Surgery Moved to Wednesday

Surgery has been moved to Wednesday (February 6th). Vicki's potassium is too high and her other labs aren't where they need to be for such a lengthy surgery (6-10 hours). We are a little disheartened because we were looking forward to getting past this hurdle, but we have full faith in the physicians and know they are doing what's best for Vicki. Please continue to pray for her.

Thanks to all those who are rearranging your schedules to help out the family on each scheduled surgery day. Your efforts don't go unnoticed and we are very appreciative.

Surgery tomorrow (2/4/08)

We are on for surgery tomorrow! As apprehensive as we all are about it, we know that it is the best thing for Mom. Once she gets it done, we know she can really start recovering. They are planning to put her on a special rotating bed post-op. The bed will rotate her from side to side, that way she won't have to be manually turned so much. We're hoping that will make a big difference.

As for her day today, everything seemed to go O.K. She did have one episode of vomiting, which was a little unexpected, but other than that nothing major. Temperature was 101.1, but the doctor didn't seem too concerned as far as proceeding with her surgery. Pain is still an issue, but they were able to up her dosage on her pain medication, so I think that is helping her. Everyone just have her in your thoughts tomorrow.

With much gratitude,
Holly

02/03/08

I just came from the hospital after spending some time with Mom. She was pretty well sedated still, so not much interaction. She spiked another temperature last night of 101.4. Obviously, that is not good and could possibly delay her surgery (again). I guess we'll find out when Dr. Harris comes in.

She continues to have trouble with pain. Every move she makes (or move we make for her) is excruciating. By the look on her face you can tell she can hardly stand it. That is why we are anxious for the surgery. But her nurse today said she would make sure it was kept under control.

Other than that, there isn't much to tell. Just waiting. Thanks again to everyone.....just keep praying.

With love....Holly

Restful Day

Vicki has had a fairly restful day today. Everything thus far remains stable enough for surgery on Monday. Family members are still by her side around the clock. Every time she opens her eyes we want her to see one of us there. We'll continue to keep you posted.

Thank you for your continued support and prayers.

Successful Procedures

The chest tubes have been removed from her left side. A drain remains in her right side where the original chest tubes were, but the fluid is not coming from her lungs its coming from surrounding tissues. Hopefully they'll be able to remove the drain soon. They have also removed the oral gastric tube which romoved fluid/acids from her stomach. Now she has no tubes in her mouth! Yeah! She asked for water after removal of that tube and Aaron was able to give her a small sip from a sponge. They don't want her taking in a lot of fluids orally right now, but a sip from the sponge every now and then is okay.

Every small step is such a miracle. It's like watching your child take their first steps! We are so thankful!

Love to all!!

Meal Needs

Hello everyone! I am just giving meal updates for those who have been helping and those who who like the opportunity to help. Thanks to all of you who have been so willing to bring food in, I know it's been a comfort to the Norris' and extended family to not have to worry about where, what and when they are going to eat. We are holding off on meals for the weekend, but if you would like to bring in some bottled water or snacks, they will get eaten and would be very much appreciated.

We will be bringing in meals Monday and Tuesday to the hospital to cover for the surgery and depending on how stable Vicki is after that, we can assess the need from there. If you would like bring food on either of those two days, please comment or email me directly at melissa@toddandmelissa.net. Meals would need to be delivered between 5-6.

Also Holly will still be spending a lot of time at the hospital next week after the surgery so we would like to continue to feed her family until Vicki is more stable. Holly has become one of Vicki's nurses and really helps out through the nights. If you would like to feed Holly's family, please let me know or you can contact Jewell Boysworth. Meals would need to be delivered between 6-7, closer to 6:00 if possible.

Thank you!

Remains Stable

I went by the hospital this morning to see Vicki and get the night-shift report from family members who stayed by her side. She was responsive this morning - opening her eyes and acknowledging simple questions. She's still heavily medicated for comfort. Fortunately she had an uneventful night and remains stable. Her temperature has dropped some and they have scheduled to remove the chest tubes from her left side today. Her labs are stable considering her condition. If things continue on this course we feel sure she'll be ready for surgery on Monday.

Thanks to all those who have left comments. They are read by the family every day. We look forward to sharing them with Vicki soon. This tragic event has pulled our family so much closer as we continue to strengthen one another physically and emotionally as well as through prayer. We are also praying for the young man and young woman also involved in the accident. Just because they aren't in the hospital doesn't mean they aren't feeling heart-wrenching pain as well. We are mindful of them and keep them in our prayers.

Thanks again to all those who continue to provide support through meals, childcare, visits, cards, etc. We could never thank you enough. May the Lord continue to bless you through your compassionate service.