tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86760954624155990332024-03-13T11:36:05.535-07:00The Sall Seven... Cherishing the Moments"Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body." - Stone -Christine Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11661451648280690396noreply@blogger.comBlogger182125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676095462415599033.post-61078208601094953462018-09-20T04:32:00.001-07:002018-09-20T04:33:56.410-07:00"Slowly, Slowly" said the SlothFor those of you who know Kevin well, these last 2 1/2 weeks have been literal torture for him. He is a man not easily slowed. He is a man of lists and tasks who loves to complete them and put checkmarks in the boxes. Add to that the fact that the school year has just begun, and his eagerness to bring smiles to the faces of the students and staff at MCS, and you have a recipe for a very unhappy and anxious Kevin.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mrs O's students made <br />Mr. Sall some cool shades.</td></tr>
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This has been and is a journey filled with hills and valleys; highs and lows. We are learning that this is going to be a long, slow healing process...months before he is completely healed. There are some days when his right eye is looking slightly better and then we hit Sunday, and it looks worse again. (Yep, it's seems to always happen on Sundays.) But we take a deep breath, pray and press on.<br />
If this fiasco has taught us anything, we have learned that we are not in control. God has a plan and many times, like this time, it does not match the one of our own making. And while we are still unclear as to His purpose behind this event in Kevin's (and our family's) life, we wake up each day knowing that He holds us, supports us and uplifts us with His loving and tender hands.<br />
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So, to all of you who have been:<br />
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<li>praying...keep praying, for complete healing and patience. </li>
<li>pinch hitting for him at Moline Christian...there is no price that can be put on how valuable that is and has been.</li>
<li>bringing us meals...THANK-YOU! (Of my own admission, I am a lousy receiver of such generosity but am learning and growing in that area.)</li>
<li>sending us cards, homemade sunglasses and class videos...each one has brought a smile to our faces and lifted our spirits.</li>
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To those of you who are wondering, yes, Kevin is back to work full time. (He's just too darn big for me to sit on anymore.😜) However, he is restricted to only walking as his maximum physical activity until we see the doctor again in two weeks. "Slowly, Slowly"...</div>
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Thanks again for all your continued prayers!</div>
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If you get a chance to listen here's the first part of a song that has really brought comfort to us in this last month: </div>
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<b>Hills and Valleys</b></div>
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by Tauren Wells</div>
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<div jsname="U8S5sf" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 1.24; margin-bottom: 12px;">
<span jsname="YS01Ge">I've walked among the shadows</span><br />
<span jsname="YS01Ge">You wiped my tears away</span><br />
<span jsname="YS01Ge">And I've felt the pain of heartbreak</span><br />
<span jsname="YS01Ge">And I've seen the brighter days</span><br />
<span jsname="YS01Ge">And I've prayed prayers to heaven from my lowestplace</span><br />
<span jsname="YS01Ge">And I have held the blessings</span><br />
<span jsname="YS01Ge">God, you give and take away</span></div>
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<span jsname="YS01Ge">No matter what I have, Your grace is enough</span><br />
<span jsname="YS01Ge">No matter where I am, I'm standing in Your love</span></div>
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<span jsname="YS01Ge">On the mountains, I will bow my life</span><br />
<span jsname="YS01Ge">To the one who set me there</span><br />
<span jsname="YS01Ge">In the valley, I will lift my eyes to the one who sees me there</span><br />
<span jsname="YS01Ge">When I'm standing on the mountain, I didn't get there on my own</span><br />
<span jsname="YS01Ge">When I'm walking through the valley end, no I am not alone!</span><br />
<span jsname="YS01Ge">You're God of the hills and valleys!</span><br />
<span jsname="YS01Ge">Hills and Valleys!</span><br />
<span jsname="YS01Ge">God of the hills and valleys</span><br />
<span jsname="YS01Ge">And I am not alone!</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4rRCjrAyCs" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4rRCjrAyCs</a> (Here's a link to listen to it too. 😍)Christine Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11661451648280690396noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676095462415599033.post-16169454866357006302018-09-10T20:03:00.000-07:002018-09-10T20:20:33.198-07:00The Good and the Not So Great...<br />
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...We have some good news and some not so great news:<br />
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<a href="http://res.publicdomainfiles.com/pdf_view/68/13925476217299.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Image result for thumbs up down" border="0" height="200" src="http://res.publicdomainfiles.com/pdf_view/68/13925476217299.png" width="140" /></a>The good news is that after Kevin's appointment this morning, his retina is 100% reattached and there is no infection in his right eye.<br />
The not so great news is that there is still bleeding happening somewhere in his eye. They cannot figure out where the bleeding is coming from so his eye is very swollen, both the eye lids and the eye itself. Because of this, Kevin has to go in for another appointment first thing Wednesday morning.<br />
The really not so great part... if the bleeding has not stopped by then he will have to undergo exploratory surgery that day.<br />
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So, please pray with us that the bleeding will stop.<br />
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Thanks so much for all of your support!Christine Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11661451648280690396noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676095462415599033.post-972803309750349802018-09-05T11:57:00.000-07:002018-09-05T11:57:20.923-07:00Wonder of Wonders, Miracles of Miracles....<div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
Today we experienced a miracle of miracles... </div>
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I took Kevin for his post op check up this morning. If you are thinking this is very soon after his surgery, you would be right. He had his surgery only 22 hours before this appointment.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Relaxing, while sitting up!!</td></tr>
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Once we were back in the examination room, they removed his eye patch and worked on cleaning up the outer rim of his eye since it was stuck closed. It took him quite a while to actually open his eye. </div>
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Once he worked it open, they wanted him to see what he could see through it. Unfortunately, the strain of opening his eye and then trying to see, caused him to become very dizzy and nauseated. They quickly tipped him back in the chair, put a cool cloth on his forehead and took his blood pressure/pulse. (Just so you can appreciate what I go through as his wife at times, his pulse was 47 bpm. Yep! That's actually almost normal for Kevin. It's usually right around 52 bpm. There are times when I have my head on his chest at night and I actually will his heart to beat again ;)</div>
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When his stomach had settled, they made him drink a sugary fruit pouch drink. Fifteen minutes later he was doing much better. </div>
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Dr. Pezda came in and took a closer look at his eye and shared with us the miracle: Kevin's right retina is already 99% reattached!! He can sit upright during the day and lay on his left side at night instead of on his left side 24/7 for 6 more days. Considering the gigantic knot in his left shoulder, he is pumped to give it a break by staying off it during the day. </div>
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This news has us shaking our heads in awe! We serve a great and mighty God! Thanks for all your prayers! They are working!!</div>
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Christine Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11661451648280690396noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676095462415599033.post-18606589576082964762018-09-04T19:59:00.000-07:002018-09-04T20:02:17.750-07:00"Excellent, If I Do Say So Myself!"<div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #26282a; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Ready and Waiting</span></i></td></tr>
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At 9:00 a.m. this morning, Kevin was admitted to the surgical center on Lake Drive in Grand Rapids. (To my surprise, it looked just like a mini hospital inside.) There we met Dr. N. Pezda who answered all of our questions and had Kevin back in the O.R. right on time and back in his room to recover only an hour and fifteen minutes later.</div>
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According to the doctor, Kevin came through his right eye's retinal reattachment surgery beautifully. When Kevin flipped the question and asked Dr. Pezda how HE did in the surgery, he remarked, "I did excellent, if I do say so myself." I guess it's a really good thing when your surgeon is that confident!</div>
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They did have to put a nitrous oxide gas bubble in his eye along with the schleral buckle, so that meant Kevin had to have his head facing down for four hours. So when he was discharged, Kevin rode home with his head down the entire time. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Came through with flying colors</span></i></td></tr>
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Unfortunately, he got a gigantic knot in his left shoulder from keeping his head down. This really stinks because for the next week, he must now lay on his left side 24/7, getting up only to use the bathroom and eat meals. We are combating the pain that with ice and Tylenol. 😬</div>
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Sorry it took so long to update all of you!</div>
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Prayers for pain relief, patience and a lot of healing rest would be appreciated 🙂</div>
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Christine Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11661451648280690396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676095462415599033.post-1460401609325549732018-09-02T20:01:00.001-07:002018-09-02T20:01:31.112-07:00Focusing His Eyes on the Here and NowIt's beginning to look like this blog has been created solely to share with you the trauma's of the Sall household.<br />
I guess we won't change things up now...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Having some fun at the retinal specialists.</td></tr>
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A couple of weeks ago, Kevin, began experiencing tingling in his left elbow and finger tips along with some odd blurry vision in his right eye. He thought it would subside.<br />
Fast forward a couple of weeks and a few chiropractic visits later to get rid of several knots in his neck and back, and his arm tingling is getting worse and his vision is not improving.<br />
So, the next morning (this past Thursday) he called his primary care doctor, who recommended we immediately make our way downtown to the E.R..<br />
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As you can imagine, any kind of numb/tingling of the left arm, causes you to experience a barrage of tests, from EKGs, to CT Scans to contrast images... After four hours there, they determined that his left arm's tingling is something called epicondilytis...aka...golfer's elbow. (Kevin thinks this is hilarious because he RARELY gets to golf and would definitely love to do more of it!) Rest, ice and ibuprofen/aspirin for the inflammation was their prescription for it.<br />
The kicker of it all was that they couldn't figure out why his vision was blurry. They noted no signs of mini strokes or anything else like that. So they sent us on to an ophthalmologist that we needed to see first thing the next morning.<br />
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Friday morning we were off and visiting Dr. Habekovic on Lake Drive in Grand Rapids. Unfortunately, he had some not great news for us: Kevin has a torn retina in his right eye and a pin hole in the retina of his left one. After this shocking news, they sent us immediately to the retinal surgeons right around the corner: Retina Specialists of Michigan, where Dr. Shevchenko was able to do a laser procedure that day on Kevin's left eye.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left Eye after Friday's procedure</td></tr>
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Because of the long weekend, Kevin will have his second procedure done on Tuesday. For this one, they will put him under anesthesia to place a scleral buckle on this eye to put some pressure on the eye in the hopes the retina will reattached itself to the eye.<br />
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What does this all mean?<br />
No reading, writing, emailing, texting and work for a long while. That last one is the most difficult pill for Kevin to swallow but he is amazing me like always. He is taking it in stride and focusing on the here and now rather than dwelling on things he can't do or change, trusting God's plan in all of this.<br />
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We covet all your prayers as we head into this week.<br />
Thanks for loving our family!Christine Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11661451648280690396noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676095462415599033.post-76237936102528982122018-05-01T05:56:00.004-07:002018-05-01T05:56:59.094-07:00God, are you sure this isn't more than we can handle?!WOW! <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXdIt6xUtvlnqPqRE440WozJ3tsi-PFxIcvscWEQlX4F1THPLt4gZ8lTA06AKAMJADPBAgQfPwYakjtBXuenOvltqR8EN8Gx-MgPCAi_pHD-Td_1Rvja7ifMRQshAxhB_b1E9MgHaxqkY/s1600/IMG_2862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXdIt6xUtvlnqPqRE440WozJ3tsi-PFxIcvscWEQlX4F1THPLt4gZ8lTA06AKAMJADPBAgQfPwYakjtBXuenOvltqR8EN8Gx-MgPCAi_pHD-Td_1Rvja7ifMRQshAxhB_b1E9MgHaxqkY/s200/IMG_2862.JPG" width="150" /></a>It's unbelievable that Tristan's surgery was only a week ago. At times, it has seemed like weeks have gone by and by that I mean, each hour of recovery seemed long and drawn out. I have determined that watching your child recover after a major surgery takes a significant toll on a parent as well. You are on hyper alert every moment of the day and night, studying each grimace, tear, sigh and even snore. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEfPNmYO37jmJHvqXpwJmiLzc0tNyNke93Ovyp0wEwpwrqJKdPpDkfoBtGAnMsHPEKhb3RkKwOBhip8JX0G0t9orvBsFzXrRvodTQfxcTT8fY6khUixSRD1gAIx1kGJxe6sY-DW1pSSb4/s1600/IMG_2861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEfPNmYO37jmJHvqXpwJmiLzc0tNyNke93Ovyp0wEwpwrqJKdPpDkfoBtGAnMsHPEKhb3RkKwOBhip8JX0G0t9orvBsFzXrRvodTQfxcTT8fY6khUixSRD1gAIx1kGJxe6sY-DW1pSSb4/s200/IMG_2861.JPG" width="150" /></a>Thankfully, those hyper vigilant days seemed to have passed us by now. On Friday afternoon, last week, Tristan finally made a considerable turn for the better. He began to get up on his own and wanted to walk around. The joy that filled this mama's heart as he stepped out into the sunshine is difficult to put into words. <br />
<br />
By Sunday night, Tristan was asking if he could go to youth group! Both Kevin and I were hesitant but eventually decided this might be a good trial run before attempting a half day of school on Monday.<br />
<br />
(IN THE MEANTIME:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjFn4BAquATd6JVCzoqoD2PwHJiWsnKZ9B9OiedP1k2hhVTqEZ_7_LqRWy28SF6n17LmX9C8t2AHpyWoSovgZL1kG-RTXLJYtnw1adCD_Nc9gicZmbOZPyE55Z_DDqiTCsR7hGiNnvhrM/s1600/wyatt.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjFn4BAquATd6JVCzoqoD2PwHJiWsnKZ9B9OiedP1k2hhVTqEZ_7_LqRWy28SF6n17LmX9C8t2AHpyWoSovgZL1kG-RTXLJYtnw1adCD_Nc9gicZmbOZPyE55Z_DDqiTCsR7hGiNnvhrM/s200/wyatt.jpeg" width="150" /></a>On Sunday afternoon, we found ourselves back at Helen DeVos, this time in the ER with Wyatt who had taken a hard soccer ball shot to the eye on Saturday. (I joked with the staff asking if they had a punch card for regular guests.) Wyatt's eye had looked irritated on Saturday but by Sunday morning there was blood running through his iris which concerned both the Urgent Care and ER doctors. Their concern was iridodialysis. (Don't google it. The pics are gross and his wasn't anything as severe as those pictured.)<br />
<br />
Monday morning we went back to Grand Rapids again to see a pediatric opthalmologist who allayed our fears, assuring us the iris was not pulling away from the eye and all should heal up on its own.<br />
<br />
Sigh of Relief.)<br />
<br />
BACK TO TRISTAN:<br />
The Monday half day went very smoothly. It was just enough time for him to catch up with friends and touch base with his teachers. Thanks to his youth pastor, Jason, Tristan was picked up and dropped off at home before Wyatt and I even returned from his appointment in GR.<br />
<br />
In addition to Jason, we send our thanks out to SO many of you: <br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Those who visited Tristan in the hospital</li>
<li>Those who sat with Kevin and I and "just waited" in the hospital</li>
<li>Those who sent sweet gifts and cards</li>
<li>Those who took care of Tristan (and us) in the hospital (Dr. Schlatter, Gina, Grace, Mary, Holly...)</li>
<li>Those who took care of food and meals for our family</li>
<li>Those who transported our other kiddos (since our second car "puked" right before Tristan's surgery. I know, great timing!)</li>
<li>Those who extended us such grace as we had to manipulate and rearrange our schedules to miss some events and attend others</li>
<li>To Noah, Gideon, Wyatt, Tehya, Shelby and Johnson, who had the patience of Job through all this craziness. We love ALL of you SO much!!</li>
</ul>
<div>
Last, but most importantly, an ENORMOUS THANKS for all your prayers! Tristan and Wyatt are healing well and for that we are unceasingly grateful.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
We serve an AMAZING God who sustained us throughout each step of this journey, giving everything we needed at just the right time!</div>
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<br /></div>
Christine Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11661451648280690396noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676095462415599033.post-68861389159975283962018-04-24T13:08:00.001-07:002018-04-24T13:08:34.748-07:00Before, During and After... (Caution: the images below are graphic in nature and may not be suitable for all audiences.😅)<br />
<br />
Seriously!<br />
<br />
<br />
I know we have quite a few family and friends that LOVE medical details. So this is the post they've probably been waiting for. We were gifted with some incredible photos of Tristan's procedure.<br />
I will try to describe the pictures as best I can but please, forgive me if my description of what you are seeing is just a little bit off. I am definitely NOT a pediatric surgeon. :)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjyVRFVS8-qd4EnQRaf5Asgc4qbumM0aSoLz0VnUVAbTMvKTw8rNOawIHHS8dmxycTSdCbo8IhC1LTcAXSzAu0BANnpsl0ycacdb5EHvVFuMdY67JVAbvTisMrpUOXcBc_pn-ZJY_PTlE/s1600/IMG_2834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1053" data-original-width="1600" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjyVRFVS8-qd4EnQRaf5Asgc4qbumM0aSoLz0VnUVAbTMvKTw8rNOawIHHS8dmxycTSdCbo8IhC1LTcAXSzAu0BANnpsl0ycacdb5EHvVFuMdY67JVAbvTisMrpUOXcBc_pn-ZJY_PTlE/s320/IMG_2834.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre Op - Head is to the left, Waist is to the right<br />Notice how deep the dip in Tristan's chest. He could almost fit his fist in it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB5Mq-EZkRXtmIJbVS3gUpRMIgOQ_JcuycPKgamggJyPnSwMOv9jn64ZJ83p9WfuMfwkl2wKLJAEuVOkxAzogolcnSXMl1CBP2zr9ZWjMYEVvLyiq8nYt5W_r1EYEWbBqhCt7yKtqBePM/s1600/IMG_2835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1074" data-original-width="1600" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB5Mq-EZkRXtmIJbVS3gUpRMIgOQ_JcuycPKgamggJyPnSwMOv9jn64ZJ83p9WfuMfwkl2wKLJAEuVOkxAzogolcnSXMl1CBP2zr9ZWjMYEVvLyiq8nYt5W_r1EYEWbBqhCt7yKtqBePM/s320/IMG_2835.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Measuring the pectus bar</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhCDloLdSODhTAdzJnSN8nVy-ICgRQBJK0-Gy9_icr1Nl5DR5PyVrqXlle6MAPM2CK6S7QAJ9m7x9u3gryChffovv3zYetdPmasC-NED2-cbhXEF72Gtmz7ZAXF9sXcTfYsedIDEeTOT8/s1600/IMG_2836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhCDloLdSODhTAdzJnSN8nVy-ICgRQBJK0-Gy9_icr1Nl5DR5PyVrqXlle6MAPM2CK6S7QAJ9m7x9u3gryChffovv3zYetdPmasC-NED2-cbhXEF72Gtmz7ZAXF9sXcTfYsedIDEeTOT8/s320/IMG_2836.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Dry fitting" the pectus bar</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcM54rDkNuzSNKSq5cSYZxREyALVlfUxYKTGUXktGuo7MoInp1kVy69aHETTGIe9MFV5yFhlbOqar2T7pz-UYvpBQCFPJUIPEz-wvS83w78AcJyUfnEXPvo48u0TvRCswtp7Q6gLGktOY/s1600/IMG_2837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcM54rDkNuzSNKSq5cSYZxREyALVlfUxYKTGUXktGuo7MoInp1kVy69aHETTGIe9MFV5yFhlbOqar2T7pz-UYvpBQCFPJUIPEz-wvS83w78AcJyUfnEXPvo48u0TvRCswtp7Q6gLGktOY/s320/IMG_2837.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inserting the air and camera to facilitate the surgery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeUVbuqsohz9FUN8YM9qQFFaTITpNTUP2ee4AWYYQ81V8myViAUC2YXSvieiCPlSoRQAtDyUjAMVYBqkNFTo13nT2YLM8fBzoGAVE0EJa5XVIDzfM1VgL8D7FaLZYBUr-0AqnrgvFFPK4/s1600/IMG_2838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeUVbuqsohz9FUN8YM9qQFFaTITpNTUP2ee4AWYYQ81V8myViAUC2YXSvieiCPlSoRQAtDyUjAMVYBqkNFTo13nT2YLM8fBzoGAVE0EJa5XVIDzfM1VgL8D7FaLZYBUr-0AqnrgvFFPK4/s320/IMG_2838.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tristan's rib cage bowing down into his chest cavity</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ1dUcSu9uelaRQBNq5tDY4-ePtUBDniiq8gHpH2EGagWUWyzHKZbo59AJsqXZU-zUnZsr3B_d0OIVWJZ1ED0M363FQCnXTRlyxE6TgzfKn2ySE_MwSm4de7Z_MHlMRSsBr2CUszsEUjY/s1600/IMG_2840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ1dUcSu9uelaRQBNq5tDY4-ePtUBDniiq8gHpH2EGagWUWyzHKZbo59AJsqXZU-zUnZsr3B_d0OIVWJZ1ED0M363FQCnXTRlyxE6TgzfKn2ySE_MwSm4de7Z_MHlMRSsBr2CUszsEUjY/s320/IMG_2840.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A long clamp being woven through Tristan's muscle wall to lift his rib cage</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg90kwRdxdJLyHFEwisstbqSOQ7jTRohEMtEH6TQ7SydLdsd1YswcrIfQq9B1wx5irVUBPMDkrHzBhrQG0cpXxDRosphC2Porfx3HrzfHmj1QO-33zT5bBLjWZTfH52awSxEMY6fNa3Fc0/s1600/IMG_2842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg90kwRdxdJLyHFEwisstbqSOQ7jTRohEMtEH6TQ7SydLdsd1YswcrIfQq9B1wx5irVUBPMDkrHzBhrQG0cpXxDRosphC2Porfx3HrzfHmj1QO-33zT5bBLjWZTfH52awSxEMY6fNa3Fc0/s320/IMG_2842.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at the large gap created just the clamp, <br />between the Tristan's rib cage (top of pic) and his heart (bottom of pic)!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUMbXN-VGu2Mohx2aBC1Z9bqFmmRhnM2C15-Kpb19yMxCyGB-9IQx_PDrbGhZy0XitlK9unbK81aILdkRnkAbE4TKKFokhlWjQbX17AXn1HC2UwpVakDdMsyntqJ2RI2d91-4oI5NRGq0/s1600/IMG_2843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUMbXN-VGu2Mohx2aBC1Z9bqFmmRhnM2C15-Kpb19yMxCyGB-9IQx_PDrbGhZy0XitlK9unbK81aILdkRnkAbE4TKKFokhlWjQbX17AXn1HC2UwpVakDdMsyntqJ2RI2d91-4oI5NRGq0/s320/IMG_2843.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The long clamp being attached to the pectus bar. <br />The clamp is then pulled back, feeding the pectus bar through Tristan's chest.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Dvx_3uZpOtRsjJaxKDgyv5d-_bQ637JIwJzLK2Z4SseVkj7PGEgwZV5McKwOGpTQuSXxS3WuoMdhQAV3qrWFurlGugezBvEs35wiaYL71MLdhOTiJRDT1LleOi0uSWrDB02-4IKQC8c/s1600/IMG_2845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Dvx_3uZpOtRsjJaxKDgyv5d-_bQ637JIwJzLK2Z4SseVkj7PGEgwZV5McKwOGpTQuSXxS3WuoMdhQAV3qrWFurlGugezBvEs35wiaYL71MLdhOTiJRDT1LleOi0uSWrDB02-4IKQC8c/s320/IMG_2845.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pectus bar before it is flipped over</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimvzg4IV3K6buZfLSuCEjZvoSZAZirJ6gI6teZ44W_EP8AE1PD3WwTS1vkJRFfNnY7xpNQV8hVuaQBClATIV5mPeO_BMGdZzQwe1S2VaI3a4gatNwY15s0a0u6mEQbu1ZUXjb_iIHN66A/s1600/IMG_2832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimvzg4IV3K6buZfLSuCEjZvoSZAZirJ6gI6teZ44W_EP8AE1PD3WwTS1vkJRFfNnY7xpNQV8hVuaQBClATIV5mPeO_BMGdZzQwe1S2VaI3a4gatNwY15s0a0u6mEQbu1ZUXjb_iIHN66A/s320/IMG_2832.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ta-Dah! Three small incisions and a little bruising is all you can see on the outside.<br />Now comes the tough part...healing on the inside.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />Christine Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11661451648280690396noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676095462415599033.post-54600784366267703532018-04-23T17:50:00.004-07:002018-04-23T17:50:38.533-07:00Sleep, the Doctor's Best MedicineI actually have a few minutes to write a bit more than two sentences so I'll try to summarize today:<br />
<br />
Since Tristan is fourteen, his surgery was scheduled for 12:30 p.m., allowing younger patients to have their procedures done earlier in the day. We didn't need to arrive at the hospital until 11:00 a.m., so being the cruel parents we are, we had Tristan head to school for the first 2 1/2 hours. While this might just seem a bit mean and nasty, it actually helped keep Tristan a bit distracted and more relaxed about what was coming up.<br />
<br />
Check in at the hospital went seamlessly. Tristan has his father's sense of humor and had the nurses chuckling at check in already, when he remarked how good he looked in his check in photo. ;)<br />
After check in, it was off to pre-op where we caught up with Tristan's Uncle Doug and Aunt Kristy as well as two of his youth group leaders. Jokes about possible surgical techniques such as leeches, had not only all of us laughing, but also the medical staff. Never a dull moment when the Salls are in a hospital room! Tristan said the best part was getting his IV in because he got to play a Dude Perfect game on an iPad to distract him from the IV poke.<br />
<br />
I think the most difficult part of our day so far, was watching our child be wheeled away from us and headed toward a procedure that will undoubtedly bring him pain, in addition to healing. It's the pain that leaves a lump in this mama's throat.<br />
<br />
It was about 1 3/4 hours from the time Tristan was wheeled back to the O.R. until we were called to meet with his doctor. Thankfully, the time passed quite quickly as we chatted and ate lunch with Doug and Kris and even were surprised by a quick visit from one of Kevin's cousins and his wife. Dr. Schlatter gave us the best news we could here as parents, "It went perfectly." (Huge sigh of relief!)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfjsxeGPFKY4A0wK4PoN3i359kYv0CWH4v9tamTokssk_FJhvOiZ41-4tlI3bRt8QyXrMLMn-8QpTEfO3v1NNGJoq9HVrLKuyLGzv9RhyHCnWd7JiRORSEYDGRYNNuvP8tRkgLYqmzm6o/s1600/IMG_2818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfjsxeGPFKY4A0wK4PoN3i359kYv0CWH4v9tamTokssk_FJhvOiZ41-4tlI3bRt8QyXrMLMn-8QpTEfO3v1NNGJoq9HVrLKuyLGzv9RhyHCnWd7JiRORSEYDGRYNNuvP8tRkgLYqmzm6o/s320/IMG_2818.JPG" width="240" /></a>Thirty minutes later we were lead to the most beautiful sight a parent can see...our sleeping child! He awoke to our voices and smiled and our hearts were filled with peace once again. It's amazing how different his chest looks! (I will try to post a couple pics tomorrow.) If you know anything about Tristan, he loves learning. His brain just never seems to shut down. Even in his drug induced state, he kept asking questions and trying to rehash exactly what he had just experienced, what he remembered and what was happening now. All we kept telling him was, "Just sleep". He would doze off for a couple minutes and the questions would begin again. It made us smile. :)<br />
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It wasn't long before Tristan was issued a hospital room and we were on the move up to the pediatric floor. As an aside, Helen DeVos Children's Hospital is fantastic! We've had nothing but fantastic nurses, staff and Tristan has a beautiful, huge room that has plenty of space for both Kevin and I to stay comfortably with him.<br />
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After about a half and hour of settling in, Tristan finally fell into a deep sleep. Never have I been so happy to hear a deep, resounding snore! ;) Our hearts are so full!<br />
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For those of you who would like to know, our current prayer requests are:<br />
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<ul>
<li>to be able to get Tristan into a good rhythm of pain management</li>
<li>that he is able to get the healing sleep his body needs</li>
<li>that our other kiddos would also be comforted and sleep well tonight even without Mom and Dad at home. (Thankfully, Noah is holding down the fort!)</li>
</ul>
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Thanks for all your thoughts, prayers, texts and food! ;)</div>
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<br />Christine Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11661451648280690396noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676095462415599033.post-44625259184342247072018-04-23T11:36:00.001-07:002018-04-24T13:24:37.875-07:00Like ClockworkThank the Lord! Doctor came out to see us and told us the surgery went like clockwork. Tristan did beautifully. For those of you who are picture people, I'll post a couple later on when we have more time.<br />
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So grateful for all your support!<br />
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Sigh of Relief...<br />
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More prayers...<br />
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Amen!Christine Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11661451648280690396noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676095462415599033.post-63106961477470454292018-04-23T09:58:00.001-07:002018-04-23T09:58:28.393-07:00He's In...At 12:25 p.m. they wheeled Tristan back to the surgical room. That is one of the most challenging parts of this process...letting go and trusting God that the medical staff is going to take care of your child.<br />
Deep breath...<br />
Another Prayer...<br />
Wait...<br />
Wait...Christine Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11661451648280690396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676095462415599033.post-39717770553852250112018-04-22T18:51:00.000-07:002018-04-22T18:51:34.055-07:00It's Been A While!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG41lfPRsq9ExMPWyo7dZfOMH3vg9gbVojXYsZDvY0HkVVd54w5rUfDy8VZ2LwZUWFBEjHeR4-BNAyhTlH6YmmLprhcfUoXs0hH1giXhTFGgeWULmriA5TR2zq3MJQ8Bu7Grh08uAv6Jo/s1600/25550334_10156123954462755_7743347979220235346_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG41lfPRsq9ExMPWyo7dZfOMH3vg9gbVojXYsZDvY0HkVVd54w5rUfDy8VZ2LwZUWFBEjHeR4-BNAyhTlH6YmmLprhcfUoXs0hH1giXhTFGgeWULmriA5TR2zq3MJQ8Bu7Grh08uAv6Jo/s400/25550334_10156123954462755_7743347979220235346_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Welcome Family and Friends!</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit;">Obviously, it has been a long time since we have used this blog to keep you updated on our posse. However, Tristan's surgery seemed an appropriate occasion to get back at it, and keep you all in the loop quickly, easily and at your convenience.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit;">Just a little bit of background on Tristan's condition:</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit;"> He has a condition known as <i>pectus excavatum</i>. It affects about 1 out of 1000 kids. If you'd like a more detailed description of this condition and a general description of the surgery follow this link:</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit;"> <a href="https://hubpages.com/health/Pectus-Excavatum-Surgery-Introduction" target="_blank">https://hubpages.com/health/Pectus-Excavatum-Surgery-Introduction</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit;">He will be at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital tomorrow, Monday. The surgery will begin around 12:30 p.m. We will try to keep you updated on his progress as best we can. Please feel free to text us to see how he is doing and if he's up for visitors. He will likely be in the hospital for a at least a couple of days. While the surgery is scheduled to be an hour from start to finish, it's the recovery that is going to be a challenging road.</span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit;">Please pray for his surgical team: For them to have clear minds, steady hands and that things go very smoothly. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit;">Pray for Tristan: That he would be calm and have continued peace about this procedure. That his body would respond well, his pain would be managed superbly and that his nurses have patience and joy to help him along the way.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit;">Pray for Us (his family): That we would have our nerves calmed and be the great support system Tristan needs.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit;">Thanks for all you support already! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit;">Kevin & Chris</span></div>
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<br />Christine Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11661451648280690396noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676095462415599033.post-43481061657856986072013-12-13T11:46:00.001-08:002013-12-13T11:46:27.166-08:00Merry Christmas and a Happy and Blessed New Year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Christine Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11661451648280690396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676095462415599033.post-90933613428459434812012-06-10T18:37:00.003-07:002012-06-10T18:38:36.195-07:00Hills and Valleys<br />
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<img height="257" id="il_fi" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitdqQufgdMDPbXY7BvjuTu99uBbp-q0Fu3DMnWD6OiGKZSIfqgL3biwM4vMNOLlKOuYW1V7T3f45c1G0Bm727_qFP8fWK27LfVQVxrn_neCVoNsZgwp4c80AVU2Q7Ve7Zsx81wVWHYh3g/s320/hills+and+valleys.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="320" /></div>
This past week has had its share of hills and valleys. Things seem to change day by day and we are all just learning we have to continue to roll with it. Ever since May 31st, when Mom had the pleurx catheter put in, the home care nurses have come almost daily to drain her. They have been fantastic! Even going so far as to give Mom their home phone numbers in case she needs anything, even just to talk.<br />
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This past Monday and yesterday (Saturday), Mom struggled with pressure in her chest, shortness of breath and anxiety. While Dad and the nurse walked Mom through that valley on Monday, Kevin and I were here with them yesterday evening and were able to witness first hand the stress and anxiousness Mom experiences at times. We did our best to distract her until the nurse arrived and she was able to drain her catheter which also released a lot of air. It seems that that air is what's putting a strain on her chest, making it seem like she can't catch her breath. Our goal from now on is that as soon as Mom begins to feel that pressure, they will call the nurse to come and drain the catheter asap.<br />
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Speaking of the catheter, the drainage amounts have dropped a little but she is still having about 150cc drained off per day. Please pray that the drainage will slow even more!<br />
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Alright, I know you are all wondering...How did chemo go? Well one of our hilltop moments was Wednesday and even Thursday during chemo when Mom was feeling quite good during Marcel and Brynne's time at the farm. However, by Friday, she was slowing considerably. Since then she has been very tired and has struggled each day since chemo to bounce back. Good news is that her nausea has remained under control.<br />
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Right now, as an extended family, we are attempting to help Mom and Dad just find joy in every day and experience as much "normal" as possible. We try to find other things to talk about and even go for short excursions like a drive through Amish country or heading out to eat pie in Williamsford. This weekend Mom even supervised some much needed landscaping work and couldn't resist watering a few plants herself. :)<br />
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Grateful to God for every smile we can witness and share!<br />
Hugs to you all!<br />
UsChristine Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11661451648280690396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676095462415599033.post-2497028995001996372012-05-31T08:12:00.002-07:002012-05-31T08:12:57.244-07:00PleurX Catheter SystemMom has continued to struggle with pleural effusion, fluid around her lung. When she went in last week and had 700ml of fluid drained off again, it was decided that it was time to insert a PleurX catheter system.<br />
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<em>This system provides effective at-home palliation of symptoms associated with recurrent pleural effusions and malignant ascites. This clinically proven treatment option allows patients to manage their symptoms through intermittent drainages in the comfort of their homes with minimal physician intervention.</em><br />
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Mom went in to the OR at 9am this morning and was out at 11am already. They already drained another 300ml of fluid off her lung this morning. Currently Mom and Dad are waiting with Uncle Henry and Aunt Henrietta for for CCAC to give her discharge and care instructions before she will be able to leave. <br />
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Please pray: <br />
<ul>
<li>There will be no complications with this system.</li>
<li>This will solve some of the pain, discomfort, nausea and fluid issues she's been struggling with recently.</li>
</ul>
Thanks!<br />
:) Us<br />Christine Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11661451648280690396noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676095462415599033.post-62337225777159635362012-05-30T06:07:00.001-07:002012-05-30T06:13:00.077-07:00Pebble in Their Shoe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Life for Mom and Dad just can't seem to find a comfortable rhythm. It reminds me of when you are walking along and feel a pebble in your shoe and just can't seem to get rid of it. </div>
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The crazy thing for Mom is that she continues to struggle with several different issues. Around the middle of last week she began to feel a bit out of sorts again and her discomfort only increased as the week went on. By the weekend, she was back at the Owen Sound hospital needing to have fluid drained off her lung again. This time they removed over 700ml and are talking about needing to insert a catheter that would remain in place for Mom to drain as needed. This is a surgical procedure that either Dr. Newton or Dr. Nechela would perform.<br />
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We'll keep you posted!Christine Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11661451648280690396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676095462415599033.post-91083959974320882222012-05-20T07:40:00.001-07:002012-05-20T07:42:57.951-07:00Smooth Sailing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Mom has done marvelously this past week considering it was a chemo week. After a tiny bit of nausea on Thursday morning, it appears to have been smooth sailing for the rest of the week. Perhaps the 10% smaller dose of chemo helps or maybe it's eating a little something right away in the morning to settle her stomach. Whatever it is, we are SO grateful that she is feeling well and even a bit "lively" (at least she sounds that way on the phone :)<br />
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Thanks so much for your continued prayers and praises to our Amazing God!Christine Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11661451648280690396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676095462415599033.post-41015326680719513282012-05-15T13:02:00.004-07:002012-05-15T13:02:59.813-07:00It's Go for Tomorrow!Mom went into the hospital with Dad today to have her blood drawn and meet with Dr. Aboo. Her counts look good so chemo is a go for tomorrow and for that we are thankful. They will be dropping her Paclitaxel and Carboplatin dosages (chemo drugs) by 10% to reduce the amount of residue left in her system. Apparently, it can have a tendency to build up and they want to avoid that.<br />
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They are also looking into an injection that will help Mom maintain a higher red blood cell count and, in turn, give her more energy. It is currently not covered by their insurance so the CCAC is looking into a way she will be able to receive it at an affordable price.<br />
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Finally, Dr. Aboo gave Mom instructions that if fluid builds up again in her lungs she must instruct the ER staff to call him directly so he can give immediate orders for her care.<br />
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:) Keeping Our Eyes on The Healer!Christine Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11661451648280690396noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676095462415599033.post-2496697485813177222012-05-13T19:13:00.004-07:002012-05-13T19:13:49.537-07:00Bouncing BackAfter a rather stressful Thursday where Mom not only had a CT scan done but also received two pints of blood in a transfusion, she began to bounce back on Friday. We discovered that the cancer is not growing and that she must be fighting some kind of infection. So a very understanding Dr. Aboo discharged her Friday with prescriptions for a couple of antibiotics, orders to take it easy AND to go and enjoy Kelly's baby shower held Saturday in London.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBH7a0tvl-aGdJN41C_OivguymstxouLEbCq2eTX2SzZuI1kUCNW2Iz8T8KJXtbU6kmO1h4rvu89bg7J9szpyF3S7N0xDATpJDMPytrDZlO31vKwwrOlymT9YNNXE0IpDPeARhy2WZMAM/s1600/IMG_8140%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBH7a0tvl-aGdJN41C_OivguymstxouLEbCq2eTX2SzZuI1kUCNW2Iz8T8KJXtbU6kmO1h4rvu89bg7J9szpyF3S7N0xDATpJDMPytrDZlO31vKwwrOlymT9YNNXE0IpDPeARhy2WZMAM/s320/IMG_8140%5B1%5D.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Baby Noordermeer Under Construction' cake</td></tr>
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Monic drove her from Dornoch to the hotel in London late Friday evening (with Dad following behind by about a half an hour) and Mom crashed at about 10:30pm and remained all cozy in her bed until right before the shower began in the hotel at 11:30am the next morning. While she was a little sluggish, she thoroughly enjoyed being Oma to Baby Noordermeer all throughout the party.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijVsx1rUf1nxT-wndPl27S362BD5QHYgvVv-SQ1i_E6cUF4C8i8Gox-MzKfST6E6ltrIghSt34mYxwMh5xjl5syXOQYApSS6YchuIRzDKf70030L9UgnYmKBgm8SP1UX4PHBwRBoXe6Wk/s1600/IMG_8133%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijVsx1rUf1nxT-wndPl27S362BD5QHYgvVv-SQ1i_E6cUF4C8i8Gox-MzKfST6E6ltrIghSt34mYxwMh5xjl5syXOQYApSS6YchuIRzDKf70030L9UgnYmKBgm8SP1UX4PHBwRBoXe6Wk/s320/IMG_8133%5B1%5D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chatting with good friends Minnie Boersma & Jane Bruinink</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZs1xXu-52XM5K6jLMjOU5B0z-m0d7ZGrk1u57hbMrfTVDbJzD8InufwJG7POu0Z2Oc_jeZ-4xMFEYZ2D2llMtNnm3j4yC_cpJRtadSUDiO9iK4tczi6HWNFou9FaKK9tj3Ll1Mp9SqfA/s1600/IMG_8130%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZs1xXu-52XM5K6jLMjOU5B0z-m0d7ZGrk1u57hbMrfTVDbJzD8InufwJG7POu0Z2Oc_jeZ-4xMFEYZ2D2llMtNnm3j4yC_cpJRtadSUDiO9iK4tczi6HWNFou9FaKK9tj3Ll1Mp9SqfA/s320/IMG_8130%5B1%5D.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Yuckin' It Up!"</td></tr>
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Sunday morning dawned and she was even more perky and more herself than Saturday. She ate great and even road comfortably to Port Huron, Michigan where we all met up with Dad and Benj to have lunch. As we bid our goodbyes, we remarked again at how good she looked today!<br />
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Thank you Lord for gifting us all with her presence at the newest Baby Noordermeer's shower!Christine Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11661451648280690396noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676095462415599033.post-62396336743999331942012-05-10T09:53:00.002-07:002012-05-10T09:53:31.039-07:00It's a Pot Hole This Time!We know that this road/journey will contain good days and not so good days. Unfortunately, today we hit a pot hole. Apparently, last night Mom couldn't catch her breath and after taking a couple of anti-anxiety pills that didn't seem to work, Dad took her into the ER in Owen Sound again.<br />
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It appears as if she has fluid on her lungs again but we'll know more after a CT scan this afternoon. Also, her white blood cell count has tanked so they will be doing a blood transfusion. This is one of those times when I am grateful beyond belief for gracious, giving people who take the time to donate blood to help those in need. (THANKS to all of you who do!)<br />
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In order to get the tests and transfusion done faster Dr. Aboo is admitting her. She is discouraged and needs uplifting prayers for more courage and strength. Please pray those same prayers for Dad.<br />
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Thanks for all of your prayers already!<br />
Us<br />Christine Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11661451648280690396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676095462415599033.post-89790336667526714712012-05-09T05:40:00.001-07:002012-05-09T05:40:59.945-07:00A Walk in the Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yesterday, Mom had her third dose of pamidronate, a bone enhancer. But this time was a walk in the park. We discovered at her last pamidronate appointment that she could go to oncology and they could hook up to her port with a "to go" bag of pamidronate and she could head home as it was administered throughout the course of the day. It worked out perfectly! Oncology called the home nurse and told them approximately what time Mom's pamidronate would be done. Sure enough, they came to the house and disconnected her later in the afternoon! This process saved Mom and Dad hours of waiting around in the hospital Oncology department and for that, I don't know about you, but I want to do a little happy dance, :)Christine Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11661451648280690396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676095462415599033.post-72126002895305534982012-05-01T17:03:00.001-07:002012-05-01T17:05:30.545-07:00A Bump in the Road<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We've hit a bump in the road. Today Mom had a nurse come to the house and her blood pressure was through the roof. To compound it, she was/is nauseated and has pain in her hip which had been doing well. The nurse sent her to the hospital where they waited three hours before they were sent to the ER. They continued to wait there for about an hour before they saw a doctor. He put her on an IV with some meds (I don't know what meds they are yet.), took some blood for analysis and an x-ray of her hip. She will remain in the hospital until at least 11pm tonight when the IV should be done.<br />
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Please pray they find some answers to these current symptoms as well a treatment/meds.<br />
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:) UsChristine Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11661451648280690396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676095462415599033.post-83058071691486096492012-04-25T13:45:00.000-07:002012-04-25T13:45:04.595-07:00Halfway There!Chemo went well today. Mom is such a trooper! Yesterday, Oncology was extremely busy but today was just a smidgen better, only a couple of times were all the chairs filled. After the last two rounds, we realized that it takes about six hours which is exactly how long today took from start to finish. Mom slept through much of it while watching dvd reruns of Murder She Wrote. Seeing her resting just made me smile. There are two rooms with recliners for chemo patients and this time we were in the big room with about nine chairs. At one point eight of the chairs held oncology patients and everyone but the lady next to Mom was sleeping. It was a bittersweet momemt - sad but soothing to witness so many people seeking rest while fighting their battles. Today marks the halfway point for Mom, three of the six rounds of chemo are done! She is doing well with nausea but we are being very proactive with it by using all three anti-nausea drugs she's been prescribed.<br />
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Please pray that the nausea stays away for tonight and the next couple of days for sure.<br />
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:) UsChristine Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11661451648280690396noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676095462415599033.post-30842901148133944232012-04-24T16:24:00.002-07:002012-04-24T16:25:59.474-07:00Na, Na, Na, Na...Hey, Hey, Hey... Good-bye!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sorry it's been a while since our last posting but we'll do our best now to play catch up. The last half of last week was a rough one for Mom. While the radiation sessions didn't take too long, she really struggled with nausea. Friday she did return home to Dornoch, Ontario, where Dad took over from Monic as Mom's primary cargiver. She did a lot of resting over the weekend and her appetite has slowly returned. Today she did very well with food. She was very much like her old self, enjoying a Mc D's burger and Mc Flurry with Dad. We also said GOOD-BYE to her friend "Walter" the walker. She no longer "Ca-chunks" around the house! But is walking around most times without any assistance (occasionally a cane).<br />
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Today and tomorrow are long days. Today started with blood work at noon. However, Oncology was EXTREMELY busy so she had to go down to the Out Patient Lab to have her blood drawn. We then left for lunch. Her next appointment was supposed to be at 1pm with Dr. Aboo but we didn't see him until after 2pm. Like we said, it was VERY busy there today! After meeting with Dr. Aboo, here is the latest:<br />
<ul>
<li>Her counts look good including calcium so chemo tomorrow is a go.</li>
<li>They will do a full body CT scan before her next round of chemo in three weeks to see how things look.</li>
<li>Since maxeran (anti-nausea drug) isn't working so well they are looking into adding Zofran to her daily medication regimen.</li>
<li>Dr. Aboo is very please she is tolerating chemo well with no serious side effects like pneumonia or other infections.</li>
<li>They are planning on 6 rounds of chemo and then continuing with maintenance chemo which will still occur every 3-4 weeks. It's just a different type of chemo cocktail. :)</li>
<li>She will have IV fluids readily available to her now so that the home care nurses can give it to her here, at home, when she feels very nauseated or just sluggish.</li>
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Please pray that the chemo happens swiftly and with little to no nausea tomorrow!<br />
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Hugs to you all!<br />
UsChristine Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11661451648280690396noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676095462415599033.post-53460668027193160122012-04-18T19:04:00.001-07:002012-04-18T19:06:33.790-07:00Day Three... Not So GoodToday was not such a good day. This morning Mom didn't keep breakfast down and shortly after her radiation appointment she went back to the hospital to be seen and checked over to discover if anything else was wrong, other than the nausea. Her counts were good. However, as of 8pm tonight she still wasn't keeping much down (except for a cracker).<br />
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Please pray her stomach settles.<br />
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We'll keep you posted!<br />
UsChristine Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11661451648280690396noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8676095462415599033.post-35957012589112356392012-04-16T17:54:00.002-07:002012-04-16T17:57:44.878-07:00Day One down, Four to goI just spoke with my dad so I wanted to give you a quick update on Mom's Day One: Radiation Treatment. Apparently, she had a CT scan done from the waist down at around noon today. After this they "marked" her body so they would know exactly where to radiate (Tsk, tsk... Mom's got some tattoos now!!! :) They then told her to just skidattle for a while and come back at 3pm for her first treatment. <br />
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Mo, Mom and Dad spent the time exploring Costco and the best part of it was Mom's transportation:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJBWZyRKm6szRQq82Wb0SCsiJj0UTwv0Lsi1HgCGXNfGHpoAxSSVr35p108ZDAJ_zRQKN58_fZ2Q6P_KZtZ1q6SKSgrqDlXmhxCSWX3SmwYNU3ZzDYQf0UQsR8dhCKSa2id15c8KKeLQ/s320/scooter+and+flag.jpg" width="239" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">While the rest of you may just think this picture is cute or fun. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> We kids think it's the sweetest payback EVER!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Long story short, when we were young (grade school age) Dad and Mom would make us bike to our bus stop at Noordermeer Bros Inc. Now this sounds rather practical and even good for us right? While it was great for us physically; emotionally we really struggled since each one of our bikes had an ENORMOUS, TALL, BRIGHT ORANGE flag strapped to the rear "fender". It was SO embarassing! Every one knew when the Noordermeer kids were coming because we came blazing into Noordermeer Bros Inc parking lot, flags a-waving!! Hopefully, this story allows you to enjoy this photo just a little bit more!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So back to how today went: At 3pm she came back and they did the procedure. Mom jokingly said it took her more time to undress than it did to have the radiation done! After a bit of rest time at Thameswood Lodge, she, Mo and Christian went to visit Grandma and Grandpa for a bit. Obviously, she is feeling good both physically and mentally in order to go about making social calls.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thanks for all your continued prayers! Day One Down, Four to Go.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Us</div>Christine Maureenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11661451648280690396noreply@blogger.com1