Mom has made a remarkable recovery. That's the good news and the bad news.
On Saturday night we were told by her surgeons and nephrologist (kidney specialist) that her kidneys (operating at 15%) would prevent her from having the open-heart surgery she needs to live (aortic valve replacement). They also said that she wasn't a candidate to be transferred to Intermountain Medical Center for experimental procedure called percutaneous aortic valve replacement (less invasive but hard to qualify) because she wasn't responsive enough to be able to the surgeons.
The good news is that by Monday her kidneys had come back and she has become much more lucid. Her oxygen levels are also good. It may have something to do with her morphine wearing off (morphine can be a killer to older people). Both the surgeons and nephrologist were baffled by her miraculous recovery (though unfortunately not so miraculous that she doesn't need the surgery) and have said that they may be willing to perform what we hope will be a life extending heart surgery. They have penciled her in for tomorrow morning depending on how the surgeon feels when he sees her today at around noon.
So obviously that's also the bad news. If they perform the surgery it will be extremely high risk. But Mom told the surgeon yesterday that she wanted to do it before she left the hospital so she could "get it over with one way or the other." She's been through a lot over the last week and a half and doesn't want to have to think about it again. She's made her peace with death this week and if it comes from this surgery she isn't afraid of it--in fact, she welcomes it. Truth be told she probably would rather go but wants to do what the Lord wills. So if the Lord wills her to die at this time she believes the surgery (or more likely the recovery) will be unsuccessful, but if He wants her to live both will be successful. We kids want whatever the Lord wants and this recovery Mom made reminds us that it's in His hands and that He CAN do whatEVER he wants.
All of your prayers are appreciated. Your posts on this site are also appreciated since we read them to her and she is awake enough to appreciate your well wishes.
Son Curt
Jill~
ReplyDeleteIt was so good to read the fantastic news about your mom's miraculous progress. No doubt she's kept that legion of heavenly angels almost as busy as her amazing Bassett children.....those earthly angels who have kept an unending vigil at her bedside.
I keep wondering if your dad is on the other side saying, "Now, Janice, be patient.....our children and their families are being blessed through this ordeal, and they still need you there a bit longer. Don't deny them these blessings."
For all the rest of us "adoptive" Bassetts, I know I speak for all in saying that you are teaching us through your amazing example how to work together as a team to give unconditional love and support within our own families during times of worry and struggle.
Mom Bassett.... you've done a mighty fine job of teaching those children how to honor and serve their mother. I am constantly grateful for all the things I've learned from my special friend, Jill, and her family and all the rest of the Bassett family.....things you've taught them. You wear some pretty big shoes :)
So, keep up your spunk! We would all appreciate your influence a little longer.
Love~
Sandy Solomon
Aunt Janice,
ReplyDeleteJust want you to know that we are all praying for you. I was just reading your blog to my sister Cathie and she was also saying that she's wanted to post on here, but she doesn't have a profile to make that possible. We love you and appreciate how involved in our lives you've been. We'll be praying for you in this surgery tomorrow and for your family.
Love you so very much,
Carrie
Janice - We are all soooo glad that you are doing better! I have had so many phone calls and people asking about you. Joan Glade just asked me a few minutes ago to tell you she loves you and is praying for you. Many sisters are. This blog is a terrific idea and very well written. What a wonderful family you have. I enjoy reading the updates and their comments so much. Remember that you are loved and in many prayers and on temple rolls. We can't wait until you are back in RS with us again. Love, Lois Ann
ReplyDeleteDear Janice, You dear, dear sister!!! How we have been praying for you during the last weeks. We love you so much and certainly wish you the very best as you go into surgery and pray that you will have a quick recovery. We all need your very spiritual and FUN example and your very contageous SMILE to cheer us on in this challenging life. Thank you, thank you for your sweet friendship to us and for the wonderful example that you are to us. We look forward to your coming home and joining with all of us again soon.
ReplyDeleteWith all our love, Ramon & Colleen D.