...has ceased to exist. The bombardment of terminology and information is overwhelming, to say the least. We are hanging in there, sometimes just barely.
The lung biopsy was a combination of good news and bad news. The mass they examined was infarct, from a blood clot, not cancer. His kidneys are doing well, his liver is showing improvement, however the heart that was only functioning at 10%, was not showing signs of improvement. Things took a turn yesterday after they came in to do an echo. Not long after they did it, they came back and did a second echo and gave us the news that his heart needed assistance. Medication was added and he was put in line for an LVAD (left ventricular assist device). Between about 3 and 8pm, the medication had helped, somewhat. We told him goodbye for the procedure and the next news we received, was that instead of the LVAD, he was showing enough improvement to allow them to do a less invasive IABP (intra aortic balloon pump).
Confused yet? Yeah, us too. Trying to comprehend everything and not allow your emotions to take over, is tremendously hard. There have been times I thought I would pass out, just from the amount of information being thrown at us. So far I haven't. I'm trying to do everything in my power to be strong for my son. They are currently doing the preliminary testing, etc, to see if he qualifies for a heart transplant, if it comes to that. We are hoping the IABP will give his heart enough of a boost for it to heal and make that unnecessary.
There have been some humorous moments during this crisis, like when my son said, they give me this luxury suite and a prison toilet. (out in the open) He never even had the chance to get up and use that prison toilet. They gave him a very streamlined bedpan and he HATED THAT. Said they gave him a Toyota Celica and he needed a Ford F150 king cab! We live for those little things that help ease the tension.
I'm sorry I haven't been able to respond to email and blog comments. This is the first time I've had a few minutes to try to update a number of people at once. I even got to use my own toilet, at my own house, instead of the public toilets in the hospital... it's the little things that help get you through!
We really appreciate the thoughts and prayers and hope you will continue. I really, really miss you all!
The lung biopsy was a combination of good news and bad news. The mass they examined was infarct, from a blood clot, not cancer. His kidneys are doing well, his liver is showing improvement, however the heart that was only functioning at 10%, was not showing signs of improvement. Things took a turn yesterday after they came in to do an echo. Not long after they did it, they came back and did a second echo and gave us the news that his heart needed assistance. Medication was added and he was put in line for an LVAD (left ventricular assist device). Between about 3 and 8pm, the medication had helped, somewhat. We told him goodbye for the procedure and the next news we received, was that instead of the LVAD, he was showing enough improvement to allow them to do a less invasive IABP (intra aortic balloon pump).
Confused yet? Yeah, us too. Trying to comprehend everything and not allow your emotions to take over, is tremendously hard. There have been times I thought I would pass out, just from the amount of information being thrown at us. So far I haven't. I'm trying to do everything in my power to be strong for my son. They are currently doing the preliminary testing, etc, to see if he qualifies for a heart transplant, if it comes to that. We are hoping the IABP will give his heart enough of a boost for it to heal and make that unnecessary.
There have been some humorous moments during this crisis, like when my son said, they give me this luxury suite and a prison toilet. (out in the open) He never even had the chance to get up and use that prison toilet. They gave him a very streamlined bedpan and he HATED THAT. Said they gave him a Toyota Celica and he needed a Ford F150 king cab! We live for those little things that help ease the tension.
I'm sorry I haven't been able to respond to email and blog comments. This is the first time I've had a few minutes to try to update a number of people at once. I even got to use my own toilet, at my own house, instead of the public toilets in the hospital... it's the little things that help get you through!
We really appreciate the thoughts and prayers and hope you will continue. I really, really miss you all!
42 comments:
Still praying for you and your family!
My heart goes out to all of you. To have life changed on a dime. Just know my heart is praying for all of you. Keep us informed. sandie
Bless your heart... I'm sure this has been extremely hard on you, the Mom. How old is this son? Bless his heart... Hope he continues to improve and won't need a transplant. He (and you) are in my prayers.
God Bless.
HUGS,
Betsy
thank you, THANK YOU, for the update! there is some encouraging things in this today, and for that i am grateful. THANK YOU for sharing the humor - bless your son!
i wanted to reach out, but knew you'd let us know something when you could. you have so much on your heart and your plate. just know we are behind you with the strength of prayer and friendship.
:)
Oh, sweet friend! Don't you apologize...just take care of yourself and your precious son... Praying for you all!
Blessings,
Cindy
"Surely I am with you always." Matthews 28:20
You feel free to update when you can. No one will hold it against you.
I hope that he continues to improve and I love that his sense of humor (and yours) are helping you get through.
((hugs))
Love and Prayers for you and your son. Just do what ya gotta do and try to rest when you get the chance. And don't forget to eat.
Every bit of good news is appreciated when a loved one is going through difficult times. And humor is always a good sign. I hope things continue to improve for him and don't worry about us! We'll be here when you get back. (((HUGS)))
Rest assured, I will include your son in my prayers. Take care and God bless!
I'm so so sorry that you guys have been going through this Ms A. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all.
Oh Ms. A, I am so incredibly sorry to read this although I'm delighted and grateful to read the encouraging parts. I hope you know that my prayers are with you, your son, and your whole family as you deal with this.
Update us when you can and feel able but don't sweat it. Sending you love, hugs, and sprinkles of laughter.
I was so happy today to see a post from you. I have been thinking of you constantly and checking your blog for updates.
You all have been through so much, but hang in there. My niece's husband had a heart transplant two years ago--he was 38 at the time. he is doing so well now. Those doctors can do anything and your son is in the right place.
Just take care of yourselves and be strong for him. Again, I wish I was close so I could at least cook and bake for you guys. How is Poppa Bear doing--this has to be pretty rough for him.
Hugs across the miles from one mom to another.
I am sending love and prayers to you all.
Thanks so much for the update MsA, and while it sounds in way he's better, I know he's not "out of the woods." Prayers continue faithfully for him, you, all who love him.
Can appreciate when you can have a little chuckle.
((hugsssss))
Sending much love and lots of prayers.
Good lord ... you definitely have your hands full. Nothing like this kind of medical crisis to turn life totally upside down. I'm so sorry. Sounds like things are as good as they can be for now (which is a blessing) and I hope that it continues to improve.
If the doctors aren't writing all of this down for you, be sure to have someone else with you any time you get info from any of the medical staff. It makes a big difference not having to be the only one who as to listen and comprehend all of the medical speak.
Here's a hug. You sound like you really need it.
Appreciate the update. Prayers and hugs to your family.
Love and prayers for you and yours: now the expression "Bless his heart" has more meaning than ever! Thanks for the update, humor will save you, and I feel very hopeful. Please don't forget to take good care of yourself, although you probably don't know what that means sometimes...you and yours are so dearly loved.
oh my...just catching up. It is all such a learning curve for you and so overwhelming! But when I read this post it sounded good to me...kidney function is a very good thing...no cancer...and they can help the heart with meds until they figure things out a little more. Hang in there..
You continue to be in my thoughts and prayers!
Hugs,
Nellie
Oh, Sweetie..I haven't been on any blogs in a while, so this came as a shock! I'm so sorry you're having to go thru this with your son. Thankfully, you are one strong woman who can take the occasional breath to work thru the facts.
You are all in my prayers...Day and night! Hugs!
Please don't worry about updating us, although I am so thankful you did!
I am thinking about you always and sending good healing energy your way.
We all love you you know.
smooch my friend
Glad you made it home to use the bathroom and to write this update. I know this is so difficult for you. Hang in there. Keep processing the information and be a help to your son. And don't forget to take care of yourself.
Many thanks for the update -- we are all holding on to you and to him.xox
There is nothing like using your own toilet. I hate being in a hospital.
Here's to hoping and praying that your son improves rapidly. Thank you for the update... we were getting worried!
Spending that much time in the hospital, and all the confusion, and the ups and downs. I imagine you are all worn out. So glad it's not cancer. I'll be keeping all of you in my prayers, sweet friend. (I sure hope he's at Methodist Hospital!)
A tough time for all involved. You are so right about trying to keep it a bit lighter with some humor. Hang in there and take care my friend...
Still praying here! It sounds like a very rocky road and I know it is been a nightmare for all of you.
So glad to see that humor still plays a role. Looks like the old saying about the apple not falling from the tree is true. Wonderful bathroom humor!
Stay strong good blogger buddy. I'll keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
Oh Ms A.
I am so sorry. I have been so mired in my own pain, that I haven't peeked my head out.
I am so sorry.
My prayers are promised. Please promise us you'll let us know.
I am so sorry.
We miss you too and I'm praying for you and your family.
Bless you and bless that once stout-hearted boy for bringing some laughter into his mom's harrowing days. Good news is to be relished, and a good hospital is to be celebrated. ONWARD to more improvements.
thank you for this update.
i am praying for you and your family dear friend.
here's to hoping that your precious son improves really, really soon.
sending positive thoughts, lots of prayers and much love
(((BIG HUGS)))
don't forget to take care of yourself.
p.s. i am sorry i missed this post but my blog roll has been dis-functioning these past few days. whenever i would try to check on any update from you, it wouldn't show any.
i am thinking about you always, and i'm praying for your son, you and your family.
blessings!
He's got his momma's sense of humor! Keep the good news coming, we're all sending prayers and healing thoughts your way -
Still praying MsA. xoxo
I love that he has moments of lighthearted humor throughout! I'll continue to pray that this moves in a positive direction. Big hugs!!!!
Dear Ms. A, I have been away and I'm so sorry I missed this. Please know my prayers are immediately added! I hope you are all holding up alright. My thoughts are with you.
I'm so glad Karen sent us your way and am honored to pray for you and your son. I hope you feel the full force of all of us here supporting you and sending lots of healing light and energy your way!
I have worked as a nurse with balloon pumps and LVADS and transplant patients...the technology is really unbelievable...what would amaze me even more though was when those patients walked back up to the ICU months later to tell us hi...wow...we would never have imagined that patient could look so good. hang in there...
You and yours are tucked into prayer; God IS able!
A ray of hope. With continued prayers soon a burst of sunshine. Your son sounds strong with a will. He and you will see better days...:)
Oh, MsA, I'm just catching up. I hadn't seen you in a while and was afraid something was wrong. I'm sorry for the nightmare that you and your family, and especially your son, are trudging through. I'll be sending prayers your way.
With love,
xoRobyn
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