April 30, 2007 at 11:00 p.m.  Brandon reports that Karin was on dialysis when he got to the hospital at 10:30 this morning and remained on until mid afternoon. They began to have catheter problems but after putting some blood thinner in the lines continued until they got a good amount of fluid. Then Karin went on to do a trach weaning from 2:00 p.m until she achieved about 5-1/2 hours. The critical care doctor answered some questions about the appearance of the incision from the third surgery to Brandon’s satisfaction. It seems they used fewer staples to allow for more healing from the inside out to discourage infection. The doctor assured Brandon that he is pleased with the looks of the incision site. The pneumonia seems to be under control and Karin is not running a fever. But she is a little sore from a good bit of coughing. Brandon said in late afternoon today she was tired and hurting some and did express some weariness with the whole process. He had some help encouraging her and her spirits were lifted when a Mechanicsburg couple surprised her with a visit this evening. Heather is an old childhood friend of Karin’s and she and Steve are now neighbors to Bordners. Brandon said surprise visits like this one and the one she had on Saturday night from her dad’s cousin Marie and her daughter Nicolette are always welcome. They do so much to help Karin realize just how big the support team behind her is. They also serve to remind her that there is more to life outside of this room and one day she will be part of it again. Karen Arrowood also stopped by today and left a small Mickey Mouse with Karin to remind her of her goal to visit Disneyland. Karen is packing to head home to Georgia by week’s end. Our Karin had a long wide-awake day today so we are praying for her to have a restorative and restful night’s rest tonight.

April 29, 2007 at 10:30 p.m.  Brandon reported this evening that Karin had a big day! She had wonderful visits from Brandon's sisters Alecia and Mandi during the first visiting period. Also surprising her with a visit were old friends, Alice, Jody and Lora. Brandon said that Karin weaned off the ventilator today for a total of 5-1/2 hours and then the doctors decided to give her a good break so she wouldn't overdo it. They were really impressed! The doctors also reported that a recent culture showed a touch of pneumonia but it is under control with some switching of medications. After all the company and the weaning exercise she was understandably pretty tired this evening. So she and Brandon watched "Grumpy Old Men". He said she laughed so hard it started to hurt but she managed to stay awake for the whole flick. Brandon also said she seems much more at ease about being left alone. When visiting hours end now, she is much more at peace when he has to leave. Peace and love surround her! God is so good! Please pray for her continued strength to continue to fight this battle and get healthy enough to really enjoy her new heart and lungs.

April 29, 2007 at 2:00 p.m.  Linda called to report that when she arrived at the hospital this morning, Karin was sitting up in a chair weaning off the ventilator, and had already been at it for two hours. Linda said it was such a good surprise she cried, because Karin couldn't even do 10 minutes yesterday. By 1 p.m. Karn was up to 4-1/2 hours breathing without the ventilator! Friends that Karin used to work with stopped by to visit and were so excited to see Karin doing so well today. It is truly unbelievable how large a leap she has taken in one day - another mini-miracle of many in Karin's life. Thank you, Lord!

April 28, 2007 at 3:30 p.m.  Linda writes: We arrived this morning to find a wide awake Karin. She was calm and cool today! She is not running a fever but is on a couple of different antibiotics. When we left her at 10 p.m. last night, dialysis was just finishing up with her and had almost obtained their goal of removing three liters of fluid. This morning at about 11 a.m. dialysis rolled in again, much to our surprise. It seems that Karin is still in the plus category for fluid retention so they are going to dialyze again today with a hefty goal of another 3 liters! A critical care doctor also stopped by to talk to us about how she is doing. As we suspected, her new heart and lungs are doing well, but the ventilator weaning is not going as we hoped. Focus now is to continue with weaning trials to get back on track and get Karin off of the ventilator. Of course, until the trachea heals enough to promote good volume, she may still wear out very quickly. Nevertheless they still want her to try. Trying will at least exercise the muscles some. Then when her body is ready, it may not be as tough for her muscles to adjust to the new workload. The doctor encouraged her to do at least 10 minutes of weaning before stopping. Sometimes the body just needs to get over the hump of having to work so hard after being at rest for awhile. This all sounds good in theory so now we need to help Karin put the theory into practice. When we left at 2 p.m., which is "quiet time" in the unit, Karin was watching a movie!

April 27, 2007 at 10:15 p.m.  Linda called this evening to report that Karin had a restful, sleepy day. Linda said yesterday and last night was really scary for them, but she sounded more relaxed this evening. What a difference 24 hours of prayer can make! Today Karin is in a little pain from the incision they had to re-open for last night's surgery, but the original clamshell incision from the transplant looks very good. Two attempts at C-Pap breathing had to be discontinued because of a rise in blood pressure but they will try it again tomorrow. Most of this evening, from 6-10 p.m., was spent in dialysis with successful removal of about three units of fluid, a very satisfactory amount. The nurses cautioned that Karin might feel a little sick today after having her incision and internal body cavity washed with antibiotics, but Karin showed no signs of nausea and did not even run a fever. The thoracic surgeon who performed yesterday's surgery stopped by and said Karin “looked real good.” They said her windpipe does appear to be healing, which is something that just has to happen “naturally.”
Webmaster editorial: Today marks two months since Karin received her new heart and lungs – she is doing a valiant, courageous job of giving it her all, facing and overcoming setbacks, and displaying an invincible spirit, determination, and grace under pressure. May God continue to bless her and hold her in the palm of His hand.

April 27, 2007 at 4:10 p.m.  Tim reported over the phone that Karin is doing ok today. She was sleeping when they arrived to see her this morning and is still very tired. She looks fine and her "numbers" are good. The doctors haven't made rounds yet so they haven't talked to them today. The dialysis team is still planning to have a session with Karin today. She has been using her communication board today and does pretty well using text messaging lingo. Tim said the nurse encouraged them to wake her up this morning and when they did, she used her new little hand-held communicator to query them: "Y R U yeln?" Tim explained they were just trying to wake her up. She rolled her eyes as if to say,”No kidding and I just want to sleep!" I guess someone should have warned her they don't let you sleep in hospitals! Actually, Tim says she seems pretty comfortable except for an occasional forceful cough that makes her wince a little. It is still speculation at this point but Tim says the immunosuppresssants may be delaying the healing of the windpipe and it is possible they will reduce those some. It is a delicate balance they need to strike with that medication. Meanwhile he expects they will just keep a closer watch on this. He said Karin was not too happy last night about another surgery but her attitude seemed to be, "OK, Let's just do it!" The family was so glad the surgery was not as long or extensive as anticipated and they did NOT pull an overnighter at the hospital. They appreciate all the prayers and encouraging notes on the “Post-a-Note” page.

April 26, 2007 updated at 10:40 p.m. Many of you must have been praying!!!  Karin is out of surgery and her family is very encouraged.  The doctors said the hole was not as big as they had expected to find.  They cleaned it some but did not move any muscles.  Karin is expected to be returning to her room soon and her family is relieved and rejoicing.  Keep praying that this hole in Karin's windpipe will seal itself up so she can get the full benefit of every breath she takes as she continues on this journey to recovery.
      P.S.: At about 10:25 p.m. our phone call to Tim was cut short when the nurse interrupted with good news.  She told the family Karin is back in her room and they could see her. Needless to say some details will have to wait.  Tim said just in the short time since they got the post surgery report from the physician he has thought of more questions.  Many of you probably have questions also, so here are a few of the details he was able to share.  #1.  The reason the hole was not seen during the bronchoscope yesterday is that they leave the trach tube in her windpipe so the hole could not be seen because it is on the outside of the trach tube.   #2.  A "C.T." scan had led them to believe the hole was larger than it turned out to be.  They did treat some infection at the site of the incision from the second surgery.   This infection was probably the cause for an elevated temperature Karin had been running. The surgery lasted about 2hrs. 15 min. Check back for more news as it develops.

April 26, 2007 updated at 8:00 p.m.  Earlier today doctors decided that Karin needed another surgery.  Although they say there is not much they can do to directly repair a leak in her windpipe, they will do some muscle moving in hopes that it will assist her body to heal the hole.  Tim and Brandon had returned to their jobs today but turned around to make the return trip to Pittsburgh hoping to be with Karin before she was taken in to surgery.  Brandon was still enroute when Karin was taken into surgery shortly before 8 p.m. The surgery will take several hours. It appears that this leakage is related to the artery repair procedure which also involved her larynx and windpipe. Air leakage was detected at the site of the incision for that second surgery today and that is what alerted them to the problem.   It probably explains why weaning was such a challenge for her since that second surgery.  The doctors think all they will be able to do is to attempt to use muscles to support the area in way that will promote healing while it is up to her body to heal itself. Our understanding is vague on exactly what all of this means except that the doctors made it clear that this is very, very, serious. This is another night to pray for another miracle!     Please join us in praying for exceptional skill and wisdom for the operating room team and for peace and hope for Karin's family, especially her husband, parents, and family as they wait at the hospital tonight.  I pray thaat Karin will continue to fight for her life but we know it is up to the Great Physician and we are asking for His healing grace and mercy for Karin again.

April 26, 2007 as of 6:05 p.m.  Tim phoned earlier today around 3:50 p.m. with concerning news about Karin's condition. She is being scheduled for another surgery, supposedly sometime later today (her second major surgery SINCE the transplant). The details are not fully known at this time, but it seems she has developed a leak or perforation in her windpipe that is not healing. The surgery is to reconfigure some chest muscles to promote healing - there is really nothing the doctors can do to correct the situation - they cannot resection her windpipe, it must heal itself, and all they can do is try this surgical procedure to promote Karin's windpipe to heal on its own. The doctors were very frank with Linda and told her that if it does not heal itself, Karin's prognosis is not very good. Needless to say, both Tim and Linda and Brandon are very anxious and are hurting at this news. Please pray for all of them, as well as the medical team during this procedure. At this writing, Karin's family is visiting with her in her room and they still have not taken Karin to the O.R. yet.  We will pass along the outcome of the surgery as soon as it is known.   Back to Top

April 25, 2007 at 2:30 p.m.  Tim writes: Yesterday turned out to be an O.K. day even though Karin was not able to wean! As I mentioned in yesterday's update, they were going to do a Bronchoscopy and dialysis. I asked if I could stay in the room when they did the Bronch and was able to do so! You might say I got a tour of Karin's new lungs! Everything looked fine in there so the doctor does seem to think her weaning problems are anxiety related and will take appropriate steps to remedy that. Something to take the "edge" off about 15 minutes before they start a weaning trial. Yesterday's dialysis session went very smoothly, too! It was only a two-hour sessionm but they were able to get off about two liters of fluid. Hopefully those sessions continue to go smoothly!
     I made another "Candy Run" (see for details) this morning before visiting hours and when I got here Karin was sitting up in the chair and had been since 6 a.m. Her nurse had called me earlier to ask me to bring in the charger for her I-pod. Karin used it last night for the first time since her surgery and it now needed charged. It is nice to see her able to enjoy things like this again.
     At about 12:30 p.m. today Karin got some very special visitors! Karen Arrowood (the other "Special K") and her Mom and Dad stopped in to offer Karin some words of encouragement. I think seeing Karen doing and looking so well lifted her spirits and gives her something to look forward to. Karen had an appointment here at the hospital today and has another one tomorrow and one on Monday then it's “So long Pittsburgh!” and “Hello Georgia!”
     Karin is having dialysis session as I write this and the goal is to get another two liters of fluid. Things were going smoothly when I left her room to write this update. Actually she was listening to her I-pod and seemed to be resting comfortably. Dialysis certainly is tiring for her but maybe we will be able to try some vent weaning again this evening. When Karin does try another weaning exercise, I am going to try to convince her to use her I-pod. I think it may help relax her and take her mind off the exercise. More later.

April 24, 2007 at 3:20 p.m.  Tim writes: Karin has been sitting up in the chair since early this morning. However she has not been able to do a trach mask wean today, but not for the lack of trying though! Gamely, she has attempted to breathe without the ventilator three different times but can't seem to get beyond the first 5-10 minutes! The doctor thinks perhaps it is an anxiety issue. Nevertheles,s to rule out other causes he is ordering a bronchoscopy later this afternoon just to see if there may be some mucous plugs or some other problem in the lungs! Karin also seems to think it is just anxiety! But I suspect they may find some mucous in the lungs. We'll just have to wait and see and pray that whatever the cause, it can be easily remedied. They are also planning to do another round of dialysis today to get more fluids off. As you know, coordinating and completing weaning exercises with dialysis sessions has been a delicate, complicated, and frustrating process lately. I am anxious to see if today's session goes any better. I am hopeful that it will work better today because at the end of yesterday's session when the nurse was flushing her tunnel catheter she flushed a clot that may have been the culprit behind yesterday's problems. So please pray for Karin to experience less anxiety today and instead to know that she is in God's care and to feel herself surrounded by His Peace and Love. He is her Great Physician, but the hospital doctors, nurses and technicians also need our prayers for wisdom and skill in diagnosing and treating Karin and others. So please remember to pray for them often, too. God does answer prayer!
    P.S.: My personal thanks to all who made donations to Karin's NTAF account in February and March. There may be a lag in posting names on the website, but we want you to know we appreciate the continuing generous support from friends and family and even a few names we do not recognize.
    P.P.S.: Candy sales are going well and I will have more stock available to sell tomorrow (click the button for details).

April 23, 2007 at 10:50 p.m.  Linda called to report that she & Tim were leaving hospital. Linda says it was another day of dialysis, so weaning exercises had to be cut short because dialysis was scheduled for 11 a.m. However, the dialysis technician did not come until 1 p.m., so that was a little frustrating. Tim talked to one of the critical care doctors this morning and assured him that Karin's family did not want any therapy to be soft-pedaled during their visiting time. The doctor assured him that the therapists would always do what's best for Karin. They would not cut her any slack in the presence of family if they felt she needed to be pushed. So we have to believe that, for reasons we may not understand, the slow pace they are taking right now is truly best for Karin at this time. The nurse also explained that sometimes dialysis sessions are not as effective as they would like and so they must schedule an extra session. The incomplete dialysis sessions may be the result of a catheter clogging or blood pressure levels. The more fluid removed, the more BP may fluctuate. The explanations help so much to understand when things need to be ended prematurely and/or rescheduled.
     Praise the Lord! Who said God's ears are not big enough to hear everything? Unknown to anyone in Pittsburgh, last night there was a discussion at our house in Ohio about how to come up with a keyboard-based electronic/digital handheld unit that would display and/or speak messages Karin could type into the unit, so she could communicate more easily. The webmaster thought he could figure something out. He could probably program a unit with an audible voice if we could get some kind of small hand-held device with word processing and speakers, like a Palm Pilot or other PDA. Today when Tim got to the hospital can you guess what he found on Karin's bed? Sitting on her bed was a small device with all the letters of the alphabet on one side and a small 5x1 inch screen to display the typed-in words. On the flip side are buttons with phrases. It doesn't speak audibly, and the letter keys are not in the traditional keyboard arrangement, however we are not complaining because it certainly is an improvement over the paper letter board Karin has been using. Getting her thoughts on “paper” spelled correctly can still be a challenge at times when Karin sometimes using multiples of the same letter. Hopefully this is only a temporary problem.
     Now for the rest of the story on the new stuffed dachshund - Kola #2 (see Photo Gallery). The person who gifted Karin with the first stuffed "Kola" found another one on the internet to replace Kola #1 and sent it to Pittsburgh with Linda. Yet another prayer answered. Uncle Jack has promised to get it some serious dog tags and we are recommending he also purchase a leash! Karin loved having Mom & Dad there this evening when Linda got off work. She really seems to need the assurance of their presence so we are thankful they are able to be there with Karin as much as they have been. It is as much a part of Karin's healing to feel safe and cared for as to receive more technically advanced medical treatments at this time.

April 22, 2007 at 9:40 p.m.  Brandon and his mom spent yesterday with Karin in Pittsburgh while other family members attended the Corvette and Classic Car rally in Reedsville. Thank you very, very much to Corvette America, the USA-1 Corvette Club from State College, and all the people who organized, promoted, and hosted this benefit fundraiser in Karin's behalf. Aunt Kathy Marks also came in to visit, putting a big smile on Karin's face. For Karin things were more low key than they were for those gathering on her behalf in Reedsville. It was another dialysis day for her with a little pampering by Brandon thrown in for good measure. A shampoo and manicure helped lift her spirits, too. Brandon said the dialysis had a very drying effect on the skin so Karin also enjoyed having lotion applied. Karin went for a C.T. scan and had an x-ray to check the position of her feeding tube which had been accidentally displaced during a bed transfer. After dialysis Karin gets pretty tired so only about 1-1/2 hours were devoted to weaning off the ventilator Saturday. This morning Karin weaned for about two hours before a patient care break had to be taken. Her numbers seem to be good and Karin seems to be gaining strength but does complain of pain occasionally. So throughout this week please remember to pray that all of Karin's body systems will function well and in accord with her new organs and without complications. Thank you very much.
Linda phoned at 11:00 p.m. as she was leaving the hospital to say that Karin had a restful day. She did get to do some breathing on her own using the trach mask, but it was a more "relaxing" Sunday for her. The stuffed substitute for her dachshund, Kola, that went AWOL a few weeks ago was replaced with "Kola-#2", and Aunt Kathy and Uncle Jack stopped by to visit and take some new photos (see Photo Gallery).

April 21, 2007 at 4:00 p.m.   We have not yet received a report from Pittsburgh about Karin today. However, Uncle Dan just called to report that today's Reedsville Rally was a HUGE success. They were hoping to get 100 cars to participate and about 250 showed up! And your prayers for good weather were answered with a perfect day. The rally participants were flabergasted when two skydivers fell from a cloudless sky and landed right in the midst of the cars, the crowd was entertained with '50's & '60's music played by DJ Larry Wise, and the food (ribs & pulled pork sandwiches) provided by Prospector's Allegheny Rib Company was simply scrumptious. There was a silent auction, too, which featured Penn State memorabilia, including a football signed by Joe Paterno. We will post pictures in the "Event Photos" section as soon as we have them. Dan said he had not seen such huge smiles and happy grins from Karin's parents Tim and Linda Marks, and brothers Scott and Brian, in a while - knowing how much people still care about Karin was an enormous morale booster for all of them. Thank you very, very much to Corvette America and the USA-1 Corvette Club from State College, who organized, promoted, and hosted this benefit fundraiser in Karin's behalf.

April 20, 2007 at 3:10 p.m.   Tim reports: This certainly has been one of those days, so far, that it is difficult to say a whole lot about!  It's a dialysis day so there probably won't be any ventilator weaning exercise time today, because when dialysis is finished today, they plan on replacing her tracheostomy. Karin is not very comfortable today. She does not want to be alone so I need to keep this short so I can grab a bite to eat and get back in there. Days like this one feel less rewarding but all of these procedures are as necessary to Karin's healthy recovery as the weaning exercises are. Again, we area reminded of why they call people in hospitals patients as we try to practice the virtue of patience ourselves. Please persist with us in praying for both "Special K's" and the families of the donors. Thank you.

April 19, 2007 at 3:30 p.m.   Tim writes a follow up to yesterday's update: Not quite sure how long Karin actually weaned off the ventilator yesterday but I know it was 10-plus hours.  Not bad considering she also had the four-hour dialysis session too!  Again, toward the end of the weaning session I had to exercise some tough love when she wanted to quit!  I don't want to say it was harder on me than it was on her, but believe me, it wasn't easy!  I asked her this morning if she was still upset with me and she indicated she wasn't, so that helps some. 
   This morning I got an early start to make the two-hour round trip to pick up candy for the fundraiser so we would have some for the Reedsville Rally this week-end (click the button for details).   I still made it back here to the hospital by 10 a.m.  Good thing too, because Karin doesn't like to be alone when she is allowed to have visitors!  She was already sitting up in the chair and had begun weaning at 9 a.m.   At about 11 a.m. Karin could see one of the Respiratory Therapists sitting at a computer outside her room and wanted me to get him.  I told her that he wasn't going to let her quit weaning already because she was doing so well.  She indicated that is not why she wanted to talk to him but wouldn't tell me why.  I told the therapist that before he left the area Karin wanted to talk to him, and that she says it is not because she wants to quit weaning.  A few minutes later he stuck his head in the room and asked what she wanted and she mouthed the word "DANCE"I asked if she really wanted to "dance" and she nodded her head yes! ("dancing" is standing to her feet and exercising her legs in-place).  Needless to say, this was VERY encouraging to see Karin want to add some physical exercise while breathing on her own.  The therapist jumped at the chance and began the necessary preparations for her to get her up on her feet. But after about 15 minutes "nature called" so we decided to wait until a little later to try another "dance."
   At about 12:30 p.m. Gram and Pap Freund showed up so I thought I would take advantage of them being here to get an early (earlier than usual) lunch.   I told Karin that I was going to take a restroom break while Gram & Pap were here and she wanted to write something.  I gave her the clipboard and she wrote: "Come back in two minutes!"  So much for the early lunch.  I think I'll head to the cafeteria now (3:30 p.m.). It seems like a healthy sign that Karin is showing her spunky side again. Seeing Karin more assertive about her recovery is very encouraging.

April 18, 2007 at 3:20 p.m.   Tim writes: Just in case I don't have a chance to send something later ... Karin was sitting up in the chair and weaning off the ventilator at 6 a.m. and then back into the bed at about 11:00 a.m. for dialysis. However, she kept on weaning for about an hour into the dialysis session! At that time the dialysis nurse asked if she could be put back on the ventilator. So she weaned for over six hours already today. The plan is to get her back on the trach mask after dialysis is over at about 4 p.m. I ordered the candy for the fundraiser this morning (click the button for details) so I would have some for this week-end at the Reedsville Rally Corvette car show. I'm told there are already 80 cars registered and they expect more. Weather forecast looks promising for this week-end. I know we say it often, but we truly mean it: thank you for all the support we are receiving, especially the prayers for Karin.

April 17, 2007 at 8:30 p.m.   Tim reports: I forgot to mention yesterday that Uncle Bob, Aunt Joni, Kristin and Chelsea were all here to visit with Karin.
     Today the doctors replaced some portions of the tunnel catheter that had to be replaced and when we went back to Karin's room the dialysis machines where there. This surprised us because when they initially put in the tunnel catheter they said they had to wait 24 hours before they did dialysis.  I mentioned this to the nurse and she said they didn't have to actually replace the whole thing and they didn't have to wait.  Anyway, they hooked Karin up to the machine but it didn't work so they decided they would wait the 24 hours after all!  The good news is that Karin has been sitting in the chair and weaning for over six hours and I feel sure they will try to keep her going for a while longer, if possible.  She really does seem to be more at ease with the whole process the past couple of days.  Uncle Jack and Aunt Kathy were here visiting this evening and when they came in to the room Karin wanted to write something so we got her the clipboard.  She wrote "Happy Anniversary", because she knew yesterday was their anniversary (41 years).  She also knew that pappy Marks' birthday was yesterday and tomorrow is Uncle Dan's (AKA: Jakie) birthday!  Gotta go, time to visit!
Added at 10:30 p.m.: Karin did 13 hours of weaning off the ventilator today and was still sitting in the chair when I left!  Her nurse was just preparing to get her back into the bed - I feel sure she should be able to get some sleep tonight! I pray it will be sweet dreams, too.

April 16, 2007 at 9:40 p.m.   Tim reports: Following up on yesterday's update with the fact that Karin weaned off the ventilator by using a trach mask for four hours yesterday late morning into the afternoon and then again for two more hours last evening.  During the evening session she actually had her eyes closed and if she wasn't sleeping was at least very much relaxed!   To me this was a really good sign that she is becoming more confident (didn't want to say "comfortable" because it really is work for her) that she can do this and will be O.K. with it.  I don't see that she has too much anxiety over doing a weaning session now, but I really do think she has some discomfort issues since her second surgery. 
    Today was a dialysis day so we didn't know if she would get a chance to wean or not but as it turns out she was able to do about two hours of weaning this evening.  Again she was really relaxed, if not sleeping, had her eyes closed and was weaning when we left her room at 6:45 p.m.  They were not able to do a full session of dialysis because her tunnel catheter was not functioning properly and it will have to be replaced sometime tomorrow.  Not sure how much all of this will affect her forward progress but we will keep pressing on. I talked to one of the critical care doctors today about trying to coordinate the weans and dialysis a little better if possible.  He seemed to agree and hopefully we will have fewer days where little or no progress seems to be made.  
    Karin was resting in the chair when I left her room at 9:00 p.m. to write this update and has been in the chair since about 4:30 this afternoon.  We know a lot of people are checking this web site on a regular basis and want to take this opportunity to let them all know we appreciate your continued interest and especially your prayers.  For those of you who "Post-A-Note" I want you to know that we relay those messages to Karin and I am sure she will enjoy reading them for herself once she is able. Of course, she enjoys getting mail on a regular basis, both e-cards and regular cards.  It boosts her spirits and encourages her, and all the rest of us, too. Thank you!!

April 15, 2007 at 2:00 p.m.   Tim reports: A follow up to yesterday's update is that Kathy Eckley and her daughter, Amanda, came in and visited with Karin until 2 p.m. and then headed back home to Milroy! Karin weaned off the ventilator for about 1-1/2 hours yesterday morning before that was interrupted by a sponge bath and a much welcomed shampoo! Just before 6 p.m. Karin was back to sitting in the chair and began the weaning exercise off the ventilator at 6 p.m. and went until 10 o'clock when we got her back into bed for the night. This four-hour wean session was tough for her towards the end but I really think she made it over the hump with this session. We were hopeful that because of her hard work that she would get a relatively good night's sleep last night. This morning she said she did sleep pretty well and she was back in the chair at about 11 a.m. and began weaning about a half-hour later. She is still going strong at 2 p.m. as I write this update. These sessions are hard work for her and she sometimes needs encouragement from whoever is here to keep going (for example, see the Photo Gallery from 3/27/07). So we are trying to keep her mind on other things during these sessions. Uncle Bobby, Aunt Marilyn, Melissa, Brittany and Mackenzie are here visiting today. You should have seen Karin's smile when she saw Mackenzie! I hope that when we get back in to see Karin at 4 p.m. she has been able to extend the weaning session. I think that as long as her numbers are good, the staff won't give in to her occasional hand gesture to quit! Building hours on the weaning process in the number one priority now for getting her back on her feet and out of the CTICU. So pray that she has the strength and endurance to extend and build up time in each session. Thanks!

April 14, 2007 at 3:30 p.m.   Tim reports that Karin had a rather quiet morning. She began another trach mask weaning exercise and had several visitors this morning. Visitors are usually appreciated as a diversion for Karin to focus on something other than the work it takes for her to breathe on her own during these weaning exercises. So visitors are considered a good thing in case you were wondering! But there are often patient care interruptions, too. This morning the weaning exercise was interrupted temporarily so Karin could enjoy a bath and a shampoo. She may be able to do a little more of the ventilator weaning exercise later today. She is feeling steadier now that some of the side effects of medications she had been taking since the second surgery last week have worn off. She is now one week post operative on the second surgery. The side effects had made it hard for her to use the letter board but she is able to be a little more communicative now that she is able to use it again. Tim said that operation involved some breast bone splitting and stapling of the incision and is a little uncomfortable but seems to be healing nicely, also. He said things were so quiet there wasn't much more to say but I assured him many of us especially enjoy those kinds of updates.

April 13, 2007 at 12:25 p.m.  After dialysis yesterday Karin did try another ventilator weaning exercise but was only able to go for about 1/2-hour. The dialysis just seems to take quite a bit out of her but every breath she takes on her own is one step closer to being weaned off ther ventilator, and that means getting rid of the tracheostomy! Linda made it back for the late visitors' hours last night, as did Uncle Jack. When we went to Karin's room it was obvious she was not comfortable and her breathing was labored. They tried some breathing treatments but nothing seemed to help. They then did a bronchoscopy and everything looked fine with the lungs. They repositioned the trach tube which did seem to provide some relief but she had another very restless night and they had to reposition the tube again this morning. When we got here this morning she seemed to be breathing fine and appeared to be pretty comfortable but was still in bed because she was scheduled for dialysis this morning. Brandon's dad, Jack Bordner, and Karin and Brandon's friend, Kevin, drove in from Dillsburg this morning to see Karin and she sure seemed happy to see them. They just now came to hook up the dialysis machine so I figured I would take the opportunity to send this update. Once she is done with the dialysis today they intend to either try a trach mask wean or C-PAP. It seems there is no rest for the weary! But we are discovering how much the road to recovery means working hard and we know that she has shown she can do that! As we all were reminded last Friday, we must depend on Divine support to bless Karin's efforts and her medical team, so we can't say thank you enough for your continual prayers.  

April 12, 2007 at 12:10 p.m.  Yesterday afternoon Karen Arrowood and her parents stopped in to see Karin and all the staff at the CTICU.  Karen of course had been discharged before Easter but had an appointment here yesterday.  Unfortunately when they went back into the CTICU to see Karin her curtain was closed because they were disconnecting the dialysis machine.  Karen comes back on April 26th for another appointment and then will be heading back to Georgia soon after that.  Last night at shift change I was able to give the other nurse a bear hug!  Both of the nurses that had been with Karin the night of her emergency (see April 7th, 12:30 p.m. report below) were pretty humble and said they were just doing their job but I assured them they did it well and that we all appreciated it. 
    This morning when I arrived here, Karin was sitting in the chair (had been since 8:00 a.m.) and was waiting for me to get here to start a ventilator wean.  She agreed to do two hours on the trach mask and she DID IT!  It wasn't easy for her but she made it and also at least left the option open for trying to do some more this afternoon.  When I left her room at 2 p.m. they were going to put her back into the bed so that means she spent six hours sitting up in the chair.  All of this is progress and we are grateful to God that she is back on track again after the burst artery on Good Friday. Please continue to pray for both Karen and Karin to continue making progress toward complete recoveries.. Thanks for praying and caring!.  

April 11, 2007 at 3:25 p.m.  Karin was sitting up in the chair and doing the weaning from the ventilator using a trach mask at about 8:30 this morning and she went until about 11:30 a.m. when they had to put her back in bed for dialysis.  It certainly was not an easy three hours but she did well and if she tolerates the dialysis, which will last until about 4:00 p.m., they may try another weaning trial this evening. Karin seemed to be tolerating the dialysis pretty well, but was feeling a little cold when we left at 2 p.m.  Again, today they hope to remove about 2-1/2 liters of fluid, if possible. 
     Karin's friend since Kindergarten, Myra who is now a "Pittsburgher," stopped by to visit, along with her mother Maria from Lewistown!   Karin really smiled when they walked into the room and I know she really appreciated them stopping by.  Gram and Pap were also here until 2:00 p.m.  

April 10, 2007 at 10:40 p.m.  Received from Tim: Not too much new here this evening.  A pretty uneventful day of rest and healing for Karin.  She knows that today is Aunt Patty's birthday as well as Gram Freund's and wishes them both a happy one.  It is also a date one of her "guardian angels" started his watch over her!
     We had a long talk; I talked, she listened and occasionally squeezed my hand, about tomorrow being a better day and each day after that!  She has been weakened physically but not emotionally! I don't want to seem overly optimistic but I am seeing signs of her kidneys waking up!  Please continue to keep the two "Special K's  and their respective donor family's in your prayers!  Thanks.

April 10, 2007 at 3:15 p.m.  Tim reports: Karin tried to do the trach mask early this morning but only for about an hour.  I think she is now feeling the effects of this past weekend's surgery.  Yesterday we talked with the Critical Care doctor who was with her that night and he seemed to be apologetic in telling us that Karin may have some unpleasant memories of that night because they were not able to sedate her initially because she was loosing so much blood and her pressures were dropping too fast and that sedation would only make it drop even more.  Karin indicates that she does remember, but doesn't appear too emotional about it!  We'll see what she has to say once she is able to talk!
     Last night I was able to give one of the nurses who was with Karin when the artery broke a big bear hug and express our appreciation! 
     Karin indicated that she did not sleep too well last night and she is obviously pretty tired today so I am not sure we can expect too much progress weaning off the ventilator today.  Of course, she has some new incisions that need to heal so she deserves to take a break from the marathon training!
An earlier report by phone from Linda: Karin did a short weaning exercise this morning but that she seems really, really tired.  However she did spend most of the morning sitting up in a chair.  We must remember she is now recovering from a second 8-hour surgery to repair a burst artery and windpipe repair and larynx repositioning.  Two operations in a little over a month is a lot to deal with under the simplest of circumstances.  Karin has had two very complex operations, the last one accompanied by 17 units of blood.  So it is a lot like starting all over for her with regard to post operative recovery protocols.  More later.

April 9, 2007 at 6:45 p.m. Brandon reports that today has been a very busy medical 'housekeeping" day for Karin so their time with her has been limited.  Many hours were taken up with testing and other procedures.  She had a bronchoscopy and dialysis session today and is now feeling very tired.  Tim and Linda are with her now and she is resting and her "numbers" are good.   He said Tim and Linda had just left the waiting area earlier this afternoon around 2 p.m. to have lunch in the cafeteria with Scott, Crystal, and Hunter before they returned home this afternoon when the nurse came out to the waiting room to get him.  She said Karin was feeling some anxiety and she knew his presence would help to calm her.  She let him come back during a normally strictly observed "no visitor's time."   Normally when they need to use visiting hours for medical procedures they still enforce the "no visitor's hours" so Brandon was very appreciative that Karin's nurse was sensitive to her needs and came and got him.  Doctors report that Karin's blood still is holding too many toxins that her kidneys would normally remove but that her kidneys are still trying to wake up and do their job.  So let's continue to pray that they will rebound in time.

April 8, 2007 at 9:40 p.m. Tim writes: Well what a difference a few hours, no sedation, and a lot of prayers can make!  This evening Karin seems to be doing very well.  She is now fully alert, still a little swollen, but able to mouth words or make some hand signals that we have come to understand.  I told her that before we left tonight that I was hoping she would give me the "thumbs up!"  She remembers at least some of what happend although we don't want to dwell on that subject with her.   Hopefully tomorrow we will know a little more about the plan for progressing from this point. 
     When I told Karin I was going to leave for a few minutes to write this update so I could at least get back in to see her before 10 p.m. she gave me the "thumbs up" with both hands.  We told her that many, many people have been praying for her and we all certainly appreciate the prayers.  Obviously they are being heard and continue to be answered.  Thanks!

April 8, 2007 at 1:45 p.m. Tim writes: Karin had lots of visitors this Easter morning!  In additon to Brandon, his Mom, Linda and myself, Scott, Crystal, Hunter, Gram and Pap, and Uncle Bob and Aunt Marilyn were all here.  Karin is semi-concious and is still pretty puffy but again the numbers look good!  I'm not sure if they took an X-ray this morning or not, but I am sure that will still pretty much be a routine thing to keep close watch on the lungs. 
    As I was rotating out of her room so someone else could go in and so I could write this update, I did as I always do.  I took her right hand in mine, leaned over and told her that I loved herand that she was my HERO ( although I know not mine exclusively) and I gave her a kiss on the cheek!  As I backed away she lifted her left hand and although she wasn't able to give the "thumbs up" which is also part of our routine, I asked if that was a thumbs up and she nodded yes!  What spunk!!
    I'm not sure how we are going to do it but we hope to have Easter Dinner at Aunt Joni and Uncle Bob's between the afternoon and early evening visting session!  "HAPPY EASTER!" 

April 7, 2007 at 10:00 p.m. Tim writes this evening: Not really much change here in the last few hours! Karin is stable right now but sedated, although she can hear us and at least flicker her eyes and give a little nod of her head.  Scott, Crystal and Hunter got here early this afternoon as did Brandon's Mom.   Uncle Jack and Aunt Kathy came over this evening and just left when I came down to write this.  
     Still not able to articulate our thoughts and emotions very well but given that it is Easter time I can't help but recall what my Mom always used to say to me, and that is: "The Lord wouldn't give you a cross to bear that was too heavy!"  Somtimes I wonder, but up until now I think these trials have made me a better person and I know they have made our family even stronger and closer than it was the day before!   And believe me, I consider many of you reading this as part of our family.  It is Karin who is bearing this cross and I know she can do it!
    I have to be out of this room by 10 p.m. so I will close for now and say "Happy Easter" and again ask for your prayers.

April 7, 2007 at 2:15 p.m. Tim writes:  They did let Karin awaken just enough to see that she was responsive and moving her hands and fingers and then increased her sedation again.   I am not sure if I told you she had received 8 or 9 units of blood before, but either way that is wrong!  She actually received 8 units before they even got her to the O.R. (which was about 13 minutes) and another 9 units during the surgery!  I can't stress enough how fortunate we were to have the two nurses right there with her when this happened.  I really don't want to mention their names or even their gender simply because the whole staff here has been great and we are grateful to each and every one of them!   We will, of course, express our special thanks to these two when they are back on shift. 
    One day in the cafeteria I had noticed a couple of guys eating their lunch who were obviously members of a "Medical Chopper Crew" (flight suits gave it away).  I didn't want to interrupt their lunch but when they got up to leave I introduced myself, shook their hands and thanked them for what they do!  Even though they may not have been the ones on the flight that brought Karin's new organs back to the hospital, I at least wanted them to know that we appreciated them and why!  Of course we had previously thanked Dr. McCurry for his efforts and we always try to thank the shift nurses and the therapy personnel daily. But we all know that as skilled as they are and as good as they are at doing their job, it is God who is in control and whose hand is guiding them.   It's pretty difficult for me to express myself right now so I think I'll just end with this thought:  Thanks in advance for your continued prayers!

April 7, 2007 at 12:30 p.m. Praise God! Tim reports that Karin seems to be stabilized right now, however she required emergency surgery last night. The nurse was with her when her innominate artery ruptured and he recognized the seriousness of what was happening. The efficient response by the critical care staff helped Karin to get the emergency surgery in a timely way. The surgeon who performed her transplant, Dr. McCurry, told Brandon, Tim, and Linda this morning that when this type of rupture occurs 90% or more patients do not even make it to the operating room. So we are very grateful for the excellent care and immediate response last night. She was in surgery from about 11:30 p.m. last night until about 7:30 a.m. this morning. She is still under sedation at this time but the doctors are encouraged by the fact that her BP never dropped too low, she never lost consciousness, and her heart never stopped beating. Her artery and windpipe, which are in very close contact, had both become abrased requiring some repairs to each and a repositioning of her larynx. Her doctor is very optimistic that most importantly she did not suffer from a lack of blood flow to the brain during the crisis. She did receive nine units of blood and is now back on nourishment (her "Kalua cocktail"). Her color, BP and respiratory numbers are good. Doctors will know more once they can lighten sedation temporarily, but Karin will probably be re-sedated for a while to give her body time to heal again after that. This is undoubtedly the biggest bump in the road so far but we are very grateful to the critical care staff for being so professionally responsive and competent. Tim jokes that he should have promised to take Karin to Las Vegas instead of Disneyland because she has once again beaten very high odds. Seriously we acknowledge that this is not just luck. Prayers have sustained Karin for 32 years so please continue to pray for Karin's complete recovery.  Back to Top

April 6, 2007 at 8:30 p.m. Linda reports: We arrived to Karin doing a trach mask weaning since 9:15 a.m.  At 1 p.m. dialysis rolled in and began a treatment.  Dialysis takes four hours and is very tiring.  They stopped the trach mask weaning sometime between 1 & 2 p.m..  So today she was off the ventilator about 4-1/2 hours.  The dialysis treatment was over about 4:45 p.m. and we were able to visit her for a short period of time this afternoon.  She was really tired after the dialysis and was going to nap when we left at 6:30.  All in all it was a tiring day for her. Please pray specifically that Karin's own kidneys will recover and will function like they should so she does not need to depend on the dialysis. Thank you.

April 5, 2007 at 8:15 p.m. Today started off with Karin in the chair and weaning off the ventilator using the trach mask when I got here.  She went until about noon when they rolled in a dialysis unit again!  I wasn't expecting this and mentioned that they just did a session yesterday and the nurse said they had not gotten as much fluid as they had hoped to yesterday so they wanted to do a two-hour session today.  Yesterday you may recall I mentioned they wanted to get between 2-3 litres of fluid off, but they were only able to get about 1.4 out!  Anyway, they started the dialysis session and then Karin asked to be put back on the ventilator.  They finished with the dialysis by 5 p.m. and talked about letting her use the trach mask again for a while, but that hadn't occurred when we left the room at 6:30!  Oh yeah, I said "we"!  Linda arrived back here at about 12 noon and it was obvious Karin was happy to see her.  Brandon showed up about 5 p.m. and although I am sure she was glad to see him, she was pretty tired from the dialysis session and didn't show as much emotion. 
     This morning around 11 a.m., John Poulk, Karen Arrowood's dad showed up and broke the fantastic news that Karen was going to be discharged today at 2 p.m.  He and I both had tears of joy in our eyes!  He asked a favor of me though, and that was not to post anything on our web site until later today because he, Donnie and Karen were just going to go back to the house where they are staying and surprise Karen's mom, Dora, and the children!  We agreed that was a little risky but figured once Dora stopped crying tears of joy she would probably forgive them.  Linda just called and talked to Dora and she pretty much confirmed that is what happened.  They of course will be staying in the area for several more weeks with some visits by nursing staff at the home and then an appointment back here, but you can be assured they will be packed and ready to head South after that!  (You can follow Karen's progress at: www.karenarrowood.com)  I've said it before and I'll say it again: This has been a ride I wouldn't wish upon anyone, but it is one that I am glad to be experiencing!  We have met some very very good people and extended our family!  We have prayed for people who we really didn't know but had established a bond with, shared some tears of sorrow, and like today, tears of joy!  Congratulations to Karen and her family!  Our Karin knows that with some hard work she too will be able to go home in the not too distant future.   
     As always, I would ask that you keep the "Special K's" in your prayers as well as their respective donor families, plus a few prayers for one of the other patients here who also had a heart/double lung transplant a few weeks ago and is not doing too well.

April 4, 2007 at 8:35 p.m. Today was one of the slow days again. Karin did not do a trach wean today but is having a dialysis session as I write this update. She should be done with that at about 9:00 p.m. and their goal is to remove between 2-3 liters of fluid. She spent about seven hours in the chair today, but pretty much just "vege'd-out" most of the day! Gram and Pap were here visiting again today and Aunt Marilyn came over after work and will stay until about 9:00 p.m. She brought Karin a blue stuffed Easter Bunny, her favorite color!
     Aunt Marilyn and I went to the cafeteria for a snack between the evening and night visiting hours and while we were there I was talking to Linda on the cell phone and who came in but Donnie and Karen Arrowood! Karen looked great and sounded even better! Yes, in case you read her updates lately, her trach was removed yesterday and she is now able to talk again. They of course are now anxiously looking forward to being released! Way to go Karen! Keep on keepin on! Karen said she knew exactly what Karin was feeling right now going through with the weaning process. She said that she would do 10, 12, or 14 hours one day and the next day maybe only one. She also said that she had a hard time NOT thinking about the weaning process and it was difficult to relax when you were weaning. She said she didn't want to fall asleep when she was weaning because she was consciously thinking about having to breathe! She also said it was difficult to do anything like reading or Sudoku because it was too difficult for her to think about anything other than breathing! Again, something that you and I take for granted!
     Anyway I have been encouraging Karin and telling her to try to get a good night's sleep and go strong again tomorrow! I know she realizes what she has to do but I can also see that it is not easy! I'll keep cheering her on and Linda and Brandon will be back sometime tomorrow to help, too, so I know she will thrilled about that! As tough as she is, it is very evident that the cards and e-card messages she gets on a daily basis are a source of inspiration to her and her strong support network is very important to her recovery. So, from all of us a big THANK YOU for your continuing encouragement, vital support, and faithful prayers!

April 3, 2007 at 10:35 p.m. Tim reports again: Not too much more to add to the earlier update other than Karin did the trach wean for 12 hours today and walked again this evening about 18 feet. This of course is supported walking and is obviously a real chore for her. Aunt Marilyn was here again for the evening visiting hours. They removed the urine catheter and an arterial line that was in her groin today too! All the numbers continue to look good and it really seems like the weaning and Physical Therapy is the priority now! She misses having Brandon and Linda here!!! (But don't let them know that, I know they miss being here too!) She really does want someone there all the time! Tonight she did indicate that she wanted me to bring a book and her hand-held Sudoku game! I have been trying to convince her she needs to do something to take her mind off the weaning process while she is doing it, and the therapist agreed. So I think she knows what she has to do!

April 3, 2007 at 12:45 p.m.: Tim reports: When I got here this morning Karin was just sitting back down in her chair which was in the middle of the hall in the CTICU.  I asked what was going on and they told me that she just walked there!!!  She has been sitting in the chair and doing the trach mask wean since 7:00 a.m. and this is the second walk (about 10 feet) that she did this morning.  The first one was only about half that far but only because there was not enough oxygen line to go any further.  The second time the therapist put more line on and she walked to the end of that.  He said he will probably add more line and do another walk this afternoon.  Karin was getting a little tired of the trach mask (which seems to happen a few hours into it) and needed some encouragement to keep going.  The therapist today, Gary, gave her a lecture about working through it and toughing it out.  Linda's Mom and Dad are here now and were in the waiting room while the nurses were tending to Karin so I took the opportunity to write this, but it is still visiting hours so I am heading back up there! 

April 3, 2007 at 10:00 a.m.: Linda wrote: Yesterday was a down day for Karin.  She was to get out of bed and start a trach mask wean in the morning when the dialysis team called and said they were on their way with the equipment to begin Karin's dialysis.  This would be the first dialysis treatment since the prisma unit had been stopped last Saturday (Mar. 31).  Dialysis was eventually started after 2 p.m.  Karin needed to remain in bed for this treatment which lasts for four hours.  Karin seemed to be tired yesterday morning but Tim said after the treatment when he saw Karin at the 8:30 p.m. visitation, she looked better than she did in the morning.  The dialysis removed two liters of fluid - that's a soda bottle or as the Pittsburgher's say - that's a pop bottle!!  Karin did promise since she got to stay in bed all day yesterday, that she would begin today early with a trip out of bed and a day of trach mask weaning.

April 1, 2007 at 8:00 p.m.: Today when we arrived at the hospital Karin was already sitting in the chair and doing the trach mask wean.   She started the weaning at 6:30 a.m. and then got out of bed and into the chair at about 7:00 a.m..   When they get her out of bed, and several times during the day, they now have her standing up (supported) and walking in place for a time to exercise her leg muscles. 
     Brandon's mom and sister stayed on to visit with Karin today. Kevin, one of Karin and Brandon 's friends from back home, also drove in this morning to spend the day with them.   Kevin had been so helpful in spearheading the golf tournament fundraiser for Karin last fall.  K&B were so encouraged by all the weekend visitors.
      Linda and I left the hospital at about 1 p.m. to drive home.  Although I have been authorized to use paid sick leave based on the circumstances, Linda has not been as fortunate and has used up all her annual leave time.  She is going back to work, at least for a few days to see what her options are.   Linda and I said the drive home today seemed more emotional than the drive to the hospital for the transplant.  Driving to the hospital we knew we were driving there to be with her during the surgery but today we are leaving her while she is still in intensive care.  I will drive back to Pittsburgh early tomorrow morning to spend the week with her.  Brandon was leaving Pittsburgh this evening to go home to finish one of his construction jobs. He was in the middle of it 5ive weeks ago when the call came.  He hopes to finish it by Thursday and to return to be with Karin then.  I know this has got to be very hard for both Brandon and Linda to have to be so far away by necessity. 
      Brandon just called about 7:00 p.m. and said he was on the road and when he left the hospital at about 6:30 p.m. Karin was still breathing with the trach mask!  12 hours and still going like the "Energizer Bunny!"  (Actually, we found out later that Karin did 14 hours on the trach mask).  He also said they had her up "dancing" again, that's what we are calling her standing and walking-in-place exercises. She is sure giving this process her best shot. Please pray that Karin continues to move forward at a healthy pace and that she will not be too anxious about Linda and Brandon leaving Pittsburgh. We have been told that the emotional support she receives from her family can be critical to her recovery.

To read previous Daily Update Reports beginning with Karin's transplant in February, click below:
February-March

We will continue to update Karin's progress and add pictures as we receive them.