Update on Terri

Here is the latest report on Terri.... from her Husband Pete Greetings: Well I just got back from St. Francis. She was very much awake and aware. I had our older son Michael with me as well in the hopes that this would lift her spirits. When we walked in she just started crying her eyes out. The nurse had told me she has been emotional all morning. It was clear to me that her pain med was cut way back as she is aware of us coming into the room (the last 2 visits, she was not) She also is able to adjust her bed on her own. I noticed she was bringing up a lot of junk into her respirator tube. Could be mucos from the crying and from the lung, the nurse said they were cleaning the tube out quite frequently. There were several occaisions where she was smiling. My older boy is a jokester and I think she got her to laugh a few times. It seemed to really help her spirits being there, and we seemed to be there at the right time. Looking at the settings on the respirator, the last time I was up there, the machine was doing all the work. Today, the machine settings were lower. She was doing half the breathing on her own. If they have to sedate her again, they will more then likely turn the machine back up again. So its looking optimistic, I wouldnt say were out of the woods yet. I'll get another briefing Monday morning. They are concerned with fluid build up in the left lung. She is also scheduled for another X Ray on Monday to see if additional fluid has built up. Once this is done, I'll talk with her Pulmonary doctor and see where were at. Everything related to the surgery still looks good. All vitals looking good. And thank you all for the kind words and support!! Sincerely, Pete Things are looking up, thank you for all your prayers, and wishes.... Love ya's, Terri's Big Sister Val

Val -- That sounds wonderful! It must have made her husband feel so great to have his wife back again after all this time. It really seems as though the hospital is totally on top of her vitals, etc. & handling her with the utmost care. That is a real blessing. We'll just keep praying, and she'll be up & about in no time!! Best, Kathy F.

Kathy, have to tell you, I really miss home in Ct..... you guys are the best.... People can say what they want, but I smoked too, up till surgery, and I guess it just effects us all differently....... I think she was getting a bug before surgery, and her blood test before surgery all came back ok... will know more when she gets home, and can try and figure this out.... Kathy I want to thank you for all your prayers...... It means a lot to have my home state praying for her..... wishing you the best too..... Val

Hi Val: Thank you for the updates. They make me cry each time I read them. Last August, my left lung collapsed due to pneumonia and it was a very scary time for my family. So I understand what is going on with the fluid build up. Pete is so strong and he sounds to be in good spirits. God bless him. I am a smoker .. and I was telling Kathy this too .. I smoked up until surgery and didn't tell my surgeon. I had NO IDEA that there can be complications with anesthesia if you are a smoker and this scared the crap out of me. How are Terri's kids doing with this? It must be hard to see mom as she is and I can understand why she cries. I am still praying for the entire family. Love to you all, Tara

Tara, I smoked up till surgery too, My Dr. down here in Md asked me to quit, and I cut down, but still did ok..... Micheal is doing ok, he was a bit scared when he saw all the tubes last night, but he is a trooper..... the little one is 10 so he can't get in to see her, but he IM's on the puter and talks to me.... he is a smart kid..... Were you in the hospital with the respirator too? and how long were you in there for? Thank You for all the prayers... Love ya too...

Hi Val, I always watch out for your updates on the main board. Bless you and your family, Terri is lucky to have so much love behind her. We all think of her often here in CT and can't wait for the day for her to update us herself. My best to you (wish I had a Sister like you!) -Deb

Debbie, I'll adopt ya...... lol..... Terri is a good kid, but is time to get my chit together too.... AM going to try for plastics in January, and I want to be smoke free by then too.... After walking in her room and seeing the tubes, A flash of reality hit me too.... is time to give them up.... So I see the Dr. on the 7th for some Wellbutrin and then off to cvs for the patch... I just looked at my box of patches and they expired 2 years ago... lol...... and am sure she is going to nag me to death till I quit, so will get a head start on it before the nagging starts.... You have a great day.....

Ain't that the truth?!?! I'd be willing to make a sister trade ... long story!! It's a real gift to have people in your life who love & care for you so much. K

LOL, DO I have to move back to Ct and keep all you gals in line, and adopt you all???????

Please do!!!!!!! I spent the last couple of days reading your profile and was sooooo inspired!! Terri is in my everyday prayers and I will continue to pray for her speedy recovery. Thanks for the update. Phyllis