A Setback...

As I write this update, Tom is in surgery once again. The bypass failed. Tom felt that "things" with his leg just weren't feeling right. Yesterday, there was a visit to the surgeon, diagnostics and now back in for a lengthy surgery. We are assured that we have the "rock star" of surgeons. I hope so...this is of course a long and complicated story, a brief note is all I can offer at this point. Until I hear from the surgeon I know little, I did hear from the surgery nurse that Tom is fairing well in surgery, he's stable. I have internet access while we are staying here at the hospital ~ Tom encouraged me to write an update here so I can keep family and friends updated. Just like him to keep me busy even while he sleeps.

Update: Wednesday, 6:00AM Tom is in ICU. Recovery is painful in spite of efforts to keep him comfortable. After exhausting efforts to repair the first bypass, the surgeon settled on a stent in the upper leg and a new bypass from the knee down. There is blood flow through the new bypass and this is good. All is counting on this new artery to remain open.

Update: Wednesday 1:30PM Tom is looking so much better. He is alert, they are managing his pain using the least amount of meds as they can so he can get up and moving. He stood for a minute today, and this was terribly painful for him. The incisions are hard to think about as there are many. Again, we thank you all so very much for all of your concern, thoughts and prayers that you have offered up for us. You know this helps carry us through tough times.

Danielle is at the hospital with Tom while I am home to take care of our fur kids and now also to get some much needed sleep. Will keep posting as we make progress. Many hugs back!

Update: Wednesday 11:30PM I've been at the hospital again since 6:00PM, returning home now to find the house too quiet. Tom is in the same care unit and in fairly good spirits. He has a lot weighing on him right now, he is worried. He had a blood transfusion this morning, that made a difference for him and will help keep his heart healthier. He was able to walk with the assistance of a nurse and walker, he didn't go but a few steps, but still he was up and on his feet. He has had excellent RNs caring for him.

Danielle spent the day chatting with her dad, helping to take care of him. Allie will have her turn tomorrow. This day certainly ends on a more positive note than it began. I am in awe of the radical procedures that can be done to the human body, yet more so by the fact that the body can come back from such trauma in a relatively short amount of time. While my level of anxiety is high and I feel as if my heart and head may very well explode I have to believe that tomorrow holds the promise of further improvement...

Goodnight!