Hello Friends and Family,
We have news!
Mom has been moved to
City View Care Center located at
5801 Bryant Irvin Road
Ft. Worth, TX 76132
817-346-3030
City View is a nursing home that has an Express Recovery Unit for Pulmonary Rehabilitation. Our fervent hope is that this will be a VERY short stay and that Mom will be able to return home on Friday, July 2nd! Yesterday, I wrote out a goal sheet and told mom that we intend to have a family get together at her home on the 4th of July, so she had better work hard this week so she can be at home for her party! Brad said we are going to have fireworks ~ oh dear!!!! He is such a kid when it comes to the 4th of July, ha ha ha, hopefully I can convince him to stick w/ sparklers!
Mom was moved to City View on Friday, June 25th in the afternoon. It is a nice place with a large private room. So far our only complaints are about the food & furnishings. The food was sub par on Friday night and Saturday ~ probably because we had just arrived and did not get to fill out menu request forms. Thankfully, I did ask for the menu sheets on Saturday night which we discovered is when you should fill them in for the entire week. So, hopefully, the food will improve, Mom seemed more pleased on Sunday. It is still not as good as LifeCare, which not only offered 3 large meals a day, but also an evening snack. Greg and I are supplementing what they are serving. Another very positive note ~ Mom has an excellent appetite!
As far as the furniture, 1 bed and 2 arm chairs. Mom had become very attached to her recliners at LifeCare and at Harris CICU. The arm chairs are just not very comfortable for sitting and Mom has NO intention of staying in bed during the day!
If you remember mom in your prayers this week, please pray that our merciful Lord would strengthen her legs, strengthen her lungs enough that she will not have to go home on oxygen and give her the confidence she needs to return home!
This has been a long trial for our mom and family. We could have never walked through this time without the prayers, love, and support of so many friends. For this we are eternally grateful. We know that our Heavenly Father carried our entire family through this process. We praise His name for His mercy and grace in healing our mom. I will update this blog a couple more times and will for sure let everyone know when Mom is able to return home.
With much affection and gratitude ~
In His Embrace,
Jean Brown's family
Monday, June 28, 2010
Monday, June 14, 2010
Friends of Jean,
For those of you who have not heard, Mom is making great strides. She has 3 hours of physical therapy a day! & will most likely be at LifeCare Rehab Hospital for this week and next. We doubt that her insurance will allow any additional time.
The address at LifeCare:
6201 Overton Ridge Boulevard. Fort Worth , TX , 76132
Mom is in room 204
Here is a glimpse of Mom's daily schedule:
8:00 AM Breakfast
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Pulmonary Therapy in the gym - this is really cool. They have about 5 different breathing exercises with equipment that Mom breathes into. The idea is to exercise the lungs and to teach Mom how to make the most out of her current lung capacity. It is hard work, but with a good attitude and determination it should pay off with big dividends. Already they have decreased her oxygen setting to 2 which is down from 6. Of course our goal is to get her completely off all oxygen!
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Group Exercise Class in the gym with light weights, seated. 30 min upper body / 30 min lower body
11:00 - 1:30 Back to room, then lunch and short break
1:30 - 3:00 ish 1 hour of one on one physical therapy in the gym. This includes exercise with a bar, balls and walking.
3:00 - 3:30 back to her room
The most difficult part for mom is being stuck at the hospital. She is trying to work diligently so that she can resume her normal activities.
We are trying to keep her motivated for the next 2 weeks, so that she will be able to receive the full benefit of the therapy she is receiving.
If you have any opportunity to drop her a note of encouragement or if you can drop by for a quick visit it would be greatly appreciated! Note ~ due to Mom's busy rehab schedule the best time to visit is after 3:30 in the afternoon through the evening hours.
Thank you for keeping her in your prayers,
Tracy
817-715-0097
P.S. Mom's email is still down at the new hospital, LifeCare. They have a wireless card so that she can get on line in her room, but we could not get it hooked up last week as there was a glitch & the technical computer person was out on vacation. We hope to get mom back on the information super highway later today or tomorrow.
For those of you who have not heard, Mom is making great strides. She has 3 hours of physical therapy a day! & will most likely be at LifeCare Rehab Hospital for this week and next. We doubt that her insurance will allow any additional time.
The address at LifeCare:
6201 Overton Ridge Boulevard. Fort Worth , TX , 76132
Mom is in room 204
Here is a glimpse of Mom's daily schedule:
8:00 AM Breakfast
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Pulmonary Therapy in the gym - this is really cool. They have about 5 different breathing exercises with equipment that Mom breathes into. The idea is to exercise the lungs and to teach Mom how to make the most out of her current lung capacity. It is hard work, but with a good attitude and determination it should pay off with big dividends. Already they have decreased her oxygen setting to 2 which is down from 6. Of course our goal is to get her completely off all oxygen!
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Group Exercise Class in the gym with light weights, seated. 30 min upper body / 30 min lower body
11:00 - 1:30 Back to room, then lunch and short break
1:30 - 3:00 ish 1 hour of one on one physical therapy in the gym. This includes exercise with a bar, balls and walking.
3:00 - 3:30 back to her room
The most difficult part for mom is being stuck at the hospital. She is trying to work diligently so that she can resume her normal activities.
We are trying to keep her motivated for the next 2 weeks, so that she will be able to receive the full benefit of the therapy she is receiving.
If you have any opportunity to drop her a note of encouragement or if you can drop by for a quick visit it would be greatly appreciated! Note ~ due to Mom's busy rehab schedule the best time to visit is after 3:30 in the afternoon through the evening hours.
Thank you for keeping her in your prayers,
Tracy
817-715-0097
P.S. Mom's email is still down at the new hospital, LifeCare. They have a wireless card so that she can get on line in her room, but we could not get it hooked up last week as there was a glitch & the technical computer person was out on vacation. We hope to get mom back on the information super highway later today or tomorrow.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Exercise Class Day 1
Hi everyone,
Well mom continues to make great strides! She participated in her first group exercise class in the gym at LifeCare. She of course tried to outdo everyone else in the group. She was pumping iron (1 lb weights) and doing all kinds of leg lifts and curls. Additionally, they bumped her O2 level on her canula down to 2 - it had previously been at 4 for resting and 6 for any activities. So, this is another big accomplishment.
Mom you will note is sporting the Heights baseball spirit shirt which says "Loud and Proud". Well, she is not very loud, but we are all quite proud of her and the wonderful spirit she has shown.
We are very excited about mom's progress and hope that she will continue to move forward so she can get back home and resume her busy life!
Please pray for Jean that our Gracious Lord and Savior will continue the healing process of Mom's lungs and that she will keep this wonderful attitude. She has been so patient and kind to everyone who has been there helping her through this illness.
Also, now that Mom is in a regular - private room, at the new hospital, we would like to arrange visitors for mom. This is going to be at least a 3 week stay, so we know that seeing her friends will bolster her spirits. However, we would like to set up a schedule so that she can have quality - one on one time with her many dear friends.
If you would like to stop by for a visit with Jean, the best times are either at lunch or early evening, as she will be in exercise classes in the mornings and in the afternoons.
Please call me - Tracy, her social director, to schedule a visit. My cell number is 817-715-0097.
Thanks again for all your prayers, care and concern.
In His Embrace,
Jean Brown's family.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Mom has a new address!!!! Praise the Lord!!!
Hello everyone!
We are delighted to announce that Jean has been moved from Harris CICU to
LifeCare Hospital
6201 Overton Ridge Boulevard
Fort Worth, TX 76132
(817) 370-6078
She is currently in ICU, however we anticipate that they will be moving her into a regular room before too long.
We are very thankful to:
Dr. Bolaji for fighting for mom's rights. The Care N Care people with whom our mom has insurance denied her coverage for the treatment plan both her doctors said that she needed. Very frustrating couple of days. However, we owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Dr. Bolaji who was willing to immediately call the doctor with Care N Care, who made the decision, and argue mother's case over the phone to this man. Thankfully, with many prayers for conviction of this man's heart and for God's grace and mercy for our mother, Care N Care reversed their decision.
Shawna with LifeCare, a lovely Christian woman who also worked diligently to present Mom's case to the people at Care N Care and pushed Mom's cause through the ranks at her company in order to secure a positive outcome!
Phil Prosser, Vice President of LifeCare, who spent an entire day yesterday, working out a compromise with Care N Care to settle on an agreement for Mom's care. LifeCare actually made concessions to Care N Care for our mom, because they had become committed to her and her care.
Wow! We can only give the glory to God for His provision for our Mom. We know on our own strength we are powerless to turn a man's heart, that can only be done through the convicting power of the Holy Spirit. Our God, who alone is worthy of our worship and praise is trustworthy and faithful!
Although none of us knows what will happen even the remainder of this day, we can be confident in knowing that we are held in His Grace. That our Heavenly Father knows the plans He has for us and He alone directs our path. We also cling to the knowledge that He has promised to NEVER, NEVER leave us - or forsake us. Psalm 56, Psalm 118 and Hebrews 13: 5 - 6 all three remind us, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" So, with this in mind, we continue to pray for God's peace over Mom's heart, for His healing of her body, mind and spirit and for those of us who are involved in the process of standing beside our Mom during this process of healing.
Please pray this passage for us, Jean's family & for her Christian family. It is from Colossians 4: 3 - 6
"And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."
We are humbled by the outpouring of love for our Mom and for us. Your prayers are coveted by us all. Our gratitude is overwhelming.
In His Embrace,
Jean Brown's family
We are delighted to announce that Jean has been moved from Harris CICU to
LifeCare Hospital
6201 Overton Ridge Boulevard
Fort Worth, TX 76132
(817) 370-6078
She is currently in ICU, however we anticipate that they will be moving her into a regular room before too long.
We are very thankful to:
Dr. Bolaji for fighting for mom's rights. The Care N Care people with whom our mom has insurance denied her coverage for the treatment plan both her doctors said that she needed. Very frustrating couple of days. However, we owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Dr. Bolaji who was willing to immediately call the doctor with Care N Care, who made the decision, and argue mother's case over the phone to this man. Thankfully, with many prayers for conviction of this man's heart and for God's grace and mercy for our mother, Care N Care reversed their decision.
Shawna with LifeCare, a lovely Christian woman who also worked diligently to present Mom's case to the people at Care N Care and pushed Mom's cause through the ranks at her company in order to secure a positive outcome!
Phil Prosser, Vice President of LifeCare, who spent an entire day yesterday, working out a compromise with Care N Care to settle on an agreement for Mom's care. LifeCare actually made concessions to Care N Care for our mom, because they had become committed to her and her care.
Wow! We can only give the glory to God for His provision for our Mom. We know on our own strength we are powerless to turn a man's heart, that can only be done through the convicting power of the Holy Spirit. Our God, who alone is worthy of our worship and praise is trustworthy and faithful!
Although none of us knows what will happen even the remainder of this day, we can be confident in knowing that we are held in His Grace. That our Heavenly Father knows the plans He has for us and He alone directs our path. We also cling to the knowledge that He has promised to NEVER, NEVER leave us - or forsake us. Psalm 56, Psalm 118 and Hebrews 13: 5 - 6 all three remind us, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" So, with this in mind, we continue to pray for God's peace over Mom's heart, for His healing of her body, mind and spirit and for those of us who are involved in the process of standing beside our Mom during this process of healing.
Please pray this passage for us, Jean's family & for her Christian family. It is from Colossians 4: 3 - 6
"And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."
We are humbled by the outpouring of love for our Mom and for us. Your prayers are coveted by us all. Our gratitude is overwhelming.
In His Embrace,
Jean Brown's family
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Update + Prayer Request
Well, the good news & the bad news - Mom might not be sick enough.
Our health system up close and personal, isn't it great!
Mom's doctors say that she needs to be treated at a Long Term Acute Therapy Hospital. That is where she will receive the very best care for her current medical condition.
So, over the Memorial Day weekend ~ Greg, Karen and I all visited the various places, interviewed their staff and polled all our friends in order to make the very best choice for our mom.
On Tuesday, we met with the Social worker (yes, Mom now has a social worker), her Internist, and the representative from LifeCare, the hospital we have chosen for mom. Shawna, the rep from LifeCare explained to us that she is concerned that Mom might not have enough wrong with her & that the insurance company might deny the doctor's request to have our mom admitted to their facility. This just does not make any sense to us, especially since mom is still in ICU and will be transferred to their ICU???
At any rate, this is not a good thing, because if they do not admit her, then the only other option is skilled nursing care - in a Nursing Home.
Please pray that Care N Care, the company Mom has her Medicare Replacement Insurance with, will approve the request of her doctors. This is a very new company. The lady from LifeCare has only dealt with them one other time. Also, they are specific to Tarrant County, Parker County and one other rural county nearby. In other words, they are VERY small and VERY new! We hope this does not turn out to be a bad thing.
Also, please continue to pray for healing. Jean had a CAT scan the other day that showed 2 small Pneumothorax on both lungs. Definition - Pneumothorax: Free air in the chest outside the lung. This can result in collapse of the lung, however in Mom's case the CAT scan showed that they were very small, less than 10% of her lung capacity and the hope is that they will resolve on their own. Mom still has the pulmonary embolisms. The short answer is that Jean's lungs are still in very bad shape. Please pray that Our Lord, in His grace and mercy would heal Mom's lungs.
What medically cannot be done, our Lord is more than able to do.
Also, pray that Mom will be able to endure this trial with grace, dignity and with patience. That our Heavenly Father will cover her in the feathers of His wings and will carry her in His arms so that she will know that He has hold of her with His strong right arm and that she will be filled beyond all measure with His peace.
In His Embrace,
The extended Brown Family
Our health system up close and personal, isn't it great!
Mom's doctors say that she needs to be treated at a Long Term Acute Therapy Hospital. That is where she will receive the very best care for her current medical condition.
So, over the Memorial Day weekend ~ Greg, Karen and I all visited the various places, interviewed their staff and polled all our friends in order to make the very best choice for our mom.
On Tuesday, we met with the Social worker (yes, Mom now has a social worker), her Internist, and the representative from LifeCare, the hospital we have chosen for mom. Shawna, the rep from LifeCare explained to us that she is concerned that Mom might not have enough wrong with her & that the insurance company might deny the doctor's request to have our mom admitted to their facility. This just does not make any sense to us, especially since mom is still in ICU and will be transferred to their ICU???
At any rate, this is not a good thing, because if they do not admit her, then the only other option is skilled nursing care - in a Nursing Home.
Please pray that Care N Care, the company Mom has her Medicare Replacement Insurance with, will approve the request of her doctors. This is a very new company. The lady from LifeCare has only dealt with them one other time. Also, they are specific to Tarrant County, Parker County and one other rural county nearby. In other words, they are VERY small and VERY new! We hope this does not turn out to be a bad thing.
Also, please continue to pray for healing. Jean had a CAT scan the other day that showed 2 small Pneumothorax on both lungs. Definition - Pneumothorax: Free air in the chest outside the lung. This can result in collapse of the lung, however in Mom's case the CAT scan showed that they were very small, less than 10% of her lung capacity and the hope is that they will resolve on their own. Mom still has the pulmonary embolisms. The short answer is that Jean's lungs are still in very bad shape. Please pray that Our Lord, in His grace and mercy would heal Mom's lungs.
What medically cannot be done, our Lord is more than able to do.
Also, pray that Mom will be able to endure this trial with grace, dignity and with patience. That our Heavenly Father will cover her in the feathers of His wings and will carry her in His arms so that she will know that He has hold of her with His strong right arm and that she will be filled beyond all measure with His peace.
In His Embrace,
The extended Brown Family
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Sunday, First day of a new adventure
Mom is going to be making a big move here in the next couple of days! We, Greg, Karen and I are going to need to choose an Acute Long Term Rehab Center / Hospital for mom. The front runners are LifeCare and Regency. If any of you have pros or cons regarding either one, your opinions would be greatly appreciated. Also, with each new expectation put upon Mom, she has shown some apprehension; her confidence is a little shaky. Please continue to pray for God's peace over her heart.
With regard to Mom's health. She is doing better. She is still in CICU and is still on oxygen, however, she is getting stronger and is able to walk very short distances (20 feet) w/ the aid of a walker. The ongoing problem is that her lungs are not working properly. There is no liquid in her lungs. The problem is that her lungs are not moving the oxygen she breathes in from the atmosphere into the body's circulation. So, whenever she exerts herself even slightly, her oxygen saturation level drops like an elevator going down and her heart rate soars.
If the doctor's diagnosis is correct, Mom has BOOP. As the pneumonia resolves, sometimes instead of disappearing, the pneumonia becomes 'organized' into 'inflammation'. This inflammation is often BOOP. Prednisone therapy is usually helpful and results in complete resolution. So, Mom is on Prednisone and thus far is responding positively to this treatment.
She will most likely be in a rehab center for 2 months. Initially, she will be transferred from the Harris ICU to the Rehab's on site ICU. Once we have made our final choice of which one, we will update the blog with all the details.
We continue to feel very fortunate that our Mother has so very many who love and care about her. The comfort we receive in knowing that even when we are stretched and exhausted, others are lifting us up in prayer, brings an inner peace that "surpasses human understanding".
Have a wonderful Sabbath ~
This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!
In His Embrace,
Tracy ~ on behalf of Jean and family
With regard to Mom's health. She is doing better. She is still in CICU and is still on oxygen, however, she is getting stronger and is able to walk very short distances (20 feet) w/ the aid of a walker. The ongoing problem is that her lungs are not working properly. There is no liquid in her lungs. The problem is that her lungs are not moving the oxygen she breathes in from the atmosphere into the body's circulation. So, whenever she exerts herself even slightly, her oxygen saturation level drops like an elevator going down and her heart rate soars.
If the doctor's diagnosis is correct, Mom has BOOP. As the pneumonia resolves, sometimes instead of disappearing, the pneumonia becomes 'organized' into 'inflammation'. This inflammation is often BOOP. Prednisone therapy is usually helpful and results in complete resolution. So, Mom is on Prednisone and thus far is responding positively to this treatment.
She will most likely be in a rehab center for 2 months. Initially, she will be transferred from the Harris ICU to the Rehab's on site ICU. Once we have made our final choice of which one, we will update the blog with all the details.
We continue to feel very fortunate that our Mother has so very many who love and care about her. The comfort we receive in knowing that even when we are stretched and exhausted, others are lifting us up in prayer, brings an inner peace that "surpasses human understanding".
Have a wonderful Sabbath ~
This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!
In His Embrace,
Tracy ~ on behalf of Jean and family
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Help Needed
Hi everyone,
Greg, Karen and I are going to have a meeting with Mom's doctor's today at 4:00 P.M., we would appreciate your prayers for this meeting. That we have wisdom in the questions that we ask and that the doctors would be forthcoming in their answers and the information they give us regarding Mom's health.
Also, one of Mom's doctors told her yesterday that she needed to start thinking about where she would like to go for rehab. We would love to hear from those of you who are in the Dallas / Fort Worth area, that may have had excellent or less than good experiences with Rehab centers in our area. With Karen living in Irving & working in Dallas, Greg in Mansfield and me in West Fort Worth, we are open to whatever facility will offer the BEST care for Mom.
Mom is slowing making some progress, however, her lung function is still terribly compromised. Mom walked with a walker out to the nurses station and back 2 times yesterday. None of us were there at the time, so we can only go by her report that she did fine... At present, Mom has a great attitude and spirit.
Thank you for your continued prayers for healing. Please pray that she will be able to retain her great muscle tone and strength. Of course, with each passing day, this becomes more of an issue. Mom has received a huge outpouring of emails and cards. She has been bolstered by the knowledge that she has so many people who love and care about her. For that we are eternally grateful.
In His Embrace,
Jean and Family
Greg, Karen and I are going to have a meeting with Mom's doctor's today at 4:00 P.M., we would appreciate your prayers for this meeting. That we have wisdom in the questions that we ask and that the doctors would be forthcoming in their answers and the information they give us regarding Mom's health.
Also, one of Mom's doctors told her yesterday that she needed to start thinking about where she would like to go for rehab. We would love to hear from those of you who are in the Dallas / Fort Worth area, that may have had excellent or less than good experiences with Rehab centers in our area. With Karen living in Irving & working in Dallas, Greg in Mansfield and me in West Fort Worth, we are open to whatever facility will offer the BEST care for Mom.
Mom is slowing making some progress, however, her lung function is still terribly compromised. Mom walked with a walker out to the nurses station and back 2 times yesterday. None of us were there at the time, so we can only go by her report that she did fine... At present, Mom has a great attitude and spirit.
Thank you for your continued prayers for healing. Please pray that she will be able to retain her great muscle tone and strength. Of course, with each passing day, this becomes more of an issue. Mom has received a huge outpouring of emails and cards. She has been bolstered by the knowledge that she has so many people who love and care about her. For that we are eternally grateful.
In His Embrace,
Jean and Family
Monday, May 24, 2010
Difficult Day
Hello Friends,
Well, this has been a difficult day for mom. They have started a new treatment where they run some sort of vibrator over her chest and back in an attempt to loosen whatever is in her lungs. This has caused her some discomfort. We are also somewhat concerned about the decision to use this treatment since they just told us a few days ago that she had pulmonary embolisms & since they have her on heavy doses of blood thinners. Additionally, this order was made by the internist, not the pulmonary doctor.
They also tried to get mom to take a few steps today with a walker. This proved to NOT be a good idea as her Oxygen level quickly dropped to 70.
We, her children, are concerned with the communication - or lack there of - between us and her doctors & between the doctors with each other. It seems the left hand does not know what the right is doing.
We hope to get permission for Michael, Karen's husband, to review mom's chart. Michael is a very brilliant doctor, who has a gift for diagnosis. Our hope is that in reviewing her chart, he might be able to see something that her doctors have not, or at least be able to help us have a better understanding of what is going on. Thus far, they have been reticent to share any more information with us and have refused to let Michael look at her chart, saying that mom did not give him signed permission to do so. Since mom is in better shape now, we can have her sign a form to allow him access to her records. Hopefully, that will happen tomorrow.
Please keep mom in your prayers ~ for healing, strength and courage. Wisdom for us and for her doctors.
Finally, I have picked up some sort of infection and have not been able to be with mom today ~ I don't want to take even the remotest chance of spreading anything to her. Please pray that this will clear up quickly, so that I can be with mom soon. Greg was with her most of the day today, as Karen had to be out of town on business. However, Karen can be with her tomorrow.
We are so thankful to have each other. Our family has been blessed with a wonderful mother and brothers and sisters who love one another.
Please know that you have our deepest gratitude.
In His Embrace,
Jean and family
Well, this has been a difficult day for mom. They have started a new treatment where they run some sort of vibrator over her chest and back in an attempt to loosen whatever is in her lungs. This has caused her some discomfort. We are also somewhat concerned about the decision to use this treatment since they just told us a few days ago that she had pulmonary embolisms & since they have her on heavy doses of blood thinners. Additionally, this order was made by the internist, not the pulmonary doctor.
They also tried to get mom to take a few steps today with a walker. This proved to NOT be a good idea as her Oxygen level quickly dropped to 70.
We, her children, are concerned with the communication - or lack there of - between us and her doctors & between the doctors with each other. It seems the left hand does not know what the right is doing.
We hope to get permission for Michael, Karen's husband, to review mom's chart. Michael is a very brilliant doctor, who has a gift for diagnosis. Our hope is that in reviewing her chart, he might be able to see something that her doctors have not, or at least be able to help us have a better understanding of what is going on. Thus far, they have been reticent to share any more information with us and have refused to let Michael look at her chart, saying that mom did not give him signed permission to do so. Since mom is in better shape now, we can have her sign a form to allow him access to her records. Hopefully, that will happen tomorrow.
Please keep mom in your prayers ~ for healing, strength and courage. Wisdom for us and for her doctors.
Finally, I have picked up some sort of infection and have not been able to be with mom today ~ I don't want to take even the remotest chance of spreading anything to her. Please pray that this will clear up quickly, so that I can be with mom soon. Greg was with her most of the day today, as Karen had to be out of town on business. However, Karen can be with her tomorrow.
We are so thankful to have each other. Our family has been blessed with a wonderful mother and brothers and sisters who love one another.
Please know that you have our deepest gratitude.
In His Embrace,
Jean and family
Sunday, May 23, 2010
This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Today is off to a busy start. Mom got out of bed, sat in the chair and ate breakfast. Then, after 2 hours actually took a few steps to get back into bed, this was a big milestone. Luana our nurse today said that Mom is going to have a busy day, she intends to push mom a little more today.
It appears that the prednisone is beginning to have a positive impact on mom's lungs, however the healing process for this condition - BOOP can be very slow. So, we will do our best to keep mom moving as much as her lungs will tolerate and we will strive to exercise patience.
Would you like to read the definition of Patience?
Patience is the state of endurance under difficult circumstances, which can mean persevering in the face of delay or provocation without acting on annoyance/anger in a negative way; or exhibiting forbearance when under strain, especially when faced with longer-term difficulties. It is also used to refer to the character trait of being steadfast.
Aren't we so very, very fortunate to have a Heavenly Father who continues to extend patience toward each of us, who are so very unworthy?
We worship a Lord who is steadfast; who does not turn His wrath on us, but loves us so much that He sacrificed His Son as our atonement for sin (Romans 3:24-26). So, knowing we are His children, heirs to His kingdom, should we not be able to cling to our Savior's strength (Philipians 4:13), and endure our difficult circumstances, showing His love, grace and mercy to others? This will be our prayer and hope, that even in this difficult trial, we: Mom, Greg, Karen, Kirk, Tracy, our spouses and our children, who are sealed with Christ would be worthy of the grace that has been poured out over our family. (Ephesians 4:29-31)
Specific Prayer Request:
1. Mom is improving enough that they may decide to move us to a regular room. Our nurse said that the doctor can request that we stay in the Heart Tower!!! This is a huge request, please pray that they move mom to a room in this building.
2. Please pray that mom's lungs will continue to heal and that her oxygen level will become stable.
3. Protection from any secondary infections or complications
4. Protection for the rest of us for the family, health and safety.
5. Patience!
Today is off to a busy start. Mom got out of bed, sat in the chair and ate breakfast. Then, after 2 hours actually took a few steps to get back into bed, this was a big milestone. Luana our nurse today said that Mom is going to have a busy day, she intends to push mom a little more today.
It appears that the prednisone is beginning to have a positive impact on mom's lungs, however the healing process for this condition - BOOP can be very slow. So, we will do our best to keep mom moving as much as her lungs will tolerate and we will strive to exercise patience.
Would you like to read the definition of Patience?
Patience is the state of endurance under difficult circumstances, which can mean persevering in the face of delay or provocation without acting on annoyance/anger in a negative way; or exhibiting forbearance when under strain, especially when faced with longer-term difficulties. It is also used to refer to the character trait of being steadfast.
Aren't we so very, very fortunate to have a Heavenly Father who continues to extend patience toward each of us, who are so very unworthy?
We worship a Lord who is steadfast; who does not turn His wrath on us, but loves us so much that He sacrificed His Son as our atonement for sin (Romans 3:24-26). So, knowing we are His children, heirs to His kingdom, should we not be able to cling to our Savior's strength (Philipians 4:13), and endure our difficult circumstances, showing His love, grace and mercy to others? This will be our prayer and hope, that even in this difficult trial, we: Mom, Greg, Karen, Kirk, Tracy, our spouses and our children, who are sealed with Christ would be worthy of the grace that has been poured out over our family. (Ephesians 4:29-31)
Specific Prayer Request:
1. Mom is improving enough that they may decide to move us to a regular room. Our nurse said that the doctor can request that we stay in the Heart Tower!!! This is a huge request, please pray that they move mom to a room in this building.
2. Please pray that mom's lungs will continue to heal and that her oxygen level will become stable.
3. Protection from any secondary infections or complications
4. Protection for the rest of us for the family, health and safety.
5. Patience!
Friday, May 21, 2010
New Diagnosis
Well... The pulmonary doctor said that he thinks mom might have had a sort of allergic reaction to her pneumonia virus and that is what we are now dealing with, according to the Internal doc they think she has developed BOOP - bronchiolitis obliterans with organizing pneumonia. This is the reason that mom cannot get enough oxygen on her own and cannot tolerate any form of physical activity. Dr. Bolaji the internist said that Dr. Gleason my choose to perform a surgical procedure where they go into her lungs and suck out the fluid in her lung tissue. But, we will wait and see.
The pulmonary doctor did say that Mom's Xray looked much better, but that she is still rattling around quite a bit. He thought mom should try to sit in the chair today. So, our sweet nurse came by to get mom into chair, however, when mom sat on the edge of the bed, her Oxygen level started to drop, so they put the mask back on and pumped up the oxygen. Mom also began to feel nervous. So, back into bed. Mom will be in ICU through the weekend, then we will see what happens on Monday.
Prayer requests:
Please pray that this condition clears up on it's own so that mom does not have to have surgery
The other requests remain ~ strength, healing, peace of mind, and protection for the rest of us.
Dear friends and family ~ thank you (those words seem inadequate) for your continued love and support of our dear mother.
The pulmonary doctor did say that Mom's Xray looked much better, but that she is still rattling around quite a bit. He thought mom should try to sit in the chair today. So, our sweet nurse came by to get mom into chair, however, when mom sat on the edge of the bed, her Oxygen level started to drop, so they put the mask back on and pumped up the oxygen. Mom also began to feel nervous. So, back into bed. Mom will be in ICU through the weekend, then we will see what happens on Monday.
Prayer requests:
Please pray that this condition clears up on it's own so that mom does not have to have surgery
The other requests remain ~ strength, healing, peace of mind, and protection for the rest of us.
Dear friends and family ~ thank you (those words seem inadequate) for your continued love and support of our dear mother.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Message from Jean
Hi this is Tracy, my mom, Jean has asked if she could post a message to everyone. So, I am her scribe:
To my family, friends and even those I don't know who pray for me,
Thank you, thank you, thank you. God in His grace and mercy is healing my body. I know that you are lifting me up in prayer even when I was not conscious. I have a way to go, but I believe that Jesus is going to heal me.
Mom also asked me to share with you one of her favorite Hymns, Lead Me, Lord
The lyrics which she recalled from memory are:
Lead me, Lord, lead me in thy righteousness;
make thy way plain before my face.
For it is thou, Lord, thou, Lord only,
that makest me dwell in safety.
In my search to find the song on YouTube, where it seems you can find almost anything, I came across a wonderful song w/ very pretty scenery. Mom and I watched it together and she asked me to share that with you all as well - here is the link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWm6SWu8f9c
Although, this is a very difficult trail for our family and mom, knowing that she is not walking through this alone, but is being hidden in the feathers of our great Physician's wing, gives us all comfort and strength.
Mom's doctor came by this morning and said that he felt she looked better today and that her Xray looked somewhat better. He did say that she cannot get out of bed today or tomorrow. She has had to move from the nasal cannula (nose oxygen tube) to a mask in order to keep her Oxygen level above 90. But with the mask and very little exertion, we have been able to keep it maintained. However, when she eats, we have to take a bite, put the mask back on, then wait a couple minutes before taking another bite. Also, when she becomes too talkative her Oxygen level also dips. Her body is very weak, but her spirit and faith are very strong!
Please pray for:
Continued healing of her lungs and strengthening of her body. Wisdom for her doctors. That all the right things are being done to expedite the healing process. Patience for mom. And patience and strength for her family.
That God's grace and mercy would be poured out over her in generous measure.
Also, on a totally unrelated note ~ Mom's grandson Kevin Conrad will be playing in a baseball game tonight. The game is being broadcast on the radio and you can listen live online, so Mom has requested that we hook up the computer in her room tonight so she can listen to the game. For those of you who know mom, the hardest part of all this is that she is missing out on some of the many, many activities because, she never wants to miss anything! Anyway, some of those in the family have also asked how to listen to the game, so please indulge me as I post the link here. Go Heights!
http://kkgmam.com/ UIL 4A REGION ONE QUARTER FINAL PLAYOFF BASEBALL!!
LiVE..AM 1630 KKGM & KKGMAM.COM
thurs 5.20 Game One....6:30pm air
friday 5.21 Game Two....6:30pm air
saturday 5.22 Game Three if necessary 12:30pm air
To my family, friends and even those I don't know who pray for me,
Thank you, thank you, thank you. God in His grace and mercy is healing my body. I know that you are lifting me up in prayer even when I was not conscious. I have a way to go, but I believe that Jesus is going to heal me.
Mom also asked me to share with you one of her favorite Hymns, Lead Me, Lord
The lyrics which she recalled from memory are:
Lead me, Lord, lead me in thy righteousness;
make thy way plain before my face.
For it is thou, Lord, thou, Lord only,
that makest me dwell in safety.
In my search to find the song on YouTube, where it seems you can find almost anything, I came across a wonderful song w/ very pretty scenery. Mom and I watched it together and she asked me to share that with you all as well - here is the link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWm6SWu8f9c
Although, this is a very difficult trail for our family and mom, knowing that she is not walking through this alone, but is being hidden in the feathers of our great Physician's wing, gives us all comfort and strength.
Mom's doctor came by this morning and said that he felt she looked better today and that her Xray looked somewhat better. He did say that she cannot get out of bed today or tomorrow. She has had to move from the nasal cannula (nose oxygen tube) to a mask in order to keep her Oxygen level above 90. But with the mask and very little exertion, we have been able to keep it maintained. However, when she eats, we have to take a bite, put the mask back on, then wait a couple minutes before taking another bite. Also, when she becomes too talkative her Oxygen level also dips. Her body is very weak, but her spirit and faith are very strong!
Please pray for:
Continued healing of her lungs and strengthening of her body. Wisdom for her doctors. That all the right things are being done to expedite the healing process. Patience for mom. And patience and strength for her family.
That God's grace and mercy would be poured out over her in generous measure.
Also, on a totally unrelated note ~ Mom's grandson Kevin Conrad will be playing in a baseball game tonight. The game is being broadcast on the radio and you can listen live online, so Mom has requested that we hook up the computer in her room tonight so she can listen to the game. For those of you who know mom, the hardest part of all this is that she is missing out on some of the many, many activities because, she never wants to miss anything! Anyway, some of those in the family have also asked how to listen to the game, so please indulge me as I post the link here. Go Heights!
http://kkgmam.com/ UIL 4A REGION ONE QUARTER FINAL PLAYOFF BASEBALL!!
LiVE..AM 1630 KKGM & KKGMAM.COM
thurs 5.20 Game One....6:30pm air
friday 5.21 Game Two....6:30pm air
saturday 5.22 Game Three if necessary 12:30pm air
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Back to ICU
Dear Friends and family,
I am sorry that I have not updated the blog sooner, I know many of you have been checking this site each day to hear news about our mom. The past 2 days have been very busy. We were moved from the CICU to another intermediate room on Monday morning. I jokingly referred to the move as going from the 4 Seasons to Motel 6, as we went from the newest building at Harris to the oldest - Harris Tower. This was however to be a short stay ~
Mom is back in ICU at Harris Hospital in downtown Fort Worth, the Cardiac Tower. During the day today she had "a little hiccup" according to her doctor. Mom's oxygen level dropped dramatically after having several days of very good to fair readings. The nurses on her floor could not get her O2 levels to improve, so they called in their Rapid Response Team to check her out. It was then determined that she needed to go back to the ICU. I just received a text from Karen who is staying with mom tonight. They took mom for a CAT scan and found that mom has a number of small pulmonary embolisms in the lower lobe of both lungs. This confirms our fears that the rapid decrease in her oxygen level and rapid breathing were most likely the result of one of these small blood clots breaking loose. The doctor ordered that blood thinners and lasix, a strong diuretic be restarted. They are going to try to determine what is causing all these blood clots, so she will be in ICU for at least a couple more days.
The good news is that she is stable for the time being. Her nurse, Isabel is in charge tonight. She is an excellent nurse and I am sure will take good care of mom.
Prayer requests:
As you can imagine this last set back was quite frightening for mom and the rest of us. I am sure that those of you who have suffered from asthma can relate to the terrible feeling of not feeling that you can catch your breath.
Please pray for our Father's perfect peace over mom.
That the Pulmonary embolisms (blood clots) would clear up and that no new blood clots will form.
For her oxygen levels to stabilize and for continued healing and strengthening of her body.
I love to pray scripture over my family. I have included two of my most favorite Psalms. I hope that they will give each of you and my mom strength and comfort.
Psalm 91
1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust."
3 Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5 You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
8 You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.
9 If you make the Most High your dwelling—
even the LORD, who is my refuge-
10 then no harm will befall you,
no disaster will come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;
12 they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread upon the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
14 "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life will I satisfy him
and show him my salvation."
Psalm 139: 1 - 10
1 O LORD, you have searched me
and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue
you know it completely, O LORD.
5 You hem me in—behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.
7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
Ephesians 3:20-21
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
In His embrace,
Jean Brown and family
I am sorry that I have not updated the blog sooner, I know many of you have been checking this site each day to hear news about our mom. The past 2 days have been very busy. We were moved from the CICU to another intermediate room on Monday morning. I jokingly referred to the move as going from the 4 Seasons to Motel 6, as we went from the newest building at Harris to the oldest - Harris Tower. This was however to be a short stay ~
Mom is back in ICU at Harris Hospital in downtown Fort Worth, the Cardiac Tower. During the day today she had "a little hiccup" according to her doctor. Mom's oxygen level dropped dramatically after having several days of very good to fair readings. The nurses on her floor could not get her O2 levels to improve, so they called in their Rapid Response Team to check her out. It was then determined that she needed to go back to the ICU. I just received a text from Karen who is staying with mom tonight. They took mom for a CAT scan and found that mom has a number of small pulmonary embolisms in the lower lobe of both lungs. This confirms our fears that the rapid decrease in her oxygen level and rapid breathing were most likely the result of one of these small blood clots breaking loose. The doctor ordered that blood thinners and lasix, a strong diuretic be restarted. They are going to try to determine what is causing all these blood clots, so she will be in ICU for at least a couple more days.
The good news is that she is stable for the time being. Her nurse, Isabel is in charge tonight. She is an excellent nurse and I am sure will take good care of mom.
Prayer requests:
As you can imagine this last set back was quite frightening for mom and the rest of us. I am sure that those of you who have suffered from asthma can relate to the terrible feeling of not feeling that you can catch your breath.
Please pray for our Father's perfect peace over mom.
That the Pulmonary embolisms (blood clots) would clear up and that no new blood clots will form.
For her oxygen levels to stabilize and for continued healing and strengthening of her body.
I love to pray scripture over my family. I have included two of my most favorite Psalms. I hope that they will give each of you and my mom strength and comfort.
Psalm 91
1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust."
3 Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5 You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
nor the plague that destroys at midday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
8 You will only observe with your eyes
and see the punishment of the wicked.
9 If you make the Most High your dwelling—
even the LORD, who is my refuge-
10 then no harm will befall you,
no disaster will come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways;
12 they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread upon the lion and the cobra;
you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
14 "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life will I satisfy him
and show him my salvation."
Psalm 139: 1 - 10
1 O LORD, you have searched me
and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue
you know it completely, O LORD.
5 You hem me in—behind and before;
you have laid your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too lofty for me to attain.
7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
Ephesians 3:20-21
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
In His embrace,
Jean Brown and family
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Busy Day
Well, it is about 10:00 P.M. on Sunday evening. Mom has been a real trooper. She has been up several times during the day; sitting in the chair, eating, and being a very cooperative patient. We are still in the CICU, but they told us that tomorrow they are going to kick her out and send her to a private room. Although the care in CICU has been very good, it will be nice to have a room with more privacy.
Mom has enjoyed listening as we have read to her the many email messages she has received. She is very encouraged knowing that her friends and family love and care for her.
Meanwhile, the road to recovery appears to be slow and steady. Tomorrow they say that they are going to start physical therapy!
Please pray for continued healing, strength and patience for mom while she is enduring this trial. Also, pray for patience for her children :) in dealing with the hospital staff.
We have been very blessed to have all 4 of us kids and our spouses here to oversee mom's care. It has given mom additional strength to be surrounded by her family. We are thankful that Kirk and Nancy are here with us from Virginia and appreciate the sacrifice that Emily has made in sharing her parents with us. We only wish Emiles could be here with us...
In His embrace,
Mama Jean's Family
Mom has enjoyed listening as we have read to her the many email messages she has received. She is very encouraged knowing that her friends and family love and care for her.
Meanwhile, the road to recovery appears to be slow and steady. Tomorrow they say that they are going to start physical therapy!
Please pray for continued healing, strength and patience for mom while she is enduring this trial. Also, pray for patience for her children :) in dealing with the hospital staff.
We have been very blessed to have all 4 of us kids and our spouses here to oversee mom's care. It has given mom additional strength to be surrounded by her family. We are thankful that Kirk and Nancy are here with us from Virginia and appreciate the sacrifice that Emily has made in sharing her parents with us. We only wish Emiles could be here with us...
In His embrace,
Mama Jean's Family
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Sitting in chair, eating, talking
Our family continues to be so very pleased with our mom / Mama Jean's fantastic progress. Although she is still weak, she has been making significant strides. She is only receiving oxygen as a boost via a nasal cannula (you know one of those tube deals that with 2 prongs that rest just inside your nose). Her blood sugar is back to normal, her blood pressure, oxygen level and heart rate are all normal! And she is off all of her IV drugs!
The pulmonary doctor came by this evening and said that he may have her moved tomorrow to a regular room, however the ICU nurses said that they are not ready to let her leave (they have been very good to mom and the immediate family). The nurses said that they hope she can stay with them through the day tomorrow, so they can take extra good care of her. We will see what the doctor says in the morning.
To each of you, we cannot begin to express our deep appreciation for the outpouring of love, concern and prayer we have received on behalf of our mom. It is no secret that we think our mom is a very special woman, so I guess we should not be surprised to learn that many, many others feel the same way about her.
We cannot wait to tell her about all the wonderful notes & phone calls we have received from those her love her!
We ask that you would continue to lift her up in prayer as she still has a way to travel this road of recovery. We thank our Lord and Savior for your prayers, your love and your kindness.
In His embrace,
Jean's family
The pulmonary doctor came by this evening and said that he may have her moved tomorrow to a regular room, however the ICU nurses said that they are not ready to let her leave (they have been very good to mom and the immediate family). The nurses said that they hope she can stay with them through the day tomorrow, so they can take extra good care of her. We will see what the doctor says in the morning.
To each of you, we cannot begin to express our deep appreciation for the outpouring of love, concern and prayer we have received on behalf of our mom. It is no secret that we think our mom is a very special woman, so I guess we should not be surprised to learn that many, many others feel the same way about her.
We cannot wait to tell her about all the wonderful notes & phone calls we have received from those her love her!
We ask that you would continue to lift her up in prayer as she still has a way to travel this road of recovery. We thank our Lord and Savior for your prayers, your love and your kindness.
In His embrace,
Jean's family
Friday, May 14, 2010
Ventilator Removed - Successfully
We are so very thankful for everyone's prayers. God has poured out His grace and mercy over our mom, Jean Brown.
The respiratory specialist successfully removed mom's respirator about 30 minutes ago! All of her vital signs are strong. This was a huge step in the right direction. The doctors anticipate mom making a full recovery, praise the Lord!
Mom will most likely be in ICU until tomorrow and then in a regular room for a few more days. We will know what the next steps will be in the coming days.
Please continue to pray for continued healing and that she will quickly regain her strength.
In His embrace,
Greg, Karen, Kirk, Tracy on behalf of our Mom
The respiratory specialist successfully removed mom's respirator about 30 minutes ago! All of her vital signs are strong. This was a huge step in the right direction. The doctors anticipate mom making a full recovery, praise the Lord!
Mom will most likely be in ICU until tomorrow and then in a regular room for a few more days. We will know what the next steps will be in the coming days.
Please continue to pray for continued healing and that she will quickly regain her strength.
In His embrace,
Greg, Karen, Kirk, Tracy on behalf of our Mom
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Great News!
Dear Friends and Family,
The pulmonary doctor came by this evening and said that mom is doing very well and that he is leaving orders for her to be taken off the respirator tomorrow morning at 6:00 A.M. We have been told that this can be a difficult and painful process, so please keep Jean in your prayers tomorrow morning. Our hope is that this can be done as quickly and with as little discomfort as possible. Also, please pray that mom's oxygen levels stay high once they remove her from the vent. Although mom still has a long recovery ahead of her, this is a huge first step!
The internal medicine doctor also came by earlier today and said that he was confident that mom would make a complete recovery.
We are so very, very thankful for the outpouring of love that everyone has shown to our family and to mom.
Thank you for your continued prayers! We will update the blog tomorrow as soon as mom has recovered from the removal of her vent.
As my dear friend Kristi closed her last email...
In His embrace,
Much love to all...
The pulmonary doctor came by this evening and said that mom is doing very well and that he is leaving orders for her to be taken off the respirator tomorrow morning at 6:00 A.M. We have been told that this can be a difficult and painful process, so please keep Jean in your prayers tomorrow morning. Our hope is that this can be done as quickly and with as little discomfort as possible. Also, please pray that mom's oxygen levels stay high once they remove her from the vent. Although mom still has a long recovery ahead of her, this is a huge first step!
The internal medicine doctor also came by earlier today and said that he was confident that mom would make a complete recovery.
We are so very, very thankful for the outpouring of love that everyone has shown to our family and to mom.
Thank you for your continued prayers! We will update the blog tomorrow as soon as mom has recovered from the removal of her vent.
As my dear friend Kristi closed her last email...
In His embrace,
Much love to all...
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Dear Friends and Family,
First and foremost we would like to express our deep gratitude to each of you for your prayers on behalf of our mom & our kids' Mama Jean. We (Greg, Karen, Kirk and Tracy) are happily staying by mom's beside, rotating shifts, so that she has family with her at all times.
Mom is an amazing woman who is exceptionally strong and brave. Although she is still quite ill, we are very encouraged by her progress. I know that many of you who know and love our mom have been fervent in your prayers and are anxious to hear updates regarding her doctor's daily reports. We do hope that this blog will serve as a central place for you to stay informed, as we confess that we have not been as faithful as we should in contacting everyone, for that we hope you will extend us your grace and understanding.
I, Tracy, arrived to take the morning shift, relieving Greg, who had the night shift. Greg reported that she had a pretty good night. There was a scare around 5:00 AM when the power in the building went out for a brief moment (a generator test according to Sara our nurse for today) causing all the machines to stop. The nurse quickly reset everything, but it did cause mom's blood pressure to spike for a short time. Currently she is resting peacefully with all her vital signs are in the normal range. She does still have pneumonia present in both her lungs.
The good news is that they have continued to lower her ventilator settings and her oxygen (PO2) levels although decreasing are staying within the normal range. Dr. Gleason the pulmonary doctor is very happy with the way things are progressing. However, she will need to be on the ventilator for at least a few more days. He has been very vague with regard to specific time lines. He could run for political office based on his talent for giving non-specific answers to very specific questions. Obviously, the longer Mom is on the ventilator, the longer her overall recovery time will be, so we are praying that her time on the ventilator will be as short as possible.
Our specific prayer requests for today -
Healing of her lungs so that she can get off the ventilator as soon as possible. There is still fluid and inflammation in both lungs.
Improvement in swelling / fluid retention in her arms and legs
Protection from any secondary infections or complications.
Protection for the rest of the family.
Also, that we would be filled with God's grace as we are interacting with the medical personnel and with each other.
For those of you medical types out there, here is her specific info:
PO2 results have been
Monday 60, at this time the doctor moved her PEEP setting from 5 to 10 and her BPI @ 20 and oxygen at 100%
Tuesday 225 - a specific answer to prayer, by the way! The doctor said he was surprised that it improved so dramatically. With this reading the doctor lowered oxygen to 55% and BPI to 18
Wednesday 91 - Doctor changed PEEP setting to 5 and BPI to 14
Thursday 85 - just got the report, so we will wait and see if they make any additional changes.
First and foremost we would like to express our deep gratitude to each of you for your prayers on behalf of our mom & our kids' Mama Jean. We (Greg, Karen, Kirk and Tracy) are happily staying by mom's beside, rotating shifts, so that she has family with her at all times.
Mom is an amazing woman who is exceptionally strong and brave. Although she is still quite ill, we are very encouraged by her progress. I know that many of you who know and love our mom have been fervent in your prayers and are anxious to hear updates regarding her doctor's daily reports. We do hope that this blog will serve as a central place for you to stay informed, as we confess that we have not been as faithful as we should in contacting everyone, for that we hope you will extend us your grace and understanding.
I, Tracy, arrived to take the morning shift, relieving Greg, who had the night shift. Greg reported that she had a pretty good night. There was a scare around 5:00 AM when the power in the building went out for a brief moment (a generator test according to Sara our nurse for today) causing all the machines to stop. The nurse quickly reset everything, but it did cause mom's blood pressure to spike for a short time. Currently she is resting peacefully with all her vital signs are in the normal range. She does still have pneumonia present in both her lungs.
The good news is that they have continued to lower her ventilator settings and her oxygen (PO2) levels although decreasing are staying within the normal range. Dr. Gleason the pulmonary doctor is very happy with the way things are progressing. However, she will need to be on the ventilator for at least a few more days. He has been very vague with regard to specific time lines. He could run for political office based on his talent for giving non-specific answers to very specific questions. Obviously, the longer Mom is on the ventilator, the longer her overall recovery time will be, so we are praying that her time on the ventilator will be as short as possible.
Our specific prayer requests for today -
Healing of her lungs so that she can get off the ventilator as soon as possible. There is still fluid and inflammation in both lungs.
Improvement in swelling / fluid retention in her arms and legs
Protection from any secondary infections or complications.
Protection for the rest of the family.
Also, that we would be filled with God's grace as we are interacting with the medical personnel and with each other.
For those of you medical types out there, here is her specific info:
PO2 results have been
Monday 60, at this time the doctor moved her PEEP setting from 5 to 10 and her BPI @ 20 and oxygen at 100%
Tuesday 225 - a specific answer to prayer, by the way! The doctor said he was surprised that it improved so dramatically. With this reading the doctor lowered oxygen to 55% and BPI to 18
Wednesday 91 - Doctor changed PEEP setting to 5 and BPI to 14
Thursday 85 - just got the report, so we will wait and see if they make any additional changes.
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