She's doing such a good job...

The day started off a little rough, but ended peacefully.  The ICU nurse called the hotel room at 5:45 this morning to inform us that Jen was in some severe pain and her heart was racing.  Their worry was that something was up in her belly.  A CT scan proved that internally she looked good and it was most likely a result of continued difficulty keeping her pain under control.  Dr. Foster was in around 8:00 AM and confirmed that they needed to do some serious tinkering with the pain medicine combinations.  He also ordered lasix (a diuretic) to help draw the excessive amounts of fluid out of her system.  During the surgery they pumped somewhere in the ballpark of 15 liters of fluids in her, and had a minimal amount of output after.  Imagine over 7 two liter soda bottles of fluid in your blood!  This fluid builds up around organs, especially the lungs, and can hinder breathing and other functions.  Once the lasix kicked in, she started breathing easier and looking much more comfortable.  With the nurses' help, she sat up on the edge of the bed for several minutes on two occasions today.  Sitting up is a task we take for granted, but it was quite a workout for Jen.  She was exhausted following the effort and snoozed shortly after.  Through the day the four of us (Dennis, TIna, Jan, and I) rotate in and out of the room to keep an eye on her, watch and listen to the nurses, and most importantly help keep Jen comfortable.  Her simple pleasures right now are ice chips, a wet wash cloth, and a wet swab to keep her mouth moist and phlegm free.  I ran up to the nearest Walgreens with a CD of digital photos of Emma and Peighton.  Using the Kodak machine, I blew them up to 8 x 10's and posted them in Jen's room.  She misses her girls!

Comments

[Dee Montee]

Thanks for the update. I know that all of you are totally exhausted. You don't know how much it helps all of us to read the daily updates. Thank you Chris. Having a picture of her sweet, precious little girls will certainly help Jen heal faster.
Get some well deserved rest.
God bless you,
Dee

[Libby]

Hi Chris-
Still praying for you,Jen, and the whole family. My mom, Jim and I talk daily about what a remarkable woman she is, you guys are so fortunate to have each other! I know she misses her babies, but they are going to be sooo happy to have a healthy mommy when she gets home,and I know all of those pictures are going to help her tremendously.

[gail jones]

dear chris and jen, we so hope that things are going better today. it is comforting to know that dennis, tina, and jan are right there with you ... that's a team of some of the most wonderful, caring people i know. so many more of us are praying, praying. love, aunt gail

[monica burton]

Chris thanks for keeping us updated. I think that getting her pictures of the girls was a wonderful idea. I sure it will keep her smiling. I hope that you and the family are able to get some rest. Thanks again and remember that my prayers continue for you and Jen.
Monica

[Annie]

A HUGE round of applause for sitting up! Wallpaper that room with pictures and letters...what a clever way to keep all of your spirits up. Know that I am thinking of you and praying for your strength to continue.

[Shelby Twenter]

I don't even know what to say because I am amazed at the strength you all have. Those little smiling faces will brighten everyones' faces! Again, thanks for the updates, it really means a lot.

[sherri roth]

Jen, I am praying for you daily. I grew up with your father and went to school with your mom. Ken and MaryAnn live down the street and I work with your A. Gail. God is holding you in His arms and loving you. There are so many people praying for Jen. and will continue to do so till this cancer is gone. Hang in there honey. God Bless, Sherri Roth

[Trevor Birch]

Jen,

I am very pleased to hear that your surgery went well. My prayer is that through this difficult time that you will rely on the Lord's strength and let his love and peace surround you.

As I am sitting at work, in my office, bored out of my mind, I was looking at my wrist band. So, I decided to check for another post.

I can't wait for you to be back to 100% health. You are an amazing person with great strength and endurance. Keep up the fight!!!

As always, my prayers are with you. Keep trusting in God and relying on His strength to get you through this challange.

Love,

Trevor