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October 15, 2010….Friday I wanted to get the latest on Brad out so that you all know how his recovery is coming along. On Tuesday we did se Dr. Singh, Brad’s colon surgeon. Dr said that he felt that Brad was coming along fine and that his energy would come back slowly. He is to walk, eat and sleep and just listen to his body. He stressed the importance of eating more and drinking fluids. Brad has lost almost 30 Lbs. Brad has a blister at the incision site that still has a buildup of old blood. This will ”pop“ in due time. All the bruising that Brad had wrapping around into his back area is so much better. A lot of this bruising had to do with being on Coumadin and not Dr. Singh using him for a punching bag. J Some medicine changes: An iron tablet once a day for now……..on 2 antibiotics for 7-10 days, discontinue 2 blood pressure pills as BP was 82/58 and changes in Coumadin levels due to blood being too thin at this time. Everything is going to take time to get back to ”normal“. Was also back to see his own Dr. Defor today and INR (how thick or thin blood is reading) nurse. Both made some changes in his meds and Brad will be monitored in the next couple of weeks. Orders the same as far as getting back to normal…..eat, drink and listen to your own body and to make responsible mature decisions. At this time Brad is also to be aware of feelings of being light headed, dizzy or even fainting spells…….…due to such a low blood pressure/ This Has been another long hard road for Brad but things are finally looking up. It’s so nice to see a smile on his face again in the picture above……even though I said ” now smile pretty!!“ J The word ”pretty“ always seems to brings a smile to facesJ Ali has been busy being a 13 years old. School….friends…..computer…….cell phone….. and boys!! It’s hard for Ali to see her Dad going thru this trying time, even though she has a hard time verbalizing it. It’s not easy for her to see her father so vulnerable right now, as I know she still has other healing going on. She needs a lot of patience and understanding and this takes the ongoing support of others. Thank God she has family that loves her so much. This is a stressful time on many………...especially Brad. Again thanks to all of you for the continuing prayers, time, thoughts, flowers, cards, T.com and such. They are all greatly appreciated and Brad and I thank you all from the bottoms of our heart. There are many of you to thank here….. you know who you are and we know who you are, so a big thank you is being sent your way. Stress is what put Brad here this time around so it’s a must for him to not sweat the small stuff and approach the problems at hand, head on, in a calm responsible manner ……….easier said than done…….but a must! The big ”C“ word gave us quite the scare. Thank God it was just a scare!!! NO CANCER FOUND!!!! I will never forget those wonderful words…. 17 days ago……on that Wednesday morning ….September 29, 2010 !!!!! THERE IS A GOD AND OUR PRAYERS WERE ANSWERED!! So I will sign off as Brad is on the road to a full recovery and doing well. Thank God!!!! Life is good and on the mend and upswing again and it will only get better with time. Brad’s happy and thankful Mom PS. I want to take this time to say thanks to Jana for spending hours on end with Brad at the hospital. It was greatly appreciated and I want to say ”Thank you Jana!“ Also thanks to Sis , Sheri and the rest my family and friends, for helping me during this time with Brad and Ali but also of the painting, flooring and carpeting of my ”Carol’s Cabin“ It was just one more piece to the puzzle that we had to fit in. Also thanks to my Kevie for rebuilding my computer. Nice to have my baby back J Love to you all. XO
------------------------------------------------------------------------- October11,2010 YAY.... Brad was discharged today Monday at about 3:00pm. He came walking into Ali's school to watch her volley ball game. Very...very....tired looking. Very skinny...very not with it . I felt that he is pushing himself to hard to early in his recovery. But I'm just Mom. Jana and I will take turns being with him for a few days until I feel ok about leaving him alone. He is to have no fruit.... Vegies.. Or grains at this time . He is to see his Dr this Wednesday. He has not been hungry at all since he came home. I'm thinking my chicken noodle soup will be just what the Dr ordered. More updates as Brad improves . Keep the prayers coming for strength and a fast recovery for Brad. At least he is at home :-) Go vikes!!! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- October 8, 2010 Time for an update on our Brad. Today he is doing ok. The picture is of Brad enjoying an Artic Ice. Lets hoping he can keep it down. He has had many days of ups and downs. Back and forth from NPO to full liquid diet..........which he is on now. His favorite food of choice right now is cream of wheat, as this is the only thing he can keep down. They are thinking he may have an ilieus..........which is a lazy section in the colon. Time is the only thing that will heal this. He has also been Doctoring a possible infection in the colon which he is on cipro for. Staples in the incision will be taken out tomorrow Brad has also lost 27 Lbs. WOW!!! That is in 12 days. However he has had nothing solid to eat since Ali's birthday on September 25 th. Ali will be up north with Gail and Clint this weekend it's going to be a beautiful time to get away. Will send more updates with changes. At this time no date for discharge. Thanks to everyone for the cards, prayers, e-mails and all of the support. Brad says hi to all!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- October 4, 2010 Brad has been walking more and for longer distences. However after longer walks he does experience burning and pressure at incision site. He has graduated again today to pudding, juice, sherbert from only ice chips and sips of water. Taking it slowley when eating. Seemed to tolerate it well today. Yay!! A day at a time! Yes .......to all of you asking.........Brad has been able to pass gas and is having bowel movements but not the way he would like them. However he did lose 6 #'s over night. Also able to void. Does have an IV running for fluids and nutrition at this time according to Brad. Brad has not had "food" since last Saturday" :-( Seems to have better control on the pain. Now we have to work on getting him to live a less stressful life. Stress is the killer!! He did have complaints of a headache. Bp has been fine today. I was up there this afternoon and we enjoyed 2 good movies. He also had some good sleep. I am with Ali tonight. She too is counting the hours until Dad is home. Jana also spends hours on end with Brad. This is a team effort. A day at a time. Tomorrow will be even better for Brad . Only positive thoughts. Keep the prayers, thoughts, and texting/e-mails coming to Brad. More updates to come on Kurties site. By the way.........thanks a million to Kari , Brads neighbor and Ray's mom (Ali's friend) for giving Ali a ride home from school most nights and for always being there to help out at a drop of a dime. She is a very special lady . Thanks kari......you are awesome......as well as all of you giving support in all the special ways during this time Carol ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- October 2, 2010 Doing fine now. Did have a green emesis this morning. He probably ate to much green jello last night and to fast. This is a long process to get back eating. I'm with Brad now. Still NPO still. Passing a lot of gas. He still feels so blotted. A # 5 pt 6 for pain from one to 10 scale. I'm on door duty at this time. He liked getting texts and emails. Only short time with visitors. Did have an xray this morning and all is fine in tummy. His body is just taking it's time in getting things moving. More tomorrow with update ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
October 1, 2010 Well I got to hospital about 12:00 noon. Brad was walking the halls and then went into room to take a shower. He was very tired so I told him that I would go to visit Nan a friend of mine and come back at 1:00 when Jana was going to leave......he was sawing a forest of logs when i came back ,so I went on door duty. No one to enter.they were all good about it. At this time I was also surprised when jenny came down for a visit. We were both glad to see her. It was after 3:00 when the nurse said that he had to go for a walk . He walked to where Ali was born and back . Very tired. Dr came in. He felt brad was doing fine. Said brad just had to be patient with getting his insides back to working. BP was up but this is due to pain. Brad trying to cut back on pain pills.....especially the narc's Now guess what...... The passing of gas has started. I think he wants kurtie and kev to come up for a contest ........like they did as kids :-) Anyhow.....gas is coming slowley and he has had a few stools. Also voiding well. Brusing on tummy is aweful and looks like it very well should be hurting.. Being on coumadin is the problem and all the pulling and tugging during surgery. So....things are looking up!! Brad just wants things to move faster and he wants to get the heck out of here. These e-mails are what I do when keeping quiet so Brad can sleep. I to want him home really really bad. Thanks again to all of you for your e-mails, cards, thoughts and prayers. Greatley appreciated. Brads mom -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nothing like shoping with an IV pole in hand. Would love to go outside. That's our next walk . ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This is a picture of Brads incision, Looks better today than yesterday.They really did a number on him. Good news came today: they pulled the cath. He was so happy. MRSA is known to sometimes get it's start from foey caths. Brad knows all about that so he was pushing for it's removal. Now for the problem at hand. Brad has been put on NPO. (nothing by mouth) the food that he has been eating ......which is a clear liquid diet.....was started to soon. He was unable to pass it so it sits in his stomach and caused his Tummy to distended to the point of pulling on his staples......causing his incision to bleed and we don't need that. So the mission at hand right now is to start farting.....oops.... I mean pass gas. Dr Bernard said as soon as Brad can conquer this task of gas passing, he can go home! YAY!! He said he's thinking about a discharge in 3 days..........it all depends on the above. Vitals r fine....pain in check.....attitude ok......bathing per self.......so all is good. We did take a walk downstairs and Brad did some fun shoping. He bought some fun little things for the girls. He was liking that. All for now. Please Keep the prayers coming our way. One can never have to many. Carol ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- As a side note: brad just looked up from his hospital bed and said " you know what mom......I said what......I'm so glad I'm alive" I said you know what Brad " I'm glad you are alive too. he smiled and fall back to sleep. Life is funny!!! Death is not!!! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Like I said. NO CANCER FOUND!!! Dr came in at 10:00am and gave the good news! Said all 15 nodes are cancer free and 40% of his colon all a-ok!! Brad said he found the treasure of life today!! At this time he has an elivated temp. It was 102. So it is beiIng watched closley. Was 99.6 so it is coming down. They did put him on an antibiotic. That will help I'm sure. He just had a nice walk. Doing well with that. Still very light headed from meds Urine clear today yay!! That means cath will come out soon. Tummy extended. Needs to pass gas. Did burp once. Yay for small favors!! Brad is emotionally exausted. Trying to get some sleep in! Don't get much of that in a overley hot hospital room. By now I hope everyone has heard the good news. Go to kurties site for all up dates. Ali will be with me tonight. She to is happy to hear the good news about brad. All for now. Man.......I'm so so happy! Thank you god!!! Now we just have to just get him home. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NO CANCER FOuND ....ill say it again !!! NO CANCER FOUND!!! more next e-mail.!!!!! I'm so excited!!!! I'm so happy!!!! Thank you god!!! Thank you thank you thank you everyone. Yay!!!!!! Yay!!!!!!! Yay!!!!! Sent from my iPhone ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Our brad was just out walking the circle in the unit. Doing awesome as long as he hangs onto his iv pole.He looks much better today. Still going in and out of sleep. But much less today. Due to having the stints in his urethra blood continues to be in his urine. Reason for cath: They want the blatter empty so that it does not push on the place of surgury. Promotes faster healing. IV of saline running at this time. Toradol is so helping with the pain. Drug of choice right now! Dr has not been on yet. Results soon of tests. Diet of only clear liquids. He is so hungry. They want him to burp or pass gas first:-) he can have Popsicles, broth,juice, lemon drop candy.....he would like KFC bowl with hot sauce and crunchy chicken. :-) cute Right now we are waiting for an extension for his bed. He's hanging off both ends!!! That's my handsome (or pretty) super tall boy. As a side note: my front end of my car and tire was hit by an old lady while I was in valet parking today. No big deal that I can see at this time but I'll see how it goes on the highway. I did fill out all papers just in case£€¥>%€!!!!!!! sucks! Also I want to send my prayers and thoughts to the whole family of Grampa Phil TeGantvoort . I was sad to hear of his passing. I only have fond memories of him. Awesome man!!!! I will never forget "Phil-up-lunch" All for now. I will continue to send updates. I will check with kurtie on where to check for updates on his site. Brad thanks everyone for all the thoughts and prayers and all the support. He is up to short visits and phone calls. He was told he should plan on being here 7 days . Pammy will be bringing Ali down to see her dad and then staying with Ali tonight. Thank you Pammy!! We so appreciate your help. All for now. Thanks everyone. Results coming tomorrow. Send positive prayers that all is ok!!!! Carol -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Walking the halls already at 8:30 pm Monday night. Pain but doing well! Bruce his nurse a good "you can do it kinda guy "nice to have around ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2630 is brads room number 2nd floor. Family is fine to come. However i will update you all on if he is awake or in and out like i was:-) The gal at the desk just said we are waiting for a bed. Feels like a hotel and check In is at 3:00 :-) she also said brad was in the back ground yelling out "tell them I love them" so I think he's awake and doing good . More later By the way ........ I love you ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Brad out of surgury. Results in 3 days. It's 2:30 and we are waiting for. Bed I guess check out is 3:00. :-) We have not seen him but the gal at the desk said to call us and he yelled out"I love you "thats my boy!! Keep sending those prayers. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ As I said before surgury went as planned. Results in 3 days. Brad is in a lot of pain. Sleeping off and on. Asking that no company at this time. He will be gotten up later today to go for a walk. Will be walking big time tomorrow. That is going to be his hard day. He is taking in only sips of water . Still complaing of having to pee and can't. Cath in. He's finally resting at this time. I think we got pain under control. Ali is with kari and her friend Ray. I will pick her up when I feel good about leaving brad. Thanks Pammy for your offer to help. Let me know when you can help. I need someone after school for supper. I can take care of the nights and mornings. Brad resting so good now. That means he is relaxing and getting one more minute of being pain free and one more hour to getting the hell out of Here! Keep the thoughts and prayers coming. Love you guys! Mom /carol -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brad in a lot of pain. In and out of sleep. Has a cath in and feels like he wants to pee and can't. He's very tired. He's so cute. Or is that he is pretty. :-) o2 going. Breathing shallow. I feel so bad for him. Why !!!! is the word of the day. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Brad went into surgery at 8:59. Almost 1/2 hour late. He did get here late about 1/2 hour. Met with all the dr's. All had good nights sleep :-) they are going to take out 40% of brads small colon out. This will result in several diarreha poops everyday at first(5) down to 2 everyday. Dr not guaranting brad that tatoo will not be cut into. Sugury will take 31/2 hours. Longer than I thought. They are trying to do it laproscope but still an incision of 4 inches will be made. 2 stints will also be placed in his urethra that lead into his kidneys. I guess some fat was in the way during last surgury and they wanted that area open. Stints will be taken out after surgury.He was in good spirits but has had no sleep for 2 days. To much going on. I feel so emotionsal today. I don't like to see him going thru this again. Jana and I are here together. Sounds like ali was not very good last night doing a lot of yelling at Brad. I will keep in touch. Love to you all mom ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hi all….. Just wanted you all to know that Brad will be having his surgery tomorrow morning at 8:30 am at United Hospital. Please send prayers his way that the tests will all come out cancer free and we can all move on with life…..once again. Thanks to all of you for all of your support at this time and always. God is good!! carol ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- November 16, 2008 Hi Again all…. We are all in a better place since the last e-mail I sent out on September 9TH. I again have so many people asking me about Brad and Ali I thought that I would put out an e-mail. Brad is back to driving, on no antibiotics, no picc line, gaining weight and maybe even faster than he would like. (219) His chest incision is clean and intact. He does experience some ”weird“ pains at times. However it’s only been 3 months so we will keep an eye on even the smallest one. He continues to have back pain but is doing some follow up on that at this time. That foot that was so swollen and sooooooooooo painful continues to be having some edema, (swelling) but NO PAIN!! YAY!! Brad is in therapy and goes X3 a week. He is getting his strength and energy back. He is the star patient in the class now. 3 months ago he never thought this day would ever come!! He also goes into the INR clinic X1 a week to have his blood levels checked to regulate his Coumadin. This is taking time but a new life style isn’t going to happen over night. But the good news, at this time, is that Brad is back to work. 4 hours a day.…but back to work. He is working for the same company but not in the same job position. He is filling in for the office gal out on a maternity leave doing HR work. Less stressful, 9-5 hours (works well with Ali’s schedule) but he does miss his crew. I think he will welcome some semi normality back into his and Ali’s world again. What ever that may be as that has been something they haven’t had for quite some time. I have faith however that peace will come and they will continue to move ahead and find that place. Ali is doing well. A few bad hair days, but getting that under control. This past 2 years hasn’t been what one would want for this princess, a little 11 year old girl. She loves school ….or I should say she loves hanging out with her friends at school. She is a bus patrol and loves the responsibility. She really likes being in the 5TH grade and the oldest class in the school this year. Her choir concert is next Friday and she is all excited about that…as we all are. Aims would be so proud!!! Holidays, birthdays, Anniversaries and other special days will continue to come and go. What Brad, Ali and all of us, who love this family, have been thru, is more than one could ever imagine. We will continue to be thankful and on this Thanksgiving Day, realize that we really do have a lot to be thankful for. We may not have had all of our prayers answered, the way we wanted, but we have to have faith and know that this is just something we will never understand….. here on earth. I think Aims pulled some strings upstairs and made it possible for our Brad to be given a second chance on life. And I say….”Thanks Aims“. So there you go!!!!! All up to date again. Everyone have a very awesome Thanksgiving Day with your families and with those you love. Be thankful for what you have and be sure to count your blessings…even the very small ones. Thanks again for all the prayers, help, meals, yard work, thoughts, etc, etc….during this trying time. Your helping faces will be etched in our brain forever.
September 9, 2008 Tuesday: Hi all ..Just wanted to let you all know that I decided to go on the year long planned trip to Seattle , Washington with my friends. (Brad said go and have a good time, Ma .)We will be leaving on the Amtrak on Friday, September 12TH and will return on September 22ND. E-mails will be at a standstill from me until I get back. We thought about taking a laptop with us but decided against it. Not worth the worrying we would do about leaving it for someone to borrow. Brad spent the day with us over at Kev and Sheri s after Kai s Baptism, on Sunday. Everyone was so glad to see him. We all had an awesome visit. Kai was the baby of the day. Everyone of us was so proud. God gave us a keeper in baby Kai!! This day was the frosting on the cake for this summer!! Felt awesome to be in church!! (Kai is 6 months old Brad drove for the first time with Ali over to Kev and Sheri s and said he found himself going to slow. Felt awesome, however, just getting behind the wheel of his Caddie again. Because he lost so much weight he had to readjust the seat every which way before getting in to drive. It was just last week he was still sitting in the back seat with his red heart pillow to his chest, being chaffered. Brad s ankle is doing a lot better. The swelling has gone down and he appears to be able to walk on it better. He gives it a 4 for pain. A lot better than a 10+. He had his INR drawn on Monday, after his Coumadin had been on hold for 3 days, because the numbers were to high. (probably due to the pain pills and prednisone)It was 1.5 today as 3 days ago it was 3.5. (It should be 2.5-3.2 for Brad) He will be on 5 mg. of Coumadin until his next blood draw on Friday. He will need it to be monitored closely until it is stable. He started going into the INR clinic in South St. Paul at the Allina clinic. He really likes going into the clinic right now for the blood draws as he gets to talk with people that know all about Coumadin and the cans and can t about it. Life has been a lot easier since the picc line has been pulled. Things are slowly but surely getting back to normal. We now have to get some meat on those bones of his. He weighed 203 today and that is to little for that big frame of his. Dr. Kravitz said that now that Brad had his appetite back it won t be long and the scale numbers will go up faster than he may like. He was 270 before this all started. That s a lose of 67 # s in about 3 1/2 months. We have to get him to eat. Kravitz did say that a person loses 40+# s with just heart surgery and Brad had 3 things wrong. When we went to see Dr. Kravitz today, Tuesday, Dr. said that all will be up hill for Brad from here. He said that heart surgery is hard enough on a body besides having a huge infection and then a serum reactions to medications. Brad had 3 big hits to his body, so it will take time but all will be OK!!!! Per Dr. Kravitz words. MUSIC TO MY EARS!!!! Kravitz started tapering Brad s prednisone. He will take 20mg. every day now for 5 days, where it was 60mg. a day. He wants to make sure the ankle is all healed. Brad is to take Advil or Aleve for pain in a limited amount again due to being on Coumadin. He also said that most of Brad s meds that he is taking post op, will probably be DC s on Tuesday when he goes to see Dr. Emery. Brad is sooooo glad for that. He has a 7, 4 a day, pill holder to hold all of his meds. Now and he does not like that look one darn bit. He soon will be back to 1 or 2 bottles. This will bring everyone up to date. Brad will be taken care of when I m gone. I also have meals coming in to make sure he starts eating more. Sheri, Caryn and Karen offered to help out with fattening him up. Thanks girls!!!! Ali is doing well. She loves school and her teacher. Only 16 more days until her birthday. She is so excited!!!!! Soccer keeps her busy and in her free time she is right there to help her Dad. And life goes on . So until I get back: Faith is believing what one cannot see. And the reward of faith is to see what one believes. Carol September 3, 2008 Tuesday: Well where do I begin. It s been a long 8 days since I last posted an update on Brad. He has been in more than sever pain to his left ankle/leg. Many sleepless nights. And I mean many. There wasn t any way to find relief of the pain and no pain pills would even touch it. We have been into the ER room X3 to rule out blood clots or any type of breaks, more Dr s appointments than I can count, more maybe such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout and today is the first day that there has been some relief of the pain. Thanks to Vicoden ES and prednisone. We went to the ID Dr. Kravitz and he prescribed prednisone 2 days ago as he said by looking at the blood cultures he feels that Brad has a serum disease that was caused from the first antibiotic, roceferin, which was changed to Vancomycin which he is still getting per his pick line, X2 a day . Brad is giving it to himself and it takes almost 2 ½ hours to infuse into his picc line. We did learn that it goes in a lot quicker if we set it out at room temperature as it does have to be kept in the refrigerator. Serum disease is an allergic reaction that affects a joint, in this case his ankle. It is seen in only one person a year by Dr, Kravitz. (go figure) No further antibiotic will be prescribed after the line is pulled. Brads white blood count has been going up so that was good news to our ears!!! Brad s back pain comes and goes. He has been walking hunched over and can t walk on his foot so all of his muscles are suffering at this time. He has not been able to go to cardiac rehab at all due to this swollen ankle. We have hopes to start up next week. His incision from the heart surgery is awesome and almost healed. Brad has very little pain in that area and when he does its when he is coughing, laughing hard or sneezing. He still can hear his new valve loud and clear. Tomorrow is the big day for the picc line to be pulled. Kim the Health East home nurse will be coming out at 12:00 noon. Brad is so excited as we all are!!!!! It was a big pain to say the least. This is being pulled earlier than we thought but we aren t complaining about that. This will be the end of the home health nurse coming out to the house. We will miss seeing her and she has been very helpful. He will also start going to the INR clinic in West St. Paul to have his blood drawn tomorrrow. This blood work tells Brad how much Coumadin to take. He will be going to this INR clinic as often as needed. At this time he is getting 8mg. for an INR of 2.56. Tonight it was 3.14 so they put his Coumadin on hold. ( Brad has to be very careful of any bleeding of any type at this time) It will take awhile to get this stable. 1.5 is a normal INR.(how does this look Jimmy?) Brad just told me that he can start driving on Sunday. He is counting the minutes until he can get behind the wheel of his caddie!!! It will be a month already that he had surgery on the 8TH of September. WOW!!!! Its been a long month!! Well all for now. Hopefully all is up hill from here. Ali will be in IGH Days parade on Saturday. Ali is a bus patrol for her school, so they will all be walking together. She is so looking forward to this. She had her first soccer game on Tuesday and they lost .but had fun!!! Call Ali to check when her games are if you would like to come and watch our pro in action. Ali is doing well as far as Brad goes but we don t like to see Brad in so much pain so this has been very hard on her and the rest of us. It was so nice to hear him laugh tonight. I think it had to do with the Republican convention!! J He took some good pictures of Kurties Jail and all of the security around it the other day on the way to a Dr s appointment. I found it all very scary!!!!!!! I will be leaving on vacation Friday, September12, for Seattle Washington by way of Amtrak with 4 of my friends and my cousin Roseann. Brad will be in good hands and by then he should be recovering nicely. Of course I will be making my daily check in to see how things are going. I sure will miss him and Ali!! I thank everyone again for all of your support. It means more than you will ever know. Keep the prayers coming in. We can never have to many of them. We have to get Brad well so that he can get out and about. It s not fun going from the house to the car to the Dr s office. Brads free time now is just trying to get some sleep. It will all be OK real soon ..real soon all will be OK!!!! Carol August 27, 2008 Wednesday: I have been getting so many E-mails and calls just wondering how Brad is doing. I thought I d post an update and bring everyone up to date on what is going on. Sorry I haven t done it sooner but life has been busy. Yesterday we went to see Dr. Lynn from Summit ortho. For Brad s back pain. Brad continues to have severe pain to his back. Not much instant help gotten from this visit as the Dr. wants to make sure he is all healed from the heart surgery before doing anything aggressive or make any med. changes. X-ray s were reviewed and they felt the plan of action would be to start therapy in the pool and land after he sees his heart Dr. . Brad has been going to cardiac rehab. X3 a week over at Woodwinds Hosp. We go on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. He has been doing a little at a time on the bike and treadmill and gradually getting better. He has therapy for 1 hour and then he has education for 1/2 hour at the end. On Tuesday and Thursday s we try to get him to a park to do some walking and get some good fresh air. He does walk to the mail box to get the mail every day. He still gets short of breath. Ali seems to be handling what is going on with Brad quite well. She is a big help and Brad s right hand man. They sure are buddies!! Sure is a lot for a little girl to understand and handle but she is doing great!! Ali joined soccer so practice is on Tuesday and Thursdays. Her first game is on Tuesday and we are all looking forward to that big game!!! Very exciting Oh, yes yesterday Brad woke up with a sore ankle. It also had some swelling to it. By the time we did all of our errands and running around (Brad stayed in the car with his leg elevated,) he said the pain was going up his leg. I took him past the clinic and they said go right to the emergency room. We went over to St. Joes and they did an ultrasound of his leg and found no blood clots. Thank God!!! They also did an EKG and all was fine there. We went home and Brad Has no pain control. He continues to complain of pain to his back, neck chest, and no pain pills are touching it. He is going to see the Dr. Next Wednesday. Brad also got a call from Dr. Kravitz nurse and she said that Brad s antibiotic is causing an allergic reaction to his body, (they found this out thru the blood work they draw every week at the house) and it had to be changed. I forgot the name of the antibiotic but it isn t as strong as the one he was on before. That took place today. They prescribed Benadryl for that allergic reaction. There are no outward signs on his body, (no rash or that type) of any other reaction. They don t feel the swollen ankle (edema) or the pain to that ankle area has anything to do with it. Because of the change in the antibiotic, Brad now has to give himself the antibiotic per his picc line X2 a day, at 12:00 noon and at 12:00 midnight, and it takes 1 hour to inject in.(he picked the times)He also has to flush with heparin before and after he gives himself the antibiotic. He was doing it at 12:00 noon, once a day and it took 30 minutes to inject in, per a syringe and he only had to flush with heparin after he did the antibiotic. . This will only be until the 8TH of September so he said he can handle that. His PICC line is doing fine and the nurse continues to come out for a visit once a week to change the dressing and check the site. September 8TH is the Date we are waiting for. It is the last day of his antibiotic, and that line can be pulled!!! YAY!! YAY!!! Brad is eating well but is still hanging around the 219 weight line. He looks like the skinny Brad that we were all used to seeing years ago. Brad has a beard and it looks very nice on him. Lots of changes to that young body of his .But still a stud!!! I just got a call from Brad and he is on the way to the emergency room as I type. His Dr. said that an x-ray should have been taken along with the ultra-sound yesterday. He continues to have a lot of pain today. They have to rule everything out. Just called Brad and he said that they did not take an x-ray at the emergency room. They felt there was no need for it. They did say that they may go down the road of checking him out for rheumatoid arthritis and try to rule that out next week. They did prescribe more Percocet for the pain. He was happy for that Well, I think this brings you all up to date. Thanks again for all the cards, help, thoughts, e-mails and prayers. All are very much appreciated and needed!!!! alibabas@comcast.net This is Brads e-mail if you would like to e-mail him!! Brad and Ali say HI to all and Brad said he will be in the grove of things again in no time flat !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He is so lucky to have such an awesome support system. Everyone has to have one and Brad is finding that out right now more than ever. I thank you all also for all your concerns about myself. I m doing fine. I just want my boy to get well !!!!! Carol August 18, 2008 Monday: Well, I m back home and as I figured my body was in Ely with my friends but my heart was here back home with Brad and Ali. I came back with a new tooth and was given the good to go as far as my teeth go. I probably won t get back to Ely again until after the snow flies now. Brad was in good hands while I was gone. Everyone pulled together and made Brad comfortable, fixed meals, cleaned house etc. etc. etc. There are so many people that care about him and Ali!!! It was so nice to see him and Al and Brad walking around his own house. He still has complaints of back pain but his side pain seems to be subsiding. I m thinking that time and rest and rest and time will help with that. He will start therapy this Wednesday and will continue with it 3X a week for several weeks. They will get Brad back as good as new, working out on all the cardiac rehab. Equipment for about 1 ½ hour on those 3 days. Brad is very motivated to get this show on the road. Brad does an awesome job giving himself his own IV per his picc line in his right arm. (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter) It s all sterile and given per syringe with a heparin flush. The nurse will come in once a week to change the dressing around that site. A nurse will also come in to draw his labs., especially his INR to adjust his Coumadin level every few days. Brad will be that Dr. yet!!!! I thank you all again for all your thoughts, time, prayers and etc. etc. etc.. You can see the power in prayer working in Brad by giving him a second chance on Life. Thank you thank you thank you!!!!!!!! For caring and supporting Brad, Ali and our families thru all of this. No one ever said that life would be easy . Keep all of the support and help coming and I will e-mail every now and then to keep in touch with everyone!!!!!..........God Bless you all!!!!!! Brad s Mom Ali and Stoli s Grama XXXX OOOO August 14, 2008 Thursday: I couldn t keep away this morning from the Hospital as I just had to know what all of the discharge orders were and what was what. When I got to the hospital at about 8:30AM Brad had eaten everything on his breakfast tray and in very little pain. As we sat and after he went to cardiac rehab, his back was giving him a lot of pain again. Vicoden was given but it really knocks him out so when I left at 12:30PM Brad was fast asleep. Brad will get his last IV antibiotic at 2:00PM at the hospital. Then he gets a flush of heparin at 3:00PM and will go out the door of this place at 4:00PM with Kevie. Pammy will be at the other end with all of the instructions I gave her from this morning instructions I got from Jan, Dr. Emery s nurse practitioner We will be in contact per cell phone if she needs anything. Brads last day on the antibiotic is September 8TH. PARTY TIME!!!! Home health will be coming out X3 a week for the IV and also to draw the INR. His Coumadin will be regulated according to what the INR is. This morning it was 1.58 and they would like it at 1.86. We will also be going to rehab therapy X3 a week over at Woodwinds Hospital . Well I m out the door to Ely. I feel good about leaving Brad as he is in good hands. He has Pammy and Sis (both nurses) taking care of him as well as close friends. Anyhow Brad is at home as of 4:30PM. I couldn t be happier!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I talked to Ali and she is so happy and so excited!!!!!!!!!!! Daddy is coming home!!!!!! Thanks again for everything. The help we need now will be like a meal or two at first as we get a new routine going. Of course prayers are always needed and call if you would like to come over to visit. We need people in a time like this. Thanks for all of the support and help Bottom line is ..Brad is home!!!!!!!! Thank you God!!!!! Thank you Jesus!!!!! I love you Brad .More than all of Gods stars XXXX OOOO
A POEM FROM MY GOD AGAIN TODAY I will be handling all of your problems for you today. I do not need your help. So have a nice Day. I love you God August 13, 2008 Wednesday: Brad had a OK night. Brad has complaints of neck and back pain but he is taking vicoden for the pains and the med. seems to be helping. YAH!!!!!!! Respirtory came in and she said that there is no further need for any O2 as Brad is at 94 on room air today. . She DC d the order and stated again to Brad to use the incentive spirometer every hour and also to TCDB. (Turn, cough, deep breathing) Brad is OK, remembering to do that, but a reminder is always welcomed by anyone. Brad s INR was to low today so Dr. Emery stated that they are going to keep him in the hospital 1 more day but Brad is ready to go home tomorrow. He will need the PIC line dressing changed before he goes home and they will give the first antibiotic per PIC line. A nurse is scheduled to come out to the house to teach Brad how to do the antibiotic per PIC line on Friday. Brad is trying so hard to keep a positive attitude. Today a nurse came in and stated how gloomy it was. Brad said It may look like rain to you but I can see the sun shining I so love this boy of mine!!!! Dr. Krason the ID, came in and stated they did labs on Brads stools and there was no sign of a cause of loose stools linked to the antibiotic. That is awesome news . Chest incision is dry and intact. There is some, what looks like a hard crusty scab, and Dr. Emery stated that is the glue they use to close up the incision and that it will dry up and fall off. He was so please with Brad s improvement. However he did state if Brad s back is no better after some time he will refer Brad to a spine Specialist. Dr. is thinking that there will be no need for that as Brad is going to improve so much better when he gets home. Brad did therapy and did well. Was a little more tired than yesterday. Brad did walk to the family rooms where we waited for him after ICU and also the station family room by the elevators that we spent some time in. Last nights walk may have been the reason for him being more tired today. He tried to walk with the help of a cane but said that it was more work than it was worth. I mentioned to Dr. Emery that Brad looked a little depressed to me. Dr. Emery s reply was He has earned it . Brad looked at Dr. and said That answer is the reason you Dr. are holding up this hospital PT (physical therapist, Marisa) stated that Brad would do well for himself by having a protein shake everyday using the protein powder. Using that and fruit such as bananas, strawberries and frozen yogurt. She stated that he needs a lot of protein for healing. So lets push the protein!!!! They also reinforced that cooked were better way to eat green veggies and not raw. She stated that foods can work with or against Coumadin. It will take a while to learn and awhile to have a routine but it will all fall into place. We just have to be patient. A few more reminders given today. (1) keep knees bent and then turn onto side.(2) never push or pull with arms!!! (3) Use pillows to help self getting up. (4) DO NOT USE ARMS AT THIS TIME!!!! (5) do some type of exercises everyday and check big heart book for how long they should be done. Only about 5 minutes a day the first week home. DON T RUSH THINGS. GO SLOW!!!!!! Stacy Ko will be Brads Primary Dr. HE DOES NOT WANY DR. RICHARDSON!!!!!!! I did talk to Dr. Emery about my kids and grandkids being examined for possibly having a bi-cusped valve like Brad. Dr. stated that when they go in for a physical, no big rush, they should mention to their primary Dr. of the findings with Brad and he will check for a heart mur mur take it from there. Brad wanted to go outside today but the Dr. would not give the OK. I guess tomorrow will have to be the official outside day after 15 days in the hospital. . Hang in there Brad. Everyday will get better and better. Well tomorrow is the big day!!!! Kev will pick up Brad and bring him home around 4:00PM and Pammy will be on the other end to welcome him home with Ali. I m soooo happy for him. Due to a broken tooth with an exposed nerve and my dentist being in Ely, I will be going to Ely tomorrow and will be back on Sunday. I know Brad will be in good hands while I m gone. This was a very hard decision for me to make but Jane from healing hands, and Brad said it would be good for me to get away for awhile. We will see if they are right. Brad did say we are just a phone call awayJ I have to be careful not to abuse that idea .. So please hold any joke e-mails. Support e-mails are more than welcomed. I will try to send an update on Brad and pass it on to Kurtie and he will post it on this update page. So thank God, Brads stay in the Hospital has finally come to an end. Now he will work hard to get more strength and before long he will be feeling better than better again. Keep the prayers coming and I will touch base with everyone thru this e-mail as I feel there is information that you would like to know. Brad will soon be able to do some updates also. I m off to Gods country but I m sure my heart will be back here with Brad. August 12, 2008 Tuesday: Well another bad restless night for Brad. He had a problem with shaking and twitching legs. They did a potassium draw and found out that his potassium was low. It was also reported that all the other cultures were clear of any bacteria, CAT scan was normal for the appendices, White count was going down (a good thing), No more fevers, and his weight is now 219# s. Brad said he hasn t been this weight since high school. He s asking about vitamins. Doesn t want to lose any more weight. It s a funny right now as the nurses try to see what sibling Brad looks like. Brad said when he s heavier he looks like Kurtie, now that he lost the weight he looks like Kev. I just don t want him looking like Sis!!!!!!! Brad went to therapy. Walked the hall with no help but an arm close by, around the circle X2. He rode the bike for 10 minutes and did the steps several times. Activity level is way up and they said he turned the bend in getting back to good health on this day. Few more reminders given. (1) Must ride in the back seat when in the car with heart pillow on his chest (2) no reaching above head for any reason After therapy Brad s wish came true. Mike Staton, the heart rep. from St. Jude, (over there on Hwy. 36 and Rice Street ,) came to the hospital just to explain and show the valve that was used for Brad. When the room had nurses and all of us in there, Mike said that Brad was the first one ever, that he has ever come to the Hospital for this reason to show a patient. Brad asked why and Mike said others have never asked and were not interested.) He loved talking about his awesome product and explained it to all of us, had a DVD on his computer to show to us. (Scared Brad at first as Mike gave Brad a video tape. Brad thought they must be a little more advanced than a video and said just that to Mike.)A few laughs were gotten from that. Mike was embarrassed. Mike said Dr. Emery believes in this valve and has done a paper on it. This valve has 30 years of data on it. The noise or pop rock sound is actually from the valve opening and closing. Brad has a size 23 valve. They go up to a 27, however they can custom make one. A size 25 is about the size of a quarter. After we all looked the St. Jude medical health valve over and over again Mike said that he was inviting our whole family to St. Jude to observe the making of Brad s valve and tour the valve plant. There are serial # s on each individual valve to track them .There are a team of highly skilled people that put the valves together and it is more than interesting. He also said that every person who had anything to do with the actual valve that Brad has in his heart will line up at the end of the tour so that we could see all of the people responsible for My brads life. CAN YOU BELIEVE THIS????? Brad was all over this and said we are definitely going to take in this tour in the near future. I did ask the question about the bi-cusped valve. It was explained before to me but I had to hear it again. Brad did get the infection from dental. However he also had this heart defect from birth called a Bi-cusped valve. There would be no reason for this to ever be checked as it would have had to be a heart problem when he was a young boy. Which he never did have any problems. A bicuspid aortic valve is a defect of the aortic valve, which normally has three leaflets or cusp, instead only has two. About 1-2% of the population have bicuspid aortic valves, although the condition is nearly twice as common in males.. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicuspid_aortic_valve I will be talking with Dr. Emery tomorrow about prevention of problems with my other 3 kids and my grandkids. Brad will have to carry a St. Jude card with him at all times and it should be kept in his wallet. OK now back to my Brad. He had Dr. and nurses in and out all day. Very tired again tonight. I visited with his company that came to visit with him and had them sign Brad s heart pillow, as he just had to get some rest per his request. Everyone understood. Another procedure that Brad had done today was a PIC line (Peripherally inserted central catheter) was inserted into a peripheral vein in his left arm. This line will rest in the distal superior vena cavia of his heart and bring in the antibiotics (rocefrin)for the next 28 days. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PICC_line Brad was given warm towels for discomfort to the site thru out the day. Brad along with myself will be taught how to inject the antibiotic correctly into the port. A nurse came and stated that pre-filled syringes of antibiotic and heparin flush will be pre measured. Home nurse will come X1 a week and change dressing to site and just check Brad over. The nutritionist also came in and talked over the foods that work with and work against Coumadin. It s better to eat cooked greens instead of raw greens. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2045759 check this site out. Well its time for me to try and get some sleep and I m sitting here hoping and praying that Brad is having a restful night. It would be so awesome if he could come home tomorrow. I will let everyone know when I find out. Thanks again for everything. Keep your prayers coming Brads and Ali s way. Ali is so excited that Dad is coming home. She so wants to spend time with him. It s been way to long .way to long!!!!!! August 11, 2008 .Monday: (also the night of the 10TH.Sunday ) Well I m back with a little rest under my belt and my notebook. Brad had another painful night and day. He continues to complain about pain to his right side area. Every time he breaths the pain almost becomes unbearable. House Dr., Dr. Taj will examine Brad in the morning to rule out UTI, appendices, muscle pain, or fluid that has settled after surgery and has not been able to be absorbed by Brad s body. Rehab. Came down to start Brad with his exercises. Brad walked the circle of the unit with the help of walking behind a wheelchair and arm of Marisa, the Physical therapist. Brad also did 4 minutes on the stationary bike and did 12 steps in groups of 3. All of this was done with much resting in between. Brad very tired but was very motivated and did awesome.!!!!!!!! Will continue doing more and more every day in regard to rehab. The therapist gave a few guidelines that he will have to follow when he gets home. He will not be able to mow the lawn, no lifting over 10 lbs, no reaching out like in casting in fishing, no driving for 1 month, will have to go over to Woodwinds X2 a week for therapy, no disc golf .all of these for 3 months!!!!! Brad continues to complain about the heparin shots that he is still getting. And very well has the right to!!!!! Getting heparin after open heart surgery is very routine until the INR (clotting time) is normal. I believe he will be getting about 3 more doses. Thank God!!!!! I spent the night with Brad and I thought he had a good night. He was quiet from 1:00AM-7:45AM in the morning. Brad said he had had some terrible dreams. He said that it is impossible to get any rest in the hospital. He said the only place he could remember getting some good sleep was when he was in jail over night when he was a kid. So when Brad wants a quiet palace I say to him dream about being in jail Brad Who would have ever thought!!!! haha. Dr. Emery, heart Dr. came in and said that Brad would be discharged as soon as his INR was 1.825. At this time it is 1.41. Dc will be on Tuesday or Thursday. Brad will be on a 28 day antibiotic per a pic line when he goes home. Cultures are all good and the incision looks great. All reasons to get rest at home and get out of this building that is full of bad germs!!!! Brad did ask again if he could see the type of valve that was put into his heart. Connie the RN said she would check things out and see if this was even possible. Ali came in today to visit her Dad and he had her put on a stethoscope to listen to his new valve. They both agreed that it sounded like pop rocks doing there thing. Some of these valves are very loud. This all depends on how thick of a chest the patient has. Its something they will get used to hearing. Brad is encouraged to use the spirometer every hour and try to break his record. Brad is at 1,500, Ali is at 3,500 and the spirometer goes up to 5,000. And the game goes on!!!! This is that breathing machine they use to help strengthened his lungs. Dr. Taj ordered a CAT scan of Brad side after he drinks a bottle of water with omnepaque. At 3:00PM drank his potion and was waiting to be taken to CAT scan. For some reason they forgot about him and we reminded them so he had to drink another ½ bottle of this awful tasting omnepaque for the second time. We wheeled him downstairs for the Cat scan about 8:30PM. Brad has been NPO since before lunch. We will get the results in the AM. Julie the social worker is checking up on Brad health insurance to see if home health is covered. I m hoping that it is, but well have to wait and see. This would be nice for pic line teaching and dressing changes and just to have heart, medical help aboard at the house. They also stated again: Therapy X2 a week, clinic appointment for checking the Coumadin levels, exercise every day. Brad will be a very busy boy for a few months. He is on 1 litter of o2 and sats are 95%. On the outside world the Olympics continue on with Michele Phillips, Eric Vendt, doing awesome. A friend of Brad and Jana s, Don Boxmeyer from the pioneer press passed away today. Another friend Sue s Dad had a heart attach. WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON!!!!!!!! I m hoping Brad will have a BETTER DAY TOMORROW. I know he will have a better day. It s going to be nothing but positive thinking!!!!!!! Bring on more Olympics!!!!! Brad loves watching our Americans taking in all the medals!! Thanks again for all the prayers. I feel all of the power in them!!!!!! Keep them coming!!!! August 11, 2008 Monday: This will be fast update on Brad as I left my notebook up at the hospital. I will make this quick and sweet and do a real blog on this day tomorrow. I m doing this blog to inform all of you with Brad s progress but even more important than that, I m doing it for Brad so that he can read it when he gets out of the hospital and find out what all went down with him. Brad continues with pain to his right side. They did a CAT scan tonight about 8:30PM. Results will be read and told to us tomorrow. They are checking to see if maybe there may be problem with his appendix. Dr. Emery came in and stated that Brad may be discharged tomorrow or Wednesday. Yes, you heard right August 12 or 13. It all depends on his INR (clot time) I m off to bed. Today was a long day. Get well soon Brad. I love you soooo much and hate to see you suffering like this. August 10, 2008 Sunday: Happy Birthday to our Sis!!!! Multitasking today with my kids. Out to lunch with Sis and Family for her B-day and up at the hospital with Brad. Both seemed to have a good day. Mom likes that!! I got up to the Hospital about 9:30AM. Brad had what I will put in the words from his mouth the worst night of my life with pain. They just can t seem to get the pain under control. However I was told that he slept from 3:00AM to 6:00AM. They did give him some morphine. Dr. Kravitz came in (infection Dr.) and stated that he felt that Brad was doing great. He said he is not worried about Brad s kidneys one bit. All of this is very normal. Brad is now on a fluid restriction of 1,500cc a day. That s about 3 glasses of water, a day. Potassium levels are up a bit also. They gave Brad prune juice yesterday and he had good results, but very watery diarrhea. This may be the reason for the sodium and potassium results. (This may be more than Brad wants me to share, but that s OK.) Brad is forcing himself to eat and is slowly improving. This will take time but he is trying so so hard to do everything to get himself out of this place as soon as possible. Physical therapy came and took Brad for a walk around the whole circle of the unit. In the morning he went without feeling to bad. At supper now he became a little dizzy but finished with flying colors. Was so great to see him walking!!!!!! After the walk he sat up in the chair and ate. He became tired but did awesome. They informed him that they will try him out with steps and a little farther walk tomorrow. Boy they sure do get them moving faster than fast!!! He is complaining about pain to his right side. Ultra sound was fine of the kidneys. . They feel it has to do with his muscles that could have gotten hurt during surgery. He is receiving cold and hot packs to that site and he is also applying some Roll on heat type of stuff that I got from my chiropractor for pain. He seems to get some relief when that is applied. They pulled out Brad s cath. today. He said it hurt like hell when they pulled it but is so glad that it s out. He also stated that they whipped it out and it was soooooo long and just whipping around when it came out. . We didn t know if he was trying to brag about his length of it or what. (Haha) ..Anyhow, he walked to the bathroom with help and wanted some privacy so the door was shut. He finished and decided to try and get up on his own and fall on his arm and side. He tried to get up on his own from the floor but had to call for help against his wanting too. He knew he did wrong. He said that won t happen again He said he just felt he could do it by himself. Brad s o2 was at 3 liters when I just left from up there and his sats (o2 levels) are 92%. He wants to get rid of the oxygen to but will have to continue with deep breathing and use his spirometer and keep it at bedside. Brad continues to get heparin which is routine after heart surgery, they have been pushing it in fast and it huts like heck. This last one I asked if they could go slow and easy and he said it still hurt but not as bad when it was injected. Brad also said he had to receive insulin this morning as his blood sugars were high. They took his BS throughout the day and they were back in normal range again. In talking to just talk, Brad shared again how before surgery they asked him to count backwards before going under. So he did .5-4-3-17 .He said be sure to tell my family my counting as we would get a kick out of it. AS WE ALL DID!!!!! Brad s birthday is on 3-17. He s pretty quick wouldn t you say???? Also we talked about when the Dr. came into the family waiting room and told us the surgery was all over and Brad was doing well, and would be OK, over the loud speaker came the lullaby song that a new baby was born. It gave me Goosebumps!!! On rating the worst pain he has ever had it goes like this: (1) the tracheotomy, (2) Side, back and chest pain, (3) pulling out of the cath. (4) heparin injections. He also remembers all to well the shakes he had before he came in and when he first came in. Lots to talk about now. Many BAD DAYS WHEN HE THINKS OF IT. So much behind us. THANK GOD!!!!! He said he will never forget the Leukemia scare and having to tell Ali. Sad sooooo sad!!!! He and Ali will have a lot to talk about. As you all know, they are the best of friendsJ Ali called early in the morning and wanted to know if her Dad will know her tomorrow. I guaranteed her he would!!!! You know she has a lot on her mind but when I ask how everything is or how she is feeling; she says I just want my Dad home with me We talk often and every day. Thanks to everyone for pitching in during this time. It s so nice to have so many awesome people in our life. Between the house, Ali, Brad, Stoli (kitty and all her needs), the yard, the newspaper pile up by the front door, DVR taping programs, etc. etc. etc. I can t thank you all enough for all of your help, prayers, thoughts, flowers and cards. Nothing goes unnoticed and is all appreciated!!!!!!! I m on my way to spend the night with my Brad. More good news tomorrow!!!!! It will be a better night and a better day than today, tomorrow!!!!! I feel some peace and I m sure it is coming from way up above. Thank you my Jesus!!!! August 9, 2008 .Saturday: This has to be a quick update as its past 1:00AM and morning comes quick. Brad had a very painful day. Just can t seem to get it under control. However a lot of action has been going on. First of all they pilled all of his tubes today at 9:45AM. They are using ultram and the Fentinal patch to keep pain in check. Jane from Healing touch came to visit Brad and that seems to help sooooooo much. She will be coming back next week. They are having Brad stand at the side of the bed and pace in place. He was very dizzy and very week. He also has to do some deep breathing as wheezing is noted in his lungs. Dr. Davis, the heart Dr., came in and said that Brad was stable and they were moving him today which they did do. They transferred Brad into a wheelchair and took him over to 282 on the same floor where he was before surgery. Once they got him in bed they got him up as they had to take him down for an ultra sound of his kidneys as he was having some side pain. They did an ultra sound and the reports stated all was ok. The kidney Dr. will be coming in tomorrow to check brad out. The anesthetist came in and asked how things went yesterday. Brad said I should be asking you that . She asked if there was any complaints about anything and Brad said Only that he heard them talking about George Bush Sr. and George Bush Jr. He said he wanted to get into the conversation but was to tired to do so That s the only complaint. When asked how he feels, he said I feel like I was hit by a Mac truck!!!!!!! Vitals look good but he said last night was the worst night of his life. We have to keep Brad in a positive attitude. He needs to be reminded that each day is going to get better and it will. I so hate seeing my boy having to go thru all of this ..I just want to take it all away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Still no company until Monday. He needs so much rest as he is not sleeping at night hardly at all. Same with phone calls. Call me at 763-218-7322 if you want. I went to the wedding of Rosalie s and Tony s for a while and then went back to the Hospital. My heart was trying to be at the wedding but it was really with my Brad. . However, It was absolutely beautiful!!!!! So nice to see everyone. Everyone said to say Hi to Brad and they are all thinking and praying for him. Brad to, said to say Hi to everyone for him. He really hated to miss this wedding. Well, I m off to bed. Big birthday tomorrow Sis s!!!!! We will do lunch and then I will spend the day with Brad. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY SIS!!! More tomorrow night. Keep Brad in your prayers and thoughts. Tomorrow will be a much better day. I can feel it!!!!!! Oh yes, he did try to eat a little. Mostly liquids today but he did try a little of the hot dish. No nausea. Thank God!!! August 8, 2008 .Friday: Well first things first. I just called the nurses station to check on Brad. The nurse stated he is doing better than good. They had just gotten him out of bed to stand a while per Dr. Emery s orders.. Brad was a little hesitant at first but stated that his back was feeling much better after he got out of bed. His blood pressure is 112/62. I like that reading!!! O2 is at 96 on 6 litters. Brad is watching the football game on TV. Seattle 31 and Minnesota 17. 3RD quarter. I mentioned to the nurse he may also like to take a quick look at the Summer Olympics opening ceremony. (34 Seattle and Minnesota 17 final score) L WHAT A DAY!!!! Brad went down to OR room at 6:45AM. Kurtie, Jill, Kevie, Sis, Big Johnny, Jana and myself, were all there to give Brad our good luck hugs and kisses. He has super positive thinking going on. Jane the Healing touch nurse met Brad in her scrubs and was there for him every step of the way. He just loved having her with him. So did I!!!! I said my own private prayers continually thru out the day. As we were walking to the elevator big Johnny shared what his Dad had to say about his open heart surgery and what he remembers. He said he heard it all in one long sentence. It will go like this, Big Johnny said to Brad . Ok Brad, we are going to start an IV ..hello Brad, Hello Brad, can you hear me. We all had a good laughJ Surgery started at 8:45AM .Dr. Emery came in at 10:40AM and said surgery was all over ad that Brad came thru it with flying colors. AWESOME!!!! THANK YOU GOD!!! We went upstairs to the waiting room by room 15 and waited for the nurse to give us the OK to come in to visit Brad. Brad was coming in and out of consciousness and at 2:55PM he was breathing on his own and very much aware of what was going on. Very tired and very sore!!!!! There were 2 equipment mishaps. One with the O2 where the moisture in the tubing was filling up and the nurse was empting it and it backed up and came flying out into Brad s face like a bucket full of water. OH MY GOD!!! I about had a heart attack. The second one was where the IV tubing that was hooked into an IV line and it came out and Sis noted blood on Brad s gown and sheet. I ve got to get him home soon!!!! Brad has an incision about 9 inches long down the middle of his chest. It was clean and intact. Brad did complain of terrible chest pain. A heart hug pillow was waiting for him to hug but it felt to heavy at this time. (When you go up there next week ...don t forget to sign Brad s heart pillow with a get well wish. It will be a real part of him in the coming weeks. ) I so feel so bad for him. I wish it was me having the pain and not my boy!!! All of the Dr s came in to check Brad and all had positive reports. All were very happy on the outcome!!! Brad needs all the sleep he can get at this time as they will be getting him up and about soon enough. They said that he will be eating real food tomorrow already. He will also get some walking in. All for now. Thanks for waiting until next week to visit Brad. He d love to see everyone but we have to look out for his best interest. There are so many people who care about him. In fact last night Brad said to me Mom, I have to come out of this ok, or I would let so many people down He is feeling your love. I thank you for that. Both Love and Prayer go a very long way!!!!!!!!!!!!\ Ali is with Sue and family and they are having an awesome time. Ali and I touched base several times during the day and her fears have been put to rest for the most part. She will be going up to see Dad on Sunday. They are such buddies. How can this little girl be so strong? Someday we may find out Gods purpose for what his plan is for all of this monkey shine!!!! Continue with your prayers. They are working along with all the good luck pieces that all of you have given him. Brad has the lucky bracelet on!!!!! God was with all of us on this 8-8-08 day. What an awesome God!!!! If it is a thought, or if it is a prayer, or if it is a call or e-mail, or if it is a visit, just know anything and everything is much appreciated!!! This was a poem sent to me from God yesterday I will be handling all of your problems for you today. I do not need your help. So have a nice Day. I love you God August 8, 2008 .Friday: Here it is 2:55PM and Brad is off of the ventilator. They just pulled the tubes and breathing on his own. Dr Emery s assistant came in and stated that all of his neurological test results are normal and she feels we are out of the woods in regard to issues like a stroke. Brad should not talk for the next 2 hours due to the swelling of the throat. He is able to follow commands. Dr. Emery stated that Brad responded earlier probably due to the surgery being completed faster than expected and his young age. Awesome!!! Brad is comforted by CDs that he chose before the surgery. Once again we invite you to visit Brad sometime next week as he will require much needed rest. I have been in touch with Ali throughout the day. Ali said I am so glad he is alive . My family and I are hanging in there and glad this part of this nightmare is over. Thanks for all of the support and emails we have been receiving throughout the day. You guys are awesome!!!! Carol Update on Brad: August 8, 2008: Brad went down to surgery at 8:15AM. Dr. came in at 10:40Am and stated that the surgery is all over with and he came thru with flying colors. All went well. We are on our way up to his room and I will email as Brad comes too. Thanks for all of the prayers. Keep them coming. Brad will probably be asleep until 6pm. More later. Carol August 7, 2008 .Thursday: Well .surgery is on for 7:30AM tomorrow morning, Friday August 8, 2008. Dr. Emery and Dr. Holter will perform the open heart surgery. Everyone one says that they are the very best and cream of the crop when it comes to heart surgeons. The day went like this to lead to this final decision. First of all there was a lot of commotion in Brad s room, upon me entering his room. Evidently the water pipes broke in the bathroom floor above us. There were all kinds of repair men trying to repair this leak. I questioned them about being in the room when Brad was to be getting rest. Brad said Mom, it s OK. I know all about having to maintain their building . So I let them do their business but didn t like it!! . The nurse came in and did a treatment on Brad called Ischemiac conditioning. She had a blood pressure cuff on his arm and pumped it up very high and kept it pumped up and on for 5 minutes. She did this 3 times. She stated that she was doing this to exercise the heart to strengthen it. A strong heart, pumps better blood. This helps to keep the heart strong. Ali called and stated her foot was hurting sooo bad from getting hurt last night.( she missed 2 steps and fall) . I told Brad I would go down and check it out. Brad called Jeanie, Ray s Grandma and they decided to elevate Ali s foot, put ice on it and was given Tylenol. No further calls. I called checking up on her. All was A, OK!! Dr. Chan came in to check Brad s rash that he had developed. It has improved since the prescribed powder was put on. We also found out that the name of the bacteria that was found in his bloodstream was called viridams. Thank God they found the antibiotic to fight it. Jane from Healing touch came to see Brad. He agreed to be seen by her and loved the session. He stated he only wished it lasted longer. Jane said she will come back tomorrow morning with scrubs on and will go down to surgery with Brad to keep him relaxed and in a positive state of mind. Sounds awesome!!! Sue brought up Brad s CD s to be played before surg. and after. Dr. Lam, Brad s dentist, came in to check Brad s teeth and his gums at 1:40PM. I did ask him why Brad did not get an antibiotic before he had his teeth scraped. Dr. said they try not to use antibiotics for every little thing and that there practice has not seen a need for it until now. From now on Brad will receive an antibiotic before any dental work. Dr. did a very good job in checking Brad s teeth and his report was that Brad was good to go to surgery. Dr. Taj, the Hospitals primary care Dr., came in to address Brad s continuing back pain. He mentioned that Brad has a disc protrusion but the MRI and cat scan showed that it was not sitting on a nerve. He also stated that Brad s kidney functions had gone up due to all the antibiotics he was getting. They will treat this with hydrating him with IV fluids and Brad is to drink more fluids. They are also going to continue monitoring the antibiotics that he is on. Dr. Emery came in and said they plan to use the metal valve. The St. Jude one. He did say he will decide once he is in what is best for Brad. Dr. Emery also stated that they will look into Brad s back problem once he is feeling better after surgery and see if the infection was causing the pain. He s guessing on that but promised he will follow up on this. Dr. Emery per Brad s request will show him the valve tomorrow morning what is going to be put into him. It will be a busy morning The anesthetist came in to see Brad, also, and explains all that was going to go down tomorrow. When the Dr. Came in he said I see you are down for a valve replacement tomorrow. Brad said WHAT??? I DIDN T KNOW THAT!!! Brad has not lost his sense of humor, even through all of this. He stated that Brad would go down 45 minutes before the surgery is scheduled. He will go down at 6:45AM. Once down there he will have an IV started in his brachial artery and also one in his Jugular vein to monitor his heart. O2 will be started and he will be asleep in 20 seconds. An airway will be put in to help with the breathing. He will be on a ventilator for about one hour. Brad told Ali that during this time when his heart will be stopped he will talk to Mommy and ask how she is and talk awhile. Ali looked at him for awhile and then said to Brad, Dad, just don t talk to long . I love her sooo much!!!! The Dr. said that this will be a lost day for Brad but the longest day in the life of his family and friends. Dr. said that Brad will wake up slowly. Dr. said Brad may remember the tube in his throat as he has to be breathing on his own before they take it out. This will take about 5 hours. They figure he will come to about 6:00PM. Brad had a lot of company today but they were spaced and quality time was spent with Brad and they were not long visits that wore him out. Cooler crew friends and Paulie made there way over to St. Joes. Brad was soooo glad to see everyone. I hope I didn t offend anyone with my door duty on Brad s room today. I just wanted to make sure he got his rest. Ice man volunteered to mow Brad s lawn as needed (Cara, the guys are taking your job away) and Wicked Nick said he would be more than happy to drive Brad s Cadillac. J Which brings me to the information that the healing touch RN passed onto me. Jane said that Brad should not have any company for the first 2 days after surgery except close family members. She said that I should invite people to visit on Monday. She stated that again Brad will need strength to get up and move after this huge surgery. By Monday he will be ready to do some visiting with all of his awesome friends. He is also planning a get together for everyone who supported him during this whole nightmare in a few months down the line. I can hardly wait!!!!!!! Well I left as Brad was doing his 30 minute scrub to his chest. He had to do it once tonight and then again tomorrow morning. His chest was clear of all wires before he went to the shower. He said he felt soooo free!!!!! Ali is over at Sue and Jason s with Megan and Sarah. Sue had a whole string of fun events that are sure to spoil Ali to the max. That s ok. Sue loves to do it and Ali loves being with them. Sue got a wheel chair for Ali and wheeled her into the hospital due to Ali not being able to walk well. Ali spent over 1 hour with her Dad alone tonight. Just lying side by side and watching TV. Brad said He said Al we can go bike riding, plan your birthday party, have sleepovers and a lot more, after all of this is done. Brad said that Ali looked him in the eye and said . DAD, JUST LIVE!!!! Thanks you guys, for watching Ali. I love you so much for helping out like this. So if you would like to see Brad before he goes down for surgery needs to be at the hospital about 6:00AM in the morning. He will be out of surgery about 12:30PM. But will not be awake until about 6:00PM. It will be a lost day for him but the first day of the rest of his life!!!!!! I will try to find a computer in the hospital that I can send e-mails out from my home. If you are pacing and want to know what is going on, call me on my cell. 763-218-7322. I know what it is like to sit back and not know what is going on. Feel free to call me. Well ..my positive thinking is feeling good. Brad will be just fine and he will have a story to tell, like my Kurtie always says. Life experiences are songs to be sung!!! I heard from friends tonight that friend Ann led a beautiful prayer at the refuge tonight at church. Joanie said we are all covered in love and prayer. Thanks everyone. Good news will be reported tomorrow night or sooner if I can get a hold of a computer. God is with us all. He is with Brad. Please God, take care of my boy and work side by side with the Doctors!!!!! August 6, 2008, Wednesday: After rereading my entry from last night, please forgive me if my spell check or word usage is not correct. Such as Brad will be on respirations and nor a a respirator. I m just glad I can get this out there to all of you. If I e-mail a mistake, I apologize. Director of cardiovascular surgery at St. Joseph : Dr. Robert Emery Well I just looked for my notes and I realized I left them up at the Hospital. So I ll do my best from memory. I arrived at the hospital early to find Brad still sleeping. At this time I decided that my job for the day was to be on room patrol. I was only going to let people in that were more important than sleep. I narrowed that down to just Dr s. In true Tegantvoort fashion, Brad slept until 11:30 at which time Dr. came in and stated that the bone marrow test results came back and they were 99.99999% negative. Final result comes tomorrow. He also added that they didn t think there was a problem but now they know for sure. We now have the go ahead to have surgery from the ID (infectious disease Dr.) and the pathologist. We need the ok from the dentist and Dr. Emery, the surgeon who is waiting for the examine of the mouth and teeth to be done. Brad said the call that woke him up today was a return call from HIS VERY OWN Dentist stating that he would be up at 1:00PM on Thursday to examine Brad s teeth and mouth. AWESOME!!!!!!! I m sure Brad s dentist feels just terrible at this point. Dr Emery made his visit and stated Brad would be going down for a chest x-rays and also routine culture specimens were going to taken by the nurses from his nose, mouth and urine. They want no signs of any infection. Brad is trying to eat but just isn t hungry. He has lost 42# s Tummy is all gone. Thank God he had a few extra # s packed on before hand. Dr. said after surgery his appetite will return. Dr. Emery s nurse came in and talked about the valve choices, the medication, Coumadin, that will have to be taken daily if the metal valve is used, (pro s and con s) and told us that the time of the surgery was going to be Friday August 8, 2008 at 7:30AM and if we wanted to see Brad before he was taken into surgery we should be there by 6:00AM. This will be at St. Joes Hospital . The surgery will be over with about 12:30PM. Oh how I wish it was this time next week!!!!!!! The RN who is in charge of the healing touch program at St. Joes, came to explain to me (Brad still sleepingJ) that Patients are provided a range of healing arts therapy, such as guided imagery, essential oils, and healing touch. Brad and I talked about the healing arts therapy offered, after he woke up this morning. He said that he believes in and plans on using this art therapy before surgery. Ali was up to visit her Dad with her best friend Ray after lunch. She sure enjoyed looking thru her new school back pack and was in 7TH heaven. Deano and Brenda had the girls for the day and they came up with a lot of fun things to play with. I asked Ali if she had any questions about her Dad or what was going on and she said I understand what is going on but I am scared. I love you, Al!!! Brad had several visitors and we were so surprised and happy to see my volley ball friends from Cottage Grove . Yolie, Carm and Rosie surprised the pants off of me. Thanks guys!!! Everyone only spent a short time thus giving Brad time to rest. It s not the amount of time they spend visiting with Brad its how they make him feel when they are with him J He feels more than awesome with all of you that come up. Brad says Love all you guys Well .this is all I can remember. If I have forgotten anything important I will add it on to tomorrow nights blog. I m feeling really good about this operation. Brad will be back home in no time flat. Positive thinking is my way of thinking. I want everyone to think positive and send it over the air waves to Brad s body. Send this along with a lot of prayers and we are good to go .. Thanks again to everyone for all of the prayers, love, support and etc. etc. etc!!!! I love you guys, too . Thanks Jimmy for hanging in there with me. I so depend on you to give me some answers or just to listen to my concerns. You are way comforting to me. THANKS!!! .Its also nice to see and talk to Diane and my friend Sue s friend who are nurses at St. Joes. I say bring on these special professionals!!! Brad has also received a lot of good luck pieces. Shell, coins, bracelet, shinny smooth piece, drawings and a bumble bee pin. Like I said we are good to go!!!!! I feel God on our side!!!!! I love you, Brad. I love you more than all of Gods stars. Get well soon really soon!!! I love you Ali All will be a-OK!!!!!! Oh Yes.. for those of you who read my long e-mails and skip over the links I have passed on from my friend Terry Please .I say please read them. They are awesome and will answer a lot of questions and prepare you for those questions that you will have after the surgery is all over. I have received many e-mails and comments on how easy to understand the links are. TTYL http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/tutorials/heartvalvereplacement/htm/lesson.htm http://www.sjm.com/procedures/procedure.aspx?name=Heart+Valve+Replacement http://www.texasheartinstitute.org/hic/topics/proced/vsurg.cfm August 5, 2008, Tuesday: Another trying day however some progress made toward getting the show on the road and getting Brad out and about playing disc golf and back hunting with the cooler crew again!!! Dr. Garr (cardio Dr.) came in at about 10:00AM. He laid everything on the line. He stated that he and the team of Dr s had a conference and had also talked with Dr. Emery (thoracic surgeon) over at Saint Joes, and they all felt that Brad should go over to St. Joes as soon as possible. They are known for being a wonderful heart Hospital. Brad would get a second opinion from Dr. Emery and his partners at this time. Brad was concerned about having to make a decision to fast and being forced into the decision before he was ready to make one. He asked Dr. Garr to give him an hour so that he could think it over and wanted the pictures from the transesophageal echocardiogram brought up and explained to him. Both the Dr. and nurse came in and went over the video with a fine tooth comb explaining everything to Brad. Brad was satisfied (but not happy) with seeing what they showed him. The aorta valve was leaking and had vegetation growing on it just eating away at the valve. Dr. Garr stated that if the valve wasn t replaced Brad would be dead in 1 month. Congestion Heart failure would start setting in and it would be all down hill from there. Brad said yes to St. Joes and at 3:00PM he was on his way over to St. Joes by way of the ambulance. He did get his aqua puncture done before he went over. Was in pain after the aqua puncture. Darn it He was so looking forward to itL Upon arriving at St. Joes, Dr. Emery came in to introduce himself and stated he had not checked over all the notes yet and some decisions still had to be made however he wrote an order for Brad to have a dentist come to the Hospital to check his teeth and his gums to make sure there was no other infection going on before they start the surgery. He did state that he has not seen a case like Brads for about 5 years ago. The problem we are having is that dentists don t come to the Hospital easily or if ever. I called Dr. Jimmy and Jimmy said that anything is possible. We could go ahead and try to find a dentist but it really was the responsibility of the Hospital. They can and will find a dentist. Brad is in room 279, a private room, on second floor. Dr. Emery does know our Dr. Jimmy and said to say hi to him. I like when they know each other from when they worked together at Abbott Northwestern Hosp. in Mpls. Something like this never hurts to know the right people .. Dr. Emery stated that there is 4-7% chance that the out come would not be good. But we were to dwell on the 93% that all would be OK. Positive thinking. Positive visual thinking as well. Reasons for good results....(1) young man (2) highly sensitive to the antibiotic he is being given (3) fever is down (4) 2 of this type of valve replacements are done every day at St. Joes. Well there will be no surgery tomorrow due to trying to find a dentist that will come up to examine Brad s teeth and gums. Surgery is set for this Friday. One thing I forgot to ask is if they do find an infection then what? Do they postpone surgery again? Brad if you are reading this please ask this in the morning if they come in before I get there. Now just a little about the operation. It will be open heart surgery. They will go in thru the chest wall. An incision about 12 inches will be made. They will stop the heart for about 1 hour and put Brad on a respiration as this is when they will be taking the vegetation off and replacing the new valve. Brad can not drive a car for one month lift over 10# s or raise his hands over his head. He will be able to go back to work in 10 weeks. Tonight he had to decide what type of valve he wanted. (1) Metal valve it will last 120 years but he will have to be on Coumadin the rest of his life. Dr. asked him if he drove a motorcycle for if he had a spill on it, he would bleed to death. Or (2) pig valve good for 20 years and does not have to be on Coumadin. He would need open heart surgery in 20 years again if he goes with this one. He would be 60 years old. He s thinking it over. Woodwinds is definitely the Cadillac of Hospitals. However St. Joes is the Cadillac for professional heart surgeons. Doesn t take a genius to decide where we want to be right now. The nurses over at Woodwinds were more than awesome. In fact they want us to call and let them know how everything is going. One of the nurses that helped Brad today, in deciding to go over to St. Joes was Nurse Amy. Are you thinking what I m thinking? I think there is a God!!! Thanks again for all the prayers, cards, e-mails, phone calls, gifts, gifts for our Ali, taking care of Ali, etc. etc. etc. So many people coming to visit. Brad loves it!!!!! He loves them. I m hoping as his Mom, that Brad can get some good rest in the next few days. I m hoping company will hold their visits down to 10-15 minutes, so that this rest getting is possible. (He s going to kill me, but I can see he is sooooo tired) I am so proud of Brad. So many people love him and care deeply about him. As his Mom I know how awesome of a son he is, but to see how many friends and relatives would give there shirt off their back for him makes me cry tears of extreme happiness. His cooler crew is his second family. Talk about a close caring awesome group of people. Thanks guys for making my boy so happy to be apart of all of you. You all make me happy!!!!! Well I better get to bed as I have to get up to the Hospital to wash Brad s hair tomorrow. (haha) inside joke. He s doing fine with his own cares right now so he doesn t need his Mom .But his Mom needs him so until tomorrow night, say your prayers and think positive and know all will be OK!!!!! My friend Terry found (below) this on the internet. I found it quite interesting. I wanted to share it withal of you Hi Carol, Found some websites for you to read. It has illustrations and on the left a menu for what to expect before, after, during and complications that can occur. I suggest you read it and maybe print it out for Brad to read. Like I said, I feel better with more information. Then I'm not so shocked if something happens that I didn't expect. The first site, is good to explain the heart and it's function and all it's parts and is good for a person who is contemplating having valve replacement surgery. It helps you understand what's going on. It is a good site for the non-medical person to read. The other sites are a not so informative for the non-medical person. Anyway, if you have time, look at them and if you can bring a computer to Brad, he could watch the first one. You are in my prayers, Terry http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/tutorials/heartvalvereplacement/htm/lesson.htm http://www.sjm.com/procedures/procedure.aspx?name=Heart+Valve+Replacement http://www.texasheartinstitute.org/hic/topics/proced/vsurg.cfm August 4, 2008 Monday (2): What a trying day for Brad. Dr. Kravitz, The ID Doctor, came in bright and early. He stated the Bone marrow test would be done at 1:00PM today by Dr. Pierce and the transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE) would be done at 11:15AM by Dr. Hedburg. Dr. Kravitz also stated that by looking at the bacteria that was found in the blood, he feels that Brad picked up the bacteria thru his mouth having dental work done or by not changing tooth brushes. He is to use a different tooth brush every day. He also felt that low immune system and stress could have played a part. Before going down to ICU to have these test done, Brad was all worried about work as the payroll had to get done so that his people got a pay check. He was so tired and just felt a need to get this done. They need there money he said. The tests were done and ones you would never want to go thru again. They did sedate Brad but he was awake. The Dr s said that he was quite the trooper. Dr. Hedburg came in to talk with Deano and myself. She said she was going to talk with the other Dr s but felt that the bacteria to his Aorta valve could not be cured with antibiotics and that the valve was already leaking and looked like it needed to be repaired. At about 2:30PM A Dr. from the family practice, a associate of Dr. Rolando, came in and reported that she felt that they were going to move Brad to St. Joe s tomorrow, on Tuesday, and open heart surgery would have to be performed and the Aorta valve needed to be replaced. She also said that there was no need to wait for the results of the bone marrow test as this has to be done and has to be done now. Dr. Hedburg had all the scheduling done for surgery and if it had to be canceled it was easier to do that than try to fit a surgery in. She was going to schedule surgery to have this done on Wednesday. August 6, 2008. Yes, this Wednesday. A Dr. Emery (a cardio thoracic surgeon) was going to be the surgeon. When Brad goes over to St. Joes this is where we will get our 2ND and 3RD opinion. I can t believe this is happening. Also today the patient advocate came to visit Brad and he voiced his concerns with that Dr. Schneider on the cancer scare before all the test were all in. It was going to be looked into. Brad is to call a Dr. Lillie on August 25 to make sure what follow up was done. Brad has also developed a rash and received an order for Benadryl, a spray was ordered for his sore throat that was caused from the tube being inserted down his throat for the test earlier in the day and he is receiving Neb. Tx. for a wheeze in his lungs he is having. Brad has had a lot of awesome company and is very happy to see everyone, however he is very tired and will need all the rest he can get in the next few days. So tomorrow he will be moved to St. Joes (if he approves), decide what new valve he would like to have them put in. And above all get the 2 other opinions!!! Sue Tomsich , my is-in-law has a friend, Diane, who will meet Brad at St. Joes, as she is a cardiac nurse over at St. Joes. I m giving Dr. Jimmy a call to touch base with him also to let him know what is going on. Or Jimmy, give me a call on my cell when you have time. Keep praying and praying and praying .Good night everyone Good night Brad .I love you, Brad. Hang in there. All will be OK. Ali is doing fine. At least it appears that way. She is busy planning her birthday party in September and looking forward to Dad coming home so that she and Tasha can have a sleep over. Thanks to everyone for stepping up to take care of Ali. Awesome Just awesome!!!! August 4, 2008 Monday (1): My computer has been down thus no update sent. However further test will be done today on Brad. I am leaving for the hospital now so will report the day when I come home tonight. I talked with Ali and she said that her Dad looks way better. Was good news to the ears. Ali is hanging in there like a trooper. She had two sleepover birthday parties this weekend so she was kept busy having fun. Thanks for all the prayers, e-mails, thoughts and support. Keep them coming August 2, 2008 (Saturday): My heart made my decision to stay with Brad and not go up to Eveleth for Auntie Roses funeral . however my other loving side of my heart was definitely there with Auntie and everyone celebrating her life. Reports came back that it was beautiful .Brad had had a better night and as I walked in at 7:30AM he looked 60% better than he did yesterday but still had this excruciating back pain. Brad was very with it. Enough to place a call to the hospital Patient advocate. He left a message and wanted to talk to her personally but he stated that he didn t want this Dr. that stated this diagnoses yesterday , never again to come into or near his room . The Dr. started coming in one by one Dr. Rolando (from Ely) came in and after a examination and his apology for his partner on his team of yesterdays miss diagnosis, he gave his opinion on what was going on. He stated that he felt that Brad had a blood infection that was in his heart (endocarditic). He also ordered Valium for pain. The IDD (infectious Disease Dr.) came in ordered a echocardiam and there is a funny story to be told about the taking of this test, also, but I have more important things to report. After the reports came in the cardiologist came in and stated what his thinking is but let it known to us he had a few more test he wanted to take.He stated he felt that Brad had a bacterial infection that had caused blood pockets on his Aortic valve and had damaged it and there was leakage of blood thru that valve upon leaving the heart and if not taken care these pockets could break off and it could lead to a heart attack. At this time Brad has developed wheezing in his lungs and edema to his ankles. A diuretic and inhaler has been ordered. Being that you have to be NPO (nothing by mouth) for 6 hours a esophageal echocardiogram will be taken tomorrow. (An x-ray of the heart from behind. A tube is inserted down the esophagus for this. Brad will be sedated) Also at this time reports came back that the appendix was not inflamed as previously reported (3RD mess up) It was a bad reading. OH MY GOD!!!! .Depending on the results of the blood cultures taken today and this esophageal echocardiogram, a final diagnoses will be given. To get us prepared, this Cardo. Dr. did state that he felt that Brad was going to need a aortic valve replacement. He would be transferred to St. Joes for this to be done as it is a bigger hospital and they have excellent cardio Dr s over there. At this time I contacted our Dr. friend Dr. Jimmy Musich and filled him in on all of the happenings. Jim stated that First of all St. Joes is a big Hospital and has good cardio Dr s but really only really knows the Dr s personally over at Northwestern Hosp. Jim stated he felt that Brad should get to a big Hosp. like St Joes as soon as possible but felt this team of Dr s are doing the appropriate tests but St Joes is equipped for cardio patience and the sooner Brad gets over there the better. Being it is a different Hospital a second opinion will be gotten at that time and still be able to stay in the network. Jim asked me to call him tomorrow after we get more results of the tests. Brads pain has let up with the help of this valium. He walked the hall a short way to get a look at the outside and is able to get up to the bathroom with help however his ankles are very swollen. As far as the bone marrow biopsy they were going to take from the hip, now they aren t sure they are going to do it. That was going to be done when the diagnosis was leukemia. I left about 8:00PM. Brad had a lot of company. He is able to eat but nothing like we are used to seeing him eat. A bowl of soup, 2 milk and noodles and meatballs. He ate better tonight than he has for a long time. Brad is on IV antibiotics X2 a day, pain pills, diuretic, O2 at 4 litters. I m hoping he his has a good night. Brad, Ali and all of us need everyone s prayers at this time. We have been put on prayer chains at my Woodland Hills church and Barb R. church. I m scared ..I m sooo scared Luck-a-notch---sa-tis spa Brad I ll love you always!!!!! Mom/Grama/carol August 1, 2008 (Friday): I received a call from Brad at 7:30 AM stating that they had taken him down for a cat scan at 3:00AM in the morning. He felt something bad was going on. I received a call at 8:00AM from Brad and he said the Dr. was in at 8:00AM and wanted Ali and I and the family to come up to the hospital as soon as possible. Upon arriving Brad informed us that he was diagnoses with Leukemia and the oncologist was going to come in to talk to all of us with a plan of action. Ali was devastated as well as the rest of us. Many tears were shed!!! Ali didn t understand what the heck was going on now!!!! She is so worried. They said he had blood sacks on his lungs and that he did not have pneumonia, and that he also had an inflamed appendix. All symptoms of Leukemia. He also had shadows on his vertebrae in his lower back. At about 10:00AM, to make a long, never to want to be relived day for the rest of anyone s life, The oncologist had us all in the room and stated the following .. I am almost 99% sure that Brad does not have leukemia. (1St mess up) He stated that with all the blood tests that came back, there was a miss communication between the nurse and the radiologist who read the tests. OH MY GOD!!!! We didn t know whether to be happy or pissed!!! We were both!!! He also said the blood sacks on the lungs was fluid and not blood sacks and Brad did have pneumonia. (2ND mess up). The oncologist stated he was going to call in the Infectious Disease MD. He felt like there was some infection in Brad s blood After an examination of Brad by the IDD (infectious Disease Doctor), he agreed that there was an infection going on somewhere but had to keep taking blood test in hope of finding the cause. Again upon the oncologist doing another physical exam of Brad again he noted a heart murmur. Slight one...however there was one noted. Brad was very out of it. He stated he could hear people and could understand some of what was being said but was going in and out of sleep this whole day. Induced by the pain meds The hospital administrator patient advocate came to talk to the family. She stated she was going to write up a slip on what took place today to Brad and the family and reassured us she was going to do some follow up on all of the happenings of this day in Hell!!! July 31, 2008 (Thursday): Upon arriving at Brad s home, he was sitting in the living room on a sofa chair. He looked very pale and the 40 # he had lost since this all started was very apparent to me today. He wanted me to take him to the urgent care but after it took almost 45 minutes or more to get him into the car, as he was now having back spasms and could hardly walk. I knew we were on the way to the ER room!!! Upon arriving at Woodwinds Hospital in Woodbury at 3:00PM, it took 5 people to get him out of my car and into a wheelchair. They started taking several blood tests, did an MRI, as at this time Brad was in such sever back pain (which at this time he has had for 72 hours) he couldn t stand it. He was given several pain meds and nothing seemed to help. At about 9:00PM they decided to admit him into the hospital for pain control and more testing. Brads 1ST night in the hospital was terrible with pain in Brads back!!!! Very little sleep!!! If any!!! July 00, 2008: Brad has not been feeling well for the past 2 months. He has been going to the clinic to be treated for what was Bronchitis back in July with an antibiotic and did feel better but after a short time he developed high temps. of 105.00 and went back into the clinic and was prescribed prednisone and inhaler and was diagnosed with phenomena.He felt a little better but developed raised bumps on different parts of his arm and one on his elbow joint. He went to a Dr. and was referred to a surgeon for further care. The surgeon said he could remove them but since then the bumps have disappeared. |
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