know u r in our thoughts and prayers of course.....both u and Jim....❤❤Nancy and Tom
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Diana & Pat Murphy
3/27/2017 09:46:32 am
Thanks once again for the update.Glad "the bumps in the road" turned with a favorable outcome. You'll feel like a new woman, when that feeding tube comes out!! Keep up the good work Mad.... will keep the prayers coming!🙏🙏🙏. ❤
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Jane Robinson
3/27/2017 11:50:33 am
Madeline
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3/27/2017 01:37:53 pm
So happy to hear all went well. We can't wait to see you! We are still sending prayers your way, keep getting better!
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Jeanne LaBelle
3/27/2017 07:41:48 pm
I'm glad to hear about your progress. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
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Carol Shea Koontz
3/27/2017 10:12:04 pm
Hello Madeline, I went to St Xavier's Academy. and graduated with you ! I am living in the North hills area of Pittsburgh and am a retired nurse and UPMC volunteer at our local Passavant hospital. If I can do anything,including keeping you company/moral support let me know.I am on Facebook and my home phone number is 412-487-2591.Best wishes for your recovery !
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Denny and Jane
3/28/2017 12:33:13 pm
We are thinking of you and Jim. Hope you are out of the hospital and eating ice cream🍧😋 Love and Prayers. Keep up the good work🍀
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Keeping CurrentAs often as possible, we'll try to update this page to let you know how Madeline is doing and where she is in her fight for new lungs. Visit often! Archives
August 2018
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