Sunday, November 13, 2011

Another Surgery

We've lost track of how many surgeries Mike has had. Mike just knows - when he needs one....he needs one. As the doctor's were searching for answers as to why his infections have been more frequent they looked to his sinuses. Mike has had about a dozen of these surgeries before. CT scans concluded that his sinuses were full of mucus and polyps. This trapped infection can spread to his lungs causing more frequent tune-ups. Mike decided to go ahead with surgery and it was done on Friday.

I was able to go down on Friday to be with him. The surgeon said he has one sinus that is completely shut now - that they can't get to but all the rest they were able to open up and clean out. He will continue to be on IVs for about a week. All went well through the surgery. Unfortunately, after surgery he had a pretty significan bleed. It was tough. His favorite nurse Erin was there and she took charge. God bless you Erin. We're hoping this doesn't cause any adverse affect on what the surgeon had just accomplished.

Tests are showing that Mike's diabetes has gotten worse. He won't be able to really eat or drink anything now without insulin. Thank you God for insulin as Mike needs to keep getting as many calories as possible to gain weight.

Mike's dad spent the day with him on Saturday. He went to McDonalds to get him some food so that was a good sign. He isn't on as much pain medicine and he is starting to heal. He will have to take it easy for a couple of weeks. They hope to take the packing out today or Monday. 

I've gotten a few emails that I just got to see today. I haven't been on facebook or opened my email for weeks. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. I will get back to you soon.

Friday was a tough day for me. I was emotionally drained by the end of the day. On Saturday I got to go to Richie's basketball game. I sat with some of the moms and slowly started to shake it all off. By late afternoon God had restored my strength. I am thankful. I appreciate those pepole close in my life who understand that sometimes things just get tough and we need to give ourselves some time to re-balance. No drama - just living with what we are given. Some days are tough. That was one of the tougher ones I've been through. Doesn't mean I'm weak, doesn't mean I'm strong....guess it just means I'm human. I am so thankful I was able to be there with Mike.

One more basketball game today for Richie. His first tournament this year. Paul starts practices on Wednesday. David has Buckaroos on Tuesday. So many blessings. We are thankful.

Whatever you're doing today, make it a great day!
Blessings to you!

Sunday, November 6, 2011

It's been a long time . . .

. . . since I have posted. But unfortunately, not since Mike has been in the hospital. Mike is back in....exactly 4 weeks to the day since his last admission. Even though it has only been 4 weeks he will stay in the hospital for 2 weeks once again. He is pretty sick. We were so blessed to have a couple of spans where he actually went 8 weeks or a little more without going in. He was out and about on his motorcycle, dancing and even made a trip to Michigan (even though it was pretty stressful for him).

Mike has lost a lot of weight. His lungs are down to 31%. He was in a dance routine with about 12 other people for Halloween. He didn't want to let the group down. He danced three performances in one night. The group was awesome. I got to go see him. Julie really does a great job with these group performances. If you ever get the chance to see one - go for it. You won't be disappointed.

Mike struggled. He danced and coughed until he threw up and then danced some more. Two days later he was admitted. He is still struggling. His dad went down to see him yesterday. He enjoyed the visit. He is trying to get out every day to walk. His back hurts from the hospital bed. He coughs so much.

Mike's post from facebook:
I worked hard this last weekend now im in the hospital only out for a month w pfts lower than they have been in a long time now my work is not dun i will work work to get back the lungs that went down the fight never gives up and a cf'er can never give in but w the help and suport of others it makes it a lil esyer so for that i thank u all for the support

CF has been in the news with new drugs we are all hoping will help all CFers. Go here to learn more. His doctors are all at National conference so we should hear more when they get back next week. We'll post when we have an update.

Mike loves the support he gets from family and friends and fellow dancers. Please keep him in your prayers.

If you want to see him dance go here. Amazing. Just a week ago...
Blessings to you.