Latest News- New Heart!

Today, I'll use this entry to add updates as they come in.

Here are Tonja and Michael's address;

Tonja DuBois
2605 15th Avenue N.W.
Rochester, Minnesota - 55901

Michael DuBois
Mary Brigh 5B room 514
c/o St. Mary's Hospital
1216 Second Street Sw
Rochester, MN - 55902

The children's names are Alan, Ian, Owen, and Trinity.

Michael's room number changes, but the hospital assures they will connect him with his mail.

4:45 p.m. Additional updates on the updates from Riana; I guess I should have said that he is off of all the other machines except for the ventilator. Which is awesome. Tonja said he is doing great. God is awesome!!! Ventilator is normal after this surgery. When I went out there a couple weeks ago when he was on the by-pass that was horrible, he had all those tubes coming out of everywhere. From that to walking was a miracle in itself and now God has granted another miracle.

3:57 p.m. Further update on the update: Mike is ALREADY out of the OR and in ICU!! So much quicker than the dr's thought -- and Tonja tells me he's doing really, REALLY GREAT!!!!

2:56 p.m. UPDATE from Terri (Michael's sister): Just spoke to Tonja -- Michael's new HEART IS BEATING ON ITS OWN!!!! Thank you God! He will still be in the OR for
another few more hours (3-4?) to wean his body off the bypass machine. A little ways to go, so we're still praying..... but he's doing pretty OK right now!!!

11:30 a.m. Tonja wanted me to let you know how things transpired;

4:00 a.m. Mike was getting prepared for surgery and visiting with Tonja and his children.
6:00 a.m. Went to the Operating Room, Tonja was told no incision would be made, until they could assure the donor heart is good.
8:00 a.m. Donor heart determined viable! Thank you so very much special donor family! I so wish we could tell you ourselves, just how grateful we are to you...you have our hugs, love, and continued prayers. Mike went on the bypass machine and the incision was made! Docs told her he will be in surgery until 1 or 2p.m.
Will post further updates as they come in. Thank you for continued prayer and support! Let's keep praying him through this as he fights with everything he has...let's all back him on this one! Hugs for each and every one of you!

On another note. When a parent is seriously ill it can be very difficult on the children. I know this from personal experience. I just found out, Owen, who is ten years old, has absolutely no playthings. Remember, they made an emergency move just a week or two ago. Owen reminds me so much of my own son, when we went through our crisis. He is gentle, kind hearted, quiet, polite, and as sweet as can be. A very special young man. If anyone can help out, he likes matchbox cars and legos. There is a way to purchase a gift online, for instance at walmart, and the recipient can go into any Walmart to pick up the gift. I can provide further details. I make this suggestion, because it's quick and easy. If you do help out, could you drop me a note so I know he has been taken care of?

9:48 a.m. Rick just spoke with Tonja. He couldn't talk, but will call back with updates. He did say, "All is well and Michael should be in surgery until 1:00 or 2:00 p.m." When he calls with further updates I'll post them.

6:04 a.m. Update from Riana: " Surgeons will remove the artificial valve along with the heart. From what I understand, it is a little more than normal, but not an abnormal situation. I just spoke to Tonja and they took him down to the Operating Room a little while ago, they are checking to make sure the new heart is good. He is not in actual surgery yet, pray that the heart is good."