Saturday, October 24

Update of the past two days:
-Yesterday, Friday, Mom had another big surgery! After the massive draining that happened on Thursday, the doctors felt comfortable to proceed with Mom's leg. Sooooo, she had surgery on her leg yesterday, which went VERY well. It was long (as all the others have been), but successful! They were able to finish her tibia and fibula; her leg is now in a wrap and is immobilized.
- The not-so-great news is that she is back in ICU. After her surgery she had another "drop" (I forget what it's called... and spelling it would be impossible too!) It was the same issue that she had last week- something to do with her breathing, blood pressure, etc. Anyway, her "vital signs" as they call them, needed to be monitored overnight. She was doing better today, but they are keeping her in ICU again tonight.

-Today: Dad and I were on a college visit near Philly, (life must go on....) and we went afterwards to visit Mom. She seemed just as good as earlier this week, although more weak and fatigued. She is hooked up to IVs and monitors again, although still awake and herself.
- Although they removed the ventilator after surgery, they still want her breathing to improve. That is the main focus right now. Expanding her lungs with bigger and slower breaths will help to prevent infection and fever. (She did have a slight fever today).
- Because of the setback of last night, they had to insert more tubes in order to drain her chest. That was a sticky procedure today, and the doctor had to redo it a couple times. When we arrived they were having more problems with it; the tube was bent/curved in her chest... So they were considering another try.
Mom was anxious about this as she was in a lot of pain from the tube. She seemed very uncomfortable, and we were just praying they would not have to move it around again. So far they have not.

Pelvis surgery is scheduled (quite confidently) for Monday! They are thrilled Thursday's surgery, and are ready to keep going on her pelvis. Please pray hard that this will actually happen. Mom is so hopeful to be DONE with surgeries.
She is longing to come home, however, we don't know what the next steps will be; they have not discussed it with us recently. No definites yet though.
Mom is extremely tired, but God is giving her much strength and endurance. She is relying on the Lord, and it is a huge testimony to Dad and us kids. We pray you all are seeing the power of Lord through this, as well His deep, deep love for us, His children.