life is good {mostly}...

You know back to real life is hard! Last week was very eventful, but with recovery staying on track.  Maybe if I tell you some of the things that were going on you'll forgive me for taking so long to post. :)

Sunday the 4th we had a family get together to say our goodbyes to Garson. {thank you Shelbie for planning it!} We had it in my in-laws back yard {thanks Pam & Barry.} It was only a week and a halfish since surgery so I mainly tried to sit...it was good to see everybody and we were able to pray over Garson with my family in attendance and most of Shawn's family too.
Monday the 5th was Labor Day...Gillian had mini miss duties in Nicolas for their Labor Day parade. When Shawn got home from that we helped Garson finish packing what was on the list, mind you a very short list, but it still seemed hectic trying to get some last minute things done. Shawn then drove Garson down to Sacramento to the official hotel that houses the soldiers while they are at the "Processing Center." Left him there to check in.
Tuesday the 6th was the official swearing in at the "Military Enlistment Processing Station " {MEPS} We were told to be there at 11:30 because it was likely that they would swear him in between 12:00 and 12:30...well true to government form it was 2:30ish. We got to take pictures and hear his oath as he was sworn into the United States Army...hugs all around. We grabbed lunch and then over to the Surgeons office in Sacramento to see the PA, Crystal. She wanted to look at some swelling she had seen the previous Friday near my collar bone. She wanted to make sure that the swelling was going down as all my bones were settling back into place in that region. She pronounced that it looked good, the swelling was down. :) Then we were back to the hotel that Garson was staying at to pick up a few things and say our final goodbyes. :( Hard but we all handled it well.
Wednesday the 7th I think that I slept and cried all day. As you can imagine having that big of a day both physically and emotionally not even two weeks out took it's tole. Garson was still communicating with us letting us know that he got on his flight, landed in Atlanta, waited for the bus {2 1/2 hrs} and then told us he was on the bus to Ft Benning.
Thursday the 8th was fairly uneventful but Gillian still had after school volleyball and Aidan had Cross Country practice. Gillian also had jazz class on Wed night...
Friday the 9th was the follow up Doctor appt with the pediatric cardiologist, Dr Kahwaji, here in Yuba City. The appt involved getting an echo ultrasound of my heart and an EKG. Dr Kahwaji pronounced that everything looked great. My heart "rhythm" looked great, blood pressure good and the echo showed the repair looked good...no fluid around the heart. This is a possible negative side effect of open heart surgery which the keep a close eye on up to 4 weeks out. Dr K also repeated what the PA, Crystal, said on Tuesday about sticking with the "Sternal Precautions" for the entire 6 week recovery period and that no matter that I felt like I could do more or reach, stretch,bend more I was not to do that for the sake of the whole healing process. As the tornado of our life continues to spin,this is proving to be the hardest part.
Sunday the 11th was Shawn up again with Gillian to attend a 9/11 event at the high school with the royal court again.
Overall I am well...some days I am very "bone" sore...shoulders, neck,collarbone other days not as much. Some days are better than others where the tiredness is concerned...there are days I want to sleep all day and others I am thinking I can conquer the world or at least that big pile of laundry. Still pretty much staying at home other than doctors appts. Tried to go to Target {one of my favorite places, but what was I thinking.} We were there 5 minutes and I wanted to go home...even from Target.

Again I am so very thankful for all the cards, dinners, comments on the blog, email, or Facebook posts...Everything!!  I am sorry that I just don't have the stamina to personally respond to everything...At this point trying everyday to get back to normal and add all this back to my plate. I am truly wondering how I did it before...but then I know the answer. God is still holding on to me, healing my heart both physically and emotionally. It is very hard to send your son to boot camp. We are incredibly proud of him and what he has set out to do. But we are still grieving some for the part of the journey with Garson that is now over...
I will leave you with another excerpt from my devotional Jesus Calling which I am sure was written just for me!...

Seek Me with your whole being. I desire to be found by you, and I orchestrate the events of your life with that purpose in mind. When things go well and your are blessed, you can feel Me smiling on you. When you encounter rough patches along your life-journey, trust that My Light is still shining upon you. My reasons for allowing these adversities may be shrouded in mystery, but My continual Presence with you is an absolute promise. Seek Me in good times;seek Me in hard times. You will find Me watching over you all the time.

hopefully an update soon!!!!  wendi

a good week...

Well, I know it's been most of the week since you all heard from us/me. It was just amazing to be home on Monday and sleep in my own bed. The week went fast and was just as busy as always...although I watched/helped from my position on the couch or bed. The pain is really not as bad as I expected. I am very tired but it hasn't been too hard to keep up on the pain. I am not able to take a shower for 2 WEEKS!! which has been interesting. less than a week to go now! He sealed the incision with a kind of a glue that is suppose to fall off on it's own giving a better looking scar. Then there is also no pushing , pulling, reaching with both hands above my head or behind my back....everything is connected to the muscles and tendons in your chest. Lots of help needed...
We went to my follow up appointment in Sacramento yesterday. It was a long day but Dr. Nasirov and Crystal his PA thought everything looked great. I have great lung capacity, the chest x-ray was clear...although weird to see the 8 metal "twisty ties" holding my ribs together...mmmm interesting to think of and they were happy with the scar. ....I will check back once more with them on Tuesday. Then next Friday back to the Pediatric Cardiologist at Sutter in Yuba City for an echo to take a look at everything.
I can't help but say that God is soooo good again. I can't hardly believe that I had open heart surgery LAST WEEK!! Lots of naps but I am really doing well!
Thank you to all of you out there for the dinners, plants, cards, flowers, balloons...Thank you most of all for your prayers as I feel like God has been holding on to me tight taking such good care of me and my family!!
PS I don't know much about blogs...this is my first time...I think I played with the settings and made it easier to comment...hopefully :)

Wendi

Going home

God is so good...we are driving home right now! Xoxo


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not quite

Well we didn't make it out of here today. It did seem soon...didn't it? Well this is Wendi with just a small post to say a quick hi and thank everyone for praying for me and my family. :) Due to his busy schedule partly, Dr Nasirov didn't let me go today. He had to be at Stanford all day today and is operating right now in fact. This is such an amazing hospital. Everyone has been amazing...the nurses terrific. I am blessed to have such an incredible team to help me.
I continue to "breathe" deep and walk loops around the ICU ward...my two main jobs right now. I am feeling really pretty good.
So we shall see but maybe it will be tomorrow will be the go home day :)
blessings and love to you all!!!

Wendi

Wendi has turned the corner

Let me first start by saying sorry for not posting earlier. Today has been a good day filled lots of great news!

Our nurses yesterday and last night were "Johnny Oakley" and "Shake it Up Cherryl." Just so you know we have nick-named all of our nurses based on something about them. Both of them are from the Philippines.

They got right to work helping Wendi shed IVs and equipment from her room. This sure helped Wendi to feel more "NORMAL" as the healing process continued. As the day progressed Wendi made some good strides with a physical therapist who came in.

The kids and her mom and dad visited in the afternoon. It was sweet to watch Gillian loving her mom. Garson and Aidan were too, but Gilli got some much needed reassurance.

I left for dinner and returned around 8:00 pm. It was like Wendi was a different person. She had color in her face and just seemed more confident.

We slept apart last night with me in a nearby room on the hospital grounds. When I returned this morning I saw Cherryl had removed Wendi's central line (IV line in her artery) from her neck. There was additional stuff gone and all that remained were the chest tubes.

Dr. Nasirov came in around 10:00 am and removed those as well. He said Wendi was recovering well and could possibly go home tomorrow. Can you believe it...Tomorrow! He encouraged Wendi to get moving so she has taken several walks around the ICU loop. During the last walk she was completely unassisted. Is God good or what!

Our nurse today is Farmer Shawna; she has lots of animals at her house. She has given us space to rest and even let me get Wendi a Starbucks. All in all things are well! We give thanks to God for healing and especially for His faithfulness.

We know He hears your prayers as you intercede for Wendi. We can't thank you enough. Although we know the road to full recovery is long, our faith in the One who created us strong! Thanks again to all of you. Please continue to lift our family, and especially Wendi in prayer; it is working! Love to all!!!!






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Day 2: A mending Heart

A new day brings a heart and body on the mend. I know many of you know how wonderful Wendi is, but as her husband I really want to sing of her greatness in all things!

As with all she touches, Wendi is giving it her all. The surgeon was in this morning and said Wendi is progressing well. Her numbers are good. The next few days will be trying, but God has been in her heart all this time. The surgeon didn't mention seeing Him there, but we know better.

We continue to give thanks to God for His faithfulness. Frankly there are no words to sufficiently show our gratitude. Love to all! Thanks again for your prayers and support!


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She is talking

Wendi has been talking off and on since having her breathing tube removed. According to her nurses she is progressing well.

She is in pain but is so strong. God has been so faithful and we are confident He will continue to be so during the healing process.

Thank you to all who have been praying and are continuing to pray. Also a big thanks to everyone who has offered their assistance. We can not thank you enough. Stay tuned. There is more to come. Amen!


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Out of Surgery

Wendi is out of surgery and now in ICU. The surgeon said everything went well. We are waiting to see her. Peace, love and thanks to all. More updates to follow.


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Waiting in PRE-o

This is the day the lord has made; we choose to rejoice and be glad in it.

Thank you for your prayers. Please keep them coming.


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it's in the morning...

It's tomorrow! wow! They called from the hospital this afternoon and did the pre-admittance interview. :) Jeanne was terrific but after that I think it really started to sink in. For two weeks I've been running like crazy to get everything caught up everywhere and it's tomorrow...I am anxious at times but overall good. The anesthesiologist actually called me tonight to introduce himself...still lovin the pediatric thing...he invited me to the "party" we were going to have tomorrow. ~grin~

I am supposed to check in tomorrow at 9 am...they will do the labs and xrays then. Surgery is now at 11:30. :) So we here we go! Shawn will post tomorrow to keep everybody updated. Talk to you on the other side......

only 3 more days...

I am holding it together everybody is being so sweet...It's tough though, definitely want to fall apart sometimes. Only two more days to work and the nesting at home. Just trying to get everything caught up to make the after as easy as possible.
Waiting for the hospital to call to do my pre-admitting over the phone...won't have to do the xrays and labs until Thursday when I go to the hospital.

It's all good....

Pre-Op appt today

I had my pre-op appointment with Dr Kahwaji today in town. Pretty non eventful which is good. :) He said everything looked good and answered any questions I had. He is a very nice man who is quiet, gracious and so calming. He is extremely reassuring...He told me that the other surgeon that will be attending is Dr. Nasirov's mentor...Dr Kahwaji said that if he could have anybody there that would be who he would choose...he is the master. Nice! So God has sent three incredible doctors to take care of my little heart. :) The goal now is to not get sick before next week. Shouldn't be a problem, I will just keep taking my vitamins and we should be good to go...
Want to share my devotion from Jesus Calling yesterday...so good...
"Find me in the midst of the maelstrom. Sometimes events whirl around you so quickly that they become a blur. Whisper My Name in recognition that I am still with you. Without skipping a beat in the activities that occupy you, you find strength and Peace through praying My Name. Later, when the happenings have run their course, you can talk with Me more fully.
Accept each day just as it comes to you. Do not waste your time and energy wishing for a different set of circumstances. Instead, trust Me enough to yield to My design and purposes. Remember that nothing can separate you from My loving Presence; you are Mine.
It's a count down...6 days...

I have an ASD...a hole in my heart.

Today I thought I'd give a science lesson to show what I had going on. This is off the USC Keck School of Medicine site. It seemed like a good definition that didn't seem too technical.
Hopefully this helps....

Atrial Septal Defect, or ASD, is a congenital anomaly of the heart and most ASD's are not serious and can be easily fixed. During the normal development of a fetus, there is an opening, which persists between the two upper chambers of heart (the atria). Oxygenated blood returning from the mother enters the umbilical cord in utero and then crosses the opening in the heart to reach the left side of the heart. In the fetus, this is how red oxygenated blood is normally pumped through the body. This atrial opening normally closes after birth, and blood is pumped through the lungs and then to the left side of the heart, thus separating off the non-oxygenated and oxygenated blood for life.

Atrial septal defects occur if the tissue (known as the atrial septum) between the two atria does not completely close after birth. The persistent opening can vary in size from miniscule to very large. If this opening continues for a long time or into adulthood, the persistent or extra flow of blood across that opening (called a shunt) can place a strain on the heart. There are 3 types of ASD's: Ostium secundum (the most common), Ostium primum, and Sinus venosus.

It's official.......

Okay...so Kim called yesterday to tell me I am on the calendar for August 25th. It has taken me until now to publish a post. I don't know maybe because if I put it down it will be actually happening. So it's August 25th at Sutter Memorial Hospital on F street in Sacramento.

Part of my devotion in Jesus Calling yesterday was..."Come to me when you are weak and weary. Rest snugly in My everlasting arms.I do not despise your weakness, My child. Actually , it draws Me closer to you, because weakness stirs up My compassion--My yearning to help. Accept yourself in your weariness, knowing that I understand how difficult your journey has been."

I think I will try to rest snugly in his arms for the next weeks...that sounds pretty good about now!

a little news

I talked to the doctors office manager, Kim, today. She said that Dr. Nasirov is looking at moving the surgery to the 25th of August in order to have the people he wants to be involved there at my surgery. So a couple of more days to think about it. :) There is one more doctor that needs to confirm the date with his schedule and then the date will be set. It's very reassuring to have so many quality people there to help me that day. That is two weeks from today...

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and Your right hand will save me. The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Psalm 138:7-8a (NKJV)

<3 Wendi

My word for the day

...For I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn't believe even if someone told you about it.

~ Habakkuk 1:5, NLT
Good one...no word from the doctor yet......


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A good day

We are spending quality time as a family for a couple of days :) No word from the Dr today....he's usually in surgery on Mondays....


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still wondering....

Well, I am still wondering if a blog is right for me but I honestly am having a hard time keeping up with all the wonderful,loving people that care about me....that want to pray for me. I am a lucky girl! I have been so blessed by the caring comments, cards and the amazing verses people are sending my way. I am still in awe that so many little "threads" come together to show me that God is taking care of me and is sending me some wonderful devotions to let me know. Writing it here makes it seem so simple and trivial but I am overwhelmed often by your love for me and His love for me.
This is where I am at now. We have come full circle to decide that surgery is what would be best for me. We are working on a tentative date towards the end of August. Dr T.Nasirov called me on Saturday, he said that he is working on bringing together his A team for my surgery. He will let me know this week a firmer date. This will require a week in the hospital, a couple days of that being in intensive care. Serious stuff but it will be done and permanent.

Keep me posted and let me know if this is a good way to keep everybody posted...facebook is too public and I don't have everybody's email addresses.

Love to all of you! Wendi

The Beginning

This is my first post as a test! :) I am testing this out as a place to let people know what is going on with me and my heart. <3