Doodle Daddy, Tuesday, March 03

[The Kleins, Tempe, AZ]

Jess was taken off life support yesterday. His heart and lungs are working at a very low output, but working with assist of medication. He is watched closely from the fine medical team at Mayo. He has had some scares but each one has been managed. His chest had to be left open as the heart did not respond as well when they tried to close him -- he has a "skin" like Saran Wrap that is keeping him together.
PSA numbers are way up but a recent physical showed no sign of Cancer -- if so there would be no hope for transplant. With all the trama to his body these numbers can be false. We are not worried about Cancer.
He will be in this state for 24 - 48 hours to see what the heart wants to do. He is still very sick and if there were a heart available he is in no condition for a transplant at this point.
With all your continued prayers with our friends and family, we all are praying his own heart will continue to come through. It is not a steady process.
Our doodle Phoebe goes crazy when I get home -- she has about 50 toys that I leave for her and I wish I could get her some play dates. Maybe this weekend. She is a little love, as all of your doodles are. I am so blessed to have her. She is always cocking her head and makes me smiled at her antics.
Thanks again for all your kind words and prayers.

[Beverly Wright]

I am so sorry for the setback.........I wish that I lived closer and could come and sit by your side! We are still praying for a full recovery! Thanks for taking the time for an update.

[Linda and Murphy]

Hi
Your family is in our prayers. Thank you taking the time to update us in this difficult time.

[The Kleins, Tempe, AZ]

Today wound up to be very frightening after what I thought was a calm night. Just came home. Jess was called back into surgery for 4.5 hrs. His chest could not be closed -- it is wide open. High risk for infection. He received rotary pumps to assist his heart. Lots of swelling so they won't be able to close his chest. He can have increased complications. Gave us a 50/50%. I am shattered. I need some good news and this 12 going on 13 day roller coaster is the worst time in my life after having the best time with such a precious man. I can't lose him. I just can't. I need him, my doodle needs him, and our little tough stuff Lhasa needs him too. He was going too many days on medication and his liver enzymes were changing. Lots of swelling again. They hope to close the chest in two days but doctor was extremely brief and guarded in his report.
The nurse did admit that she has seen other patients like this and they can pull through.
You are all sweethearts for checking in. I wish we could all get our doodles together for a romp.

[Jeri]

How is Jess doing? Thinking about both of you in this difficult time.

[Jeri]

Our prayers are with you!

[George & MeLinda]

my prayers are with you and yours this is a very hard time have fath and keep hope we lost my son Seth 13 years ago it is never somthing any mom & dad should have to face i pray hard for jess

[Missi]

Thank you for taking the time to update us! Though I know phoebe doesn't understand what's going on, I'm sure she senses your stress! I didn't realize they had to open his chest for ECMO, that must be scary! We had one like that here just last week, an EF of 5%, who got a transplant and he is doing wonderfully! He was open for 3 days with the "saran" wrap (tegaderm). So know that it is serious, but anything is possible. Well our prayers and doodle's kisses are with you both! And I would totally set up a play date if I lived closer, or even keep Phoebe for you for a while.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

I thank you very much for thinking of your DK family and taking the time to keep us updated. I know first hand of the mental as well as the physicaly exhaustion you are going through. Make sure you take care of yourself, Jess and Phoebe need you to stay healthy. You are in our thoughts and prayers constantly!!

[Beverly Wright]

Thanks so much for taking the time to give us updates!! We will continue to keep you all in our prayers! You have a wonderful hospital and medical team. They all have such a good reputation in the medical community. Each bit of good news will add up and give us all reason to be thankful!

[Kathy (Ellie & Oliver)]

It is so hard to understand the reason behind life's ups and downs! Jess sounds like a fighter, and he is being treated in one of the best facilities in the world. Keep the faith, try to get some rest, and know that many, many prayers are being said for your family.

When the time is right, I'd love to send a doodle thinking of you card to all of you. I'm sure that many DK members would want to do the same.
Sending healing thoughts and doodle hugs your way!!!!! Kathy (Ellie & Oliver)