Today is Nicole's first surgery post ICU. Several things will be done. I pray for steady hands for the doctor as well as a clear mind so his knowledge will flow freely.
8am surgery starts. I was a little teary this time. I usually feel relieved when a surgery is impending. One more down. Today a little apprehensive. The surgery nurse explained this one will be about 5 hours. I suspected it would take long as there is so much to accomplish. She also told me she would come out at around 11 and let me know how things are going.
11am update. Nicole is doing well. She is almost done actually. Maybe one more hour.
Noon Dr Morris emerges from O.R. Everything went well.
He revised her trach area. opened part of it as well as took new, good, healthy tissue and added it to the area and closed 5 layers.
The area at Nicole's left axilla area was going to get a skin graph. Instead Dr. Morris did a flap along with a double Z-plasty in the front and a single on the back. That procedure consists of making small cuts in the scar tissue so the tissue will open up and move better.
The last areas were on her trunk. Scar tissue was released and there was actually a skin graph needed there which was taken from her leg.
On paper it doesn't look like much but in reality it was quite a bit of work. All things to make her life easier in the future. Now if she can get mobile soon we can leave soon. Dr Morris first thought she would stay in for 4-5 days. Now he is saying she might be in just 2 days. I guess only time will tell.
I am still amazed at the technology we have in this world today. God has blessed us. Even 20 years ago this event might have taken a different turn. It is amazing what devices have been invented as well as procedures for things like this. We are truly blessed.
What will tomorrow bring in your life? I hope it is one of happiness and joy. Smile just because you can. Laugh like your life depended on it. Love everyone.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Day 193
Today I was asked to speak in church. My topic.....moving forward spiritually in the new year. WOW! What a topic. There are the usual things to do to build our testimonies as well as build our spiritual tanks. Things like prayer, fasting, tithing, service. Even though we so those things day after day sometimes they get monotonous. Okay maybe not monotonous but mundane or passive. I tried to give a different prospective on things we do daily or weekly to help build our spiritual tanks. I felt good about what I presented and can't wait for John to hear it live (when he comes in 2 weeks).
As I was preparing I reflected many times about this past year and how many times I prayed for strength and to be spiritually uplifted and sustained. I was building my spiritual tanks as I was using them. I know I realized at some point last year that is what was happening. If I couldn't build and constantly refill them I think I may be in a total depression now. It is hard to keep them full at all times. Those tanks dip and wane but I needed to be vigilant to keep it in the forefront of what was going on in my life. Don't get me wrong, there was certainly times when my tanks were dangerously low. At those times I just reach down for all I was worth and filled them. Slowly sometimes but consistently working to put back.
This is a journey for me. I find new things each day that helps me. Seeing the splendor of what God created, sending a note to someone or making a call, giving service to someone in need, reading uplifting material, smiling, eating well and getting enough rest. Many more things are available and can be incorporated. I never think, 'Oh this is going to build my spiritual tank', but I know when I do something and I feel better it is working.
Preparing for Nicole's surgery tomorrow. Getting items together we both will need as she will be staying 4-5 days if all goes well. She is having revisions on several areas as well a skin graph on her left arm. Dr. Morris indicated this surgery will be several hours. I pray all goes well.
As I was preparing I reflected many times about this past year and how many times I prayed for strength and to be spiritually uplifted and sustained. I was building my spiritual tanks as I was using them. I know I realized at some point last year that is what was happening. If I couldn't build and constantly refill them I think I may be in a total depression now. It is hard to keep them full at all times. Those tanks dip and wane but I needed to be vigilant to keep it in the forefront of what was going on in my life. Don't get me wrong, there was certainly times when my tanks were dangerously low. At those times I just reach down for all I was worth and filled them. Slowly sometimes but consistently working to put back.
This is a journey for me. I find new things each day that helps me. Seeing the splendor of what God created, sending a note to someone or making a call, giving service to someone in need, reading uplifting material, smiling, eating well and getting enough rest. Many more things are available and can be incorporated. I never think, 'Oh this is going to build my spiritual tank', but I know when I do something and I feel better it is working.
Preparing for Nicole's surgery tomorrow. Getting items together we both will need as she will be staying 4-5 days if all goes well. She is having revisions on several areas as well a skin graph on her left arm. Dr. Morris indicated this surgery will be several hours. I pray all goes well.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Day 192
Robin's egg blue. The sky is finally clear today. It is magical to me when the sky is clear and all there is is blue as far as I can see. It is almost as good as seeing a rainbow after a blustery storm. To me, it screams goodness, mercy, happiness. Happiness, That is really the feeling. Maybe that is why my favorite color is blue. HAPPINESS!
The small things in life are becoming great joys. The baby steps Nicole is taking, some turning into giant leaps. A cup of Mexican hot chocolate in the perfect mug, sitting by the perfect fire. (Any fire is the perfect fire.) Cooking in my kitchen with my kids, laughing and joking. Watching movies snuggled in my favorite blanket, Toka near by always ready for attention. Laying on Christian's bed, listening to his life's dreams. Oh how I love that.
I was reflecting today on just how far we have come in the last year. Not just with Nicole but us as a family. I have fallen just short of my temple attendance goal which I will do better this year. John and I set goals each year on where we want to be at the end of the year, spiritually, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. We certainly have been stretched on these goals this year but that is a good thing. I an not one for resolutions but goals, I am there.
This is my year to go through things and perge, perge, perge. We are going to be lighter, more organized and less cluttered. I already have my list going as to what needs to be done, who is getting donated to, items that for sure are getting donated and by the way, when is the best time to have a garage sale in U?
I can practically drive to the University of Utah with my eyes close. I know just when to get out of the carpool lane in time to catch the belt route. Which lanes seem to run fast then others and what time to leave to miss rush hour.
The small things in life are becoming great joys. The baby steps Nicole is taking, some turning into giant leaps. A cup of Mexican hot chocolate in the perfect mug, sitting by the perfect fire. (Any fire is the perfect fire.) Cooking in my kitchen with my kids, laughing and joking. Watching movies snuggled in my favorite blanket, Toka near by always ready for attention. Laying on Christian's bed, listening to his life's dreams. Oh how I love that.
I was reflecting today on just how far we have come in the last year. Not just with Nicole but us as a family. I have fallen just short of my temple attendance goal which I will do better this year. John and I set goals each year on where we want to be at the end of the year, spiritually, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. We certainly have been stretched on these goals this year but that is a good thing. I an not one for resolutions but goals, I am there.
This is my year to go through things and perge, perge, perge. We are going to be lighter, more organized and less cluttered. I already have my list going as to what needs to be done, who is getting donated to, items that for sure are getting donated and by the way, when is the best time to have a garage sale in U?
I can practically drive to the University of Utah with my eyes close. I know just when to get out of the carpool lane in time to catch the belt route. Which lanes seem to run fast then others and what time to leave to miss rush hour.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Day 191
Tuesday Christian and I will be at IMC for more tests. When these are done it will be definitive. Either it is Neuro-Cardiogenics or it isn't. If it is he will be put on new medication which may take a while to regulate and he will be on it the rest of his life.
If the tests come back negative the Cardiologist will look at all the results form all doctors we have been to and then he will decide which way to proceed. A pacemaker might be in the plans although he absolutely will not do it unless he is for sure without a doubt knowing this will solve it. I guess I am grateful we have a doctor that just doesn't jump to an easy fix. Especially when the fix might not be the right one.
At least Christian and I both feel this guy knows what he is talking about and we feel comfortable with him. He doesn't act like he is the end all beat all to doctors.
I feel we are at least going down the right road right now. I hope Christian feels the same way.
If the tests come back negative the Cardiologist will look at all the results form all doctors we have been to and then he will decide which way to proceed. A pacemaker might be in the plans although he absolutely will not do it unless he is for sure without a doubt knowing this will solve it. I guess I am grateful we have a doctor that just doesn't jump to an easy fix. Especially when the fix might not be the right one.
At least Christian and I both feel this guy knows what he is talking about and we feel comfortable with him. He doesn't act like he is the end all beat all to doctors.
I feel we are at least going down the right road right now. I hope Christian feels the same way.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Day 190
We are facing Nicole's first post hospital surgery, Monday, January 11, 2010.
Nicole will receive another skin graph to her left axillary area as well as revisions on her chest, left arm and neck. She will be staying in the hospital 4-5 days. We are hopeful with these revisions, Nicole will have better and more mobility with her left arm and neck. We are looking forward to Nicole being able to lift her arm over her head without the axilla ripping open and for her to be able to tip her head backward as well as side to side without difficulty.
Nicole is looking so forward to these revision. As she heals, she will be able to exercise more as well as her PT should go better. She will me able to gain the flexibility she so wants.
There are many things we just take for granted like cutting a steak or washing one own back, all things Nicole has accomplished this past week. Each day is like watching a toddler do things for the first time. Remember what is was like when your child first learned to walk or feed themselves or even tied their own shoes. Those are the kind of moments we are going through. Each thing we come up against is a new challenge to find a way to accomplish the task. Just as though she was doing it for the first time.
Nicole is optimistic and happy these days. She has a great attitude about all that is going on which in turn helps me to have a good attitude.
She is still battling C-Dif. We will be see the doctor for that today, again. Hopefully he will have a new game plan.
Christian and I are seeing his cardiologist today. We are hoping for good news there as well. Tune in tomorrow for the results.
Nicole will receive another skin graph to her left axillary area as well as revisions on her chest, left arm and neck. She will be staying in the hospital 4-5 days. We are hopeful with these revisions, Nicole will have better and more mobility with her left arm and neck. We are looking forward to Nicole being able to lift her arm over her head without the axilla ripping open and for her to be able to tip her head backward as well as side to side without difficulty.
Nicole is looking so forward to these revision. As she heals, she will be able to exercise more as well as her PT should go better. She will me able to gain the flexibility she so wants.
There are many things we just take for granted like cutting a steak or washing one own back, all things Nicole has accomplished this past week. Each day is like watching a toddler do things for the first time. Remember what is was like when your child first learned to walk or feed themselves or even tied their own shoes. Those are the kind of moments we are going through. Each thing we come up against is a new challenge to find a way to accomplish the task. Just as though she was doing it for the first time.
Nicole is optimistic and happy these days. She has a great attitude about all that is going on which in turn helps me to have a good attitude.
She is still battling C-Dif. We will be see the doctor for that today, again. Hopefully he will have a new game plan.
Christian and I are seeing his cardiologist today. We are hoping for good news there as well. Tune in tomorrow for the results.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Faith Promoting
John and I stopped to get gas at a Love's station in the middle of the night. I ran in to pay for gas and use the restroom. I just had my wallet with me. I sat it on top of the toilet paper holder which I promptly forgot about and left it there. When I got back into the van I just crawled into the back and went to sleep. About 3 hours later I awoke with a start remembering I left my wallet at the gas station.
I called information for the number and was connected. No wallet was turned in. I hung up and said a prayer that who ever had my wallet could please leave it where someone could find it and return it to me. There was quite a bit of cash in it plus my credit cards. I could deal with never seeing that again but I really wanted my drivers license back.
About 10 minutes passed and my phone rang. A phone number from Canada?
Hello?
Is this Angela Carlston?
Yes.
This is your home and auto travel company. Did you leave your wallet at a Love's station?
Yes, I did.
Well ma'am. Someone picked it up and they want to return it to you. Here is their phone number.
Holy smokes! Are you kidding? I couldn't believe it.
I called the woman who related this story.
I was sitting in a truck stop waiting for our travel companions to catch up with us. We are tandem running from a conference in Texas to Utah. When our friends arrived one of them had stopped at a Love's station to use the restroom. She went into the stall and saw your wallet. She had every intention of leaving it with the cashier but when she went to the front she felt impressed not to leave it and to take it with her.
When she opened it in the car she saw your drivers license was from Utah and knew I was headed there. She gave it to me to see if maybe I could find you. I opened your wallet to find anything that would help me. That is when I saw your travel card with a phone number, so I called.
I was grateful and elated. She told me she would over night it to me. I asked her to take out some money to pay for it and some for her time and trouble. "I wouldn't hear of that". She said. "I am just glad your wallet landed in the right hands."
The 2 days later my wallet arrived via Fed-Ex. Everything was there including a note from this nice woman.
Can it get better than that? There ARE wonderful people in this world. God is good.
I called information for the number and was connected. No wallet was turned in. I hung up and said a prayer that who ever had my wallet could please leave it where someone could find it and return it to me. There was quite a bit of cash in it plus my credit cards. I could deal with never seeing that again but I really wanted my drivers license back.
About 10 minutes passed and my phone rang. A phone number from Canada?
Hello?
Is this Angela Carlston?
Yes.
This is your home and auto travel company. Did you leave your wallet at a Love's station?
Yes, I did.
Well ma'am. Someone picked it up and they want to return it to you. Here is their phone number.
Holy smokes! Are you kidding? I couldn't believe it.
I called the woman who related this story.
I was sitting in a truck stop waiting for our travel companions to catch up with us. We are tandem running from a conference in Texas to Utah. When our friends arrived one of them had stopped at a Love's station to use the restroom. She went into the stall and saw your wallet. She had every intention of leaving it with the cashier but when she went to the front she felt impressed not to leave it and to take it with her.
When she opened it in the car she saw your drivers license was from Utah and knew I was headed there. She gave it to me to see if maybe I could find you. I opened your wallet to find anything that would help me. That is when I saw your travel card with a phone number, so I called.
I was grateful and elated. She told me she would over night it to me. I asked her to take out some money to pay for it and some for her time and trouble. "I wouldn't hear of that". She said. "I am just glad your wallet landed in the right hands."
The 2 days later my wallet arrived via Fed-Ex. Everything was there including a note from this nice woman.
Can it get better than that? There ARE wonderful people in this world. God is good.
Day 187
I wonder.....
I wonder about so many things everyday. Like......
How many colors are there in the world?
Why may favorite cookie is Chocolate Chip with Walnuts.
Where do all the seashells go when nothing is living in them anymore?
What would I do without the gospel of Jesus Christ?
Why was I born at this time of the world and not in pioneer times? (Well, I do know that one. I am not as strong as they are.)
Why do I get such a thrill swinging on the swings at the park?
I also wonder why am I blessed beyond measure? Stuff happens, oh well. When stuff happens I try to think, 'What can I learn from this?' Usually the stuff that happens is growing, learning and testing experiences. I use them in future times to deal with the other stuff that happens. I am glad stuff happens.
I wonder about so many things everyday. Like......
How many colors are there in the world?
Why may favorite cookie is Chocolate Chip with Walnuts.
Where do all the seashells go when nothing is living in them anymore?
What would I do without the gospel of Jesus Christ?
Why was I born at this time of the world and not in pioneer times? (Well, I do know that one. I am not as strong as they are.)
Why do I get such a thrill swinging on the swings at the park?
I also wonder why am I blessed beyond measure? Stuff happens, oh well. When stuff happens I try to think, 'What can I learn from this?' Usually the stuff that happens is growing, learning and testing experiences. I use them in future times to deal with the other stuff that happens. I am glad stuff happens.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
