Toni Times 10-20-10 - Evening Edition (Plus Brief Update for Morning of 10-21)

OK, first things first: Toni is OK and resting well tonight.

But it was a very tough day.

The plasmapheresis tube leading into her heart became 'kinked' during this morning's treatment, causing so much pain that doctors had to suspend the procedure. This also meant that she had to receive an immediate CT Scan of her heart to make sure that the tube had not caused any damage, and she was also placed on a heart monitor as a precautionary measure. Worst of all, it meant that the surgeons had to come back and remove the original tube and replace it with a new one. They were able to do that this afternoon, which means that Toni was knocked out and will hopefully sleep through the night. In addition to all this, the docs discovered that one of her lungs wasn't 'breathing' as well as it should, probably due in large part to the sheer amount of time she's been bedridden, and so received a further chest x-ray and she is using one of those breathing exercise tubes to strengthen the lungs.

She amazes me in times like this. I'd be really upset, but she maintains her composure beautifully and hasn't uttered a word of complaint.

Today's treatment was far enough along to 'count' so one more awaits, on Friday. We hope there will be no further adventures. Tomorrow will be a much needed rest day for Toni.

Updated this morning: Toni was on oxygen through the night, but her breathing this morning is back to normal.

The plan at present is one more treatment on Friday followed by the removal of the tube on Saturday and then dismissal to head home.

Toni said to say, "I'm tired" and that she's thankful for your prayers sustaining her.