Lucas continues to show improvement in his recovery, and is on a very nice trajectory!! We’re traumatized from Friday, but are really relieved and encouraged by the progression and improvement he’s shown since. 

Yesterday’s echo showed his right heart pressures about the same, stable from the improved state on Saturday. They did a 3D echo to take a closer look at the integrity of his tricuspid valve. That’s highly specialized and difficult to capture/read. They have a specialist reviewing and we don’t have final answers yet. Based on initial review they’ve not seen any damage, and are being conservative by ruling it out.  

Yesterday they lifted Lucas’ sedation and extubated (removed breathing tube). Additionally they stopped his morphine drip and have been dosing it along with Tylenol as needed for pain. It was amazing and relieving to see him with his binky in his mouth, self soothing with his blankie!! He’s not very interactive right now, but he’s pointing out pictures in his books and naming the animals. Lucas LOVES farm animals – no surprise “COW” would be one of his first words waking up (along with Mama and Dada). 

The positive momentum has continued today – they removed Lucas surgical chest tube drain, and Corey has been able to hold him! 

It’s so hard to be separated. I’m staying nights as I have been during our stays. I just begged Cor to swap with me for a little so I can hold Lukey boy too.

Lucas is on an immunosupression cocktail to prevent organ rejection, some of which he’ll be on the rest of his life.  He’ll theoretically be the most immunosupressed now, and in year 1 following transplant. The meds are through IV right now, but we’ll be taught the regimen when he moves to the floor. One in particular must be 2x/day at the exact same time, no matter what’s going on. 

Rejection is a lifelong risk for Lucas. While the process of transplanting an organ is astounding, the scientific advancement of knowledge and medicines to prevent rejection is really what makes quality of life possible. This will be a primary role of our transplant cardiology team going forward –  working a balance between rejection and infection risk, while aiming to limit negative side effects. 

Thank you to everyone again for the prayers, love and support!!  Corey said this morning “God is good and I believe with all my heart that all the prayers and love surrounding Lukey and our family have helped tremendously!!!”