Update

Sorry I haven't gotten to the computer sooner. I am glad to be writing with a good report though.
The surgery and transplantation took almost exactly 12 hours. There was a lot of scar tissue to have to get through, there was the delicate procedure and then there was a lot of bleeding (due a lot to the anti-coagulation regiment that she was on). But Dr. G gave us a very good report at the completion of the surgery. So then we begin our next journey....
We are a little over 12 hours post-op and Ry is doing wonderful. It was a very long night of fine tuning medication doses and lots of really close monitoring. Because the sedation medication made Ry's blood pressure too low, she is on practically no sedation medication. You all know what this means. She's been up all night! This is almost funny (but not really when you haven't slept since Tuesday night. Gilly and I have been able to take shifts through the night so we've each been able to rest a little. Much like when she was intubated before, she's been able to communicate very clearly. So far we've understood, blankie, water, dip it, fan me, scooch and Puppy.
She looks absolutely beautiful! It's awesome to see so much of her flesh again. No more ginormeous dressing all over her belly. We can even see her belly button.
Today they will consider weaning her from the ventilator (they've actully already pulled her settings down and she's doing great)! Even prior to heading to the OR she received her first dose of immunno surpressive drugs. Since then the steriods and immuno surpressive medications have been in full force.
Upon returning to the room for the first time yesterday afternoon to see her, the echo-tech had just finished up Ry's (second) echo post transplant. He was kind enough to run a few images as we got back in the room. Gilly and I have seen dozens upon dozens of Ry's echo's over the past two years and while we're not experts, we have become familiar with many of the images of her hearts anatomy. The first image that was pulled up showed FOUR chambers! It was awesome, weird, crazy and (as stupid as this sounds) shocking. I was taken back by what I saw. I've never seen a whole heart being echoed. It was incredible. We were so thankful he stayed in the room for the extra 10 minutes to sho w us her new beautiful, healthy, beating heart. Oh what a sight!
I know I have much more to share with you, but for now I have to get back to Ry. She wants us by her bedside and we're happy to oblige. Here's what today holds for each of us.
For Ry: An attempt at weaning her from the ventilator and her nitrous oxide.
Do lots of lab work, xrays, echos, etc.
Get her kidneys working a little more.
Continue to wean blood pressure medications and dozens of other drugs.
And many other things that are beyond me.
For Gilly and I: Try to get some rest!!

Our emotions are still running crazy and I hope to post a bit more about all of this later today. Thank you for all the notes, emails, phone calls, text messages and visits we've had from friends and family. I wish I could answer each one, but please know that we do read and listen to each and everyone. And they help us and encourage us through this wonderful, crazy process. Please continue your prayers for healing and comfort.