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Picture Credits: Karen Stack from http://KaraokeAnonymous.com
Hello everyone,
First of all, let me thank everyone for the outpouring of support and prayers. They mean a lot to us and we just want you to know that. Second, I'd like to say a special thank you to Aunt Kathy, Aunt Johnny, and Grandma who travelled all the way up here and dealt with less than ideal sleeping conditions just to visit my mother...and all the while dealing with their own health problems as well. Thank you very much. I know it made a difference because the very day you arrived was the day she moved and responded the most. It was on that day that her organs started working better and I'm sure that's not coincidence.
Thank you for talking to her, for brushing her hair out of her face, and for sharing your stories from childhood with her and the rest of us. That's what I'd like the most right now... if anyone has stories they'd like to share about Mom, funny things, silly things, even sad things are ok. The reason is this... these will help keep Mom alive in our minds the way she was and still is...somewhere inside her. So, please.... share your stories and any memories you have of my mother.
Now, for the update...
She had an MRI on Tuesday and we received the results yesterday. According to her nurse (as the doctor had already left by the time I got there), unlike a stroke victim where half the brain is inactive (or dead)... there are various "spots" in her brain that are inactive or not working... much like "swiss cheese" as Grandma put it. This could be due to the lack of oxygen to the brain during the 38 minute circ arrest, or it could be due to the anurism (sp?) when possible peices of the tissue could have been sent up to the brain and caused this.
What does this mean as far as recovery? Well, it means anything's game. See, if (like ants who've had their "trail" destroyed) Mom's brain waves find an alternate route around the dead areas... she could very well recover and learn how to speak, and eat, and walk, and more. This could take months, years, ... or never. See, on the other hand, like a string of Christmas lights ... sometimes one bulb missing can make the whole thing non-functional.
The thing is...there is no "science" when it comes to the brain. There is no percentage they can give us as to whether or not Mom will ever recover, partially, or at all. They've pretty much ruled out that she will never recover fully, that there's been extensive brain damage, and she will never be the same Spaghettie Betty, or Karaoke Booper that we all knew and loved so very much.
What now? Well, her feeding tube and suction tube were removed from her nose and mouth and surgically inserted directly into her stomach through the abdomen area. The drainage tubes that were in her chest are no longer needed and were removed as well. The breathing tubes have been past their limit and will be coming out soon. They are concerned that she may not have the strength to keep her airway open, so they are considering a tracheotomy (sp?) where they will insert the tubes through a hole in her neck.
Her lungs are working fine though, and she has been breathing on her own since Saturday. Her kidneys are working perfectly and her bowels are working well too. Her swelling in her face and hands has gone down tremendously. She did have a bed sore and they are trying to help that heal as well by constant movement every two hours.
Next step? I was informed that they intend on moving her from the ICU soon. When they do, I'll let you know. Then they said she most likely will be moved to a "Rehab" center... kind of like a nursing home, but for people like Mom that may recover... or may not. There will be physical therapy, etc. for her there as well.
I know this may all be very hard to take, and it knocked the breath out of me when I heard it last night. I started to cry and what's that phrase from the Bible?... Out of the mouth of Babes? My son hugged me and said, "Mom... it can only go up from here. The worst is over and at least you're not worried that she's going to die any minute." Well, that's so very true. The worst is over and she's overcome some seemingly unsurmountable odds.
Who knows... maybe she's just stubborn enough to not let this lick her. We will all have to wait and see. For now we have each other, and we have our memories. The constant emails, cards, letters, gifts, and visits can only do her good and I for one fully intend to keep it going. That's what family is for and I can say with the deepest conviction that we have the best one out there folks! I've said it before and I'll say it again... I'm very proud to be a part of it!
If there is anything I can do for any of you, or if you just need to talk...feel free to contact me through email or in any way you like. I've already sent around my contact information along with my siblings (any info that I had anyway). I love you all. Please take care and remember to hold the ones you love dear to your heart and never miss a chance to tell them just how much you care!
- BrytEyz
(Isaiah 40:31... But those who are hoping in Jehovah will regain power. They will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not tire out.)
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