We are breathing a lot easier and so is Jake. We received the news we have been fervently praying for. The pneumothorax on both the left and right sides has resolved! After weeks of monitoring air pockets, nitrogen washouts, and stubborn chest tubes, seeing those words “resolved” on the X-ray report was an incredible moment. It feels like a massive weight has been lifted and we are moving forward once again.

Jake isn’t just breathing better, he’s moving better. He conquered two long loops around the Heart Center, his longest walk to date. His stamina continues to climb, and as his lungs clear, you can see his strength.

In another big step toward “normalcy,” he was able to move back to a regular nasal cannula for his oxygen support during the day. While we celebrate the lungs and his amazing stamina, we are still trying to understand Jake’s right arm. We are working closely with the Neurology team to determine the exact cause of his current weakness. We’re trying to find if this is nerve-related or a lingering effect from the stroke. Getting clarity here will help us tailor his treatment better as we move forward.

Jake is all prepped and ready for his heart biopsy first thing tomorrow morning. This procedure is a normal but important part of the post-transplant journey. It will give the doctors a direct look at how his new heart is performing and ensure there are no signs of rejection. Please keep him in your prayers tomorrow.

He fills my lungs with spirit; he heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

Psalm 147:3