Thursday, July 3, 2008

We're Home!

Hooray! We are home! I am sitting on my comfortable couch right now, for the first time in six weeks! My whole family is under one roof, but not in one room, and everything just feels good.

The CT itself went well this morning. The cardiac anesthesia nurse said it was the smoothest CT she's done in a long time. Drew really did not like being in the PACU and lost it a little when they wanted to put the pulse ox on him, something he has done with no problem for weeks. He cried until he fell asleep on me and then they gave him some IV versed through his handy picc line to keep him asleep until we got into the CT room. Oh, here's something for you Kate, since you were wondering why anesthesiologists get paid so much. I was trying to convince her to try to let Drew do the CT with no sedation and she explained that they needed a picture with a breath hold, which requires him to be in control of his breathing and not asleep from benadryl. So I asked how she does that if he's sedated and she replied nonchalantly "I give him a medication to make him stop breathing and then I am in control of it." That's why they get paid the big bucks, to stop you from breathing but keep you alive.

Drew woke up from the anesthesia around 9 am when the surgical team came in and looked at his wound. They said it looked good and we didn't need to go to clinic. Which sounded great until I remembered that we need someone to take the PICC line out if the CT looked ok. So it was back up to 3W to talk to our NP Kiersten who took care of us getting back into clinic. Drew played in the playroom (hopefully for the last time!) until 12 and then we headed back to clinic. Our appointment was at 12:30, we didn't see anyone until 1:30, and we didn't leave until 3:00! But even though it was slow in coming, it was all good news!

The results of the CT today show that the abscess is completely gone! Praise God! Drew still has some effusions, so we will continue on the lasix and aldactone for that. He has switched to oral linezolid three times a day for the next two weeks and we will follow up with our cardiologist next week. We were warned to take any fevers very seriously though for the next month and head to the emergency room if it were to happen in the evening or on a weekend.

We were so excited to come home, we jumped in the car and headed right back to Sacramento. We left Palo Alto at 4:30 and didn't get home until 8:00. Waiting for us was our wonderful life group! Our furniture has all been replaced, the house looked clean, the fridge was stocked and our friends made a big welcome home banner for Drew. And they unloaded our car packed to the top with our stuff! Valerie was here too with a giant pack of fireworks that Drew can't wait to open! Thank you everyone!

Our little children are tucked into their beds and we can't wait to sleep in our OWN bed tonight! I have some more thoughts to post on surgery and the kindness of others as well as a lot of THANK YOUs, so check back soon for those. In the meantime, just know that we feel so blessed. Thank you!

Drew just before the CT

Our car couldn't hold anything else!

Drew and Ava with the welcome home banner

The life group ladies

Drew tucked into his own train bed

28 comments:

Amy, Steve, Molly, Paige and Garrett said...

I heard that you were making the trek back and have been checking the blog to get the update. I'm seriously sitting here crying because I couldn't be happier for you guys. The simple pleasure of being back in your own home. PRAISE GOD! Can't wait to give you some hugs! Maybe we'll see you at the Adamson's tomorrow???
Amy

Kathy said...

HOORAY!!!

You have so MANY wonderful family and friends...you guys are so wonderful and are SOOO loved!!!

How amazing about the ct results. Drew is our new SUPERMAN!!!

I hope you ALL get to sleep in LATE in the morning, pop a MILLION fireworks...and just get lots of snuggle time on that comfy couch this weekend.

Love,
Kathy

char said...

i'm so happy you're finally home! Ü

Drew and Ava's Grandma said...

We couldn't be happier knowing that you are so happy. Congratulations for getting through the last 6 weeks. This is truly the beginning of wonderful things to come for Drew and for all of you.

I'm with Kathy - take this weekend to rest, regroup and be cozy. You all deserve it!

Love, Mom and Dad

Jennifer Herring said...

Amazing!!!! Praise God!!! I am SO happy for you guys!!!

Quayle Covey Blog said...

I know you are so glad to be home and WE are super excited to have you home. Boy, we sure missed you so much. Jacob has been praying for Drew every single night and he yelled wahoo and ran around the house when I told him the news! We can't wait to have you all over to play!

Wyndi said...

yeah!!!!!!! I am so happy for you guys!!! we will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers though out b and are so happy to read your good news!! go drew go!! wyndi steve and izzy

Leslie said...

oh, i'm SO glad you're back home. rest easy and i'm still keeping the prayers going strong.

DeAnna said...

Welcome Home Himmelbergers!! We are so glad to have you back!!

Anonymous said...

Great News! I am sure everyone will sleep well in their own beds.

Unknown said...

Yay!Praise God! So happy to hear.. Welcome Home!

Unknown said...

I am SO happy you are home! I hope you have a wonderful 4th of July!

Kate said...

YES!!!!! and thanks for getting the anesthesiologist info for me in such a clever way. i like her answer: "oh, i just play god for a bit." okay, yeah, i guess that does deserve the big bucks!

Anonymous said...

Praise God. You all must be thrilled to be in your own beds. As a family who also lived out of suitcases for 7 weeks we understand the joys of getting all your own things back. We are so happy for you.

Meredith said...

Congratulations and welcome home!!!! It must feel SO wonderful to be safe and all at home together. Enjoy some much needed family time this July 4th! We love you!

Krista said...

Yeah...I'm so glad you are HOME...and that the absess is gone! What wonderful news to read this morning.

Blessing to your family this 4th...Praise God

Lill said...

Mer's Mom-in-law here-It is wonderful that you are finally home and that everything is going so well. Will continue prayers that things stay ok.

Amy said...

WELCOME HOME...

We are all so happy for you Drew and your family, have a Happy 4th of July.

Amy and Taylor

The Portas said...

THANK GOD! I am so relieved, happy, joyful, teary reading this news. I hope you all got fabulous rest in your OWN BEDS and that you have a great 4th of July weekend together as a family. Drew is so brave and strong. Seeing him lying in the CT bed showed his strength. Still sending prayers for no fevers. Enjoy each other!!!! xoxoxoxo

Anonymous said...

I had been holding my breath for the longest time hoping all was well and now I have a big smile on my face and tears in my eyes!!! I'm so glad you are home and Drew is healing. Love, Dr. P

Jessica said...

That last pic of Drew in his own bed...hooray!!
I'm so glad you're all safe at home!

Anonymous said...

WELCOME HOME!!!!
i'm with Dr.P-tears in my eyes just seeing the pic's! drew is a walking miracle! the peace and sanity your family expressed was a testamint to our awesome God! your Life Group is awesome! i LOVE that they gave you a big ol welcome with a giant sign and basics in the fridge-way to go ya'll! can't wait to see you later today and give you a big squeeze myself! Yay!!!
much love and big hugs,
rose

Anonymous said...

Welcome home Drew - what a perfect way to celebrate Independence Day but at HOME!

I'm a bit emotional today and I cried tears of joy that you were HOME.

Best wishes from another Heart Family.

www.olivia-ann.com

Katie Scott said...

We are so happy that you are all home safe and sound. It was great to see you in your house last night and see all the kids playing together. Yay God!!

Kacie said...

I'm so happy for you guys!! Very emotional for me as well to read this post and just be so full of joy for you guys. Can't wait to see you all and give you a squeeze.

Princess Abigail said...

Drew, the Bernard Bunch in France is so proud of your courage and strength ... what an incredibly strong boy you are!!!! We love your blog and keep a close eye on your progress. Take care lil boy!!! Abigail and her Bernard Bunch

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad it all worked out! What an awesome 4th of July you must all be having! Yippeee to your fam!

Love ya!

Julie

Unknown said...

Your home!!! I'm so happy all is well and your all under one roof. Hope you had a wonderful 4th of July!