When I picked up the call my dad told me that my mom was being admitted to the ICU at the Payson hospital with several blood clots in both lungs. He was scared and didn't know what to do. We told him we were on our way and that Dan would bring his oil and they could administer to my mom as soon as we arrived. I have seen my mom after surgery and worried about her before... but nothing like this. She could hardly breathe and couldn't talk without losing her breath. She had been to her Dr. TWICE in the last 2 weeks and they had sent her home with Advil and antibiotics thinking she might have pneumonia. They never did a chest x-ray. Big mistake! My dad finally forced her to go to the Emergency room...and he literally saved her life. We almost lost my mom. Writing that makes it even more real and brings tears to my eyes. This could have been the worst week of my life. Instead I am exhausted and a little overwhelmed...but I still have my mom. I have so much compassion for those who have lost their mothers. Or fathers. My testimony of Priesthood blessings has grown. My appreciation of family has grown. My desire to live my best life has grown.
Mountain View Hospital in Payson, Utah. Thanks to all who have served, cared for, and saved my moms life....
My cute mom trying her hardest to smile and pretend to feel great. This is the LAST person I would have expected the dreaded phone call about. The doctors told us the fact that she has been so healthy and in such good shape helped save her.
My dad... celebrating the fact that he had just given her a shot in her abdomen... and that he did it well and didn't hurt her. He is going to give her the shots at home for the next few days and was really worried about it. I told him I would come do it if I needed to... but its a 40 minute trip one way... so I was really proud of him for deciding he could do it!!!
My mom trying to build back up her lung capacity. There were parts of her lungs that hadn't worked for weeks! She named this little gadget... but I can't remember what it was! Not her favorite...
All the beautiful flowers and gifts my mom received while in the hospital... thanks to everyone who came to visit and sent love her way...
Mom enjoying a little lunch... this one is for you Cheryl... she is saying hi to you and the girls. Momma is going to be okay!
Finally, after almost the entire week in the hospital she is ready to go home! Nick, her nurse, ready to help her to the car...
Helping her into her carriage...
Courtney made this banner for me to hang on the garage when she arrived home. After she colored it she realized that she forgot the "d" in grandma... but she figured Grandma wouldn't mind!
She also made me promise to get some balloons...
Home safe and sound. Now it's time to rest and heal. We love you so much mom!
I am so grateful that my surgery isn't until next week... I now see the Lord's hand in the scheduling and why I had to wait 2 weeks! I was disappointed when they told me I had to wait so long originally, but I would never have been able to help my parents the way I have if I had been recovering myself. It has been a very long 6 days... and it will be a long 6 months ahead... but she is doing well and getting stronger every day. A huge thanks to those who have gone out of their way to serve us this week. After my surgery next Wednesday I am going to be ready for "boring"! We love you mom and we are so glad you are okay!We started the evening with fondue
5 comments:
Thank you for posting this. It helps to see mom looking good. Thanks for all you have done for our parents Steph. I wish I could have been there. Love you!!!!!
So glad she is ok. So proud of Dad for being able to administer the shot! That was quite a scare, but I am so glad that she is ok.
Wow, that sure is scary, and you guys sure have been through a lot and it looks like you aren't done! I know you have a lot of friends and support, but you are in my prayers all the same. I love your family, and if you need anything let us know.
Thanks for taking the pictures. It was interesting to see how I was when I went in and how I looked coming home. What a difference! I am so thankful for my many blessings and for the prayers that have gone up in my behalf and for the wonderful blessing Dan gave me! In fact the blessing gave me peace in the ICU when I was so scared.
I loved the chart Courtney made...it is in the living room and I think it is adorable...and I don't mind the missing "D" because I think "Granma" sounds so cute.
Stephanie...I can't begin to thank you for all you did for me taking care of everything...the doctor, Insurance, appointments, calls...everything. And I appreciate your family supporting you so that you could be there for me and Dad. The Lord's hand has been with us all!
Now for you and your surgery...you will and are now in my prayers. I just wish I could be there for you and help you...but I will be there in thought and prayers. I love you so much!!
Oh, I forgot to add to my comments that the breathing thing was dubbed "The Super Duper Breathing Machine"! Dr. Abbott told me I didn't need to use it when I got home if I was getting up and around a little. Well...I haven't because I just loved it so much (ha-ha) but decided today to try it just to see...and I got it almost up to the arrow (1050 I think) without oxygen! So I am making progress. I think I am going to use it twice a day the next week to give my lungs exercise and to see how my progress is going.
I am so glad your surgery is over and that you are home. I know it will hurt and take some time to recover from your big ordeal. But please do what you told me and get plenty of rest and take the time you need to recover. It is so important. I love you so very much!!
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