Every bilateral lung transplant patient is a handful. Between meds to watch, dressings to changes, vitals to monitor, and family to inform, transplant patients in general are fairly high maintenance. For some reason, though, Jill is convinced that her husband is expecting (and getting) a little more attention than most. But really, does it surprise any of you that Coach Todd is demanding the best from everyone around him, even while sleeping? Like any good coach, Trent is pushing his players/teammates/medical staff to perform at their highest at all times, even from the ICU.
From Jill, and from all of us, thank you to the staff of Cleveland Clinic for taking such good care of Coach Todd. Thank you especially to Dawn, who has worked tirelessly for the past two days (and endured the neverending questions of Jill's WellSpring "bodyguards") to spoil Trent in the middle of such a difficult time; and to Dr. Pettersson and his team for finding lungs and getting them to our friend as soon as possible. We all so appreciate the love you are showing for our coach, and you have our permission, when Trent has recovered, to tell him to "drop and give you twenty." With the new lungs you gave him, he may just be able to pull it off.
Trent is resting; Jill is resting; you should be resting. Get off of your computers, say one final prayer, and go to bed! More in the morning...
The Todds
I'll keep pushing, you keep praying!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Update #35 - Nothing Unusual
Just got a quick email from Greg - Trent has the same nurse (Dawn) today that he had yesterday, and she said they haven't encourntered anything unusual for a transplant patient since he got out of surgery. Jill got to see him briefly in the ICU earlier, but he is now under strict isolation (i.e. nobody can see him but his nurse and doctors) to prevent infection.
Jill will get to speak with Dawn one more time before shift change - I'll send any additional info I get once I hear. Be praying for a very quiet night and for rest for Jill.
Jill will get to speak with Dawn one more time before shift change - I'll send any additional info I get once I hear. Be praying for a very quiet night and for rest for Jill.
Just FYI
One thing I forgot to mention earlier - there is NO cell service in the hospital. Most carriers don't even have enough signal strength to get a text through. So at this point, no news is indeed good news. Between getting Trent back to his room and set up, meeting with the doctors, etc., Greg has not had enough time to get away and get us an update. And you can bet that if there were anything important going on, he would find a way to let us know.
I'll update the map in a minute and will get you more info as soon as I have it. Keep praying!
I'll update the map in a minute and will get you more info as soon as I have it. Keep praying!
Update #34 - Lungs Are In!
Greg just called - Dr. Pettersson came out and said both lungs are in! They are still closing Trent up, but Jill should be able to see him around 3:00 p.m.
Because the lungs came from a car accident victim, there were some minor contusions on them. Trent also sustained some damage to his right ventricle because of the pulmonary hypertension that he had, but that can reverse with time.
Overall, nothing short of a miracle! Pray as the surgeons finish up, and pray for Jill as she waits to seem him. Also, please do pray for the family of the lung donor and thank God for their sacrifice.
Because the lungs came from a car accident victim, there were some minor contusions on them. Trent also sustained some damage to his right ventricle because of the pulmonary hypertension that he had, but that can reverse with time.
Overall, nothing short of a miracle! Pray as the surgeons finish up, and pray for Jill as she waits to seem him. Also, please do pray for the family of the lung donor and thank God for their sacrifice.
Update #33 - First Cut
First incision was made at 8:48 a.m. Text message from the OR said, "Major part of surgery is underway." Keep praying!
Update #32 - In Surgery
Trent is now in surgery. The surgeons said to expect that it will be between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. before they will be finished with the surgery, but they will be giving periodic updates as they can.
During the surgery, Dr. Pettersson will make an incision in Trent's chest, called an anterior thoracotomy, or an incision that goes from your right side to your left side at just below the breast line. In a bilateral lung transplant, each lung is replaced separately. The Transplant Team begins by removing the lung with the poorest function. Trent will be ventilated using a combination of his remaining lung and a machine to help compensate for the scarring in his second lung. Once the first lung is removed, a donor lung will be attached using three connections. The donor bronchus is attached to the main bronchus first, and then the blood vessels are attached, first the pulmonary artery, then the pulmonary veins. The second diseased lung is then removed, and the other new lung is attached just like the first one. Once the second lung is completely connected, blood flow is restored. Finally, the incision is closed and Trent will return to the ICU.
Greg (one of the pastors from Trent's church) will be with Jill starting at 10:00 a.m. and will be giving updates as they hear them or every two hours (whichever comes first). I'll get that info up as soon as I have it.
Finally, just to get this idea stirring in your mind, part of getting a transplant is suppressing your immune system in order to prevent your body from rejecting the organ as a foreign object. That means that when Trent is released from the hospital, he will have NO IMMUNE SYSTEM. We all know that Trent loves to hug and shake hands, but for the first year at least, those types of contact are off limits! There will be lots of fist-bumping and long-distance high-fiving, but closer contacts will compromise his health and his new lungs. Although Trent's release from the hospital is a long way off, the earlier we all begin thinking this way, the easier it will be to remember when Trent leans in for a handshake.
Keep praying! More updates soon.
During the surgery, Dr. Pettersson will make an incision in Trent's chest, called an anterior thoracotomy, or an incision that goes from your right side to your left side at just below the breast line. In a bilateral lung transplant, each lung is replaced separately. The Transplant Team begins by removing the lung with the poorest function. Trent will be ventilated using a combination of his remaining lung and a machine to help compensate for the scarring in his second lung. Once the first lung is removed, a donor lung will be attached using three connections. The donor bronchus is attached to the main bronchus first, and then the blood vessels are attached, first the pulmonary artery, then the pulmonary veins. The second diseased lung is then removed, and the other new lung is attached just like the first one. Once the second lung is completely connected, blood flow is restored. Finally, the incision is closed and Trent will return to the ICU.
Greg (one of the pastors from Trent's church) will be with Jill starting at 10:00 a.m. and will be giving updates as they hear them or every two hours (whichever comes first). I'll get that info up as soon as I have it.
Finally, just to get this idea stirring in your mind, part of getting a transplant is suppressing your immune system in order to prevent your body from rejecting the organ as a foreign object. That means that when Trent is released from the hospital, he will have NO IMMUNE SYSTEM. We all know that Trent loves to hug and shake hands, but for the first year at least, those types of contact are off limits! There will be lots of fist-bumping and long-distance high-fiving, but closer contacts will compromise his health and his new lungs. Although Trent's release from the hospital is a long way off, the earlier we all begin thinking this way, the easier it will be to remember when Trent leans in for a handshake.
Keep praying! More updates soon.
Update #31 - Deep Breath...
Ladies and gentlemen, are you ready? WE...HAVE...LUNGS!!! Not tentatively, not six hours from now...Trent is being prepped for the operating room, and surgery starts at 7:45 a.m.!
Jill got the initial word around 11:30 p.m. yesterday but didn't want to believe it or deal with another false alarm, so she and Ronda continued to wait. They wouldn't even let the nurse tell Trent!
But now, the lungs are viable, Trents vitals look good, and the Director of the Transplant Group at Cleveland Clinic will be putting two new, healthy lungs in Trent's chest in just under an hour.
I'll post more details on what to expect soon, but the surgery can last anywhere from six to twelve hours. Trent is still fragile, and the procedure will be grueling, so prayers are more important than ever!
Trent is obviously still pushing... You keep praying!
Jill got the initial word around 11:30 p.m. yesterday but didn't want to believe it or deal with another false alarm, so she and Ronda continued to wait. They wouldn't even let the nurse tell Trent!
But now, the lungs are viable, Trents vitals look good, and the Director of the Transplant Group at Cleveland Clinic will be putting two new, healthy lungs in Trent's chest in just under an hour.
I'll post more details on what to expect soon, but the surgery can last anywhere from six to twelve hours. Trent is still fragile, and the procedure will be grueling, so prayers are more important than ever!
Trent is obviously still pushing... You keep praying!
Monday, May 30, 2011
Update #30 - Quiet
Sorry for the lack of updates, but everything is the same as it has been. Trent did wake up for a little while last night but went back to sleep fairly quickly to keep his vitals stable. Ronda, who is there with him and Jill today (and also worked as a Critical Care nurse), says his nurse is phenomenal and is taking great care of him.
Dawn, the nurse, also shared that although there are a lot of accidents on Memorial Day weekend, from her 27 years of experience, most donor families do not take their loved one off of life support until Monday night or Tuesday. Makes it a little more clear why on such a dangerous weekend, we have heard nothing about lungs.
In case you didn't know, tonight is Monday night, tomorrow is Tuesday. Pray for the donor families and the difficult decisions they have to make. And pray that somewhere in a hospital, there are lungs just waiting for Trent.
Dawn, the nurse, also shared that although there are a lot of accidents on Memorial Day weekend, from her 27 years of experience, most donor families do not take their loved one off of life support until Monday night or Tuesday. Makes it a little more clear why on such a dangerous weekend, we have heard nothing about lungs.
In case you didn't know, tonight is Monday night, tomorrow is Tuesday. Pray for the donor families and the difficult decisions they have to make. And pray that somewhere in a hospital, there are lungs just waiting for Trent.
Where Are You Praying From?
You'll notice the map at the top of the blog. Leave a comment below this post or on the Friends of Trent Todd Facebook page and tell us what state you are praying from! If you know someone who lives in a state that is not red yet, call them and tell them to start praying, then let us know! How fast can we get all 50 states filled in?
Update #29 - Memorial Day
Jill mentioned yesterday at the hospital that each year, on Memorial Day, she, Trent, Sophia and Bryce would head to Lawrenceburg for their small town parade, then go home for a cook-out. Unlike many families who choose hamburgers and hot dogs, or brats, or chicken, or steak, Trent had to grill them all then eat one of each.
So today, no matter what you are enjoying for your Memorial Day feast, let that first bite remind you of Trent. Pray for peace. Pray for lungs. And pray that next year, he will get to enjoy a bite of whatever it is with you.
So today, no matter what you are enjoying for your Memorial Day feast, let that first bite remind you of Trent. Pray for peace. Pray for lungs. And pray that next year, he will get to enjoy a bite of whatever it is with you.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Update #28 - Wakey, Wakey
Trent was stable and sleeping when Dave and I left Cleveland around 3:30 this afternoon. Jill found out not too long afterward that the doctors are planning to wake him up this evening to see how his blood pressure and oxygen levels hold out. Knowing Trent, "Coach Todd" will kick into gear as soon as he opens his eyes, and he'll be trying to get out of bed and do push-ups. If that happens and his vitals change too much, the doctors will give him meds to help him go back to sleep. If he is stable, he and Jill will get to spend some time together in the "quiet" of the ICU this evening, probably tuned into more jazz music on channel 96-35 on the hospital TV.
According to the doctors and nurses, with the machines that are currently helping Trent, he should be fine to wait for word on his lungs for weeks, at least. Of course, we all know it will happen sooner rather than later if any of us have anything to say about it. And in case you were worried, Jill has already told Trent that even though seven is his favorite number, we refuse to sit through four more false alarms before he gets his lungs. Sorry, Coach Todd, three is your lucky number this week.
Just one more piece of information that may help to clarify the transplant process. When a donor is found, the hospital where the donor is located does initial bloodtyping and crossmatching, which is when we get word that we have lungs. During the four, six, eight hour waiting period after that news, the staff from Cleveland Clinic actually flies to the donor hospital and performs their own tests on the lungs to determine if they are actually viable. These past two times, the tests have revealed some pretty serious issues with the donor lungs, and, in the words of Sophia, "Ew, Dad doesn't want those lungs anyway." Once they find a healthy pair, however, transport back to Cleveland and starting surgery will happen very quickly.
Jill, Trent's sister Jessica, and his niece Erica are all relaxing in the ICU waiting room tonight. Some friends from WellSpring are on their way up to now replace Dave and me as the bouncers who force Jill to eat and sleep and as the informers for these updates. As always, keep this page on automatic refresh - you'll get word as soon as we do.
Even asleep, Trent is still pushing. You keep praying!
According to the doctors and nurses, with the machines that are currently helping Trent, he should be fine to wait for word on his lungs for weeks, at least. Of course, we all know it will happen sooner rather than later if any of us have anything to say about it. And in case you were worried, Jill has already told Trent that even though seven is his favorite number, we refuse to sit through four more false alarms before he gets his lungs. Sorry, Coach Todd, three is your lucky number this week.
Just one more piece of information that may help to clarify the transplant process. When a donor is found, the hospital where the donor is located does initial bloodtyping and crossmatching, which is when we get word that we have lungs. During the four, six, eight hour waiting period after that news, the staff from Cleveland Clinic actually flies to the donor hospital and performs their own tests on the lungs to determine if they are actually viable. These past two times, the tests have revealed some pretty serious issues with the donor lungs, and, in the words of Sophia, "Ew, Dad doesn't want those lungs anyway." Once they find a healthy pair, however, transport back to Cleveland and starting surgery will happen very quickly.
Jill, Trent's sister Jessica, and his niece Erica are all relaxing in the ICU waiting room tonight. Some friends from WellSpring are on their way up to now replace Dave and me as the bouncers who force Jill to eat and sleep and as the informers for these updates. As always, keep this page on automatic refresh - you'll get word as soon as we do.
Even asleep, Trent is still pushing. You keep praying!
Update #27 - Finally Resting
Thank you to everyone who came to support Trent at the Prayer Balloon Launch this morning. The Todds can feel the prayers and can't wait to see the video and photos of the whole event.
For anyone who was not able to be at the Launch this morning, there have been some changes to Trent's care.
First, Trent now has two machines that are helping his lungs and allowing him to relax and prepare for his transplant. The first machine has taken on the burden of inhaling and exhaling against the scarring in his lungs that pulmonary fibrosis has caused. The second machine helps to get the most oxygen possible into his blood before his heart moves the blood throughout his body, taking additional strain off of his organs. The two machines are working with Trent to keep his oxygen, blood pressure and heart rate exactly where they are supposed to be. The doctors have also helped him go into a deep sleep (probably the best sleep he has had in months) in order to take additional stress off of his body.
Aside from the machines sitting near his bed, Trent looks more like himself than he has in months. His color is normal, his breathing is relaxed and his body seems strong. Not only that, Trent's nurses and doctors seem very calm and confident about his care.
Waiting is difficult, but Trent will get lungs, and these new measures will help him to be as prepared as possible when he finally goes to surgery. Keep praying that the call will come soon.
For anyone who was not able to be at the Launch this morning, there have been some changes to Trent's care.
First, Trent now has two machines that are helping his lungs and allowing him to relax and prepare for his transplant. The first machine has taken on the burden of inhaling and exhaling against the scarring in his lungs that pulmonary fibrosis has caused. The second machine helps to get the most oxygen possible into his blood before his heart moves the blood throughout his body, taking additional strain off of his organs. The two machines are working with Trent to keep his oxygen, blood pressure and heart rate exactly where they are supposed to be. The doctors have also helped him go into a deep sleep (probably the best sleep he has had in months) in order to take additional stress off of his body.
Aside from the machines sitting near his bed, Trent looks more like himself than he has in months. His color is normal, his breathing is relaxed and his body seems strong. Not only that, Trent's nurses and doctors seem very calm and confident about his care.
Waiting is difficult, but Trent will get lungs, and these new measures will help him to be as prepared as possible when he finally goes to surgery. Keep praying that the call will come soon.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Update #26 - Back on Bipap
Trent is back on BiPAP (the machine that they put him on when he moved to the ICU) to help keep his oxygen levels up. For anyone who has ever had (or heard of) sleep apnea, BiPAP works the same way as a CPAP, providing postive pressure support to the lungs in order to keep airways open when a person breathes. The only difference is that while a CPAP provides continuous (C) pressure support, so the pressure remains the same both when breathing in and breathing out, BiPAP has a two-level (Bi) fluctuation in pressure, strong pressure when inhaling to expand and maintain the airways and lungs, relaxed pressure when exhaling so Trent doesn't have to push against the airflow when he breathes out.
All of that to say that Trent is still breathing on his own, with a small amount of assistance. With the BiPAP, his O2 sat (oxygen level) is staying at a healthy level, and he is able to relax a little bit more when he breathes. This helps to keep his blood pressure and his heartrate within acceptable levels as well. Hopefully, the BiPAP - and the Xanax that the doctor so nicely gave him - will allow him to get some sleep tonight.
Jill is hanging in but could definitely use some rest as well. She is eating (with a few gentle reminders) and taking fairly regular breaks from the claustrophobia of the ICU. Be praying that when Trent falls asleep, she will allow herself some time to nap as well.
As always, more than anything, PRAY FOR LUNGS! Trent is stable and can remain as is on the BiPAP for the time being, but there is exhaustion in his eyes with every breath he takes. He is definitely still pushing, but knowing how close that first deep breath is (likely less than 12 hours after the transplant is complete), lungs is the only word that has meaning at Cleveland Clinic tonight.
More when we have it...
All of that to say that Trent is still breathing on his own, with a small amount of assistance. With the BiPAP, his O2 sat (oxygen level) is staying at a healthy level, and he is able to relax a little bit more when he breathes. This helps to keep his blood pressure and his heartrate within acceptable levels as well. Hopefully, the BiPAP - and the Xanax that the doctor so nicely gave him - will allow him to get some sleep tonight.
Jill is hanging in but could definitely use some rest as well. She is eating (with a few gentle reminders) and taking fairly regular breaks from the claustrophobia of the ICU. Be praying that when Trent falls asleep, she will allow herself some time to nap as well.
As always, more than anything, PRAY FOR LUNGS! Trent is stable and can remain as is on the BiPAP for the time being, but there is exhaustion in his eyes with every breath he takes. He is definitely still pushing, but knowing how close that first deep breath is (likely less than 12 hours after the transplant is complete), lungs is the only word that has meaning at Cleveland Clinic tonight.
More when we have it...
Update #25 - ICU
After the most recent discussions with the doctors, Trent will stay in the ICU until they have lungs for him. While this may seem like a bad thing, the change in unit means he gets more attention from the nurses, more access to respiratory therapists and overall more hands-on care. In spite of being in the ICU, Trent was switched from the more intense oxygen breathing mask/system that the doctors put him on when he moved to the ICU last night back to his normal nasal cannula/oxygen mask combination that he has had for the past few weeks. With this combination, he is still managing to keep his oxygen levels at a healthy 92% to 94% while maintaining only slightly elevated blood pressure, respiratory rate and heart rate. The doctors say that as long as he can maintain levels in the current range, he is fine to continue waiting for the perfect set of lungs.
Jill and Trent's families have set up camp in the family area outside of the ICU and are taking turns sitting with him and trying to convince him to STOP TALKING SO MUCH! No surprise that even when he is struggling to breathe he still feels the need to interact with everyone constantly. :-)
New lungs will come...keep praying!
Jill and Trent's families have set up camp in the family area outside of the ICU and are taking turns sitting with him and trying to convince him to STOP TALKING SO MUCH! No surprise that even when he is struggling to breathe he still feels the need to interact with everyone constantly. :-)
New lungs will come...keep praying!
Update #24 - No Go
Unfortunately the donor lungs were infected, so they did not do the transplant, and it's back to waiting for lungs. Trent is not feeling well at all. He remains in intensive care. Keep praying!
Update #23 - Still a Go
As of 6:00 a.m., the lungs are still a go. Surgery is now scheduled for 11:00 a.m., and we will know definitely by 9:00 a.m.
Trent was transferred to the ICU last night after an extremely bad coughing fit. He and Jill (who made it safely back to Cleveland early this morning) are resting and waiting for the final green light.
Keep praying!
Trent was transferred to the ICU last night after an extremely bad coughing fit. He and Jill (who made it safely back to Cleveland early this morning) are resting and waiting for the final green light.
Keep praying!
Friday, May 27, 2011
Update #22 - Lungs, Take 2!
We may have lungs! Jill is on her way back up to Cleveland, and surgery is tentatively scheduled for 11:30 a.m. tomorrow. The lungs look good so far, but we'll know more once Jill gets to the hospital. Be praying tonight, awake or asleep. I'll post once I hear more...
Update #22 - Surprises
On Wednesday night, Jill came home from Cleveland to surprise Sophia and Bryce.
I texted Sophia on Thursday morning: "I heard a rumor that you got a great surprise last night."
Sophia: "Yeah? What rumor did you hear?"
Me: "That your mom came home from Cleveland to surprise you."
Sophia: "Oh yeah! And a tornado hit our street!"
Probably the only thing that could come close in excitement to mom coming home is a tornado. :-) It is amazing how God works. Jill's last-minute decision to come home meant that she got to be with her kids to literally weather the storm. The Todds, and their house, are fine, by the way, although a neighbor's house was badly damaged by the winds.
The plan for now is that Jill will stay in West Chester until school ends for the summer on Thursday or until she gets word that there are lungs for Trent, whichever comes first. The fact that she is home means that Trent is doing well enough and she is confident enough in the care that he is receiving that she felt comfortable leaving him for a few days. It also means that she will get a much needed break from the noise, stress and claustrophobia of living in a hospital room, which will help to prepare her for the long haul that will come after the surgery.
Trent still sits at the top of the National Transplant List, and there is a good chance that this weekend will bring him new lungs. Some specific prayer requests as we continue to wait:
1. For Trent, that he will continue to get rest and fabulous care as he waits for the good news.
2. For Jill, that she will get some much needed relaxation time with her family and friends over the next few days. Also be praying for her ability to focus at work over the next few days to show her continued commitment to her employer in spite of the stress she is facing right now.
3. For Sophia and Bryce, who have spent an enormous amount of time away from their parents. Pray that they survive their last few days of school so they can enjoy the flexibility that summer break will bring.
4. For the balloon launch this weekend, that it will be an incredible visual respresentation of our love for Trent and our commitment to "Keep Praying!" as he keeps pushing.
Before you leave the blog today, please check out the right side under the picture of the Todds. Our goal is to continue providing meals every other day throughout Trent's time in Cleveland so Bryce and Sophia and whoever is staying with them will not have to worry about cooking. We have also recently posted a Paypal button where you can contribute financially to the Todds. To make a one-time donation, click on the Paypal button directly. To commit to an ongoing contribution, email trenttoddfund@wellspringonline.org to get further instructions.
I texted Sophia on Thursday morning: "I heard a rumor that you got a great surprise last night."
Sophia: "Yeah? What rumor did you hear?"
Me: "That your mom came home from Cleveland to surprise you."
Sophia: "Oh yeah! And a tornado hit our street!"
Probably the only thing that could come close in excitement to mom coming home is a tornado. :-) It is amazing how God works. Jill's last-minute decision to come home meant that she got to be with her kids to literally weather the storm. The Todds, and their house, are fine, by the way, although a neighbor's house was badly damaged by the winds.
The plan for now is that Jill will stay in West Chester until school ends for the summer on Thursday or until she gets word that there are lungs for Trent, whichever comes first. The fact that she is home means that Trent is doing well enough and she is confident enough in the care that he is receiving that she felt comfortable leaving him for a few days. It also means that she will get a much needed break from the noise, stress and claustrophobia of living in a hospital room, which will help to prepare her for the long haul that will come after the surgery.
Trent still sits at the top of the National Transplant List, and there is a good chance that this weekend will bring him new lungs. Some specific prayer requests as we continue to wait:
1. For Trent, that he will continue to get rest and fabulous care as he waits for the good news.
2. For Jill, that she will get some much needed relaxation time with her family and friends over the next few days. Also be praying for her ability to focus at work over the next few days to show her continued commitment to her employer in spite of the stress she is facing right now.
3. For Sophia and Bryce, who have spent an enormous amount of time away from their parents. Pray that they survive their last few days of school so they can enjoy the flexibility that summer break will bring.
4. For the balloon launch this weekend, that it will be an incredible visual respresentation of our love for Trent and our commitment to "Keep Praying!" as he keeps pushing.
Before you leave the blog today, please check out the right side under the picture of the Todds. Our goal is to continue providing meals every other day throughout Trent's time in Cleveland so Bryce and Sophia and whoever is staying with them will not have to worry about cooking. We have also recently posted a Paypal button where you can contribute financially to the Todds. To make a one-time donation, click on the Paypal button directly. To commit to an ongoing contribution, email trenttoddfund@wellspringonline.org to get further instructions.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Update #21 - Balloon Launch
Nothing new from Cleveland, but here closer to the Todd's hometown...
This Sunday, there will be a Prayer Balloon Launch for Trent. The event will take place at 10:30 a.m. at WellSpring Community Church (7661 Bethany Road, Liberty Township, Ohio 45044). Please join us to show your support and launch a visual prayer (in balloon form) for Trent as he continues to wait on his lungs. For more information on the launch, go to WellSpring's Facebook Page under Events.
Sorry for the lack of updates yesterday. In this case, no news isn't good news, it's just no news. More updates as we hear from Jill!
Keep praying...
This Sunday, there will be a Prayer Balloon Launch for Trent. The event will take place at 10:30 a.m. at WellSpring Community Church (7661 Bethany Road, Liberty Township, Ohio 45044). Please join us to show your support and launch a visual prayer (in balloon form) for Trent as he continues to wait on his lungs. For more information on the launch, go to WellSpring's Facebook Page under Events.
Sorry for the lack of updates yesterday. In this case, no news isn't good news, it's just no news. More updates as we hear from Jill!
Keep praying...
Monday, May 23, 2011
Update #20 - Date Night
From Ronda:
Just texted with Jill, and there is not much new in Cleveland, aside from a few changes to Trent's meds.
On a positive, Trent and Jill got to enjoy a date night of jazz music and good conversation in the hospital last night.
Keep praying, he'll keep pushing...
Just texted with Jill, and there is not much new in Cleveland, aside from a few changes to Trent's meds.
On a positive, Trent and Jill got to enjoy a date night of jazz music and good conversation in the hospital last night.
Keep praying, he'll keep pushing...
Update #19 - Struggling but Pushing...
Yesterday was a rough day for Trent. From Jill on Sunday: "Trent is struggling today but continues to push."
Nothing new on lungs, so keep praying!
Nothing new on lungs, so keep praying!
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Update #18 - Family Time
Yesterday, Trent and Jill got to spend a wonderful few hours with Sophia and Bryce. The kids both said that their dad looked better than he did at home, which I think was unexpected for all of them.
In your prayers, please don't forget Sophia and Bryce. They have been - and will be - spending so much time away from their parents, which is rough durng normal times, but with so much going on with Trent... Think of your own kids if you have them and how much you would miss and worry about them if you had to be gone - then offer up and extra special prayer for the Todd kids.
If you are looking to send Trent some encouragement in the hospital, his address is:
In your prayers, please don't forget Sophia and Bryce. They have been - and will be - spending so much time away from their parents, which is rough durng normal times, but with so much going on with Trent... Think of your own kids if you have them and how much you would miss and worry about them if you had to be gone - then offer up and extra special prayer for the Todd kids.
If you are looking to send Trent some encouragement in the hospital, his address is:
Trent E. Todd
J 82, Bed #17
Cleveland Clinic
9500 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44195
Please remember that Trent can't receive any gifts with dirt in them (i.e. plants) and will probably need to be careful of anything that can hold germs easily (stuffed animals, etc.).
Keep praying!
Friday, May 20, 2011
Update #17 - We're Number One!
Definitely not the trophy that Trent was seeking when he first took up football, but Coach Todd is officially #1 on the National Transplant List!
When Trent was originally approved for the list a few weeks ago, his score was in the 40s out of 100. As of today, he is at 94.96.
Obviously a bittersweet moment, but Jill, keeping her sense of humor, texted, "He's always wanted to be #1..."
Keep your laptops, Smartphones, PDAs, etc. set to Facebook or the blog - word of lungs could come at any moment, and I'll post updates as soon as I have them, day or night...
Now more than ever, you keep praying...
When Trent was originally approved for the list a few weeks ago, his score was in the 40s out of 100. As of today, he is at 94.96.
Obviously a bittersweet moment, but Jill, keeping her sense of humor, texted, "He's always wanted to be #1..."
Keep your laptops, Smartphones, PDAs, etc. set to Facebook or the blog - word of lungs could come at any moment, and I'll post updates as soon as I have them, day or night...
Now more than ever, you keep praying...
Sidenote - Feeling Helpless?
If you need another reminder to pray, or want to contribute in another way to Trent's treatment, here's the scoop.
For anyone wanting to get your hands on a "You keep praying, I'll keep pushing" bracelet, there are two options:
1. Email Jaime at jaime.smiddy at gmail.com and set up a date and time to pick them up; OR
2. Friday and Saturday of this week, go to the yard sale at 5331 Pros Drive, West Chester, Ohio 45069 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Jaime will be there with a TON of bracelets...all for your purchasing pleasure!
Bracelets are $4, and all proceeds go to support Trent and his family.
For anyone wanting to get your hands on a "You keep praying, I'll keep pushing" bracelet, there are two options:
1. Email Jaime at jaime.smiddy at gmail.com and set up a date and time to pick them up; OR
2. Friday and Saturday of this week, go to the yard sale at 5331 Pros Drive, West Chester, Ohio 45069 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Jaime will be there with a TON of bracelets...all for your purchasing pleasure!
Bracelets are $4, and all proceeds go to support Trent and his family.
Update #16 - All's Quiet on the Cleveland Front
Last night was a quiet night. Both Trent and Jill slept the entire night (not easy to do in a hospital) and seem to be doing well.
Trent says hi and to let everyone know he is still pushing.
"We love you all!" - Trent and Jill
Keep praying!
Trent says hi and to let everyone know he is still pushing.
"We love you all!" - Trent and Jill
Keep praying!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Update #15 - ...And Waiting...
Jill says that she and Trent are resting and waiting. At this point, they will definitely be staying in Cleveland until new lungs arrive. Please be praying for God's timing...and for patience for all of us.
Update #14 - Back to Waiting...
Finally got word from Jill that the first set of lungs were not good enough for Trent, so it's back to waiting. Keep praying!
Also, if you get a chance, post a comment just below this update to encourage Trent and Jill during the wait. More soon...
Also, if you get a chance, post a comment just below this update to encourage Trent and Jill during the wait. More soon...
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Update #13 - Still Waiting...
Decision delayed until 2:00 a.m. If the lungs are a go, surgery will be scheduled for 6:00 a.m. tomorrow (less than eight hours from now). Keep praying...
Update #12 - Lungs?!
Jill just texted - "There are lungs, will know for sure by 10. Just keep praying..."
Update #11 - In Cleveland
Trent and Jill headed back to Cleveland yesterday for another round of testing today. They have decided to stay there for the time being as there is a very good chance that the Clinic will have lungs for Trent soon.
More information as I have it, but be praying for peace and patience for the whole Todd family!
More information as I have it, but be praying for peace and patience for the whole Todd family!
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Update #10 - On the List!
Trent has been officially listed on the Lung Transplant List! We do not know how many people are currently on the list, but we do know that he has a score in the mid 40's out of 100. He should receive he his information packet along with his pager later this week.
Please keep all of the families that are and will be involved in this process in your prayers!!!
Thanks so much for your continued support!!
Ronda Bruce
Monday, May 2, 2011
Update #9 - From Trent
Hey family and friends!
Jill and I got back from Cleveland late Thursday. We are pleased with our results from the visit. It was two stressful days, one of which day found me in the Emergency Room due to an inflated heart rate, no big deal. After I explained to the ER how my body works, they let me go three hours later. That in turn put us off schedule for Thursday, which is the reason why we go back late.
I will be presented to the Transplant Board on Monday, and if they say yes, which I think they will by reading between the lines, I could be on the National Transplant List by Friday. We will keep you posted, so please keep praying and hoping, and I'll keep pushing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm really starting to feel the effects of this disease. But I have to keep pushing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love ya, Trent=============
Jill and I got back from Cleveland late Thursday. We are pleased with our results from the visit. It was two stressful days, one of which day found me in the Emergency Room due to an inflated heart rate, no big deal. After I explained to the ER how my body works, they let me go three hours later. That in turn put us off schedule for Thursday, which is the reason why we go back late.
I will be presented to the Transplant Board on Monday, and if they say yes, which I think they will by reading between the lines, I could be on the National Transplant List by Friday. We will keep you posted, so please keep praying and hoping, and I'll keep pushing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm really starting to feel the effects of this disease. But I have to keep pushing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love ya, Trent=============
Update #8 - Transplant Board
Hello to all!
Things are moving right along. Trent completed all of his testing in Cincinnati, and he and Jill were able to complete the remainder of the required tests in Cleveland this past Thursday!!! Lots of PRAYERS are needed, especially right now.
The Medical Review Board will meet regarding Trent on Monday, 5/2/2011, in Cleveland. A decision will be made by Tuesday evening as to whether or not Trent will be placed on the Official Organ Transplant list. Once he is listed, within 24 to 72 hours, he should receive his official notification pager. So, hopefully, by this time next week, Trent will have his pager, and be ready to return to Cleveland for one of the biggest gifts of his life.
We will update you with more info as soon as the board has made their decision.
Please keep the Todds, the many people that are part of the medical review board, and the families that will lose a family member in order to be an organ donor, in your prayers!!!
Thanks for your continued support!!!!
Things are moving right along. Trent completed all of his testing in Cincinnati, and he and Jill were able to complete the remainder of the required tests in Cleveland this past Thursday!!! Lots of PRAYERS are needed, especially right now.
The Medical Review Board will meet regarding Trent on Monday, 5/2/2011, in Cleveland. A decision will be made by Tuesday evening as to whether or not Trent will be placed on the Official Organ Transplant list. Once he is listed, within 24 to 72 hours, he should receive his official notification pager. So, hopefully, by this time next week, Trent will have his pager, and be ready to return to Cleveland for one of the biggest gifts of his life.
We will update you with more info as soon as the board has made their decision.
Please keep the Todds, the many people that are part of the medical review board, and the families that will lose a family member in order to be an organ donor, in your prayers!!!
Thanks for your continued support!!!!
Ronda Bruce
Remember Trent's Quote: "I'll Keep Pushing, You Keep Praying!!"
Remember Trent's Quote: "I'll Keep Pushing, You Keep Praying!!"
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