Home Sweet Home

Here is Dan back in street clothes ready to get back to life. On Saturday morning the doctor said we could look at leaving the next day. Both of us were startled, the last we had heard was a target of being discharged on Monday. At first we were a bit fearful. But, by this morning we both realized there wasn't anything we were getting at the hospital that we couldn't take care of at home. Just after noon we had the paperwork completed and Dan was ready to be wheeled out. 

We were home by 2:30. Dan settled into his new recliner and took a much deserved nap. Meanwhile I stocked up on some healthy fresh food and supplies. I think we are ready for the next phase of healing. 

So once again, all is well. 😊

Normal sort of...

I have a habit of catching my favorite guy catching some Zs...

Mammoth Cave, Kentucky:

Hobbs, New Mexico:

Red Rocks State Park, California:

OHSU in Portland Oregon Saturday:

Resting & recouporating. 

He is getting ready for a real shower. Looking at being discharged Monday at the soonest. so much for that estimate... see next post!

A Good Kind of Boredom

I am hanging out in the family lounge for a little enjoying the above view of Portland and Mt St. Helens. Dan has taken 4 floor walks and done lots of breathing exercises. Now he is sleeping, Martha is also napping in his room. It is wonderful to have our daughter with us. I have been quilting, but was ready for a little break. 

It is one of those times when no news is good news. It just takes time for Dan's body to recover from the trauma of having hands in his chest. We are good. Thanks for all of the prayers and good wishes. jb

All is well

The patient is tucked in for the night. He is recovering as expected. I'm pooped, so I am tucked in also. 

jb

Oddest Word in English Language

Today is a long day about being patient & being a patient. I don't really have any news. Dan & I said our good-byes about 7:30 in the pre-op preparation area. I think Dan was more concerned about parking passes and security of our belongings at the B&B than about the surgery. I went back to my lodgings for a coffee and a tasty breakfast. 

 I returned to the hospital & settled into a sunny spot in the atrium at the top of the tram to quilt and wait. The OR nurse called at 9 to let know things were fine and they had started the operation at about 8:45. I don't expect to hear anything else until after noon. 

It got too warm in the atrium so I shifted to the "Surgery Waiting Area" where it is a tad cooler and there is power to keep my phone charged. 

The newest member of our family is named Thoedore Scott; so I couldn't resist making a Teddy Scott quilt for him. 

Here is the whole picture. I am hand quilting while I practice being "patient".

Thank-you for all of your messages which I have passed on to Dan & for your continued prayers. 

jb

Seeking Prayers, please read

Greetings 

I want to cast a big net because when it is needed there is nothing like being held up in prayer. The above photo was taken last Thursday at the Oregon Health Science University Hospital in Portland.  We were there for a meet and greet appointment with a heart surgeon. Dan's aortic valve needs to be replaced and we are going to "get'r done" so we can get back to our happy travels. Dr. Fred Tibayan and team will operate Tuesday morning. They will replace his valve with a new one made from cow heart tissue, plus they will do one artery bypass. An advantage of the tissue valve is that he will not have to be on blood thinners the rest of his life. Dan is more fit than their typical heart patient and the professionals are encouraging about his recovery. Please, if you are the praying sort, you know what we need & I know the Holy Spirit will deliver. Thank-you in advance. 

I plan to use the blog here as a way to update family and friends on Dan's progress and recovery. The estimate is for a 5-7 day stay at the hospital. We might even get a room with a view similar to the photo at the top. 

I will be in touch. Jean