Here we go to the ICU

Just received word that due to her nausea and uncontrolled pain, the thoracic and pain management teams have made a decision to move mom to the ICU. They are considering placing an epidural for better pain control and feel that she will receive closer supervision and care in the ICU....we agree. Her lab work is improving and she is resting better. Dan is comforted knowing she is receiving quality care. He has been so very worried about her, he loves her so much,we are so grateful he is part of her life...

Recovery Room

Doctors have determined that she will not need to be in the ICU, which reflects the good outcome of her surgery. :) A pain management team has been called in to evaluate her pain since her PCA isn't effective enough. She has a great nursing staff currently another :) !!! She is in good spirits asking about her littlest granddaughter, Cate and smiling at the iPhone pictures Krissy showed her. Thank you to Giovana who is taking care of Cate and supplying the much appreciated photos!

All surgery is now complete...

Without getting into the details of the surgery, we want you to know that both the thoracic and plastic surgeons have completed their respective surgeries. There was both boney structures and muscles remove and skin and muscle grafts performed. She has drains in place and hundreds of internal and external stitches, mesh and a plaster-of-paris type material that covers the holes left behind in her chest wall and abdomen. Overall, she tolerated the procedures well, breathing tubes were removed, and she is breathing on her own. Next we move on to pain control and stabilization. Thank you everyone for your kindness and willingness to help. Please pray for pain control, no infections and rest. We love you all.

THE MAJOR SURGERY IS OVER....

Everything went well. Though she is still in surgery, the plastic surgeons are closing the wounds, she tolerated the process well. They removed 14cm of sternum and surrounding rib structure. We will not have pathology results for about 7 days. She will be moved to ICU in the next few hours and we will be able to see her. Please continue to pray for her comfort and no infection. We will continue to keep you posted.

Surgery has begun...

Upon arrival at the hospital, we were literally herded by groups into the pre-op area and assigned a station to finish filling out some final paperwork and change. The training anesthetist missed her vein on the first try...annoying mom a bit. We had a chance to meet the various surgeons and we again went over everything that she had already been told, but it gave her a chance to ask any last questions she had. The thoracic surgeon came in last and we told him that we were all praying for him and the entire team. She went into the operating room at just after 8am. She was a little bit anxious as they took her in and she was given Verced (most patients are given this before surgery) and she relaxed. Although they took her in at 8, the surgery actually started at 9am. We just checked on her progress and there hasn't been any word. We decided not to bother the surgical team to ask for further information. Dan is anxiously awaiting word as we are sure you all are too. We will keep you posted. Love to all.