Dad Update

A few weeks ago, I asked for prayers for my dad and just wanted to update folks on the situation.

This past Tuesday he was supposed to have a carotid angio done to look at the blockage in his neck before they do the surgery to remove it. That procedure was postponed until next Thursday because he missed the radiology consult last Friday. There was a miscommunication because neither of my parents knew he had a consult, which is not like them to forget something like that.

Today, he had a cardiac cath done to look for any blockages he may have in his heart that may cause problems after the carotid is fixed. They found that he has four vessels that are VERY blocked, so he needs a quadruple bypass surgery The doctor is keeping him at the hospital overnight and bumped up the carotid angio to tomorrow instead of next Thursday.

My mom (an ICU nurse at the hospital where my dad is) wasn't comfortable with the cardiothoracic surgeon the cardiologist had consulted with, so she asked if a different surgeon. We're so blessed because the doctor she wanted was there today, saw my dad and will be doing the surgery next week. So the plan, for now at least, is carotid angio tomorrow, he'll go home for a few days, then they'll do a carotid endarterectomy surgery to clear the blockage from the most occluded side, perform the CABG surgery immediately following. The surgery will probably be done Tuesday or Wednesday of next week, hasn't been scheduled yet.

My dad says he feels fine, which makes it even more difficult for him to just sit still. I know he's nervous, but doesn't want to show it. He's still his normal goofy, happy self, which is nice to see. I know my mom is worried, but she won't show it. I just hope she's ok and doesn't bottle it up. I'm trying to be strong, but it's hard to not worry, I'm not quite as good about not showing it. I know that God's in control of the situation, but it's still scary.

Any prayers for my mom and dad and his doctors would be greatly appreciated! I'll be sure to update later next week. Thank you!

All you need is love...and antibiotics

My cousin had open heart surgery last Thursday. I'm not very good at visiting family in the hospital. Usually they're sad and gloomy and I'm just awkward. I never really know what to say. My mom and I went to visit her yesterday. She's doing really well! She only had to have dressing over her sutures for a day or two, her breath is strong and she is already back to walking. Her spirits are high and her recovery's going to be easy for her. She gets to come home Wednesday. And she wasn't putting on the face that she was doing well either, she really is doing great. I was really scared for her. She helped my parents take care of me when I was a baby. And even as a kid, she was always there to drive me to school if my parents had to work, or to take me to Disneyland just because. She's the closest thing I have to a sister and I'm so glad she's alright!

I'm still sick. I went to the doctor on Friday, got some antibiotics and cough syrup with codine to help battle my new case of bronchitis. I took my last antibiotic pill this morning and really don't feel that much better. Not good. Do I go back to the doctor tomorrow on my day off or do I just let it go and hope it goes away?

I dyed my hair black yesterday. I know most people will say, "Why? You're hair was already black!" Correction, my hair is not naturally black, it's brown. And when I dye it black, there is quite a difference. I like it...for now.

Scott and I went to see "Across the Universe" yesterday for date night. It's still amazing! Can't wait for it to come out on dvd.

And why hasn't anyone updated lately? I know you've got stuff going on, write it down! And is there a way I can be emailed when someone updates their blog, so better yet, can I be emailed the blog entry? Anyone know?

Sick...

I've been sick for a week now and it just doesn't seem to be getting better. Last Friday I woke up with a sore throat, just like the other 3 I've had this year attributed to strep throat. On Tuesday, I developed a cough, which from my history, tells me my sore throat has spread into a bronchial infection. I'm not to the point where I'm so sick I can't do anything, I can still go to work. I took yesterday off in hopes that a day of rest would clear it up, but to such luck. I woke up this morning, still sounding like my lungs were going to pop out of my throat. And it's not just a cough, my chest and ribs hurt too. This stinks! I know I should probably go to the doctor, but I probably won't have a chance to til Monday, my next day off. Ugh, I guess it could be worse. I could have a haunted leg...anyone watch Grey's last night?