Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Good News/Bad News



Good News:
The surgery went very well. Mom got 5 bypasses, her heart seems to be tolerating and enjoying them. She got two units of blood, which she is also tolerating well. Her labwork since the surgery all came back looking great. That's a relief.

Bad News:
Mom's lungs aren't in great shape. The doctor said she might be able to come off of the ventilator tomorrow, which would be great. He also cautioned, however, that it's entirely possible that she won't be able to come off the ventilator (tube down her throat helping her to breathe) for several days, a week, even a month. And they'll keep her unconscious until she is off the ventilator, so I don't know how long before she'll be awake again. I'm sure hoping for tomorrow. I want to see her awake before I leave for California, which is Friday. I hate the idea of leaving here here, alone and asleep. But I can't stay, not knowing how much longer she'll be asleep. We did talk about this beforehand, and she agrees. That helps, but not as much as you might think.

At one point during the surgery, someone came out to tell me the progress, and they said that her lungs didn't look great. A bit later, I was talking to Richard on the phone, and he said, "I wonder if that could have anything to do with the heater in her apartment..." Crap. I had forgotten about that damn heater. A few years ago, she had a heater die in her apartment, slowly and without much noise or anything...it was quietly, slowly filling her apartment with soot. It happened so gradually that she didn't realize anything was going on, until one day she looked up and realized her walls were gray. Great. So after the surgery (not before, when they might have wanted to know this information, but it didn't occur to any of us that it could be important), I told the surgeon about the heater and the soot in her apartment. He said it's impossible to know what damage that may have done, but it could have done the same damage as decades of smoking. Wonderful. So yeah, she's doing well. But I've been crying, and I'm worried, and I wish I knew whether all of this worry was for nothing, or if this is just the beginning.

Blech. Sorry, I wish I had more good news. I want good news. I'm going to try to focus on the good news that I do have, which is that her heart is doing well, and her body is getting more good oxygen and blood than it has gotten in a long time, and that will help it to be strong and heal. That's where I have to focus, I think.

(cross-posted at Thinking About...)

12 comments:

Susan B said...

Holding good thoughts for her. thanks for the update, Julie, and try to get some rest.

kenju said...

I will be praying for her. I know how you must feel; having to leave while she may still be unconscious. I am sure she knows you feel that way.

Anonymous said...

Dearest Julie, bless your heart. Please know that you are not alone and try to take care of you, too. Our warmest thoughts and prayers for you both. Love,Sandy

Anvilcloud said...

Here's to the good part of the news and much more of it.

Anonymous said...

I've been thinking of her all day and am so glad to find your message that the surgery went well. Thanks so much for keeping us posted during this difficult time, and like Pseu I'm hoping you'll be able to rest well again soon.

lilalia said...

Thank you very much for the detailed update. We are all just going to have to send positive thoughts to her weakened lungs and her recuperating heart. Not knowing your mom, she does come across as being very gusty. So, lets hope and pray that part of her gets her lungs working fine.

Anonymous said...

Your mom is lucky to have you and I'm sure she knows how you are feeling. I'm sure she knows that you would be there if at all possible. Moms and daughters know these things. I'm sure you're still talking to her in her induced coma. She hears you. Trust her angels to be with her. Rest. My love and prayers.

Rain Trueax said...

thanks for taking the time for this update. It is obvious we are all concerned about her. If there are things anyone can do to help, please let us know that also. I imagine you know about sending energy. Believing as I do, I believe we can send each other healing energy, we can communicate even when not near physically. That kind of energy can be healing.

Also if finances are an issue in keeping the Hooligans somewhere for awhile until she is able to have them again in California, I am sure there are others besides myself who would help with some money to do that. Most of us here are animals lovers. Sometimes we have to let one go but if it's money that would make a difference, please let us know that.

geogrrl said...

Your Mom will be fine, Julie--and sooner than you think.

Anonymous said...

Julie, I really want to thank you for keeping us all updated on your mom's progress. I am keeping her in my prayers, as is Tony, Debi, Dale, Darla and David. If you have a cell phone with you, would you send it to me on my e-mail so I could talk with you?
lbeaver@otz.net Know our prayers are with you and the rest of our family. Love Aunt Lori

Anonymous said...

Julie,

The Indominatable Molly Brown had NOTHING on your mother! She is one of the feistiest, strongest women I have ever met. If anyone could come through this surgery and get better, I know that it's her.

I'm holding good thoughts and prayers for her (and for all of your family).

Judy in Houston

Betty said...

Thanks for the update. She is on my mind every day, and I hope she is up and about soon. Maybe getting her out of the apartment will help her lungs. Try not to worry too much.