Today was another good, but challenging day. Overnight Madeline was weaned off nitrous oxide which was being used to expand the vessels to her lungs and allow the oxygen to flow. The medical team also started to wean her off of the sedatives so she was a little more “with it” this morning when Jim, Colleen, and Mike arrived. Her eyes were still glossy and unfocused, but she was responsive as they read comments left on Facebook and the Mad For Life blog overnight. (Keep the positive thoughts coming!)
Around mid-morning, a physical therapy team transferred Madeline from her hospital bed to an armchair - today’s major accomplishment. While the nurses said she was strong and did well, it didn't necessarily look that way to the untrained eye. After being transferred, she was visibly in pain so they increased her IV meds to make her more comfortable. However, it made her drowsy again. The big challenge is to find the fine line between giving her enough pain medication to make sure she’s comfortable, while lowering the amount of medication she receives to ensure that that she starts to regain control of her body. She’ll continue to have some level of pain for the foreseeable future since she currently has six tubes (three in each side) protruding into her chest cavity. But the goal for tomorrow is to find the right amount of medication in order to start weaning her off the ventilator. If Madeline can regain enough control of her body tomorrow, they’ll try turning off the ventilator to see if she can breathe on her own. They’ll do this a few times, lengthening the duration she breathes independently each instance. If Madeline proves that she can breathe on her own, they could remove the breathing tube tomorrow. Removing the breathing tube would be a tremendous step forward for many reasons. One major reason is because it would allow Madeline to start communicating again and give her the ability to tell her nurses and the medical team why and when she’s uncomfortable. But it’ll also give her the ability to speak to her family, which Colleen and Mike are hoping will happen before they head back to Rhode Island on Friday or Saturday.
26 Comments
Cumberland (and Narragansett) Reillys
1/26/2017 07:08:43 am
Always thinking of you Mad !! Thoughts and Prayers !!
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Elizabeth Hindle
1/26/2017 01:00:29 pm
Colleen. Prayers for your mom. I do work in an acute setting and care for people like your mom. The courage and strength she has is so connected to you and you wonderful family . God bless and PLEASE know that if anything I can do let me know .
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Pat and Joan
1/26/2017 07:16:03 am
Madeline, your Bonnet View Drive Family is rooting you on every step of your journey. You've got this, Girlfriend! We'll keep sending all POSITIVE thoughts & prayers to help you, Jim, Colleen & Mike.
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Caitlin
1/26/2017 07:49:00 am
We are all sending our love and prayers your way!!!! You are so strong and we hope today goes well with removing the breathing tube. Will be thinking of you guys all day!!!!!! Love, Caitlin, Keith, Harper and Joey
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MICHAEL MURRAY
1/26/2017 08:25:26 am
Every day another step forward Mad. There's a lot of people behind you and praying. Plus, there are Cabana Boy applications you need to review.
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Allen and Rosemary
1/26/2017 08:40:13 am
Sending constant thoughts and prayers to you Mad and to Jim, Mike and Colleen. Do what the medical team tells you young lady and we'll keep the cosmo glasses chilled and ready for your return to The cabana!
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Andy Robinson
1/26/2017 08:57:08 am
A long journey starts with small steps...and you seem to be taking a lot of big steps! Can't believe that you are out of bed already. We are very proud of you and your fighting spirit. Know that you and Jim and Michael and Colleen and Walter are in our prayers every day.
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Jeanne Thompson
1/26/2017 09:05:40 am
God is with you Madeline. Keep your wonderful, positive attitude.
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Kathy Clarkin
1/26/2017 09:14:08 am
Sister-in-law, your strength and determination continue to amaze us! Kudos to your incredible care team (Jim, Col and Mike) and your outstanding medical staff. Prayers for a smooth transition today and much awaited conversation with your loves. XX both sides!!
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Michelle Mary
1/26/2017 09:35:25 am
Go Madeline Go! That's terrific progress- unbelievable really! Although none of us are surprised--she's already shown us what a fighter she is. Keep us the great work, Mad and team! We're rooting you on every step of the way. xo
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Paula Pomfret
1/26/2017 10:01:55 am
Madeline Anne, you are one strong women. Prayers continue and thinking of you all day long.
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Jane and Vinny Iannetta
1/26/2017 10:11:22 am
Wonderful update! Prayers continue unending for Madeline's steady improvement and strength for all of you..
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1/26/2017 10:27:51 am
Great update Madeline!!! All the Hanlon's continue to pray for your continued strength and recovery 😘
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Debbie and Dana
1/26/2017 10:32:05 am
Madeline, you are such an inspiration to us. Keep it going Girl...you've go this!!! Our thoughts and prayers are with you always.
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Liz Wegner
1/26/2017 11:07:54 am
Wow!! Keep fighting, Mrs. Reilly!! So excited to hear about the progress. We will continue with prayers for continued strength. 🍀🍀🍀🍀
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Linda silva
1/26/2017 11:16:37 am
Looking forward to more positive messages. Don't forget there is a direct route to our Lord through my beloved mother best known as Vovo Celeste. She is always working so be comforted knowing Mom is with God watching over you and your family. We love you madelaine and cant wait to see you with that bright smile again.
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MaryBeth Minnick
1/26/2017 12:42:43 pm
So far so good, praying everyday, hope the tubes can come out soon!!! Iam sure you have A lot say to your family!!! Love ya!!❤❤❤❤❤
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Candy and Bill
1/26/2017 01:45:13 pm
GO MAD!
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Sheri Ferland
1/26/2017 03:07:59 pm
"Auntie Mad", you're strength and resilience are inspirational. You'll be sitting outside Cabana 84 very soon! Praying to St. Teresa for you everyday. Lots of love xoxo.
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Denny and Jane O'Brien
1/26/2017 06:11:12 pm
Sitting in a chair-big accomplishment!! You can do it and we are all with you with prayer. God bless you and your family
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Mary Beth Flynn
1/26/2017 06:43:33 pm
I look forward to the update every day. Each day that goes by, healing is happening. My prayers go out to all of you. God bless and good night.
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Diane M Lukowicz
1/26/2017 07:56:02 pm
Thanks for the daily update. Madeline is a fighter! Tell her that BSBC days are around the corner! xxoo
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Mary Jeannotte
1/26/2017 08:05:26 pm
Madeline,
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Diana & Pat Murphy
1/26/2017 08:31:47 pm
Wonderful update,wonderful news....truly amazing on the progress!Keep up the great work.You all are in our prayers,
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Michael and Beth McLoughlin
1/26/2017 08:53:16 pm
So pleased to hear of your progress. You have such a wonderful family and supportive friends. Be strong Madeline and send you positive thoughts and intentions. I love your daughter she is so genuine and kind and I especially loved her beautiful wedding dress. Streaky the corse. ♥
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Jeanne LaBelle
1/26/2017 09:15:22 pm
Thinking of you every day and praying that you continue to make good progress.
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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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