Nana/Mom Update

5/16-
Mom's open heart surgery went really well on Wednesday.  The surgeon repaired two veins and did an ablation(Maze procedure).  She may still have to continue take a blood thinner, but the repair will last a long time.  I stayed overnight with her Wednesday night.  The only problem she had was a clogged breathing tube.  The suction portion got clogged by goo being sucked up and she panicked for a minute.  The tube was cleared and she settled down.  The ventilation tube was finally removed Thursday morning and this made Mom and all of us very happy.  She has continued to improve.  She has been a real trooper and has been working hard to do her breathing treatments and exercises and follows directions well.  She's a retired RN and knows the drill and she wants to get home as soon as possible.  We are hoping that she will be able to do outpatient therapy instead of being moved to a rehab facility.

5/15
Mom and I had a pretty good night. The breathing tube came out this morning and she is breathing on her own. She is awake, alert, and talking with us! The only thing this mom of mine really wants is water which she can't have just yet. Her spirits are good and she is my first momma once again. Keep those prayers coming! 

Mom update- please excuse me if I repeat any info, but I am working on roughly 1 hour of sleep since Wednesday morning . Mom is now sitting up, talking, and just had her first clear liquid meal! She is experiencing body soreness and a small amount of bone ache and has a headache earlier. She was a rock star during her first breathing treatment/exercises. Tomorrow they will most likely try to get her started with PT which will include some walking.

5/16
I came home today so that I could watch our beautiful Emma girl perform in the school talent show. Her group did GREAT and we are so very proud of her! I will post pictures and the video in a bit. Mom Update-Philip stayed with Mom last night and said the only issues she had were coughing, but that is a good thing. We want her lungs to stay clear and not develop pneumonia. She has been resting today and spending time in the chair, doing her breathing treatments, and eating a more substantial clear diet menu. If she tolerates this, then she can move to a regular menu tomorrow. Amy is going to stay tonight. We are taking turns so that Dad can get as much rest as possible. She is in very good hands no matter what. The staff at the hospital are fantastic at what they do and have been so good with her. Mom is a good patient and is really working hard with her breathing treatments and anything else they have asked her to try to do. She knows the drill(retired RN) and her attitude has been good. She is my superhero and I just love her so stinkin' much. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers, we can not thank you enough. The support has been awesome and so much appreciated. Henry, Emma, and Jason and I will go over tomorrow or Sunday and visit. The kids are excited and I know Mom is looking forward to seeing them too.

5/17

We just got off the phone with Mom. The last two drainage tubes came out today and she is on a regular diet. Her doctors stopped by to check in and they are both very pleased with her progress. She sounded even better than yesterday!

Mom and I had a good night. Slept until 3 until some coughing brought her awake, then dozed again until 4:25 until we had some more coughing. A bath at 5 and an X-ray at 5:45 or so. Maybe a little nap before breakfast...we've been busy ladies.

5/18

Mom update-my brother Philip just sent those of us that aren't there today a txt message. Mom is WALKING with PT!!! She has a big grin on her face in the picture and is looking pretty steady! Go Mom Go!!!

5/19

Mom update-We went to see Mom this afternoon after school. The kids had not seen Nana since before she went in for surgery. So we made the trip over and found her in good spirits and looking fantastic. She has color in her cheeks, sparkling bright eyes, and is rocking the hospital gown like no other;) She's down to one drainage tube, a pic line, walked 200 feet this morning with PT, and is working on turning that into laps:) Henry and Emma(and me and Jason) were thrilled to see their Nana and Papa today and are relieved to see their Nana looking and feeling better. Our visit was short, but very good and we plan on going back over later in the week. Go Mom/Nana Go!!!

5/21

Mom update-  All drains and wires are out!  We should find out soon whether or not Mom will have a pace maker put in before she is released to go home.  She will most likely do outpatient PT about 3 times a week.

5/22
Mom update-Mom is doing very well. All drainage tubes, catheter, and IV lines are out. She had her first shower since surgery yesterday. She is up walking several times a day and eating a regular diet. The nurses have been really impressed with her recovery. They say that she is doing better than most of their patients that are half her age and had the same procedure done. The decision has been made that she will have a pace maker put in tomorrow afternoon, kept overnight, and then discharged Saturday. Please continue to pray for her, her medical team, and for our family.

Thank you all for your prayers, good thoughts, support, and love for our family.  My mom is doing very well!  We hope to be able to spring her from the hospital this weekend!  Please continue to pray and think of her.  She still has a long road of recovery to go.  She continues to work hard every day with PT and RT(respiratory therapy) and has increased her walking distance every day.  

We are so very thankful for the amazing team of doctors and medical staff that have been in charge of her care and recovery.  Baylor Heartplace of Plano, TX  and it's staff have been outstanding and we just couldn't be more thrilled with the work that they are doing with heart patients and their families.  

I'll keep everyone posted as soon as we know when Mom gets to go home.