Just a brief update.... Kathleen (and Nora) are still at MSKCC. Kiki's recovery is going well, except that the medical team wants her breathing to be stronger (blood oxygen at 95% or higher), and it's a bit uncomfortable for her to do the breathing exercises with a fresh incision right along the back of her right ribcage.  But she is doing everything she needs to in order to come home. She's off the pain meds (except as needed), and is walking around, and doing her breathing exercises. As of early this morning, her blood oxygen was just about at the borderline. Please say a prayer that Kiki will get the "Go Home" word this morning!! I'll provide an update later.

UPDATE - 7/2/09, 4:33 PM - KIKI AND MOM ARE HOME!!! - About 40 minutes after I posted this morning's update, I got the call from Nora; Kathleen was getting out. Her surgeon checked her out this morning and said all looked good, and that Kiki should return next Tuesday for follow-up. By 3 p.m., they were home.

Kathleen's doing great. She's getting around a little gingerly, with bandages covering her incisions and where the chest tube went in. Her breathing is much stronger, but she has to continue her blowing excercises. She even brough home one of those "breath-o-meters" to measure her blowing strength, and a pinwheel to blow on.

We're extremely happy to have Kiki home, in time for the 4th of July weekend. Thanks to everyone for your prayers! Enjoy the holiday weekend!!