from the heart

baby blessing

2010-06-08T16:30:00.003-05:00

I feel so blessed to announce a quick answer to our prayers... I'm pregnant! We went to the midwives yesterday and I'm 8 weeks, 2 days; due January 17, 2011! I posted a couple months ago about our miscarriages and I was prepared for it to be awhile to make this announcement, needless to say we are SO thankful for this quick answer to prayer. We continue to pray as we make our way through the first trimester. Until Sunday when morning sickness hit, my main symptom has been fatigue - luckily Elena is more than able to entertain herself these days. Now I will battle morning sickness - hoping that it won't be long.

The midwife did tell us that they are not willing to take on my case, due to my cardiac history, so we're trying to decide on an OB/GYN. I was sad to hear that, as I've heard such good things about the midwives from my friends; although I'm thankful that they are honest to hand me off to be in a higher level of care. Not sure if I'll be treated as "high risk" yet, but we'll see what our new OB/GYN has to say.

It was so wonderful to see the little heart moving... can't wait to find out if it's a boy or girl. My current prediction is boy. Peter would really like a boy. We're going to hold off on telling Elena at least until after the first trimester is over... maybe longer if we can contain ourselves in an effort to make the wait not so long for her.

Strawberries!

2010-04-23T21:41:00.006-05:00

This week Elena and I went to a strawberry patch. What fun! We were in good company - a bunch of mommies and kiddos from our church came too. Upon arrival one of the little girls kicked off her shoes... Elena followed suit and spent her time barefoot, eating as many

strawberries as she could. I tried motivating her to stop eating and "pick some for Daddy". No sooner did I turn around and she was back at it; she was taking it very seriously, so seriously, she couldn't break to smile for a picture... as you can see below.

We picked 4.5 pounds... paid around $7.50 and then on the way out I saw a LARGE box of already picked strawberries that were very ripe. The lady said she'd sell them to me for $2.00. DEAL! By the amount of effort it took me to carry the box to the car, I'm estimating there was about 20-25 pounds of strawberries in there. After sharing them with some friends and family, it still took me a couple hours to clean and freezer pack the ripe ones. I was sick of strawberries! Luckily by this evening, my sickness has lifted and we had strawberry shortcake for dessert. The real stuff - with biscuits & homemade whipped cream. Good stuff!

recounting loss

2010-04-12T14:00:00.006-05:00

The last time I wrote, I wasn't able to emotionally divulge the painful trial our family was walking through. I became pregnant last July and in August I miscarried. I've had friends who've gone through this type of loss and I had always tried to imagine what they might be feeling. As I have come to understand now, it brings out every emotion imaginable - shock, sadness, anger and it is unbearable to go through it alone.

Despite all the pain, I was eager to try again to become pregnant. We conceived again in October and I was so excited! So excited that little E would have a sibling. It was also very exciting, as tons of my friends were announcing their pregnancies as well. How fun, everyone being pregnant together & having little ones the same age.

This time round, I became very sick with morning sickness, unable to get out of bed some days. My first appointment to check on the baby wasn't until nine weeks and at that point I was pretty miserable. When they did the ultrasound, the baby appeared to only be 6.5 weeks in size. They waited a week and then did another ultrasound... same thing. The midwife then told us they believed I had had a missed miscarriage. Essentially the baby stopped developing, but had not passed yet. WHAT! AGAIN! I can't go through this again! Despite everything inside of me screaming - NO, I did a good job of holding on to all my emotions and managed not to really break down until I was alone at home. The loss seemed to hurt deeper than before. I'm not going to begin to try to unpack all the emotions that I went through for the weeks that followed, but I will say this - God was right there, in the brokenness, HE held me, comforted me and held my family together... when everything about the experience, was pulling us apart.

So, I guess this is the part in my story that was keeping me from blogging... even blogging the good stuff in my life. Well, its out there now. I know this is not the end of the story. Our desire is still to have a another child. So we hope and pray and wait.

One Year Ago Today

2009-11-13T14:51:00.003-06:00

Today marks a year since my heart surgery. Last night I read through a lot of the blog and was thankful to have it all be behind me, to have had such great supportive husband, family and friends and a FAITHFUL God. I wish I could say that I'm not feeling any pain today. I knew going into this that the healing process would be long; but, I don't think I could have wrapped my mind around the concept of enduring chronic pain. Internally, I'm great - better of course because of the surgery. However, because they had to go through my back, my muscles are still weak and recovering. I'm constantly praying for strength and relief from the pain.

For the past couple weeks I went to physical therapy, hoping to find relief. I decided to continue the therapy at home (and not pay to have someone watch me do my exercises.) My plan is to dedicate myself to consistently do the exercises that aim to build my muscles back, which will intern cause the spasms to stop. I'll be re-evaluated after the new year, as to wether I need to seek further treatment. I'm doing all I can to help my body heal.

Thank you for you're continued prayers. Praise God for seeing me through this year of recovery!

Back to Blogging

2009-10-14T14:26:00.022-05:00

Where to begin when I've been gone so long. I've decided that I'll do a pictoral review of the last 6 months that the blogging world has missed out on. One week turned into two and then months go by... oh well, no apologies needed... will you care to read again? I guess I'll just wait and see. Also, I'll do a general post on the highlights of life and on my next post, I'll give you an update on my healing progress.

So, to ease my way back in to blogging.... here's some pictures. I decided to not leave you to wonder what we did for the last six months... so there are lots of pictures!

APRIL

Easter Bunny Baking with Mama & Elena

Easter Celebration

My sister, Elena, my mom & me

MAY

A relaxing reunion with Peter's college friends on Lake Travis in Austin.

Mother's Day & Elena's Dedication

Cousin Gregory & Elena initiate holding hands - too cute!

Attended my brother Mark's graduation from Taylor University... and lost the pictures of the graduation ... ugh. This picture is another picture of our trip to Ohio, after the graduation.

It's not posed, Elena decided to join Uncle Mark. Way to go, Mark!

Visited my family in Ohio. Peter & I did a "photo shoot" with my cousin Sarah for her senior pictures... isn't she beautiful! Class of 2010!

JUNE

Happy 2nd Birthday, Elena Grace!

Blowing out candles on her Elmo 'happy cake'!

She wanted ice cream cones too... or maybe that was mama :)

JULY

4th of July was spent at the Cruz Family reunion at Peter's parent's home in the country. Lots of fun, lots of food & of course fireworks!

My siblings and my grandma hosted a 30th Anniversary party for my parents. They had just returned from an Alaskan cruise and we celebrated with food from around the world, different places they have lived. Cooking a 4 course meal for 25 people was an adventure. It turned out to be a great night!

AUGUST

Pottery Barn Ad 2009 - just kidding, but it looks like out takes from one. Another reunion weekend with college friends. We celebrated Reagan's 2nd birthday together (middle chair with Elena). These kids had a blast together - and the adults did too!

SEPTEMBER

Fun at the beach in Galveston.

OCTOBER

The pumpkin patch.

Carving Elena's first pumpkin!

NOVEMBER

Grandma Laurel came for a visit. Four generation photo shoot.

Peter's Birthday Weekend

2009-03-29T21:57:00.037-05:00

Friday afternoon Peter and I set off on his birthday adventure. We'd bought tickets to the Third Day concert in College Station, a couple hours from our home. Peter got the tickets several weeks ago... before it was forecasted to be cold. We dropped Elena off with Abuelo and Abuela. She was excited to spend time with them and the "bacas" (cows). As we were leaving, she told us to "have fun!".

Earlier in the week I made an executive decision spend the night Friday night in College Station and not drive back at an ungodly hour of the night/morning. I'd found this place called the 7F Lodge located just 10 minutes from where the concert. So, I made our reservations at 7F and luckily they had one cabin left ----- the Sugar Shack!

This place was awesome!!! It was such a needed retreat for both of us. If you get a chance read how this place started on their website. It is such a great story. Their motto is "LOVE SAVES LIVES". In addition to the Sugar Shack they have several other cabins in different themes.

After a quick bite to eat at one of our favorite places - Freebirds, we were off to the concert. It had been raining earlier in the day and when we arrived at the outdoor concert venue we were informed that the stage had flooded and the concert would be starting an hour and half later than the scheduled time. So we waiting in the cold. We finally got in and set up our little blanket on the ground and snuggled together to keep warm. There were two opening bands - Revive and Need to Breathe. They were both good; but quite honestly, I was so focused on the fact that I was freezing cold, that it was hard to enjoy anything! So, when Third Day finally came out, I only had a little bit of warm blood left in me. I knew how much Peter wanted to see them; so at one point I went to the bathroom and warmed my hands under the hand drier! It was soon after this, that Peter got too cold too and we decided to head back to 7F... with a quick detour to Starbucks for some hot chocolate! That evening we enjoyed "jamming" on the electric guitar at the shack.

On Saturday, Peter's birthday, we slept in (yeah!) and enjoyed the continental breakfast left in our cabin. We did a little sightseeing around 7F... check out the wedding chapel. Absolutely gorgeous! I decided maybe Elena could get married here; its just so pretty.

We headed back to Houston and met up with Peter's parents, Elena, Peter's sister and her family, and my parents for a birthday dinner at On the River - Peter's favorite place for fried shrimp & pickles! I'd been telling Elena for a couple days that it was Dad's birthday coming up. Instead of "Happy Birthday", she says "Happy Cake". She was really looking forward to happy cake and helped Daddy blow out the candles.

Some how I just got pictures of kiddos... our nephew, looking really cool.

I'm so blessed to have such an awesome husband. This past year has been full of challenges and I'm so grateful to have such a faithful and kind husband. I love you, Peter!

Tasty

2009-03-23T21:57:00.003-05:00

grand opening of 1049 Elridge

2009-03-15T21:51:00.007-05:00

Our church has our own building! After six and half years of meeting in a middle school, we have leased and remodeled a beautiful new space on 1049 Eldridge in Sugar Land. It is absolutely incredible and I'd like to invite everyone to our Grand Opening... April 5th!

I've been going to Crossbridge for almost 6 years now. It's the first church I attended after moving to Houston in March 2003. Within a week of moving here, a guy my dad worked with, Scott, invited me to go out and meet some of his friends from his church. We went out on March 28, 2003 to a Mexican restaurant, called Tortuga. It was there that Scott's friends', Peter (my husband) and Rob, were celebrating their birthdays along with a large group from church.

I started attending Crossbridge soon after the birthday party and was again welcomed and invited to be a part of an single women's Bible study. It was here and on Sunday mornings that I found a place and group of people that challenged me in my walk with the Lord. I have truly been able to experience real Christian community as Christ intended it to be, as my friends have supported me through singlehood, engagement, being newly married, pregnancy, having my first child, going through hard times in our marriage, and most recently going through my heart operation. So, if you are a follower of Christ looking for a church home or if you are searching spiritually, this is a safe place to learn and grow. I'd be thrilled if you'd be my guest... http://www.crossbridge.cc/

congratulations robinsons!

2009-03-15T21:38:00.003-05:00

My aunt and her family were featured in a Taste of Home magazine on their recent kitchen/great room remodel. I must admit, I get pretty excited when people I know become famous. Congratulations Aunt Kerry, Uncle Rob and kids! I know you all put a lot of work into making your home such an inviting place for others.

Check this article out and the pictures featuring their beautiful remodel.

rodeo!

2009-03-08T21:01:00.008-05:00

Friday we had a great last minute surprise of going to the Rodeo with my sister/Elena's Aunt Ju Ju. The first stop of the evening was to get some grub. Sausage on a stick, funnel cake, corn dogs, fries and cokes was on the dinner menu. (Yeah, I know not quite the heart diet... my tummy let me know of that later.)

Elena loved the animal exhibits... especially Elise the Borden Milk Cow.

And of course the bunnies...

I couldn't resist getting Elena a cowgirl hat. So, here's... Cowgirl and Cowdaddy :)

what's up doc

2009-02-18T16:16:00.003-06:00

Back to the doctor. This time it was a trip to my cardiologist... to the doctor who made my initial diagnosis - finding the narrowing of my aorta and high cholesterol. Two weeks ago, I did some extensive blood work, called the Berkeley Blood test again and I was going to hear the results of the test. Since the first test in August, I have started the Berkeley Heart Diet and have started taking fish oil every day. I was curious what the results would be, as I didn't feel I had been as diligent with the diet as I could have been. But, was happy to find that all levels had improved! There are still two levels that need to improve further, but he thinks I'm too young to start medication and would rather see me continue with the diet, start exercising and increase my fish oil intake.

I'm excited to know that all the changes and effort that I've made in my diet has made a difference. I was also pleased to announce to Peter, who also has had to eat most the things on my diet, that it was worth it! Oh, and thanks again for all the people who made meals for us during my recovery. I know it was inconvenient, but I'm happy to share with you that it helped!!!

I'd been having some higher blood pressure readings and was fearful he'd say to go back on medication, but luckily he simply wants me to monitor my blood pressure twice a week and if 2/3 of the time they are higher numbers (in the 140s), I will contact him, but otherwise I'm scheduled to check back with him in 6 months.

So glad to be done with doctors, hospitals, insurance for a while... but, thankful to have them all in the same breath.

feb update

2009-02-11T15:15:00.005-06:00

Somehow it's taken me a whole month+ to sit down and write again. Yesterday I had a Doppler test done and it revealed that I have had an increase in blood flow/pressure to my legs as a result of the surgery. It is not at a perfectly normal level, but my surgeon says that it may take a year or two before that happens. He has seen patients recover to normal levels in their legs. I was pleased to have that good news, especially because I really haven't been feeling that great pain-wise. The first week in January I felt 99% better--- had more energy than I have in years and was so excited for a fresh start, but since that week, I've been experience more soreness and pain. At my appointment yesterday, the Dr. informed me that it could be 1-2 years of intermittent pain, soreness and nerve sensitivity.

AH! I'm fighting the idea of a longer recovery... I don't want to whine... but, I just want to be well again. I'm finding that it is hard to share with people what I'm going through without sounding whiny... it's turning my focus towards prayer. God knows my pain, he knows my every need. I have faith that He will bring me to full recovery... I guess I'm struggling with the patience part.

Well, I can't end on that note, so please indulge me as I share tid-bit on Elena. She is growing up so fast! Her vocabulary blows me away. Sunday I was getting ready to go to church. I was on outfit number three and wasn't sure it was a good pick. I looked at myself in the mirror--- "Is this in style?" I thought to myself. I hear a little voice from the doorway--- "Ooo, Pretty". It's Elena--- my very own toddler fashion consultant! I love having a little girl!

christmas card

2008-12-22T21:57:00.009-06:00

I mentioned in my last blog that the stomach bug got our family bad and sabatoged all efforts for an on time Christmas card. I regret having to give up on this fun project. I was really looking forward to sending out cards to all our family and friends. I love this time of year for the good old fashion snailmail correspondence.

I thought I'd send it anyway via the world wide web. On the bright side, I saved some stress and cents on stamps (?) Oh well, next year I'll try again...

~Merry Christmas from the Longorias~

insomina & sickness & vacation

2008-12-21T00:44:00.004-06:00

It's 12:45am and I can't sleep. The last couple weeks have brought about nights of insomnia and days of tiredness. No fun! I thought I'd make the best of it tonight and finally do some blogging.

Exactly a week ago Elena finished up her antibiotics for her sinus infection. We were so thankful to finally see her back to her normal self. Peter was gone all week on a business trip, so Elena and I camped out at my parents. It was great to have Uncle Mark back in town from college for the holidays. My mom and I had made all sorts of plans --- shopping, baking and Mark even started designing our Christmas card. We ventured to Pottery Barn Kids on Tuesday to pick up a present from Elena's great grandparents... which Elena is going to love (I'm not spoiling the surprise!) All plans came to halt on Tuesday evening ---- Elena had got the bug! The stomach virus that has been going around our area had attacked with full force. She vomited over 15 times in a 12 hour period. Poor baby! It was a very rough night. By the next morning the bug had got me (not nearly as bad as Elena). By that evening, Mark was really sick and then yesterday my mom got it. Elena had been doing better, until this evening when it hit her again. She's presently sleeping... praise God!

I'm praying hard for full recovery of all my family. Its so hard not being able to simply pick up Elena when she's been sick. She is such a brave little girl. After Tuesday night, I have a new little hero to look up to.

In the midst of my battle with the stomach virus, I was miraculously in minimal pain in terms of my nerves and surgery site. I wasn't able to hold down pain meds for a period of time and went almost 24 hours without them! God was so merciful! I'm working on getting on over the counter pain meds and only using Vicodin when the pain is really bad.

On the bright side, Peter is on vacation for 2 weeks!!!! I'm so excited for him. He's been working hard at work and at home. Having a toddler in the house and a mama who can't lift a toddler means... no sleeping in, but luckily Elena takes a long nap in the afternoon, so hopefully he can get some rest in.

Speaking of rest... I'm going to try to get some sleep.

Thanks for the continued prayers. It's a long road to recovery, with lots of ups and downs, but God is so gracious!

great report

2008-12-02T21:26:00.005-06:00

It's hard to believe over three weeks have past since my surgery. This past week I had my follow up appointment with my surgeon. He said my wound was healing well and that I have very little risk of wound infection or complications at this point. What great words to hear! He has asked to see me again in two months. At that time he will do doppler testing on my legs and feet to see how my blood pressure and circulation has improved since the surgery.

I also went to see my cardiologist. He was excited to tell me that the pulses in my groin are normal! Before surgery they were very faint, so this is a good indicator that my blood is flowing to the southern half of my body with no problems! I had been keeping track of my blood pressure over the two weeks after my surgery and I was able to share those readings with him. He said that at this point, I can continue to go without my blood pressure medicine. Great news!!! I still have high cholesterol, so I'll continue taking fish oil and continue with my Berkeley Heart diet. I may have to take medication later, but because I'm in "childbearing age", he doesn't want to take any chances. He was very excited to see how well I was doing. I am the second case that he as had that has had my particular surgery. I think it must be very rewarding to add years of life to a young person... most of his patients are later in years. I'm thankful that God sent me to this great doctor!

I'm continuing to use Vicodin (and Advil). They are providing good pain relief, but I obviously can't be on them forever. The pain can be intense at the end of a pain pill cycle, but nothing like what I experienced right after surgery. I'm thankful to be getting better every day. My in home physical therapy has stopped and I'm going to continue the strengthening exercises on my own.

My mom and mother-in-law take shifts during the week so I always have someone to help me with Elena. I still won't be able to lift her until January. Elena is adjusting well and her requests for "up" to me are down to one a day. Speaking of Elena, while I was in the hospital she got sick with a cold and last weekend it turned into a sinus infection... poor girl! I hate seeing her sick. She's on antibiotics and seems to be getting better. So Peter has been doing double time on his nursing duties.

Today we made it back to church. I was so ready to be in the presence of my church body and be able to corporately worship God. I know in the past I have taken being able to get up and go to church for granted. Not this morning... I was just so thankful to be there.

The meals keep coming... it's such a blessing to have so many of our friends looking after us in this way. Thank you meal-cookers!!!

I'm so happy to report that my Grandma Laurel is recovering well from her pacemaker surgery. Here within the last couple weeks she has been able to walk much further than she had prior to surgery. We're continuing to pray for her full recovery.

Thank you for your continued prayers.

thank you for your prayers...

2008-11-22T21:00:00.003-06:00

I've been been sitting here for quite awhile... just waiting for the right words to express the depth of thankfulness and joy I feel for being able to simply write on this blog just a week into my recovery. God has been and continues to be my Great Physician. There is no other explanation for what great progress I've made in the last week. God has been with me... I've felt His presence like no other time in my life. There is so much I want to share with you all about this last week, but I'm finding it hard to sit down and express it all. So, I'll probably be giving tidbits over next several weeks of my recovery, sharing what God is doing in my life and the life of my family.

Presently, I'm managing the pain with Vicodin every four hours. I'm not nauseous anymore (praise God!!!!) and I finally feel like myself. There is an 9 inch incision on my back, following the curve of my shoulder blade. According to my sweet nurse who visits daily, the incision is healing nicely. A physical therapist is supposed to start coming to our home this week and I'm excited to start working on getting my strength back.

I cannot begin to tell you how much this blog has been an encouragement to me. It has been so cool to read Peter's entries and the comments that followed by family, friends, and even people I don't know. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.... for going to your knees, for lifting me up when I was unable to breathe a prayer for myself, for taking time to send an encouraging word, for supporting my husband and family through so many sweet words and gestures.

Recovery-Update 17 and Peter Signing Out...

2008-11-20T12:59:00.006-06:00

It's been exactly one week today since I took over Katie's blog to keep everyone updated on what was going on. It's been a good day. The addition of the advil seems to be helping to relieve that last bit of pain the Vicodin wasn't getting and the generic Zofran seems to be helping with the nausea. We're trying to use it sparingly/as needed only because of how much it will cost to replace. Our home care nurse, Shirley, came by this morning and she re-dressed Katie's bandages and poked a little fun at how over the top my bandage job was :) All I had to go by was all the war movies I've seen and they were pretty liberal with bandaging as far as I can remember! Shirley is going to order up some physical therapy on top of the nursing care she's providing.

Though we're supposed to deal with pain and nausea over then next several weeks I'm believing that God is with us, guiding us, putting people in our path to help us and is using it all for his Glory! Though updates may not be as frequent, I believe Katie is at a place where she can provide posts of her own and so I relinquish the helm back to its captain.

I want to thank everyone for their prayers of encouragement and for their support. This blog served us well in allowing us to share our needs for prayer and allowing us to be encouraged by those reading it.

Before I go, I thought I'd give y'all a few pics of Katie's new ride in action!

Below is Elena demonstrating how she "urges" mom to go faster. Her left hand is resting on the seat where Katie can sit when she needs a break. The seat also has some inserts where the clear, plastic serving tray can be attached as demonstrated on the last picture below.

Thanks again for your continued prayers over the next several weeks of recovery!

Most humbly,

Peter

Recovery-Update 16

2008-11-19T20:46:00.002-06:00

Our first night home was a bit tough. We were already exhausted from the day and I personally hadn't really thought about the fact that Katie's need for pain meds every 4 hours meant I was going to have to set my alarm to get up every 4 hours. Also, taking Vicodin is not like taking a tylenol. Apparently it makes you nauseous - even just swallowing it and you HAVE to take it with some food. Katie usually has a couple of foods to make sure she gets rid of the taste, such as crackers and apple sauce. So, it takes a little while.

This morning she was feeling both pain and nausea. Katie just wanted to sleep because the nausea was so bad. We called the surgeon to see if we could get a prescription for that and to address the pain. Of course, being a surgeon, he was in surgery. It wasn't until late afternoon that we got a call back. For the pain, they want her to continue with 2 pills of Vicodin but to add 2 pills of Advil on top of that. For the nausea, they prescribed Zofran. Thank you Lord for insurance. Walgreens warned me that not all insurances cover it all the time and that if they didn't 30 pills would cost $407!!!! We almost had to make another trip to the Heart and Vascular Institute for me!!! Fortunately they do cover it and it was only a quarter of that cost. Yeah - still a lot but I happily paid it knowing what it could have been (mind you this was for the generic brand too).

It was worth it. Katie took the pill and the late afternoon/evening was completely different. She was up, walking around and playing with Elena as much as she could and at a much SLOWER pace. She was also eating. Now she's able to do the things she's supposed to do to heal. Speaking of walking, Katie's walker arrived this afternoon. It's perfect. It has four wheels, hand breaks, a basket for carrying things, a tray that clips on for carrying food/drinks and a seat. We wanted something she'd be able to use outdoors for walks as well and I wanted to make sure it had a seat. That way if she needed to rest, wherever she was, she could just lock the brakes and take a breather. I wanted to minimize the obstacles that might keep her from walking.

Anyway, it's difficult for Katie to walk at her own pace because Elena likes to get behind the walker when Mom is using it and push it to go faster. Katie definitely has a physical trainer and her name is Elena. Nobody can get her up and moving like Elena can!

Tomorrow we're expecting the nurse that was supposed to show up today. She'll take a look at Katie's incisions and help us re-dress and care for them.

Thanks to everyone whose brought us meals so far. With everything we've been managing, it's been a great deal of help to not have to worry about what is for dinner. It helps us unwind a little bit in the evening and is even a little surprise to look forward to.

If this post seems incongruous it's because it's reflecting the state of my mind at this point.

Recovery-Update 15

2008-11-18T19:45:00.004-06:00

Katie is Home!!! I finally have my girls under one roof again and the two peas back in their pod :) We got home right about noon and the day has been filled with getting situated, getting cleaned up and the hospital grit off and, of course, catching up with Elena.

We expected we'd walk in the door and Elena would tackle Momma but that didn't happen. It was actually kind of odd. She just looked at Katie. We had to carry her over to Katie and she didn't seem all that interested in her. After a few minutes though she started running between Katie, me, and Marcia and giving us a hug. Eventually she got reacquainted with Momma and didn't want her to leave her sight. Even if Mom was just going into our bedroom Elena would start crying. She would go up to Katie's legs and say "up. up." We're all glad to see them back together again.

From a pain perspective, Katie seems to have transitioned to the Vicodin pills. There hasn't been any increased complaint of the pain that I've noticed. What has increased with the pills is the nausea. She seems to complain about that more now and it is affecting her appetite. Please keep that in your prayers. She needs to be able to eat to continue to walk and heal.

Now that we're out of the hospital I want to take a minute to acknowledge the staff at Memorial Hermann Southwest. We have interacted with A LOT of people there and with the exception of a couple of instances we had as great an experience as I think you can have under the circumstances. Food wait staff, house cleaning, registrar, pre-op, surgery nurses, ICU nurses, pain management nurses, vital signs nurses (PCAs), physical therapists, telemetry monitoring staff, home care coordinator, nurse liaison,... It really is incredible the number of people that are involved in the care we received.

I'd also like to give a big thank you to Catherine Haskew and Rod Brace. Both work for the Memorial Hermann system and attend our church. They both visited us early on while we were there, offering us their support, encouragement, and services should we need them. Thank you for that! It was great to know we had that support if we needed it!

A couple of my personal favorite ladies (Katie can add her own later if she wishes) - I gotta give Brenda from the ICU props. She was so sweet, gentle and kind. Whatever Katie wanted or needed she did it and with a beautiful smile on her face. You could tell she cared about everyone from the depths of her soul.

Then there's Emily. She was Julie's old roommate from college and Katie's nurse for the three nights she spent in Telemetry. Wow!!! I can't articulate what kind of peace of mind we had knowing that when we were going to be the most tired and out of it, Emily was going to be in charge of Katie's care. She was fantastic and I could tell she was that way with all of her patients! Not to mention that two of her coworkers commented on how great of a nurse she is without knowing she's a friend. More than a few times I'd wake up drowsy eyed and laying on the "bed" and seeing Emily enter the room with the light of the hallway serving as her angelic aura and thinking, good - Emily is here! Nobody could tuck Kate back in bed with as little pain as she could. She definitely has the touch! If you decide to have heart surgery, I recommend this hospital and Emily for your care! Make sure and let her I know I sent you :)

As nice a hospital as we had, we're glad to be back home. We still have 6 weeks of recovery left but it's well worth it. A piece of literature we got from the hospital said that many people who go undiagnosed with Katie's condition die in the 40's! I can't imagine being a widower and single father of 14 year old and without Katie!!! I am SO grateful to God and his instruments, Dr. Faulkner, for this discovery and Dr. Baldwin for his skilled hands!

Katie's cardiologists have asked her to stop taking her high blood pressure pills she's been on since she was 16! Her blood pressure was so good in the hospital they want to see if it'll continue without medication. So we monitor and pray for that as well! That would be FANTASTIC!!!

My girls are asleep in bed and after a few emails I'll join them. Thanks again everyone for your prayers through this intense time of our lives. Please continue to pray as we still have a lot of recovery to do!

Recovery-Update 14

2008-11-18T08:47:00.002-06:00

Wonderful news! There's a great chance Katie may be going home today. The surgeon's PA and Katie's cardiologist both think Katie is ready to go home today. We're just waiting to see if the surgeon himself will buy off on it. It's up to Dr. Baldwin now (remember that yesterday he said, "we'll think about Wednesday"). So we walk, eat and wait to hear.

Katie is REALLY missing Elena now. She said she feels disconnected from her and wonders if Elena misses her.

Katie is still dealing with pain and nausea seems more present with the vicodin than with the epidural medication.

Regarding Katie's grandmother: her surgery went well and we hear she is leaving the hospital today as well! God is good!!!

Thanks for continued prayers! Gotta go. Gotta walk the first lap of the day around the floor.

Recovery-Update 13

2008-11-17T11:04:00.003-06:00

PRAISE GOD - THE TUBES ARE OUT!!!! The tubes were removed this morning and not long after that the epidural was removed! Katie is no longer tethered to anything when she wants to get up and move around and, without the tubes, getting up and moving around isn't nearly as painful. That being said, they tell us the name of the game is still "pain management".

The epidural was removed as a step to transitioning her to a pill form of pain medication since she won't have an epidural at home. Katie is supposed to monitor what "level" of pain she thinks she is at. When she gets to what she considers a 3 she needs to alert the nurse. We are to anticipate it will take the nurse ~15 minutes to get the medication to Katie and then another 45 minutes, after she takes it, for the medication to get into her system and take effect.

The surgeon told us this morning that she's probably not going home tomorrow but "let's think about Wednesday." He said the pain she's feeling now is mostly due to the nerves around the ribs that were affected by the surgery. It'll be a couple of months before this goes away (her recovery time). He said that at some point she may start to feel great and get off the pain meds and then it comes back and she'll have to get back on them. It doesn't mean anything is wrong, it's normal. Apparently when nerves are recovering, the sensations/pain you feel can be all over the place.

The surgeon, Dr. Baldwin, said today's instructions are eat and walk. Yesterday, with the tubes still in, Katie did five laps. This morning she's already done 3! She's such a hard worker!

It's so great to see her be able to get up and walk the short distance to the bathroom without concern for the pain of tubes and worrying about getting all tangled up. Please pray that we'll be able to get a quick handle on the management of the pain through the pain pills. Especially since, if it gets too far out of control, it'll take much longer to get it back under control.

Thank you for the prayers and encouragement! Praise God!!! She's come a long way!!!

Prayer for Katie's Grandmother

2008-11-16T21:20:00.002-06:00

For all those following this blog, we'd like to request prayer for Katie's grandmother Laurel. Please lift Laurel up as she is having surgery tomorrow to have a pace maker put in to help her maintain her heart rythm. She will be in North Carolina for the surgery but she and her family live in Ohio. Please pray that the surgery and recovery will go well and quickly AND for pain relief. Katie's aunt will be there with her, but please pray that logistically everything will go smoothly and that they'll have the strength to endure this time being so far from home.

We pray God's hand on you and the surgical team tomorrow grandma Laurel. We pray strength and endurance for you aunt Laurie. We wish we could be there.

Love y'all!

Even Elena is praying for Momma

2008-11-16T10:59:00.002-06:00

I just got this pic Marcia emailed to me of Elena praying at her meal for Momma to encourage Katie...

Recovery-Update 12

2008-11-16T10:22:00.002-06:00

Last night was tough. We maybe slept a total of 4 hours. Just getting up to go to the restroom ~12 feet away took anywhere from 35 minutes to an hour from getting up to getting back into the bed and comfortable to fall asleep again - the pain caused by managing the chest tubes is just terrible. Sometimes they slip and jerk or fill with fluid making them heavier, all of which means they cause more pain. I was having to REALLY focus on what I was doing since I was so groggy having been pulled out of a deep sleep. It was a little scary being trying to snap out of my daze while managing her tubes. Sometimes I'm not sure if I'm causing more pain than I'm helping.

Once 4 am rolled around there was no getting back to sleep with blood pressure monitoring tech, xray technician, nurse shift change and doctor rounds. They're all necessary, it just makes getting rest difficult. Katie seemed geared up and ready to go at 6:30 AM. I asked if we could go back to sleep so she obliged until she woke up again at 6:40. Ok...let's get going. Ordered breakfast and then went for a lap around the floor. This lap was more difficult than yesterdays laps but Katie is driven to get well so we can go home.

When we got back to the room after her lap around the floor we figured it'd be good for her to sit in the recliner. We reclined her and this turned out to be a bad idea. She was in more pain than she had been in a day or more. The nurse gave her some pain meds in addition to the epidural and helped us move her to the bed. That's where we're at. She's just about asleep.

The surgeon's physician assistant (PA) said once her tubes come out it'd be a day or two before she could go home. Katie and I think the extra day in the ICU set us back a day on the total days in the hospital. The cardiologist was encouraging. Her blood pressure has been wonderful. Of course that's with medication but he said it looks great. If it's like that without the medication she may be able to drop blood pressure meds all together for good! Something else to pray for. We knew this would be a possibility but was told it'd be something we might see over the course of the first year.

I was originally planning to try and stay another night here but I'm exhausted and will be here all day. Marcia said she could stay the night and I'm thinking I'll take her up on it. I feel bad about that though. I feel I should be next to Katie at every opportunity. Even with Elena's birth it wasn't this draining. She and I haven't been through something like this before. I think I'm realizing I need to start "running" this like a marathon and not so much like a sprint. It's hard. I want to be here.

I'm learning so much about suffering and I think God is giving much more of a heart of compassion through this experience. I'm thankful we didn't fully understand the depths of this pain when we signed up for it! I thought about that during a trip to the restroom last night that was particularly painful. I also thought of Jesus, and being who he is, fully understood the depth of the pain he would feel on the cross and the depth of how alone he would feel when God had to turn from him because of all the sin that was laid on him. It means so much more to me to think about the anguish he felt when he asked God, if there was any other way, let's do the other way. And yet, still, he willingly laid himself down. I pray Lord that this suffering would produce perseverance, character and hope in both Katie and I - though I do not count my "suffering" AT ALL to what she is going through.

A Dictation from Katie...

2008-11-16T02:35:00.002-06:00

Nothing like ice cream at 3 in the morning to boost your spirits! Since arrival at the hospital I've been on a strict (boring) diet. Every time I called to place my order for a meal, I'm - they inform me I'm not allowed to have certain things and I end up ordering boring stuff. I had to wake up for a "pitstop" at 2 and realized that I was really starting to get my appetite back...my sweet tooth back. So when Emily came in to get me back into bed, I asked her if there were any snacks available. She came back in with 7 different selections of sweet things. Not sugar free! The real stuff! So I just finished up a small little cup of vanilla ice cream! It's amazing how such a little thing can boost your spirits.

I don't even know how to begin to thank everyone for your dedication, your committement to pray for me. There is no way I could've made it down these challenging pathways without the support of people on either side holding me up. Many times throughout the last several days I knew that I was physically, emotionally, spiritually unable to carry on. But I felt the presence of God carrying me through your prayers. Again, I am humbled that you would take time to pray for me.

A quick note to those on Facebook

2008-11-15T21:24:00.002-06:00

The hospital blocks Facebook so we're not able to access it. We do get an email from facebook about what you've written on her wall but we can't see anything else where Facebook is concerned.

Recovery-Update 11

2008-11-15T20:12:00.003-06:00

Sorry it's been so long since the last blog entry. Now that I can be with Katie around the clock, my time here is much more busy and productive - and has she ever been productive! Katie has a pillow that she has to hug when she's coughing. I think it's supposed to help make her coughs stronger/more forceful to help her get air into her lungs and start working to get the gunk out. Getting the gunk out is going to help prevent pneumonia along with the plastic contraption I mentioned earlier. Her day time nurse was very patient and kind. She helped Katie do a full lap around the floor. I can't remember whether she said they'd like her to do 3 or 4 laps around the 5th floor by the time she goes home. She said, obviously it's something you have to work up to.

Katie was a champ. She said she felt better standing up and walking around than she did laying down. Once we finished doing that I sat with Katie and started reading my blog entries to her. While I'd share the comments people were leaving before, it was the first time she'd heard the actual blogs I was writing and the first time she was able to focus long enough to make it through them. I think it was helpful for her to hear and remember how it's all played out and how far she's come. Julie (Katie's sister) left just as we sat down to eat dinner. Katie and I talked about what has transpired. She looked up at me and said, "I think I want to go for another walk after we eat. It's probably not going to be very far but I want to try." I'm consistently impressed with the strength God is giving her!

So, after dinner, Katie and I set off walking and by the time she was done she had walked a little more than another lap around the floor! Day 1 - two laps around the floor! I kept asking her if she wanted to stop, especially near the end because she looked so drowsy at times. Her eyes rolled into the back of her head a couple of times. She said, "it hurts when I lay down and it hurts when I walk. At least when I'm walking I'm getting closer to going home" so we kept walking.

When we got back to the room we were able to video conference with Dan, Marcia, Julie, and Elena. They couldn't see us (we didn't have a video camera) but they could hear us and we could hear and see them. That helped Katie a lot but even still, she was in and out. After the video conference we started getting her ready for bed. As we were doing this, the nurse we've been waiting for showed up. Emily is a former college roommate of Julie's and she works here, on the 5th floor of this hospital. She has a great smile and a sweet spirit. She'd heard about Katie's surgery and when she found out that she'd be working while Katie was on her floor she started reading up about Katie's condition. We're about 2 hours into Emily's shift and it's been great. She's been so helpful and I think just seeing a familiar face who can help us navigate through some of this has really lifted our spirits.

The tubes and the resulting pain is still the major issue. We've spent the last 35 - 40 minutes trying to get Katie comfortable so that she can sleep. We'll make some adjustments and then a few minutes later we have to re-figure it out because it's not working. Katie is tired but the tubes and the incision make finding a comfortable position very difficult. There's also the fact that the PCA nurse is going to have to come in every 4 hours to take her blood pressure. I feel like we're racing against the clock to get Katie comfortable and asleep to get the most sleep in between those times.

She is such a trooper though! I am in awe of my wife! As always, thank you for your continued prayers! Though she can't read the blog just yet, from time to time she is having me read it and getting her caught up on what I've been doing with her blog :) She's enjoying hearing from everyone!

Recovery-Update 10

2008-11-15T13:38:00.002-06:00

Lot's of things have happened since last night. Katie is now out of the ICU and on the Telemetry floor- 5th floor. She's doing very well. Apparently last night she threw up 3 times. They've taken a number of items out of her. She still has the IV meds and the dreaded tubes but when I got here Julie and my sister Melissa were helping her back to the bed using her walker. She had been in the recliner earlier.

She is currently trying to get some sleep as it seems the physical therapists are on the floor, making their rounds. Need to get up some strength for that.

I didn't make it here until ~1:20 PM because I woke up this morning at 6:30 AM to Elena with a horrible coughing sound. When I brought her to lay in bed with me I could hear a really bad wheezing sound. Worse than I've ever heard her before. So, I made an appointment with her pediatrician for 10:30 AM. She didn't have a fever and she was her normal happy, playful self. But she did have a lot of congestion. I was in a bit of a rush packing some for me, Katie, and getting some much need time in with my little girl. The pediatrician said she likely has a cold and it's not a good idea to let her see Katie for at least another couple of days.

I haven't figured out if it's good to tell Katie. Right now I haven't because she's not in a place to visit with her yet. I figure it's probably best to wait and see where Elena is when Katie is ready to see her and approach it at that point.

In addition to continued healing and pain relief for Katie, please pray that Elena will heal in time to see her when Katie is finally up for it. It's something Katie has really been looking forward to.

Recovery-Update 10

2008-11-14T22:42:00.003-06:00

When we went in to visit at 8 PM Katie was sitting in the recliner. The recliner had been pulled up immediately next to her bed. The evening nurse was watching her closely because she was feeling like she was about to vomit (there's not a nice way to say that). Apparently she had been feeling really nauseous. As we talked with her she was in and out of it. Constantly trying to adjust her position, wires, tubes, pillows, etc. so that it didn't hurt so much. The nurse was also giving her medication to help with the nausea.

At 8:40ish she asked if she could be moved back to her bed so she could go to sleep and so that me and her sister Julie could tuck her in. We were allowed to wait outside her room while they moved her back into the bed. She let out some cries but they were not anywhere near what I expected to hear. She was being a trooper and her nurse was being very encouraging. Even still, I was having a hard time.

Once she was back in bed we talked with her a little longer as she slowly drifted into more sleep than consciousness. So, after a long day of being asked not to sleep, my exhausted wife is finally allowed to truly rest. Please pray for a peaceful, restful evening of sound sleep.

Her nurse said that when she is moved out of the ICU to the Telemetry floor is dependent on when the Dr's make their rounds (she can't leave until a Dr. gives the authorization) and when a bed is available. We are praying for that time as well. We'll be able to stay with her around the clock and assist in her care.

I'll be spending some time with Elena in the morning since she's only seen one of her parents (me) for about an hour since Tuesday night. Dan and Marcia are going to visit Katie at the 9 AM time and I'll be up there for the 11 AM time slot packed and ready to spend the night.

Good night everyone - except for Sharon who has committed herself to staying up a praying for Katie tonight! It means the world to us all the support we're getting. Thank you!

My personal note to Katie

2008-11-14T19:30:00.003-06:00

Kate,

You say so often how much of a wimp you are when it comes to pain. You delivered Elena without any pain medication and you are making it successfully through, what the heart surgeons are saying is one of the most painful surgeries they do. More painful than open heart surgery! By God's grace and strength you have and are making it through! You are no longer the wimp you claim yourself to be! Trust and know that God has done a marvelous work in you and given you a wonderful podium from which to encourage others.

I have never had to endure the pain you have endured but I'm inspired by your courage and your faith! I love you! I am so, so, SO proud of you!

Love,
Peter

Recovery-Update 9

2008-11-14T19:25:00.001-06:00

Great news! The charge nurse came out to the waiting room and notified me that Katie has already moved from the bed to the recliner. In her words, "she was a STAR! She didn't complain, not once!" Praise God! Thank you Lord!

Thank you everyone for your prayers and words of encouragement!

Recovery-Update 8

2008-11-14T18:10:00.004-06:00

This was a tough visit. Katie is not just tired. She is weary. She feels alone and she is in pain. She wants to sleep and she wants more pain medication. Dr.s and nurses don't want her to sleep or get more pain medicine because it will make her even more sleepy, her days and nights will be all turned around and, even more so, her respiratory system slows down. She doesn't breathe as well, as often, or as deeply when this happens.

She has asked for them to wait until the 8 pm visit for them to have her move to the recliner. I'm not sure if they are going to but if they do PLEASE pray for strength for me to be able to handle seeing her in the pain they've been telling me she's going to feel. Last night she was screaming she was in so much pain. I would expect that could be the case here as well. Katie had Elena without any pain medication and she says this is 100 times more painful. I have no comprehension of what that must feel like and makes my consolation difficult.

PLEASE pray for Katie:
1. Mercy from the severity of the pain
2. Courage to do the rehab she has to do.
3. Strength to do the rehab she has to do.
4. Peace in knowing that God is with her. She is not alone.
5. Encouragement to see just how far she's come.
6. To know this will pass. She will get to the other side of this.

Thank you.

Peter

Recovery-Update 7

2008-11-14T13:45:00.003-06:00

Our 1 PM visit was a sweet time. Dan, Marcia and I sat there as Katie, whispering because of her dry throat, went on to talk about how God has been preparing her for this time of pain and suffering. Anticipating what she would learn and how she would be able to help, console, and empathize with others as a result of having gone through this pain. She's never been in the hospital as a result of an operation and suffered through a recovery so she hasn't had an idea of what that was like. It was great to hear her pour out her heart about what God is showing and teaching her and even praying about those things we don't know is happening as a result of her experience. She is an inspiration for me and so wonderful to see her make the most of this experience when it could easily be (and understandably so) a pitty party.

It was a wonderful time.

Recovery-Update 6

2008-11-14T11:34:00.003-06:00

Katie was asleep during my 11AM visit with her. It was the most peaceful I've seen her. I just sat with her.

I spoke with her nurse. She said that at 4 PM they're going to have her sitting up in bed to help move blood flow to her lower body in preparation for moving her to the recliner in her room at 6 PM. She said, "it's going to hurt...because of the tubes." Her eyes told me it's going to hurt - A LOT. It's difficult for me to even think about the pain she's going to have to deal with, especially seeing her sleeping so peacefully. They have to keep pushing. It's good for her healing and helps prevent the pneumonia.

God, I pray for mercy for Kate, strength for both of us and cover for healing.

Recovery-Update 5

2008-11-14T10:06:00.002-06:00

Sorry for the delay in updating. The first ICU visitation of the day is not until 9 AM. I had breakfast with Elena and my mom (at our house) this morning. Elena is doing great. She asks about Momma but she is not having any separation anxiety. That definitely makes things easier for me.

Katie said that last night ~midnight she was in so much pain that she was wanting to call me to tell me she was dying. They had to call an anesthesiologist. She said they said it would be 25 minutes. She told them she wasn't going to make it that long. Jen - I'm so glad (selfishly) you were up at 2:30 AM praying for her! She said she felt alone and that nobody was praying. I'll be sure to tell her you were up at my next visit :)

She is doing well now. Though there is persistent pain it is "manageable". That's the word of the last day and a half - "manageable". I wish I could take her pain on myself...

Her color is coming back and she is looking much better. Her range of motion is much better in her arms. She is able to scratch her itches, most of them at least. She's acting a little loopy but she understands everything. When I left her they were removing the spinal drain. Please pray that there would be no infection as a result of this drain.

Her surgeon visited with us this morning. He said that they are having to give her some medication that requires her having her own nurse to monitor and administer the dosage. Because of this she'll have to stay in the ICU today.

The goal is to get her out of bed and sitting up in a recliner there in her room. They have her inhaling, once an hour, through a little contraption to help keep her from getting pneumonia. Please pray for that as well.

I'm looking forward to when she is able to move into a regular room so we can share all your comments with her.

Just as I was leaving she asked if I could ask y'all to pray for her attitude and that she would be a light where she is. With all the pain, at times, she's having a hard time maintaining a positive attitude but it helps her to hear from us how well she looks each time and reminder her of the progress she's making.

Thanks everyone.

2008-11-13T21:50:00.000-06:00

I'm home now but wanted to update. Katie is still in quite a bit of pain - a little more than the last visit but she is looking better. Her color is starting to come back a little bit. She said she wasn't able to sleep much because of the nurses needing to mess with her monitoring instruments, taking blood, etc. This visit was in the middle of the shift change and her night time nurse seems very nice as well. Relief from pain, itching and good night sleep for her are my prayers tonight.

Recovery-Update 3

2008-11-13T19:00:00.000-06:00

Well, I got to do my 5 PM visit with Katie. She was extremely drowsy. The pain seemed to have decreased. She wasn't pushing her epideral drip (pain relief) button nearly as much as she had been before. She did mention nobody should have to go through this much pain. Hear oxygen tube, that sat at the base of her nose, had been removed and laying off to the side. Nausea, being hot and thirsty were the biggest issues. I take that as a good sign. While uncomfortable, it seems that with each visit, the issues become less "critical". The nurses gave her something to manage the nausea she was feeling and they brought in an oscillating fan to help cool her down. Once the nausea decreased I was allowed to give her some ice chips.

My 30 minute visit turned into a little over an hour. Thank you ICU nurses. Momma asked about her daughter. How is Elena? What did she do today? What is she doing right now? Even heavily sedated her desire to care for Elena doesn't cease. We called home so Momma could hear Elena's voice. I scratched her itches, read some scripture and finally sat as she fell asleep. I almost fell asleep myself.

It's ~7:20 PM now. The final visit of the day is at 8 PM. I'm praying she's still asleep when I see her. She's obviously extremely tired and her body needs the rest. Plus, it'll help the recovery time go by faster. Visitors aren't allowed to stay the night with patients in the ICU so I'll be heading home afterward and returning again tomorrow morning.

Please pray that Katie would have sound sleep tonight. That she would have a speedy recovery so she can be moved out of the ICU into a regular room (where we'll be able to stay with her continually) and for continued pain relief.

Thanks again everyone. It's been great to see so many of you following her progress throughout the day and lifting her and our family up in prayer!

I keeping hearing "Oh when the Saints come marching in" over and over in my head. That's what I feel like has happened today. Even though I can't see you, knowing you're out there praying has been so powerful! There's less than a handful of us in the waiting room but there's legions of Saints out there battling on their knees for us and for Katie! Thank you! May God bless each of you!

Recovery-Update 2

2008-11-13T15:45:00.000-06:00

Just saw Katie for ~20 minutes. She was in a lot of pain. She said earlier she kept saying "I'd rather die!" because of how much pain she was in. They brought a pain nurse. The pain nurse increased the epideral dosage. The pain nurse said that the epideral is to help with the pain she's feeling from the incession. She has a couple of tubes in her to help ensure the blood and other fluid inside her body have a place to drain if there's anything. Those tubes are rubbing against her ribs and kind of grabbing them as they move. This is causing her a great deal of pain in the chest area (outside of the incession area). This is being managed by morphin and other medication through an IV. The increased epideral is having the side effect of A LOT of itching so now they're going to giver her something for the itching. More incession pain = more epideral = more itching. While I was in there the pain had subsided quite a bit and she said she could finally breathe a little.

She asked about what I was putting in the blog and if people were praying. Thanks to your comments I was able to ensure her - everyone is still praying. She was comforted by that and asked me to ask everyone to continue praying. Even though I'm not responding to individual comments I am reading them all and will be relaying them to her. Thank you for your continued prayers.

When I left her, she was dozing off to sleep. It's 4 PM. I'll be able to see her again at 5 PM for 30 minutes.

Recovery-Update 1

2008-11-13T14:25:00.000-06:00

We're still waiting in ICU waiting room. Nurse just came by to update us. We've been unable to see Katie because she's in a great deal of pain. They are trying to manage her pain before calling us in so that we don't get anxious and she's not comfortable. Please pray for these efforts.

Surgery-Update 4

2008-11-13T13:00:00.001-06:00

We just finished speaking with the Dr. He said everything went well. All the early signs are positive. They're feeling pulses in her feet where that wasn't the case before. They've been able to remove the treachea tube from her already which I hear is a great sign. She could be sitting up by tonight but they are wanting to start getting her sitting up by tomorrow morning at a minimum. She's moving her legs already so that great news because it indicates there is no immediate paralysis. The potential for late paralysis is very rare and the Dr. said he is not concerned about that aspect, but we continue to pray.

So now we are moving to the 4th floor, ICU. We've been told we may be able to see her in about 20 or 30 minutes though she'll be pretty groggy.

Thanks everyone! Keep praying :)

Surgery-Update 3

2008-11-13T12:08:00.000-06:00

Great news! Just got to talk with a nurse on the surgical team (via cell phone) and he said that the surgery went very well and they are in the "closing mode". The Dr. is supposed to be out to speak with us in ~50 minutes or so. Praise God!

Please continue to pray for the recovery, no bleeding issues, etc.

Thanks everyone!

Peter

Meals

2008-11-13T10:57:00.001-06:00

As I sit here, seemingly twiddling my thumbs, I remembered I had been asked to broadcast about meals. So many people have offered to provide us meals during this time and we are greatful. It'll be very helpful for us and for our family watching our daughter during this time. My sister, Melissa, is taking on the duanting task of coordinating dates and times. If you're interested in providing a meal she can be reached at vivamelissa@gmail.com. Here's an excerpt of an email she sent out yesterday regarding our needs where meals are concerned. This whole event is a growing experience for me - learning to ask for help, allowing others to help. I know even now, to do it on our own would be extremely difficult, so I'm trying to embrace it and just go with it (not to mention broadcasting to the world my lactose intolerance). Thank you all for those that are able to help in this way!

From Melissa...
Meals will start this coming Monday, November 17th and extend (for the time being) thru Sunday, December 21st. They will be open to receiving meals everyday from the Nov. 17-25th and then every other day after that.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when preparing their meals. The guidelines may sound stringent, but please realize they are in place for Katie's health, and these are not preferences, but necessities.

They must be:Low CholesterolLow SaltLow Fat
High FiberPlease use dairy sparingly, as Peter is lactose intolerant. He can handle some cheese sprinkled on top, just not excessive or heavy cream in a meal, etc.

Healthy examples: Use olive oil or Promise instead of butter Use wheat pasta/whole grain bread instead of white pasta/bread

I know this may sound like a challenge, but I know some of you are up to it and more over, I know Peter and Katie are so grateful that y'all would do this for them. :)

Surgery-Update 2

2008-11-13T09:41:00.000-06:00

Monitor indicated at 9:36 AM that surgery has started. Here we go...

Surgery-Update 1

2008-11-13T08:48:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone. This is Peter, Katie's husband. I'll be updating her blog periodically today and throughout her stay in the hospital. First off, I wanted to tell everyone thank you for all of your support, prayers and encouragement! It has indeed had a very visable affect on our attitudes and a wonderful reminder of how we are in God's hands and he is in control of all things!

When Katie and I woke up this morning at 4:45 AM she was in great spirits. Humming and smiling, relaxed and ready to get going. We arrived at the hospital right at 6 AM and met with the anesthesiologist and then later her surgeon. The anesthesiologist gave her a run down of what all he was going to do. At one point he stopped and very frankly said, "this is one of the more painful surgeries we do". Katie didn't flinch. That brought me great comfort to know she's ready for this. It sounded like much of the pain will come from the fact that they will have to cut part of her rib so that it acts like a hinge, allowing access to the target area. During recovery, breathing will be painful because of the fractured rib. The lung will irritate it as it inflates and deflates. For the surgery they'll be deflating her left lung so that it doesn't get in the way so her right lung will be providing the oxgen to her body.

We have a monitor in the waiting room that shows us, generally, her status. When I left that lobby to write this update at ~8:50, it was still indicating she is in pre-op. Her Dr. said that once we see it indicate she's in surgery, it'll be ~4 hours. He told us not to expect to hear from him until somewhere between 12 PM - 1PM. We may have some updates from nurses prior to that but that's not certain.

Our experience at the hospital has been a great one so far. Everyone seems to be very kind, very competent and very communicative. Again, thank you for the prayers - keep praying! I'll update again soon.

in HIS hands

2008-11-12T21:59:00.000-06:00

Although, we're all praying for the surgeon and nurses, I am reminded this evening that it is HIS hands that will heal me. Tonight I go to sleep in peace. Peace that passes all understanding... I'm not in tears, not anxious, not worrying about what tomorrow will bring. I can only explain this peace as my first miracle of healing... healing from anxiety and fear. Tonight, I rest knowing the Lord is near to me. We feel the prayers and ask for your continued prayers tomorrow. There have been so many wonderful Scripture verses that have been shared and I have been encouraged by. Thanks everyone! I'm off for a good nights sleep... Peter will update you all tomorrow.

My Prayer:
My desire is for healing, Lord. I pray that you might be my Surgeon tomorrow. Step in and do your thing! I praise you for your peace. Thank you for the amazing support of family, friends and strangers. I faith that you will be with me, when no one else is there. I delight in knowing I can trust in you. I will give you all the glory. Amen

hurry up and wait... surgery pushed back 1 day!

2008-11-11T16:58:00.000-06:00

After 3 hours of sleep (for me) and and hour of sleep (for Peter), we were up and at it for a full day at the hospital. Our long wait to see the surgeon, was followed by some unexpected news. He told us that because of an emergency surgery he was having to do tomorrow (my original surgery date), he needed to push back my surgery until Thursday. It was hard to hear, especially after Peter stayed up all night working, so he could be available to me and I felt I was mentally prepared to go in tomorrow morning. So, the big day is now, Thursday, November 13th.

He continued to tell me some more information about the surgery, in much more detail than he had in previous appointments. I'll arrive at the hospital at 6am and the surgery should start at 7:30am. I'll start to wake up sometime in the afternoon and spend the first night and possibly the second night in the ICU. He will most likely put a catheter in my spinal cord to drain off any fluid, to help minimize the risk of paraplegia. He then went over all the risks of complications including: bleeding, pneumonia, heart attack, and paraplegia, totalling a 10% risk of complication. And then the 2% risk of death. Now my faith is really being tested.... I thought I had been at peace the risks mentioned in earlier appointments, but I started to feel very overwhelmed with the new information. Please pray against all this complications! I know God will protect me, regardless of what happens, He will be with me.

After my appointment with surgeon we walked over to the building where the surgery will take place. Then there was 2 hours of pre-op! After a quick lunch we headed to the lawyer to sign the wills. Needless to say, we're tired. I am thankful to have another day to enjoy playing and tending to Elena. She has been such a source of joy for us in this trial. She has no idea what's going on, but just wants to play and cuddle. She keeps me smiling!

blogs are much better with pictures...

2008-11-11T02:36:00.000-06:00

Some of last weekend's activities:

I love this photo I took at Elena's friend's ballerina birthday party.

All the little girls got tutus to wear!

Then we went to dinner... Elena was eyeing the desserts...

(Peter took this one!)

humbled

2008-11-11T01:23:00.000-06:00

I'm so humbled by the support of so many people --- thank you! I have lost count of the number of people that are praying for me, but I know that God has been answering everyone's prayers for peace. I feel physically, emotionally and spiritually uplifted today. I can only hope that my experience will bring hope, faith and encouragement to others.

On Sunday my pastor asked if he and elders of the church could come and pray with me. So, Monday evening they came to our home and prayed with us. My pastor and his wife, our worship pastor, our associate pastor and his wife, and one of the elders in his wife --- all came to pray and offer their support. It was a powerful expierence! There is no way Peter I could walk down this road without support from this loving group of people. From the time they left, I've been on a spiritual high of sorts... which is probably why I'm up so late. I'm simply in awe of how God is preparing my heart for the days and weeks ahead.

Tomorrow morning... well technically in about 6 hours, Peter and I will meet with my surgeon to go over the last details of Wednesday's events. Following my appointment, I'll go over to the hospital for pre-op. Then, hopefully after some lunch, we'll be going to sign our Wills with our lawyer. We'd been wanting to do a Will ever since having Elena, but we just didn't have a deadline... well, this has gotten us moving and the only time it worked out to sign it was the day before the surgery. After that, we will hopefully be able to return home and spend some time as a family before the big day.

Prayer for tomorrow:
As I write, Peter is sitting across the table from me working on a project due tomorrow at work. Please pray that he would reach it & be able to wrap up things at work quickly tomorrow, so we can enjoy some time as a family tomorrow evening. Please prayer for peace and strength for the day's activities. I'm dreading being away from Elena for a week. She'll be able to visit occasionally, but I know I'll miss her lots. Please pray that the time will pass quickly and she'll do well with her other caretakers.

Tomorrow I'll have the most up-to-date information on all the last minute details of my surgery. Stay tuned...

grand opening

2008-11-06T21:31:00.000-06:00

Welcome. Today marks the Grand Opening of my new blog. As the title suggests, I'll be blogging from the heart. Back in my days working at the Chamber of Commerce, I would have had a giant (and I mean GIANT) pair of scissors to perform a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony... but I don't work there and being a mom now, I don't think that's such a good idea. So, instead, I'll simply post the beginning of many pictures of my 17 month old daughter, Elena, taken this week:

Happy Fall!

upcoming surgery

2008-11-06T20:37:00.000-06:00

Well, the secret’s out. I'm scheduled to have surgery to repair the narrowing of my aorta on November 12. I’ve known about the surgery for about a month now, but haven't had the time or the energy to sit down and write the details. There’s something about writing it all out that allows the reality of it to sink in. Here’s the scoop:

The prelude...
At age 2, during a physical, it was discovered that I have a heart murmur. Lots of tests were done then and in the years that followed, only for the doctors to declare it a "functional heart murmur". Because there were no other symptoms, there was reason to believe there was nothing "wrong". Around age 16, I developed borderline hypertension, which then developed
into hypertension in my early twenties. At that point, I went to see a cardiologist, we'll call her Dr. First. Essentially she did what I thought to be a through examination, followed by kidney tests, EKGs, and other tests. All the tests came back to report that I was in good health other
than a heart condition that I have called a "bi-cuspid valve". She told me it wouldn’t be anything to worry about until later in life. She prescribed high blood pressure medicine and sent me on my way.

When I became pregnant with Elena, I was considered "high-risk" because of my hypertension. Looking back it is absolutely amazing to me how God watched over Elena and protected her (and me) from any complications. During Elena’s first year I started feeling like getting a second opinion. I didn’t feel like I had a good explanation for my high blood pressure and I just kept feeling a “nudge” to find some answers.

I sought my second opinion with a cardiologist that both my parents had gone to and were very impressed with. On the first visit he began the physical examination by checking the pulses. He said he didn’t feel any pulses in my feet and very faint ones in my groin. He then ordered extensive blood tests, which revealed that I have high cholesterol. And a CT scan, which revealed that I have a coarctation (narrowing) of my aorta.

The diagnosis…
As described here by The American Heart Association:

The aorta is the body's main artery. It distributes oxygen-rich blood to all parts of the body except the lungs. The first branches of the aorta go to the upper body (arms and head). After that, blood goes to the lower body (abdomen and legs). Coarctation of the aorta is a narrowing of the aorta between the upper-body artery branches and the branches to the lower body. This blockage can increase blood pressure in your arms and head, reduce pressure in your legs and seriously strain your heart. Aortic valve abnormalities often accompany coarctation.

The condition is often accompanied by a heart murmur, high blood pressure, valve abnormalities… which I have. I have horrible memory when it comes to anatomy, so my condition didn’t make much sense until I saw this picture:

The surgery…

My cardiologist referred me to a surgeon, who has recommended cutting out the area of coarctation and replacing it with a Dakron graft. It's major surgery and will require going in the through my back, right under my shoulder blade and opening up my ribs to get to the particular area of narrowing. With my aorta at a normal size, my legs should start receiving adequate blood flow and the blood pressure will not continue to increase and will possibly go back to normal altogether. The alternative of not having surgery is that my blood pressure will continue to increase meaning that my chances for a reduced blood pressure continue to decrease with time. There is also the risk that, should I get pregnant again, my blood pressure will increase and be unmanageable, even with medication endangering me and the baby. I've seen an article showing that many people with my condition, that go untreated, don't live much beyond 50 years old. There are some risks involved with the surgery, 1-2% risk of paraplegia and a 1-2% risk of death.

As a sidenote, I learned the value of getting a second opinion with my cardiologist, so Peter and I decided that it would be wise to get a second opinion on the surgery. The second surgeon had the same recommendation as my original surgeon, which has further confirmed our decision that I should have surgery.

The surgery is on Wednesday, November 12 and I’ll check in at 6am. It'll take about 3 hours. I’ll spend the first night in the ICU and will possibly have a breathing machine (ugh!). My total time in the hospital will be between 5-7 days. When I get home, my recovery time is expected to be around 6 weeks… which puts me right at December 31st. In terms of pain, my surgeon said it is more painful than open heart surgery and I’ll feel pain for the entire 7 weeks. As it looks now, I won’t be able to lift Elena for that time period as well.

This brings me to a great point… I’ll need lots of prayer! As many of you know, I’m a wimp when it comes to pain, so I know that God is going to have to carry me through this and supply my strength. In the next day or two, I’ll post a specific prayer list for those of you who would like to pray. I believe that God is my healer and that He will restore me, carry me and bring me and my family through this new challenge.

soft opening

2008-11-04T14:34:00.000-06:00

Today is the "soft opening" of my new blog. Joining the blogging world is something I've been considering for about a year, but until recently I didn't feel I'd have much reason to keep up with it. I've started this blog for one main reason: to keep in better touch with my family and friends on the important and unimportant things going on in my life. In particular, the next couple of months I'll probably focus a lot on my upcoming heart surgery (more info to come).

So, here I am... starting a blog. Grand opening to follow soon.