Update from Tucson

I would hope for a better news update; unfortunately, that isn't what you will get today. DH's surgery went very well, and he is strong in all other respects; a prime candidate for this experimental type of Thoracic valve replacement. However, turns out that this less invasive surgery is actually a lot more difficult to endure after the fact. There are two or more really tough days of pain ~ and that's where Loyal is at this moment. One of the nurses was keeping him 'gorked' on morphine and Percocet to the extent that he wasn't moving forward towards rehabilitation or walking. After a discussion with the Thoracic Surgeon and his Cardiac Dr. it was decided that he qualified for a less drastic form of pain control; and, it would not adversley affect his kidney function.

We are in hopes that tomorrow he will be less of a Zombie (the fourth day out from surgery; the surgery took longer than anticipated. 8 hours instead of four) It is difficult to see a loved one in pain; but, in this case one has to work through the pain. I know this is a possibility as I've done it after breast cancer so that I could reach high with both arms, later. It was execrutiating but worth the effort. Those of you who are praying, and he knows that your are praying ~ please pray God will give him the grit and grace to go forward and not quit. And we (Kristen and I) need the grace to stand by and be his cheerleader and encourager. He saw his granddaughter today and told her, groggily, "I love you." So he is at last recognizing people. Until next time, I'm still tatting in Tucson!

Thank you for your well wishes and prayers.