Perks

Today was the orientation class for cardiac rehab. *yawn* I get sleepy just thinking about it.

Gladys and I parked our husbands in the white educational resource room. The class was led by perky K. in his white tennies, white pants, white turtleneck and white shirt. I think it was all that squinting that made me feel tired.

I got out a Dove's chocolate to revive me. Too bad the bag was almost empty. It would have been fun to see K.'s reaction had I given the little-nuggets-of-fat to the two bypass patients, the other heart transplant, and a woman of unknown pathological history.

K. gave a brief opening word, had the victims introduce themselves, (what, no name tags?) and proceeded with his presentation. There wasn't a lot of content, but it sure was nice to see it displayed on two, large flat screen monitors and augmented with his hand-held-red-laser-clicker-thingy.

Then we got the tour of the workout area. Lots of treadmills, aerobic riders, airdynes, etc. A walking track encircles the whole area, and there are nurses and exercise specialists and monitors to keep tabs on people. I thought about asking if the spouses could work out while the patients are doing cardiac rehab, but I didn't want to appear pushy. Not to mention, perky.

We all squeezed into the "relaxation" room, complete with vibrating recliners. I made a mental note of it's location, as I may need to mix up some meatloaf someday, while Loren is rehabbing. You just never know.

I noticed we were shown the Men's locker room, (which has lockers that lock, by the way) but no mention was made of the Women's locker room. Hmmm. Am I the only one sensing a "Sex Discrimination Lawsuit?"

The most unusual equipment was in yet another side room, the two "Aqua-cisers." ( Latin, for, "Let's make things really, really hard) These underwater treadmills are supposed to help people with "hip" issues. They fill a tank up to your armpits and start moving the floor out from under you. Lots of keen water jets, too. I think they are to help move you along, in case you suddenly remember how hard it was as a kid to walk in the lake.

"Most of you will not be utilizing the Aqua-ciser, since you are all categorized in Phase II of Cardiac Rehab." (Phase II is for those that are feeling rather droopy, and have about 10 or so levels before they even get close to feeling perky)

We made appointments for Wednesday and Friday, in and around other appointments of the day. Loren didn't seem terribly enthusiastic. It's a little intimidating to see all those machines when you are sitting in a wheelchair. (we had so far to walk today, the wheelchair was a necessity)

The good news is, Loren walked for 25 minutes in the hallways this morning. And, he has gained a pound! Also, they have cut back his Lasix, that med which draws extra fluid off the body and makes you visit the bathroom more often.

(I'd just like to see how perky K. would be if HE had to get up two or three times of a night)

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Bliss Amidst The Routine

I don't often get up at five o'clock, but I can endure it on occasion. Today was a little different than some clinic days, in that it was Loren's first heart biopsy. We spent the morning at the hospital, and the afternoon at the clinic. We will not know the biopsy results until later.

This is the first day that Loren went to all visits and tests without a wheelchair. Everything was within reasonable walking distance of the elevators. We were told the biopsy takes about an hour, but a good two would be more accurate. They numb the skin on his right neck, and go down into the heart to take teeny little pieces for sampling. Loren was awake for this, although one can request some anesthesia. When they are touching the heart wall, the beats jump around a little. This does not bother the doctor, naturally, but it can be a little disconcerting for the patient. Loren said it hurt more than he expected, but he can bear it. He is a little dehydrated, which flattened the veins a bit, making is slightly more difficult. Loren has been admonished to drink more.

The routine x-ray did turn up something that might explain the back pain Loren has been experiencing. He has a compression fracture of the 8th thoracic vertebrae. It is not complete and should heal with time. Loren was low on bone density before all of this, and the prednisone causes more bone loss, and that must be monitored. Looks like it's lots of calcium and Fosamax for him!

His potassium levels are down to normal range, so perhaps we can be a little more lenient with certain foods. Milk falls into the high "potassium" category, yet he is supposed to drink more. It is a little frustrating, sometimes. The dieticians say one thing, the nurse practitioner says another, and the doctor wants him to put some "meat" on his bones. Loren's weight seems to have finally bottomed out at 117. Let's see, I think I weighed that in 5th grade. If only we could trade weights!

We had a lovely musical treat around lunchtime. There are two grand pianos stationed in two different lounge/atriums. We often get a cafeteria take-out meal and eat lunch in the main atrium of the Charlton building. There is a large marble wall with fountain waters gently washing down on one side.

Today, as we were munching our styrofoam-held repast, a distinguished looking man walked in with a suitcase. It was filled with music books. He sat down and charmed the lucky listeners who had settled there. The next half hour provided beautiful, soothing renditions of some classical pieces, and several superbly arranged Christmas numbers. Truly, it brought tears to my eyes. (it doesn't take much, some days :-) I talked with him a moment after he finished. He and his wife are musicians, here on her behalf to attend a pain clinic. There are many suffering souls, out there, but the Lord used this kind man to bless Loren and myself, today.

Tomorrow will be a lighter schedule. Only an orientation class, and a brief appointment with one of the financial people.

Speaking of finances, we received a grant from social service (connected with the transplant office) to pay a huge chunk of the first month's stay at the Transplant House. I guess it pays to be poor :-) Just one more item for which to be thankful.

Loren has been snoozing in the recliner as I catch up on my e-mail and accidentally lose part of my post. (nobody's perfect) We are getting to be just a couple of old fogeys, and it feels kinda nice.

p.s. We just received word that the biopsy sampling showed zero rejection! That was expected, but still nice to hear.

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Musings on a Sunday

How do the immunosuppressed spend a Sunday? They find Moody's website and listen to The Moody Bible Hour :-) Loren claimed dibs on the recliner. I wasn't sure whether it would be more appropriate to sit in a state of worship before the computer, or stretch out on the bed. I chose the bed. Somehow, I feel God understood.

Of course, I had to pull back the comforter. ("Please do not lie on the bedspread.") It was good to hear some traditional hymns sung, again. It was also fairly obvious when they flicked on the overhead and had a short run of the now popular praise choruses. I do not mean to be critical. (well, OK, maybe just a little :-) I grew up in a Mennonite church, where the singing was acappella, four-part, and rung the rafters. I really miss that. Just think, only 46, and already a has-been. *sigh*
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On a less nostalgic note, I have only done the laundry twice, and already I have a stray sock. I can understand this when at home with 8 children. Our penchant for lost socks is so legendary, that we have an entire laundry basket devoted to mismatches. There have been times it was nearly full. (this is more of a commentary of the kids' sock-matching efforts, than anything) Rumor has it, that I once donated several bags to Goodwill, only to discover, belatedly, that one of them was filled with spare socks! 'Tis true, I'm afraid. Fortunately, it was a city we do not frequent. The college girls have wised up. They always do their wash separately when at home. Hey, we didn't send them on to higher education, for nothing.

Loren has increased his daily walks to 20 minutes each. For the morning stroll, we pad the various halls, where I have noticed he merely walks slower, so as to stretch out the time. (He didn't get his Master's, for nothing) In the evening we traipse down to the basement exercise room, where I hit the treadmill, while he watches a little news. Then I switch to another machine and he takes a slow walk on the one I have vacated. If they removed those mirrors on the walls it would not be so humiliating. I imagine they put them there to make the room appear larger. I wish they could stick a few mirrors in the freezer to make my allotted 5 quart box looked less than miniscule. But, I'm not complaining. Actually, I am, but I am coming to grips with my small frozen food compartment. Besides, I'm sure they have a support group around here for that, somewhere.

And so, we have fallen into our quiet routine, here at the nursing home, er,... I mean, the "Gift of Life" house. I guess it is more of a halfway house. Halfway between life-altering surgery and a semi-normal life.

In the midst of all of this newness, there is one novelty I truly appreciate, for both our sakes. Loren no longer suffers from nightmares. His heart condition required him to take beta-blockers for almost ten years. These medicines have CNS side effects. They get into the central nervous system and cause nightmares. Loren could have two or three in the same night. Often they concerned episodes of getting shocked, or struck by lightening. Some were so horrible he refused to tell me. I always tried to gently wake him up, for I feared if his adrenaline kicked in, he really would be shocked by his defibrillator. Most people do not understand what a traumatizing event that can be. I am SO thankful that is over. He is not experiencing bad dreams, at present.

Some Sunday we may actually venture out to church. There's a nice little Greek Orthodox temple, just two blocks over...... (just kidding, Pastor John) But for now, we are content to sit quietly, (keep the numerous medical appointments), and watch the world go by. ( and blog)

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:-) :-):-):-):-):-):-) in Rochester

We have just had the loveliest visit with Ardith and Sharon. *happy sigh*

Lot's of laughing, a few tears, and good conversation. It is such a joy to talk to older kids, oops, I mean young adults. It is just plain fun. Every once in a while I try to throw in a little advice, just to let them know I am still mom. But the relationship has the aspect of real friendship that comes with aging children. I suppose we loosen up as parents, too.

We were caught up on how Trevor (2 1/2) has become quite the little computer aficionado. He doesn't really talk yet, but he goes to his advocate, Jason, and gets HIM to ask someone for permission to use their computer for a game. And, apparently Ethan (8) has been whipping the socks off Ardith (21) in Dutch Blitz, on a regular basis. Hearing about it is almost as fun as being there to witness it.

We hope to arrange a visit with all the children closer to Christmas. At least Ardith and Sharon (19) were old enough to legally enter the Gift of Life House. (though they don't look it, but, no one carded them :-)

I have done the laundry, swept the room, and entertained guests for lunch with a stunning repast of cold meat, dry bread, raw fruits and carrots, and store bought cookies. (Let me tell you, those ginger snaps put out by Nabisco are THE LAMEST things on the market! Very thin, and with markings that are supposed to imitate those lovely cracks one gets as the cookie bakes. It was soooo obvious those "cracks" had just been stamped on the cookie. I am shocked. I am appalled. I am wondering if I could sue for emotional distress.....)

"Christmas with Pavarotti & Carreras " has just ended, for the second time today. I think that's about all of the opera I can push on Loren at any 24 hour interval. Now for the Vienna Boys' Choir singing "The Messiah." No, WAIT, it's almost time for "A Prairie Home Companion!" Hmmmmm. I wonder if Garrison Keillor has his red "Bush Country" T-shirt yet?......*smirk*

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A Snowy Saturday

There is a light snow, gently sifting down outside our window. It outlines each leafless branch, adding contrast and beauty.

OK. That's enough of THAT baloney :) A fancy writer, I am not. But it does look quite beautiful. I think it would be even more beautiful if it were falling tomorrow, instead of today, when Ardith and Sharon are driving up to visit us. Still, it should only accumulate to an inch or two, and some of it should melt.

Loren does not have to go in for a cyclosporine blood level test over the weekend. Hooray! Small triumphs are all we have, sometimes. We are glad not to have to be roused early out of bed. The needle poking procedure make only take five minutes, but the bother to get there and back take far more. And, Loren hates to go out in the cold.

(drive safely, ma chères :-)

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First Week Over

We have just returned to our cozy little room on the second floor of "The BIG HOUSE."

It is nice to be "home" from the clinic, though the throngs of patients were more like a dribble, today. I don't believe many from this house were out shopping, because transplantees don't go out into the crowds and masses. At least, not at first.

Everything continues to look good at Loren's checkups. Monday will be his first biopsy, taking place at the hospital, instead of the clinic. This biopsy will take a few samplings of heart muscle to check for rejection. No one expects rejection in the first one, since Loren is still fairly immunosuppressed with drugs.

We talked to Dr. E. again today. He is the chair of the department and a real down to earth kinda guy. He told us some of the things to expect in the coming months. For instance, almost everyone experiences some degree of rejection. Usually a little later, as the drugs are being tapered downward. It is not a cause for alarm, it simply means an adjustment to meds.

Also, it is not out of the ordinary for a transplantee to end up back in the hospital for a brief stay, due to a serious infection. The 90 days post transplant are all about balance. Finding the right state where one is not so immunosuppressed that they acquire an infection, and conversely, not making the immune system so strong as to allow rejection of the organ. It makes me very thankful that doctors are managing this, and not me!

If you want a brief overview (one page) of what is involved with the transplant process, you can click on this.
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The mission to get the snow tires on the van was successfully accomplished. I must say, I am so very proud of how the family is taking care of things.

Jason has to keep tabs on the vehicles, oil, air pressure, etc. He is making sure the van tires are all set for Ardith and Sharon to come visit us tomorrow. I can hardly wait!

All of the children have had to pitch in and do their share (and mine) of running the home. Kendra completed her first ever shopping trip for all the Thanksgiving goodies. She had Jason to drive, and Grandpa to oversee, but she made up the lists and did the actual shopping.

And, speaking of my mother and father, we could not be up here, away from the children, unless we knew there was a stabilizing force back home to keep an eye on things. Enter, Grandma and Grandpa Baker. They are in their 80's and still fairly spry. Nolan had Grandpa reading him books within 10 minutes of their arrival :-) Mom is the calm person who can answer questions in the kitchen, help out with the chores, and check on someone's schoolwork. Dad taught junior high science for "several" years, so I know the kids are in good hands.

THANKS to my MOM and DAD.

We have had lots of help from our family, with little gifts, large gifts of money, and of course, fervent prayer support.

Our church family and neighbors have been wonderful to us, also. They have watched the children, picked up college students and been very generous with gifts, both monetary and food. (lots and lots of great meals :-)

Thanks to EVERYONE. We will never be able to properly thank you.

God has blessed us through all of you.

Blessed be the name of the Lord.

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Another Clinic Day

Well, here we are again. Back at the clinic for more bloodwork, x-ray and visits with the coordinator and doctor. Only trouble is, after the lab work is done, there are, hmm, oh, about 4 HOURS TO KILL :-(

So, we find a little cozy nook in the main lobby and eat our yogurt and granola bars brought along for post-lab breakfast. After all those raucous dinners with the children at home, we now have nothing but quiet, intimate little meals together amidst the hub of the Mayo medical complex. *sigh*

We must all be good little soldiers.

Speaking of "slaves who bend to our every whim," Jason and Grandpa are taking the red van in to get snow tires mounted and balanced. I am sure he will remember to take the TIRES, BLACK RIMS, and CELL PHONE.

I am SO certain, that I won't even call and remind him to take the TIRES, BLACK RIMS, and CELL PHONE.

At present, Loren and I are on separate computers in the bowels of the Gonda building. A nice little computer lab for patients and their families.

The maintenance people are busy putting up Christmas trees in the lobbies and generally making the world a better place. And that reminds me, *ahem* "I hereby entrust the children at home with the sacred rite of acquiring the annual Christmas 'ditch' tree." (or, just buy one at a grocery store, I really don't care :-)

It is now time to play the Christmas music! So kids, bring out the piano books and pop in the Christmas CD's. I am sure you will be crestfallen that I took my new Christmas Pavoratti and Cerreras CD up here, but, tough cookies! I need a little opera to soothe my weary soul.

p.s. Let us know who the tire thing went, you know, when you took THE BLACK RIMS, THE TIRES, THE CELL PHONE and left at 10:00, that's TEN O'CLOCK to have the tires MOUNTED and BALANCED. (uh,... no need to have them mount and balance the phone)

for the 10:30, that's TEN THIRTY appointment.

Trustfully yours, " Ma"

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Successful Day

I've been in contact with the kids through IM (and phone) and apparently the meal was a smashing success! Ethan (almost 6) told Ardith the turkey tasted like Mommy's :-) (Of course, I got that secondhand, from HER.) Apparently, the pies Sharon made were quite a hit, also. I am very proud of all of them.

I wanted to be home with the kids so badly today. But I only cried a couple of times.

One more day, down.

Tomorrow will be better.

p.s. Loren got on the treadmill this evening!

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Happy Thanksgiving

I can have a happy Thanksgiving, now that I know all the brood is safe in our Iowa home. *sigh*
Ardith and Sharon both had some hassles in their travels from college to Iowa, but now all is well.

Thanks be to God!

Loren and I are having a quiet day here at the Gift of Life House. It goes without saying we are thankful for his new heart. But I'll say it anyway,

Thanks be to God!

The other transplantees and caretakers are preparing a real feast here in Rochester, but we don't feel compelled to partake, just yet. Perhaps a few leftovers, later. We are still settling in, and do not wish to face a mass of people. (half of whom will be masked :-)

Ardith and Sharon are conferring on the task of preparing the holiday feast at the old homestead. They will have lots of help, with Grandma, a world class potato peeler, and Kendra, who has become rather handy in the kitchen. I have visions of the younger kids, stationed at different sites around the table, industriously chopping and dicing under the watchful tutelage of their college siblings. They are shooting for an evening meal, since Ardith and Sharon did not arrive until noon.

I told them just to have fun, and not worry if everything doesn't turn out perfect.

(let me know if anyone comes down with food poisoning :-)

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7 Days Down, 77 to Go

That is an approximate number. The 90 days one has to stay close to the clinic for observation and tests starts with the date of operation, which was Nov. 8. So, a rough estimate of when we will be able to return home would be around the 8th of February.

More tests and doctor appts. today, with everything still looking good. Loren was given a prescription for a lozenge to take care of a little thrush in the back of his throat. That is not uncommon for a transplant patient, considering his immunosuppressed condition.
He feels a little less pain each day, and was actually able to sleep on his right side for a while last night. Yesterday we upped the daily walks to 15 minutes each, instead of 10. Everyone keeps saying, "The more you get up and around, the better." It is hard to break the mindset of ten years, but Loren is trying. At least he shouldn't have to worry about suddenly collapsing with an arryhthmia, as before.

Today we visited the doctor who will be setting up cardiac rehab for Loren. He said the main thing to overcome will be 10 years of deconditioning. We have heard stories of a man with a heart transplant running in a marathon! I don't think that will be in Loren's future. He received a new heart, not a new personality :-)

I was able to get up to the 15th floor of the Mayo building to receive my flu shot this morning. The nurse was extremely sociable and chatty. She was one of 7 children, with heart problems running strong in her family. Nurse K. wanted to know if there was anything she and her family could do for us or our family over Thanksgiving and Christmas :-) There certainly are a lot of wonderful people up here.

My arm is somewhat sore, but I am not complaining, oh no. When you live with someone who has life-threatening arrhythmias (and now a transplant) you feel like such a whiner unless it's a brain tumor, or something. *sniff*
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I've been perusing the college blog scene, in my limited way, and there seems to be a plethora of personality-type quizzes. (I only take the short ones :-) For example, I have found out just recently, that if I were a molecule, I would be a "neurotransmitter." And, if I could be categorized in the Narnia series, I would be the book, "The Horse and His Boy." It's difficult to envision a small molecule astride a horse. But then, I am only a lowly housewife, my esoteric dreams having been scarce, of late.

Inspired by all this "identify your niche in the unreal world," craze, I have decided to formulate my own little quiz. I call it the, "IF YOU COULD BE DESCRIBED IN ONE WORD, WHAT WOULD IT BE, AND, DON'T YOU THINK IT'S ABOUT TIME WE CUT TO THE CHASE AND DECLARED "MA" TO BE THE WINNER? quiz. I took it over and over and kept coming up with the same thing....

"Ma," you are: SUBLIME ("Humble" being a close second)

Well, whaddya know?

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More Doin's At the Big House

Another good day, I would say.

Loren and I waded through mail and bills and junk. I finished ALL the laundry, including towels and bedding. That took us up to lunch. (aren't we a fun couple?)

Pastor John drove up to visit us. We were almost finished with lunch, so we just stayed in the dining room so Loren could continue to bask in the warm sunlight. That Loren, he's my little lizard :-) He has our room set at 80 degrees during the day. At night, he has agreed to set it back down to a chilly 77. Me and my sweaters are DYING up here. (a little dramatics is good for the soul)

Oh yes, PASTOR JOHN. We had a very nice visit and he brought up a couple of needed items from the home front. We got all the lowdown about the Thanksgiving Supper and church news. Naturally, we were quite surprised to discover our little Independent Bible church was exploring the option of taking on a woman associate pastor. Hah! Gotcha, Pastor John. Just kidding, of course. Really. (the part about the Thanksgiving supper was true :-)

We have untangled the snafu concerning Loren's medications. Something got messed up somewhere, but I walked back from the clinic this afternoon with an 18 inch square box that contains a 90 day supply of lovely pills. That should hold us for a while.

Tomorrow is another "clinic" day. The usual lab draws, chest x-ray and appointments with nurse coordinator and transplant cardiologist. So it will soon be "lights out."

I had thought I might have loads of free time up here, with nothing to amuse myself. But I think all this medical stuff and caring for Loren will occupy most of my time.

However, if things slow down later, I may start a little business on the side. I have heard there is a lucrative market for toasted cheese sandwiches

Bon appétit.

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Vitals

I have just returned from my first "working" visit to the laundry room. ("Linens must be washed twice, weekly, NO BLEACH on the colored towels, please. Washers and dryers must be wiped off with disinfectant before use. Thank you, and have a nice day.")

Good grief! 75 cents for one measly load. It took some "arguing" with the dollar change machine to get my quarters. I guess I told it who was boss. It had the audacity to think I was some college freshman who would be intimidated.

I returned to the room to find Loren back in bed. I placed one of my favorite CD's, "British Military Band Favorites" in the computer to see if I can rouse him.

He has lost a little weight, some of which might be water. There is a little fluid retention around his ankles most days. Something he never had before. But he is thin, and I have to get some meat on the guy, which is not easy, considering some of the restrictions. The Cyclosporine raises potassium levels, so we have to be careful of certain foods. The dieticians at the hospital promoted fruits and vegetables like bananas, oranges and apples, which all have peels that can be removed, lessening the chance of introducing bacteria. Naturally, all of these foods are high in potassium. The nurse coordinator said, "We want all of our patients to drink milk!" And yes, it's on the high potassium list. The dieticians are always promoting low fat, low calorie, but I rebelliously went out and bought Loren some REAL butter, yesterday. Let them try and take it away from me! I dare them. I'll just bet if I put all these factors into the computer it would spit out, "Patient is allowed unlimited quantities of sanitizing lotion. Live long and prosper."

Everyday he has to take his blood pressure, morning and evening, weigh himself once, and take his temperature, morning and evening. A rise in temperature is one of the first signs of an infection, or it could also be a sign of rejection. So Mayo has patients keep close tabs on those vitals. Loren has a little yellow notebook where he has to make careful notations of each medication and it's dosage as it is taken. I am almost certain we are part of a "giant, vast, right-wing science experimency."

If you'll excuse me, I must apply some antibacterial lotion lest I infect the washing machine.

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First Clinic Day Post Transplant

We have survived a long and tiring day :-)

6:00 arise and stumble to shower

7:15 leave for clinic, park in garage, obtain wheel chair, head half block underground to proper building

7:30 grab orders, proceed to lab waiting room. (wait, wait, wait, get stuck with needle)

8:30 get chest x-ray, which is actually scheduled for 10:00, but sometimes you can sneak in early

9:30 meet with transplant coordinator (the nurse who will make sure Loren has the proper presciptions, writes down questions for the doc, checks his vitals, basically holds everything together)

10:00 Loren snoozes on couch in lobby, while wife makes amazing progress with crossword puzzle labeled "hard." (after she skipped two others that were going nowhere)

"Ma" is bored and goes to check e-mail in subway level computer room. Gets new IM buddy name of old friend :-) Checks on prescriptions....not ordered, yet.

11:00 hold hands to go for slow walk up and down halls for ten minutes. Get left in the dust by a man on crutches

-more snoozing (and crosswording)

12:00 get take out lunch from small, trendy cafeteria. (what is the POINT of mini corn cobs, anyway?)

-more resting

1:00 proceed up to waiting room for doctor's appt. It had been scheduled for 3:30, but he had a few cancellations. YEAH! We get to go "home" early.

1:45 see doctor for appointment. Find out VERY interesting information of pathology report

2:15 go to pharmacy to pick up Rx. Find they are not called in yet.

2:30 go to Main desk to register "Ma" as a clinic patient, so she can get flu shot. (Loren got his on the day he was discharged) I have my own clinic number, now!

3:05 FINALLY done getting assigned a clinic number. Return to pharmacy. Find pills have not been ordered. Call transplant coordinator. Something out of the ordinary "came up" She will get to it.

3:30 Deposit Loren at our cozy little room. Run off to Wal-Mart, again. Make record time in shopping :-) Return to check on hubby.

4:15 Change into tennis shoes. Walk 4 blocks back to clinic, to the pharmacy

5:10 After waiting in line behing 12 people, am told the meds are ordered, but it is too early to fill them. (?!?) Decides not to argue, even though several pills will run out next day, and we were told to refill when a week is left. (I am SO confused. I'll worry someone about it tomorrow)

5:20 Walk back to Transplant House, feeling hot and BOTHERED. Plunk in recliner and cool off by thinking insipid thoughts.

6:10 Phone home and talk for most of an hour with everybody in the joint :-) Sing "You Are My Sunshine" to Trevor over the phone. Am told he nodded his head :-) Feel MUCH better, now.

7:00 Finally kick Loren off computer, IM with new buddy for a bit.

7:30 Make way slowly to dining room, set hubby in chair while I rustle up a bang-up frozen meal in the microwave.

8:15 Come back to Blog :-)


Here is some information gleaned from the pathology report. We now have a more precise name for Loren's condition. His old heart was studied after it was removed, and the pathologist diagnosed it with ARVD, which stands for Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia. In simple "Ma" terms, the right ventricle gets displaced with fat. This condition is often, but not always, genetic. With people living longer, and having defibrillators in them, this condition can also eventually affect the left ventricle. Loren is the third heart patient transplanted here (out of well over 200) to have this condition.

The doctor suggested getting hooked up with genetic screening, but not for several more weeks. This condition can be diagnosed more accurately with an MRI or a CT scan. This could be really important to some of our family memebers.

As to Loren's current heart situation, he now has an ejection fraction of 69%! That is just super, especially compared to what he used to have, in the 20's. The 50's are considered normal.

His blood pressure is a little higher than it used to be. Upper number in the 130's, sometimes a little higher. Apparently, this is par for the course after transplant. It can actually go up in the coming months. Some transplantees have to take blood pressure medicine. We will see.

That is about it for this big day. All the doctors say Loren is doing quite well. Others who have been transplanted say that, in about one more week, he will be feeling significantly better.

Excuse any mispellings. I'll fix 'em later :-) Night, all.

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Sunday Slammer Addendum

(I tried posting this last night around 8:44, but couldn't get it to "go")


It has been a fairly good day.

We had a raucous family chat in the afternoon for a couple hours. Moi on the computer here in Rochester, (with Loren looking on from a recliner we pulled up), Sharon in Indiana, Ardith in Texas, and Jason, Kendra and Derek in Iowa. Great fun, even though Ardith was having problems with her university network system.

Jason's contributions were minimal. I believe he entered the chat room. Kendra can fit her comments in pretty well, and, Derek is still learning the ropes and driving people crazy. (though, not as much as LAST time, dear :-)

There was quite a lot of debate flying back and forth concerning the Thanksgiving day meal. Basically, Ardith and Sharon are going to perform the honors. Something I never did until about 6 years ago. See, you guys are ahead of me in cooking, too!

I was able to get down to the exercise room in the basement. There are two treadmills, three Schwinn Airdynes, two aerobic walkers, and two or three "something-or-others." I tried out each device in turn. Apologies to the manufacturers if I misspelled their names. One thing I do know for certain, those aerobic walkers were discarded protypes from the second Star Wars movie. ("You cannot escape your DES-tiny, Ma Hoyt") I had some fun, despite the fact that the TV does not bring in FOX News. The best part are the mirrors. That's so you can see how embarrassingly out of shape you are. A real motivating factor.

WHICH reminds me, I brought along three items that are too small for me to wear. I plan on fittin' into them babies by the time this stay is over! It's amazing how little you eat when you are not allowed to snack any ol' time you feel like it. I suppose this whole experience will be good for me. (I suppose)

We must make an early night of it (so what ELSE is new) since tommorrow brings a dawn lab visit, followed by "several" tests and appointments. We won't know what all is involved until we report to the transplant floor for Loren's oreders. We are just little soldiers in the Mayo machine. The main thing, is to get there nice and early so they can steal blood from you, before you're fully awake.

Loren is still feeling rather sore. "Something hurts, somewhere, most of the time. " He groans when he has to get out of a chair. Going down to eat lunch and supper, and two ten minute walks per day are his exercise, right now. No hurry, it's only been two weeks, tommorow night. It's amazing just to think of it.

We have much to be thankful for.

Which reminds me, at this moment, the kids and grandparents are porking, I mean partaking of the annual Thanksgiving dinner at our church. A hefty meal followed by going around the tables for opportunities to give thanks. We have more people in the church than last year, so,

I figure they'll be home by mindnight.

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Sunday in the Slammer

It is very quiet.

Loren is snoozing in the recliner. I just dabbed my nose with a Kleenex, threw it away, and quickly applied hand sanitizer before touching the keyboard again. Thrilling stuff, no?

We had to get up early so as to go to the lab for a quick blood draw. Loren's level of Cyclosporine has been too high, so they released him from the hospital on Friday with the provision he have it checked on Sunday a.m., before the 8:00 meds. (takes it every 12 hours)

We got what we thought were the proper dirctions, went there and it was closed. I found this out after I dropped Loren off, parked the car after bumping the curb slightly with the tire, :-( and wasted two quarters in the meter. (found out parking is free on weekends) There was Loren, standing outside locked doors in his winter coat and nifty blue mask. Walked back to car, drove around a while, stopped, called transplant coordinator who was very helpful. Ended up going to the same lab we always go to here. All that should count for one walk, so far.

Thus, the need to come back and crash. Ate a little breakfast first: Loren had his Ensure. (you know, the stuff old people drink, not the scuba divers coming out of the surf, but the ones sitting on the beach, wearing sun block on their noses and looking tired and wrinkled.) I went down among the living and feasted on cereal, half banana and orange juice.

A quick look at the news lets me know that George Bush is still president, PLUS saver of Secret Service agents. I know some do not like his politics, but I think he is swell guy.

Baroque music serenades us from the computer speakers, as I sit here in winter clothes and felt slippers. There is a tranquil, old feeling about the morning. At any moment I expect to see antiquish yellow parchment come drifting down from the ceiling.

If Loren feels up to it, I may coax him down the hall to the day room to watch a movie later.

(yawn)

I'm thinking of contacting my friend, Akahbar......

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Today's (and Yesterday's) Accomplishments

1) Slept in till almost 8. Wow, did that feel good! I am getting to be a lazy bum, here.

2) Got Loren to come down to the dining room for two whole meals. It's the only place they let you eat, here.

3) Went to Wal-Mart and bought more "stuff."

4) Took two walks with hubby up and down the halls, 10 minutes each.

5) Personally activated the "Sanitizer" in the kitchen on a tray of dishes. Man, what a rush!

6) Only ate 1, count it, ONE Dove's chocolate today. They make your throat a little raw, and now that I'm obsessed with not getting sick, I can't tell whether I have a sore throat or not.

7) Partook of two Cold-eeze lozenges. I have been taking 2-4 every day, just in case I have been exposed to a cold. (I've felt like I might be getting one for weeks, now. So far I've kept it at bay) Those things numb your taste buds, so, what's the point of eating chocolate? I think I may have stumbled onto a new weight loss method. More later....

8) Annoyed several people by IM :-) Returned phone message to Kendra (by IM) to say, "Yes, toss out that leftover casserole that's been in there for over a week! (I just LOVE making executive decisions)

9) Yesterday: I was about to unpack the really important stuff (my clothes), when Loren sits up on the bed and says, "OK, let's see about the computer...." I knew the garment bag would have to wait. So, while he sat on the bed and gave me instructions, I actually hooked everything up. Me, "The Ma." Known from YEARS gone by as, "That woman who is a little weird and knows NOTHING about computers."

But, I followed directions, and it wasn't all that hard. Amazingly, he sat down to the computer, and, .......and........EVERYTHING WORKED! Is this a great country, or WHAT?

Yep, I'm gonna have to give serious consideration to going into the computer business.

(stop laughing, Ardith. You too, Jason)

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First Day of Captivity

We have made it through the first morning :-) Have just returned from Loren's first 10 minute walk down the halls. He'll rest up a bit, and then we'll go down for some lunch.

This facility started out as one of those grand old houses from the "something hundreds." It was owned by a doctor from Mayo, and he donated it to be used as a guest house for transplantees. It has been added on to, with what looks like dormitory style housing. But it is very pleasant, better than dorm rooms I've been in. Actually, the bathroom is almost as big as some of your dorm rooms! Several shelves just to accomadate all the pill bottles.

But the old section of this house has a grand fireplace that should look quite elegant when dressed in Christmas trappings. There is also a library room done in the old style, with books going up all the walls, large overstuffed chairs, dark woods, etc.

I guess if you have to live some place away from home, this is as good as any, and better than many.

Next week will bring appointments on Mon, Wed, and Friday. As usual, one reports in fasting state early in the morning, gets bloodwork done, and then proceeds to all the other appointments. They have to keep close tabs on the transplant patients. It's not that unusual to end up back in the hospital for a few days, within the first month of transplant.

Loren would feel better if he could just rid himself of the headache pain. They have prescribed a baby aspirin every day, for overall heart health, and that actually helps a bit. He also has pain around his ribs, from having them moved in the operation, and especially his left side, where he had to lay for an hour having that last echo done. I don't think the incisions hurt that much any more. He has seven nice scars if you count the main chest one, the three to take out his device from various places, and the three small ones from his gall bladder surgery back in late summer.
He was dozing in the recliner earlier, and it was astounding to look at him and realize he has a new heart, and none of that electrical equipment in there to jump start it any more. I was kidding him in the hospital, "Hey, you probably have a better heart than ME, now."

On our walk, we discovered one of the five "day rooms," which was empty of people. It has a large TV, videos, books, and two computers with a printer. So, though we didn't bring along a printer, we still have acess to one. It's not as though we have to stay up late, working on papers to hand in the next day. (man, am I glad that part of my life is over :-)

I have been introduced to the mysteries of the sanitizer in the kitchen, and the location of the dumpster out back for the trash. Though, the latter required asking three people and having someone show me before I got it right. I guess most of the new people have to go through this. Everyone is very kind and helpful and friendly. It's just a little overwhelming.

This afternoon I plan on breaking away from here to go to Wal-Mart for some more items. I always feel at home at Wal-Mart.

I've just had a grand inspiration! I think I will arrange a sychronized time for the kids to go to their Wal-mart, and me to go to this Wal-Mart, and then we will all close our eyes, hum, and think familial shoppingish thoughts.

Or, we could just have one of our family chats tomorrow (Sun) afternoon. What say ye, guys?

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Settled in "The Big House"

I don't remember when I have been soooooo tired.

But Loren was released, and we are mostly settled in the Transplant House, in room 52. Here is the complete address:

Loren and Becky Hoyt
Gift of Life Transplant House
Room 52
705 2nd St. SW
Rochester, MN 55902

The phone # is: 507-535-1004

While the nurse was finishing up the discharge paperwork, I was able to drive over and take most of our things up to our room. It only took about 8 trips. And let me tell you, lugging a 19inch CRT monitor around is not a job for sissies. They don't call me "The Ma," for nothin' :-)

At the next to last trip, the sister at the desk suddenly remembered a luggage cart in the basement. Oh well. I've been doing nothing but sitting around, walking up six flights of stairs, sitting, walking down six flights of stairs, etc.

After I dumped our stuff, I went back and waited for the nurse to give discharge instructions and teaching about meds. Finally got Loren over here around 4. Went down and got all his gear that had followed him from room to room in the hospital. Made sure Loren was ok and went out for groceries. It's a little challenging with some of the restrictions: low salt, no foods that cannot be washed easily, (no grapes or berries) etc. Got back, stored everything in my allotted pantry, cooler and freezer spaces. (by the way, there is this little gallon tub that is supposed to hold all your freezer items. GET REAL! I may have made my first trangression, butI stacked the extras around it. Surely they'll have a little sympathy for a first timer :-)

Then I came up to see what Loren wanted to eat. He just wanted to have an "Ensure." He was leery of eating because of a bad episode around noon. He had to go to the echocardiagram in a fasting state, but he had to take all his pills in the morning. And some of those pills should be taken with food. So, when he came back and tried to eat his reheated breakfast, he promptly lost it all. Well, I did not want to go to all the hassle of fixing something for myself, so I just ate a banana, while standing with one foot in the kitchen and one in the dining room. I feel I met the technical requirements for eating in the dining room, without having to disinfect a table afterwords :-) There were just two people around, and they truly understood it was my first day.

It is only 8:30l, but we are utterly exhausted and in need of repose.

At least I have IM and can blog. I think we will survive :-)

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Quick News

I have about 5 or 10 minutes here. Loren is out to his echo, and I have finished with my "teaching session" with the dieticians. I hope I can remember all this stuff. I even have to buy spray sanitizer to use on the grocery cart when I go shopping!

We have a room at the Transplant House! I am so relieved not to have to park at a motel, and then move again later. I will send the complete address later, but the room is going to be #52. One of the "sisters" called me on Loren's room phone. I was snoozing, but didn't mind the interruption at all when I heard we had been placed.

They are still cleaning it out from the last people. Everything has to be re-sanitized before we move in. It is supposed to be in the "new" section, and very nice.

Loren should be back from the test soon, so I must go. If he gets discharged, it won't be until after noon.

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Mayo, My Mayo

I made it up to Rochester safely. I only cried for the first five miles, and then I was ok, though, I had to take some deep breaths every once in a while when I felt in danger of "losing it." Turned on the radio and there was John Denver, singing, "Take Me Home, Country Roads." Probably just a coincidence.
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Loren is to get one more echo done tomorrow (Friday) morning, and then he should be released. There is still some extra space with fluid around his heart. His old heart was enlarged, and the new one takes up less space, leaving room for fluid to collect. The echo is to determine that the fluid has not increased. They are giving it a week to go down on it's own, and if it does not, they will stick a needle in there and draw the fluid off. (ick)

Loren will be very glad to get out of here. The "less than tantalizing food" is curbing his appetite.
I will try to nip across the street and bring him something from "The Canadian Honkers" restaurant. I hear the food is good and they allow family members to to do that for patients. Apparently Loren is not the only complainant.

I snuck out while Loren was snoozing, which is very hard to do in a hospital setting. Someone is ALWAYS coming in for this and that. I had just convinced housekeeping to come back later to clean, when an aid knocks on the door and cheerily announces, "You have some mail!" That woke him up. (grrrrr)

Patients have to grab sleep when they can, because lab techs come in a 5:30 to draw blood, (came back later to draw again, since "the first sample clotted before we could use it.") then it is down to x-ray, then an EKG, then back up to "smile purty" for all the docs who start coming around at 7:30 and 8. They don't allow visitors on the floor until 8, so I usually miss all the doctors, but, Lord willing, after tomorrow we will be freed from the confines of the hospital. Then it is off to the Gift of Life Transplant House where we will be under "City Arrest" for the next 11 weeks or so.

Speaking of which, I called that place yesterday and was told to call back today, after 11. I called today and was told my name was not on the list. Then I was told there was some barely legible writing that looked sorta like our names. Then I was told to call back tomorrow after 9. (sigh) They will put us up in a nearby hotel until a room opens up. I just want to get Loren settled.

I am waiting to purchase the food until after I have my "teaching session" with the dietician. Somewhere in there, I will have to leave Loren for a while and go get some things. But, there is no where to put it until we have a room assignment..... I am a little frustrated, since I made a special effort to contact them last week. Oh well, it will all work out.
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My mom and dad arrived safely around 4 p.m. yesterday, to stay with the kids. My sister-in-law, who had also offered her services, is not recovering as quickly as expected after her shoulder surgery, so, I think Mom and Dad are just going to stay. The kids had Grandpa reading books to them within 10 minutes of stepping in the door!

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Keep praying for Loren. This is going to be a long road of recovery. I will try to fill you in on the agonizing details I feel appropriate, because: 1) I figure most of the family and some friends want to know, anyway 2) I figure some think that once you get the new heart, it's all over. And it's not. 3) I figure that I shouldn't have to suffer alone :-)

Loren still has various pains, though, not so much from the actual incisions. There is an almost constant headache, which could be a side effect of various meds. Mostly they offer him Tylenol, which gives him a rebound headache, if he takes too much. There is some back pain from the trauma of spreading the sternum. The breast bone is split, and then the ribs get pushed towards the back.... well,I think you get the idea.

There will be lots and lots of followup checks. Many appointments in the first weeks, cardiac rehab, all gradually tapering off. Even after we go home, we'll probably have to come back in four weeks for another checkup. There will be appointments for the rest of his life, and lots of driving back and forth. So, in some ways, it's just starting. Eventually, I think we only have to go back every 6 months, or so.

The three major things to watch out for are: Rejection, Infection, and Lymphomas. Rejection, because it's a foreign organ in the body. (by the way, we found out they gave Loren, who is A neg blood type, an A Positive heart. The neg/pos thing is not a big deal. They give you a shot, or something) Infection, because since you have to take anti-rejection drugs for the rest of your life, the body is more susceptible to colds, flus, etc. He even has to be careful around molds and things. I guess we won't see him turning the compost pile anytime soon. For that matter, not many have ever seen ME do it :-) Lymphomas, because with the immune system dampened, there is an increased chance for cancer of the lymph system. He also has to be careful about going out in the sun. Too much exposure puts him at a risk for skin cancer. So, we have basically traded one set of drugs and poor health, for another set of drugs and health risks. BUT, he should have a better quality of life, after he recuperates more fully. His life span should definitely be longer :-)

Oh yeah, one more thing, he can't have any grapefruit products. Interferes with the absorption of his anti-rejection drug, Cyclosporin. (isn't' this fun?) That's ok, he never had the stuff, anyway.
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Ways to annoy the desk clerk:
-ask him where to park, since your room is on the end, where there are no spaces available
-ask him "wasn't I supposed to have a non-smoking room?" :-( It was all they had left
-ask him for a TV guide, since they'd forgotten to put one in the room

Ways to cope:
-decide to forgo complaining about buzzing alarm upon entering room. Just yank the chord, instead.
-upon discovering lamps do not work unless master light switch is activated, turning on large fluorescent overhead which is bright enough to perform surgery by, thus negating the need for the lamps, TURN EVERYTHING OFF! (crack bathroom door with light on for cozy ambiance)
-go back to car and pull out "bathroom deodorizer," which had been on the list of required items to bring to Transplant House. Open "Rainshower Fresh" to fullest capacity. Wave freely around room. Deposit on nightstand in close proximity to face. Have weird dreams.

(note to Grandma and Grampa: make sure Melinda does all her inhalings and Carolyn takes her antibiotic morning and evening :-)

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Thank You Note

*sound of envelope being torn open*

"Thank you for choosing Mayo Clinic"


"You are currently responsible for paying $**,***.35 to Mayo Clinic."

"PLEASE NOTE: Charges totaling $**,***.40 are pending with your insurance. You will be responsible for the portion not covered. If you have questions about insurance claims or payments, contact your insurance representative."


*blinks*

*realization that this was processed before heart transplant operation*

*sounds of manical laughter*

*continues packing*

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T Minus 17 Hours, and Counting....

Well, this is my last night at home, for roughly 11 weeks. There has been much to keep me busy today, so I have not had the time to feel like crying.

Jason and Kendra tested from 8:20 to 1:20, with one break. Their brains were pretty nigh fried when I picked them up. All they could think about was LUNCH!

I have tucked the last Christmas and birthday presents away in the closet. The brown wrappings they arrived in by mail have filled one trash bag. After I cart Loren's electronic stuff to the attic, I figure our bedroom will be half cleaned. *grim smile*

The last load of laundry is in the dryer.

Lovely folks in our church are preparing to give meals to the family on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Thanks to my sister-in-law Elizabeth, the house is in better organizational shape than it was, and lots of formerly cluttered places are clean!

My parents are coming out tomorrow, and the children always love to be with them. I haven't heard from the second person I contacted to come after them, but I am sure everything will work out.
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I feel compelled to justify my leaving the children to be with my husband. I would simply say what I have often told the kids, "At least you (they) have each other when I am away. Loren (he) has no one when I am gone. All those wonderful marriage seminars (so I've heard :-) place such a great emphasis on the husband/wife relationship. You know, the ol' "Solid marriage = secure kids" axiom.

So, that is why I am going up for approximately 11 weeks. I cannot be visiting back and forth, without risking bringing infection back to Loren. I think frequent partings from the children would be difficult, indeed.

Naturally, if some crisis arises, or I become terribly ill, I would have to trade off with someone. I do have a backup offer, in fact. (a sub for a week :-)

Loren has suffered through some real trials while I have been away. Nothing life-threatening, but circumstances that could have been eased or perhaps avoided if I had been present. So, for every person that thinks me unwise to leave the children, there is a doctor or nurse (and maybe even a husband) who wonders why I have been home for the past five days.

I don't need supportive comments, I just need your prayers. Our whole family does.

If you want to ask a question, ask God why it is that I am forced to choose between my husband and my children? I am such a simple person, though, that I trust God will keep us together, separately. There is nothing else TO do.

And now that Derek is almost done with the supper dishes, it is time to engage in more fun, family "stuff." A little fellowship, a little Red Skelton, a little homemade tapioca pudding. (nice, warm, comfort food)

You know what they say, "Old-lady bloggers don't die, they just slowly get fatter, and fatter.....

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A Moment's Respite

I need a quick blog to soothe my frazzled nerves :-)

I was all set to head to the dump one last time, had moved the car seat to the old van, had everyone almost settled, .......when I realized there was hardly any trash! Oh well. That will give me an extra hour. It takes me a moment to switch gears when I am all psyched up to endure something. I gave the little kids each a Dove's chocolate to compensate for their disappointment. Why they love to go to the dump, I do not know. Kids. Trash. There's some kind of symbiotic relationship, there.

Earlier this morning, I had to roust Kendra out of bed. She had turned off her alarm and fallen back asleep. Today is an important day for her and Jason. They are taking their ITED's (Iowa Test of Educational Developement) to fulfill the home schooling requirement for Iowa. Mrs. D, the high school guidance counselor, graciously agreed to test them all in one day in her office. That saves lots of running back and forth, since it usually takes 5 days spread over two weeks. It will be a long morning for them, but it's basically a formality.

We survived yesterday's travels. The driving was carefully divvied up between Kendra and Jason, according to experience and expertise. They even let me drive 10 whole minutes.

I acquired most of the supplies (excluding food) that we'll need up in Rochester. Made me feel like I was going back to college, again. I hope I can remember how to cook for two. Although, I'm not sure my culinary attempts when first married would actually qualify as real food.

I think I have finished most of the necessary paperwork and phone calls. I only have 100 more pages to record of the 500 plus Bible Story I am putting on tape for the kids. Shouldn't take more than half an hour more. I have some other general kiddy books taped. I have menus for 2 weeks printed for Kendra, and church cleaning instructions done for Jason. Now, all I have to do is........well, never mind.

Loren has an echo scheduled for today. (routine) Hopefully I'll have news of him to post later.

Thanks for your prayers :-)

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"It's Raining, It's Pouring..."

Actually, the weather is nice today, but extra items keep getting thrown onto my plate.

Carolyn had severe back pain and fever some of yesterday, so, suspecting a UTI, I took her to see a PA this morning. There was definitely suspicious stuff lurking in her "specimen," so she was given an antibiotic. Further lab tests will be done. A whole morning, lost! But it had to be checked out. A little kid doesn't cry with pain for no reason. I guess Grandpa will have to take anyone to the doctor in the next weeks. (make mental note to post doctors' names, and medicine schedules) (make mental note to organize medicine cupboard) (make mental note to have Kendra do this after I forget)

It's crunch time, and I ain't talkin' situps. I still have to clean up my room, pack, finish recording story tapes and make up some menus and other lists.

Within the hour we leave to hit two libraries, Wal-Mart and the grocery store. I am feeling pressed!

Please pray that I can accomplish all that I need to.

Oh yes, Loren had definite word today that he will be released on Thursday :-) He is still in a fair amount of pain, so I'm sure he would appreciate prayers in that regard.

Thanks :-)

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Sunday Doin's

We have returned from a full day of driving to Rochester, visiting, eating, visiting, shopping, and driving home.

Driving: Jason drove through all of Iowa, pulling over at the state line to switch. The Iowa permit only allows him to drive in our state. Let me rephrase that. Jason did not drive through ALL of Iowa, just the part of the trip that included Iowa.

Visiting: Everyone got to see Loren, but in two-kid increments. This can be quite an ordeal when one has to take each set to the special sink, making sure they wash their hands for 2 minutes before entering the room. The rest of the crew waited in a small lounge with Matt Dillon as their babysitter. Adding pressure was the fact that we arrived after one and the cafeteria was slated to stop serving lunch at two.

Eating: We got in everybody's visit, and entered the dining room at 1:50. I decided to live dangerously and take everyone through the line at once. Nolan asked me to hold his tray so he would be free to carry his jello unencumbered. ("No problem, honey, I only have Trevor's and mine, so far.")

We survived! And no one spilled chocolate milk. A little chocolate cake was mashed into the carpet, but after it dries, I think it will blend in well with the general pattern of the floor covering. Only had to fill two Styrofoam boxes with leftovers.

Visiting: once you've washed your hands for 2 minutes the first time, you only have to wash them for 30 seconds the next time. This is SO much less embarrassing, as I can make it pretty well to "One thousand 29....." but when I have to go to "One thousand, one hundred, .....um, One thous..... where was I?" Let’s just say my brain was taxed to it’s limits.

By this time in the afternoon, Loren was getting rather drowsy, so we didn't actually converse back and forth with him, so much. The children had all seen his chest scar the first time and been duly impressed.

Loren is completely "untubed," except for his two temporary pacemaker wires. I believe he is being paced around 75, now. They may move rate lower, soon. His rash has cleared up, probably due to the fact that they removed him from the antibiotic, Bactrum. He was scheduled for one of four walks while we were there, so Melinda and Derek got to follow as the nurse and I led him around. He doesn't even hold onto the wheelchair anymore. It's just incredible to think that 6 days ago he was undergoing such invasive surgery! I know he doesn't feel the greatest, yet, but it is marvelous to see the progress.

Loren was having more pain yesterday, due to being taken off the Morphine, but he did some better today. There is even talk of letting him go from the hospital a day early, on Wednesday, instead of Thursday or Friday. I have got to get cracking! I made a reservation at the Jail, oops, I mean Transplant House for Thursday, so now I have to make more calls. Somewhere in there the caregiver is supposed to be present for "education" in matters of food preparation, cleanliness, and other things Ma Hoyt is not famous for. I'm sure the nuns who run the joint will be able to set me straight if I fail in my duties :-)

Shopping: We stopped at Wal-Mart on the way out of Rochester for some needed supplies: a few things to nibble for a "van supper," and, more importantly, hand cream to sooth the results of mom making them wash so often. We have chapped, red, cracked and bleeding hands, all because I have become a little fanatical about keeping germs at bay. Especially before the children got to see Loren for the last time. (for a while)

So, we are shopping, myself, Carolyn, Ethan and Nolan. The older four opted to stay out in the van and read :-) I was vainly looking for the hand lotion, when Ethan said, "Where's Nolan?" "NOLAN!" (no response) I told the kids to stay put while I made a quick check of the toy department, which was tantalizingly close at hand. Nothing. (feeling a little worried) Took the kids over to some benches. "Stay here!" Looked around, even went outside to check the sidewalk. Nothing. (just a little rising panic) I decided to call in reinforcements. I ran to the van and said, "OK. I can't find Nolan! I need everyone to help!"

We ran back in and I was starting to notice how many suspicious characters there were, coming and going. I stationed Melinda with the kids on the benches and labeled it "Base." The three others were all given different sections to look through, and we fanned out. As I was returning from my sector, Jason came to tell me Kendra had found him, crying by the toy department. Nolan later mentioned, "I got lost when I was looking at the fish."

I swear, I am never taking that kid shopping, again!

Driving: We returned safely home, with me starting, Jason taking over at the Iowa state line, and Kendra gaining her first nighttime driving experience for the last 19 miles. She drove on highway 3, and even got up to 55 mph!

That's enough excitement for this old lady. Bonsoir, everyone

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Steppin' Down, It's a Good Thing

Loren was moved to the "step-down" unit today, which is basically just down the hall from ICU.
He only has 1 tube in his neck and 1 in his chest. His blood sugar seems to have leveled out but he is exhausted from all the "goings on" today.

He has been getting a rash, which the doctors think may be a reaction to one of the antibiotics. They may switch him to another. It didn't seem to cause them much concern.

One little occurrence that caused Loren to be concerned was a short run of tachycardia. This only lasted a few seconds and originated from the atria. The doctors say this is fairly common when placing a younger heart into an older body. So, though we are not given any details as to the donor, this occurrence could be a clue. It is my feeling that the doctors would not have moved him unless they felt he was steadily progressing. Still, it is something that weighs on the mind of Loren, who has had to deal with life threatening arrhythmias for 10 years. Please pray for him in that regard.

He was told today that he should be released at the end of next week :-)
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My Day

Cleaned off my desk this morning. Tried to decide what to take, what to leave. I would like to take my mandolin, which has not been touched for over 5 weeks. But, somehow, I think the plinking might irritate people at the "penitentiary," er, I mean "Transplant House." There are LOTS of rules. (I mean, you can't eat ANYWHERE but the dining room. So theoretically, if I were to desire a Dove's chocolate while blogging, I would have to go to the pantry, take a chocolate or two out of my allotted space, walk to the dining room, sit down, eat it, spray the table with disinfectant, and then hope I can make it back to the room........somethin's gotta give)

I took Jason down to the church where I clean and he helped me finish up the last tasks for this week. We also did a "walk through" just to make sure he is familiar with all the requirements, since he will be in charge of the janitorial work while I am away.

I was priviledged to initiate him into the secret rite of "Roller Towell Replacement." I can't go into many details, 'cause, well, it's SECRET fer cryin' out loud! It did involve a rusty key, a wooden roller bar and brown paper. But that's ALL I'm gonna say. *sniff* How do they grow up so fast?

Cut or trimmed the hair of all five boys, despite malfunctioning clippers and wiggly young males. My basic plan of attack is to cut hair and throw them in the tub. The kids, not the hair.

I had Kendra run me into town to do errands and accrue some more driving time. We returned safely, but more importantly, we have a fresh supply of Honeycomb cereal.

A note on recent birthday presents: the 12th birthday has become the traditional time when the kids are presented with a nice quality bible and cover. Melinda was no exception. She also received books on botany and birdwatching. (acquired through clever bidding on eBay by la chère maman, ou moi, whichever you prefer :-)

Carolyn, who has longed for a horse of her own, settled for a pink stick horse, also purchased with the help of eBay, and an extremely alert maman, who just happened upon it 7 minutes before the end of bidding. What a rush! If only I could get paid for shopping. *sigh* Continuing with the horse theme were several books from the Black Stallion series. I didn't get them on eBay or my used book contact (Abebooks) I bought them at Goodwill :-)

But I think Carolyn enjoys her stick horse the most. Pooky has been forgotten. Now she travels EVERYWHERE with her faithful steed, "Trigger Lightning Hoyt." (he's adopted)

Poor Pooky. Even Trevor doesn't hold him that much. Where's the fun in holding a bear if you can't make somebody cry?

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Joys of the Past 24 Hours

OK, things are looking up!

I have returned from a successful trip to have the snow tires mounted and balanced. This is the car that will be up in Rochester with Loren and I until early February. We wanted to be prepared for inclement weather. Apparently the regular tires were none to good, since the man asked me if I really wanted to keep them. I hadn't been told not to, so I decided this was no time to go "out on a tread," so I kept them. I figure I can always make rubber Christmas ornaments out of them in my spare time up north.

We also stopped at the Builder's Mart and picked up some nails, lathes and plastic sheathing for a project. That makes TWO "guy things" I successfully accomplished despite my weak vesselish nature. ("I am woman, hear me roar......" :-) I did have my chauffeur, Jason, along to help ensure the right purchases. Nolan joined us too, to ensure peace, at home, in our time.

Tonight, we celebrate Melinda's 12th birthday, which occurred the day after Loren's transplant. She is happily at work assembling her "Mexican Chicken" casserole, even as I type. In our family, the children consider it a priviledge to not only pick the meal, but to prepare it as well. This includes their birthday dessert, which tonight, will be brownies and ice cream mixed together.

(Nolan just ran up to me and said, "Mommy, God is Jesus!" *whoa* "That's right. Where did you learn that?" "Ethan just told me." Runs off. *happy sigh*)

Loren's News: My "man with the new heart" took a walk today. It took 20 or 30 minutes to set up. A lot of lines and pumps and things to cart around. The actual walk only lasted 6-8 minutes, with a wheelchair in front of him for support. But it counts as a walk. He is often up in a chair for his meals, now.

The chest tubes will be left in for a bit. They found a clot in one, which had made it look like nothing was coming out. So, after removing the clot, there was more drainage. The tubes will be left in until they are clear. This moves his graduation to the "step down" unit back a day. He'll probably be moved out of ICU on Sunday, instead of Saturday.

Visitors from afar: Ardith is coming home for Thanksgiving! Is this great, or what? We usually never see her until Christmas. The "girls" chipped in to buy her a plane ticket that will bring her to Waterloo at 11:20pm on Wed. Her flight leaves again on Monday at 4:47 pm. (Church family: The bidding for her taxi service is now open!) Sharon will be home, too. She will catch her usual ride with a friend to Waterloo. Hmmm, I may be able to have Ardith stay at Sacketts and then have them both ferried home at the same time. *Makes yet another mental note.... *

And, I received a call from my mom and dad in Indiana. They are very happy to drive out and be with their grandchildren for a while. That is SUCH a load off my mind. They will arrive shortly after I go up to Rochester. When I next go up, it will be to stay, so I wanted something definite locked in. *happy sigh* Did I mention I am relieved?

That about wraps it up. All in all, I think the joys outweigh the hassles. There have certainly been concentrations of both.

*leaves for birthday bash*

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Hassles of the Last 24 Hours

-working at church and realizing it would be the last weekend to do it. Jason and crew will take over for next 10-11 weeks

-calling "several" different caseworkers concerning Loren's official transplant date. Not able to find one phone #, but, clever person that I am, discovered web site and got info there. (I really do love my computer)

-dealing with Nolan, and reminding him I would have to be gone soon so it would be nice if we had some happy times till then.

-mentioned I was going to work at church and had Nolan ask, "Are you coming back?"

-made some initial contacts concerning people to stay with the children until Sharon gets back from college

-trying to find a time to actually talk to my husband on the phone

-wandering around in a daze and trying to remember what I was doing. I need lists to tell me what lists to look at.

-seeing 1:38 am on the clock and realizing I would have to do something I've never done in my life: take a Tylenol PM

-trying not to obsess about getting germs from someone before I go up to stay in Rochester

-looking around at the kids doing their normal things and trying not to cry when I think about not being here

Don't worry! Some good stuff happened, too. I'll get to that after I return from getting snow tires put on the car and running other errands for Loren.

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Third Day Post Transplant

I talked with Loren by phone earlier this evening and got a little information. I say, "little." because he doesn't always keep the time straight, or exactly what happened. But it has been another good day for him.

The white board in his room had for today: "wean epinepherine and isuprel"
So, I assume that is what took place. The chest tubes will stay in for another couple days since they are still draining some "red fluid" out of his chest cavity. (sorry, if you're eating :-)

Loren is eating solid food like a trooper. I think he may be eating better than before transplant, in some ways. He reported to me that he was taken off "one line, something in my foot." I don't know what med, probably one of the above. If I'm not there, the facts for this blog are a little hazier than usual.

The physical therapist came in and had him do exercises in bed, as well as stand without a walker. (people were supporting him)

His blood sugar is still up and down, but that is med related, and will hopefully stabilize eventually.

This will be my time at home to get packed for a 10 week "vacation" and finish up some business here at the house. I am not looking forward to being away from the children. (hmmm, have I mentioned that before?)

Before I left the hospital room this morning, one of the social workers came in and was giving me paperwork and making small, "happy" talk. "I'll bet you're just enjoying this time alone with your husband and without the kids!" *blank stare from me* "Well, uh, actually, I'd rather be at home with them. " (no offense intended to spouse)

I'm starting to believe in the concept of alternative universes. Why, I'm fairly certain I intersected with one of their life forms, just this morning.

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Home for a Bit (reprise)

When I left Rochester this morning, they were planning to take out Loren's chest tubes later today. I'll have to call the nurse to find out more info and post it later. He still seems to be doing quite well, considering what he has been through.

Since I am back home for a few days, there is no need to call the hospital lounge. The desk won't give you information on Loren without the "code word," anyway. They don't want to be pestered with calls or give out private information.

I am going to make one phone call to set up an appointment for getting the snow tires put on, and leave the other 4 calls I am supposed to make till tomorrow.

Then I just want to crawl into bed and try and forget about people and the world in general for a while. I've had it.

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Nightly News

This whole day has gone rather well for Loren. He seemed more groggy for awhile, but his meds are being altered. The benedryl they give him to prevent an allergic reaction to the steroid makes him sleepy. Still, he has been sitting up in a chair two times, for long periods. The physical therapist came in and ran him through his paces: he had to stand by the side of the bed with his hands on a walker. No pressure exerted, just there for balance. Then he was asked to sway from side to side, shuffle his feet, and perform slight knee bends. Successful on all counts.

Foodwise: after a few ice chips yesterday, he graduated to liquids for breakfast and lunch. Things like "zhellô de hred," et "zhellô de grhen." When I returned from my supper, I found Loren had graduated to ham and sweet potatoes, hot chocolate and pears! (or, as they say en Français, la pigée, les pommes des terre à la shughère, la chocolate très wharmèe, and, oh yeah, canned pears) Ask Sharon for hints to my pronunciation techniques. And, if you knew how long it took me to find those accents without my cheat sheet, you would be overwhelmed at my tenacity.

I worked off a couple of frustrations with a 3 mile walk. Stopped at the grocery and stocked up on vitamin C and garlic. (I'm starting to get paranoid about catching a cold) The walk worked up an appetite, but I stoically ignored McDonald's and proceeded to the hospital cafeteria where I indulged in a sensible but tasteless repast of two vegetables, meat and milk. I passed on the urge to buy a candy bar from the gift shop. But, I DID buy someone a birthday card. Hmmmm, who could that be for? :-) By this time, the sun had long since, set. So I completed my exercise for the day by climbing 6 flights of stairs for the third time. No, make that four.

Loren is most amusing to watch as he sits and contemplates and pesters the nurses with all sorts of questions. He is just like a curious kid who wants to know everything about his condition. I am certain the staff has never received so many inquiries. But, he can be talking one minute, and nodding off the next. That's the Benedryl, again.

Loren and I were also discussing some of the things he'll be able to do, now. Like, drive, and MOW THE LAWN.

Yep, things are looking better all the time :-)

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My Newborn

Loren and his new heart are officially one day old. I'm not sure how he will be counting his age from this point on. When he came out of that horrible situation 10 years ago, having been taken to the hospital "a dead man," he talked as if he were starting over. I suppose he'll try and claim he's not 53 anymore.

Loren continues to be given good progress reports every time he is visited by the doctors. His artificially paced rhythm has been moved from 110 down to 90. Every so often his heart gets through a beat of it's own, now, which is good. They will leave his chest tubes in for another day to see if any more fluid needs to be drained away from his heart area.

I couldn't be-GIN to tell you all of his meds, (well, I could, but that would be way too much trouble....:-) but I'll try to give a brief overview.

He is on several antibiotics, prophylactically. ( Prophylatically: an intimidating word which simply means, "We juss wants to make sure he don't get sick, girl!") He will be taken off one of those today.

Loren is being started on an immunosuppresant drug. It was given to him at the time of surgery, and is being started up again until they change him to Prednisone, which will be his main immunosuppressant for life. (I think) But, this current med, called something like, "T-5-oh 4" (just pick some random letters and numbers and you'll be close) has to have 3 pre-meds before they give the actual immunosuppressant. (you know, "oh T-5 gooble-t-gook")

ANYWAY, he was given benedryl, to prevent an allergic reaction, Tylenol, to prevent possible fever, and.... um.... something else. Soon after this he got the shakes, which is apparently a common reaction to transplant surgery.There is still anesthesia in his system. Of course, knowing Loren, he just HAS to figure out the best way to manage all these symptoms. "Do I do this? Do I Do that?" He will have to learn to just get through some stuff.

Drugs like Epinepherine (promotes heart beat-I guess) and the immunosupressants can cause blood sugars to rise, so they keep close tabs with lots of lab draws. Thankfully, he has SO many IV ports, that they get all his blood without additional pokes. He has been on and off IV insulin to counteract rising blood sugar. That, too, is par for the course with transplant.

I just came from a somewhat frustrating session with Loren. He was positive he had written down some information on a sheet of paper, discussed it with the transplant coordinator, and found out vital information concerning the rest of the family. He was most worried that this info would get misplaced or lost, or not be acted upon. He wanted EVERY med written down with the time it was given.

The nurse and I were trying to assure him that everything was in the computer. We were checking through old papers from the previous hospital room. We could not satisfy him. Then I remembered something that had happened 10 years ago.

When Loren presented with cardiac arrest, he was basically unconscious for most of a week. When he woke up, he didn't even remember he was married. He thought all the people visiting him were from Indiana, from where we had recently moved. In fact, he thought HE was in Indiana. Every day the situation became more understandable to him.

So, I reminded Loren of that time and said I thought it was possible he was mixing up two different situations and times. He still has anesthesia in his system, and that stuff does funny things to your memory. He lost about 2 weeks of his short term memory back in 95, and he may have lost a day or two with this experience. But, there is nothing wrong with his head, just lots and lots of medications. I knew he was needing to nap, but I didn't want to leave him in that agitated state.

But after I reminded him about his first experience, he said, "Oh, maybe you're right." He promptly closed his eyes and started to nod off.

I'm gonna hafta keep that one in my bag of tricks.

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Going Good :-)

I got out for a second walk this evening. It is just good to get away from the hospital environment now and then. I had no particular destination in mind when it suddenly occurred to me that I would soon be running low on Dove's Dark Chocolates. Suddenly, I recalled a local grocery about 20 minutes (walking) away that stocked the all-important source of seratonin. I knew where I had to go. (I like to think of this as "The Purpose Driven Walk.")

Upon arrival at the candy aisle, I was DISMAYED to see a stack of milk chocolate, but a totally empty slot where the dark Dove's used to be. This certainly looked suspicious. I remembered their seasonal candy corner and strode purposefully toward it. Aha! There they were! Oh sure, they were wrapped up in Christmas foil, but they were still my beloved Dark Chocolates. You have to get up pur-i-tee early in the morning to fool "Ol' Ma."

Upon returning to Loren's room, I walked in on a heavy discussion between him and his nurse. At issue was the possibility of getting up in the chair. A few ice chips had been consumed, followed by a wave of nausea. (this is normal) The nurse wanted him to wait a little and then maybe sit in the chair for a bit. Loren, being his typically difficult and questioning self, was going back and forth from every conceivable angle concerning: additional ice chip tests, how many actual chips to partake of, whether it was genuine fatigue he was feeling, or whether his new heart was a bum deal and not working, (wife rolls eyes) what would be the ramifications of just sitting on the bed, waiting till tomorrow to try it at all, etc., etc., ad nauseum. Hmmmm. He seems better to me. Exasperatingly normal, to be precise. I predict a full recovery :-)

He did get up in the chair, and for more than 20 minutes. It takes two people to move him. There are numerous lines still coming out of various body parts. They have to be carefully held and watched. Loren is not allowed to push or pull with his arms, so as not to put stress on the huge incision and his sternum. It is quite an ordeal that involves feet shuffling, hanging on to nurses elbows, and sitting down by only using leg muscles.

Then, of course, followed more self examination: "Do I feel any different? Do I feel nauseous? Am I feeling nauseous because I am thinking about it? (wife rolls eyes and admires nurse's amazing self control) Well, soon the night duty nurse was coming to work, and in the process of getting her briefed, Loren was left sitting up a little longer than expected, but he did OK. He was starting to nod off while sitting up, though. They have threatened to make him walk, tomorrow.

The room is not immediately accessible from the hallway. One enters a small anteroom, first. This is to preserve the pure integrity of the air in Loren's actual room. Also in this anteroom is a sink, where one washes for 2 minutes, the first time each day, and for 30 seconds each subsequent time to enter the room. Also, a little box of yellow face masks sits on the counter. You only have to put them on if you think you might be getting a cold, but I wear one each time I enter the room. That way, I never have to brush my teeth :-)

Loren is required to breathe into a Spirometer 10 times each hour. That is to get his lungs working again. They tend to wimp out with all the laying about. Also helps to prevent the onset of pneumonia. It is hard work for him, but he does it.

Well, that is all for this day. The hospital library is closed, so I descended two floors to a little room with a computer that is reserved for transplant patients and family members. At least, that's what I plan on telling anyone if they ask.

Keep praying. There are bound to be ups and downs with all of this. But it has been a good day. Thanks, so much for all your love, help and prayer support. May God bless each and every one of you.

This is Rochester, saying, "Goodnight."

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The Good News Keeps Coming....

When I got back from posting earlier, they had taken Loren off the vent. It is so nice to see him smile :-) He has a low, throaty, raspy voice that sounds like music to my ears. Specially if you're partial to frogs.

They have also taken out that arterial line and stuck that little oxygen thingy in his nose.(don't ya just love all this technical jargon?) Loren has also been hooked up to a patient operated analgesic pump. So, now he can give himself a shot of pain-killer any time he likes. Until the quota of 2 grains per 10 minutes and/or 10 shots per (unintelligible amount of time) runs out.

Really, it is just wonderful seeing him so pleasant. I guess that's why God invented morphine :-)
Loren doesn't have that anxious feeling any more. Probably too early to make many truly objective observations on his/my part, though. He's still plenty drugged up.

He was getting dozey, so I left, changed to my sweats and went for a walk. I arranged my route to go past the "Gift of Life" Transplant house, and got them to schedule us for arrival on the 18. Believe it or not, 10 days is the average stay for a heart transplant. If they don't release Loren by then I can just stay there myself until he comes.

Which reminds me, I still have some things to accomplish before settling in here for three months (which, I am happy to report starts the day of surgery, and not on release from hospital)
That would make are approximate return home to be close to February 8. I told Loren I wanted to clean up our bedroom ("Becky, I thought I told you not to make me laugh.") . And then, I'll need to pack enough clothes and obtain certain supplies for three months' time.

I think it is safe to say we will not be at home for Thanksgiving or Christmas. Or Ethan or Jason's birthdays. Sorry about that, kids. Hopefully I can celebrate Melinda's birthday (a few days late) when I come home on Thursday.

One more thing, here is the phone # for the lounge down the hall from Loren's room:
(507) 255-6031
You can try calling and ask for the Hoyt family. Of course, it will only be me, there, but it might impress the other folks in the lounge. It's what I live for.

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Wow!

That word doesn't adequately describe the situation, but it'll do. Plus, it's nice and short.

Loren is doing very well. He is progressing just as one who's had a heart transplant would be expected to. I saw him just a few moments ago and got to be in with him for over an hour. He still has a breathing tube in, but that may come out within the next hour or so. His blood gases are good, but they left the tube in since he got to his room kinda late (10:30pm) I think they have a 12 hour time frame they stick too barring extenuating circumstances.

He wants that tube out, though, since he cannot speak and it makes his throat sore. But he is being quite compliant.

(this lady on the library computer next to me is rather distracting. She's a "hunt and pecker," to which I have no overt prejudice, but, she "hunts and pecks" with the enthusiasm of a stomping elephant. "Give it a rest, honey!")

When I talked to the surgeon last night he said everything proceeded in a normal fashion. They were actually waiting around, with Loren all ready to receive his heart. Things had gotten held up on the other end. But, Pastor John and I were both making phone calls when we heard the helicopter coming in for a landing. "Did you hear the helicopter?" "YES! Did you hear....?" He'd been waiting all day with me and when we both heard the helicopter, we knew they were bringing Loren's heart and we both pricked up our ears.

Within 10 or 15 minutes, they were sewing the heart into him. (yes, he had already been on bypass and just waiting) When we talked with the surgeon (around 9ish) the team was still removing some of the old hardware from Loren: defibrillator, leads, and coil patch in his side)

The Lord was watching out for Loren in such detail, that He gave him a surgeon who was one of 9 children. Rather appropriate, I'd say.

The first 24 hours are the most crucial. With someone like Loren, who has been on anti-coagulants long term, there is always extra bleeding to watch out for. Neurologically, they like to see the patient be able to move hands and feet at some point. But, these potential roadblocks were not an issue. I know, for I woke up at 3:03, and, not being able to sleep, called the nurse assigned to his room. (she said I could :-) She filled me in that there was no excess bleeding, and he had moved both hands and feet, though weakly. She told me LOTS of stuff, half of which I don't remember, but it was all reassuring.

Loren does have a temporary pacemaker in place, two wires coming out of his chest. His new heart actually beat on its own, but just a little slower than the doctors like to have it after transplant. They are pacing him around 110, which, he NOTICED when we "conversed" this morning. But it is all normal stuff. They also have him on a drug, Isuprel, which acts as a pacemaker. It takes time for the body to recognize the new heart and for body and heart to get "in synch" with eachother. So, many times, a temporary pacemaker is utilized. It is possible that Loren will have need of a permanent one, (some heart transplant patients do) but we won't know that for a bit, yet.

In a few days, the body will "notice" the heart, the drug will be gradually weaned off and the heart picks up.

Loren is being given a little morphine for the pain. When he coughs or laughs it really hurts, so, I am trying to keep my conversation as dry as possible :-) Each heart transplant patient is provided with a heart-shaped pillow, which they press against their chest when they need to cough.

There is an IV line going into his neck, one in his right hand, and an arterial line in his groin. The arterial line will come out about the same time as the vent, and then, they will attempt to have him sitting up on the side of his bed. Imagine, all that invasive surgery and sitting up the next day!

The nursing staff have asked me to channel any inquiries and phone calls through me. So, I'm not giving the room number out. If I'd been THINKING, I would have jotted down the ICU lounge's phone number. Oh well, later. Blogging is a quicker way of disseminating knowledge to a lot of people at once, which they can read at their leisure.

Speaking of room numbers, now that I've sent out the Christmas letters, the room number given there is out of date. (Really, we weren't expecting this quite so fast) But, I'm sure cards can be sent to:
Loren Hoyt
Saint Marys Hospital
1216 Second Street SW
Rochester, Minnesota 55902

I've read all your kind comments and let me say, "THEY MEAN A LOT TO ME."

Thank you for your prayers. There is still a great deal of work ahead. But, at least this particular hurdle is past.

A note to any caregivers of the children. It is SOOOO important that no one come who is sick, or has been exposed to sickness. I am hoping to bring the children up to visit their dad sometime this weekend. I do not even want them to go to church. Somehow, I feel God and Pastor John will understand.

Thanks to Pastor John for helping me pack up Loren's computer and for sticking so long to the arduous chore of waiting, waiting, waiting. Thanks to Weikerts, Linda in particular, for helping out with the family, and just "being there" on a rather tumultuous day.

I'll post more as I am able.

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