Hi all, what a day, never a dull day at the Kammer or Dierking house it seems. Sharon was released from the Hospital today. She had the option of staying another day, but found the time in the Hospital somewhat boring so she decided to come home. The Dr said this was fine as long as I take over the nursing duties, cleaning the drain tubes, etc. I brought her home this evening. She doesn't have much energy, but should be able to take phone calls tomorrow, Saturday.
As we were preparing to leave the Hospital, Christy called to tell us that she had been admitted to the hospital and will have to stay for the duration of her pregnancy. She went for her weekly checkup and the Dr discovered that her cervix was at 1. Doesn't mean much to me except that the cervix is dangerously close to the size when childbirth happens. The doctors are still very optomistic that Christy can go to week 30. She is starting week 24 this Sunday, so we have a way to go. I will update this site with her phone number as soon as we know her room number. She is at Irvine Medical Senter Hosp in Orange. Please continue to pray for Christy, Steve, and the babies as well as Sharon. Bernie
Friday, April 25, 2008
Thursday, April 24, 2008
UPDATE ON SHARON'S SURGERY
I think you are all aware that Sharon had reconstructive breast surgery this past Tuesday. This was to replace the breast removed as part of her breast cancer treatment two years ago.
Sharon is doing as well as can be expected. Her surgeon was pleased with the size of veins and arteries he had to work with in doing the recontructive surgery. I was not aware that when they move fatty material from her stomach area they also had to connect veins and arteries so that blood will flow into the fatty mass in order for the mass to survive. Makes sense, but just not something one thinks about. The surgery was about 8 hours long on Tues, and she will finally be able to take some drink and food at noon today. They check on her every 15 minutes to make sure the veins and arteries haven't collapsed, so she has a nurse in her room almost 24 hrs a day. They use a sound instrument to listen for blood flowing through the arteries and veins, pretty amazing to hear the blood being pumped through. She is doing as well as can be expected under the circumstances, is in good spirits, but anxious to come home. I will be leaving for the hosp shortly and helping her celebrate being able to take fluids and food for the first time since Mon night. At the moment she has quite a few scars and tissue that has been moved and stitched into place---I call her "Frankenmom" - we both laugh about that, but she keeps reminding me that she got a tummy tuck out of the deal. With a little luck she will be coming home on Sat and then be in bedrest for about 3-4 weeks. So you know where most of my time will be spent for the next few weeks. She has not been able to take phone calls up to now as she has trouble speaking (due to the dryness in her mouth and throat). I will post the hosptial and her room number as soon as she feels up to taking phone calls.
Just a quick update on Christy. She is doing well. She takes her blood pressure several times a day, and it has continued to stay down. I think she has a Dr appointment again tomorrow (Fri). So we have gotten through another week. Keep praying for Sharon and Christy and the babies - we need 6-8 more weeks of "in the tummy" time for the babies. Don't forget to thank God in your prayers for all the blessings he has poured out on us - and you. Til later, Bernie
Sharon is doing as well as can be expected. Her surgeon was pleased with the size of veins and arteries he had to work with in doing the recontructive surgery. I was not aware that when they move fatty material from her stomach area they also had to connect veins and arteries so that blood will flow into the fatty mass in order for the mass to survive. Makes sense, but just not something one thinks about. The surgery was about 8 hours long on Tues, and she will finally be able to take some drink and food at noon today. They check on her every 15 minutes to make sure the veins and arteries haven't collapsed, so she has a nurse in her room almost 24 hrs a day. They use a sound instrument to listen for blood flowing through the arteries and veins, pretty amazing to hear the blood being pumped through. She is doing as well as can be expected under the circumstances, is in good spirits, but anxious to come home. I will be leaving for the hosp shortly and helping her celebrate being able to take fluids and food for the first time since Mon night. At the moment she has quite a few scars and tissue that has been moved and stitched into place---I call her "Frankenmom" - we both laugh about that, but she keeps reminding me that she got a tummy tuck out of the deal. With a little luck she will be coming home on Sat and then be in bedrest for about 3-4 weeks. So you know where most of my time will be spent for the next few weeks. She has not been able to take phone calls up to now as she has trouble speaking (due to the dryness in her mouth and throat). I will post the hosptial and her room number as soon as she feels up to taking phone calls.
Just a quick update on Christy. She is doing well. She takes her blood pressure several times a day, and it has continued to stay down. I think she has a Dr appointment again tomorrow (Fri). So we have gotten through another week. Keep praying for Sharon and Christy and the babies - we need 6-8 more weeks of "in the tummy" time for the babies. Don't forget to thank God in your prayers for all the blessings he has poured out on us - and you. Til later, Bernie
Monday, April 21, 2008
Life is a bumpy road.
Hello everyone, we had some minor bad news last Wednesday. When Christy went in for her regular appointment the ultrasound revealed a surprise. Baby A had slipped her foot into the cervix. It was a minor matter to push it back but it revealed that the cervix had bowed a bit so the doctor immediately put Christy on bed rest. Although she knew this would come eventually, it came as a shock because she was feeling so well and there had been no previous indication that things were changing.
This Fiday Christy went in for her weekly examination and she had elevated blood pressure. This was no minor problem so her Doctor put her in the hospital for further tests. Fortunately the blood pressure went down back to the normal range, and although her urine test showed a slightly elevated level of protein, she was released from the hospital Friday evening. They are watching her very closely as are we. Christy calls me her bedrest policeman. Although this is cause for some concern, we are assured that God is with us and the babies and holds the future in His hands. This gives us a lot of peace. Also, knowing you are all praying is a great comfort. The good news is that Christy can now feel the babies moving and they are becoming quite active.
Please continue to hold us all in your prayers. They are powerful.
This Fiday Christy went in for her weekly examination and she had elevated blood pressure. This was no minor problem so her Doctor put her in the hospital for further tests. Fortunately the blood pressure went down back to the normal range, and although her urine test showed a slightly elevated level of protein, she was released from the hospital Friday evening. They are watching her very closely as are we. Christy calls me her bedrest policeman. Although this is cause for some concern, we are assured that God is with us and the babies and holds the future in His hands. This gives us a lot of peace. Also, knowing you are all praying is a great comfort. The good news is that Christy can now feel the babies moving and they are becoming quite active.
Please continue to hold us all in your prayers. They are powerful.
Monday, April 14, 2008
APRIL 9TH UPDATE
Sorry this is a little late but have been sooooo busy. Christy went to her weekly checkup last Wednesday, April 9. While conducting the usual inspection the nurse noticed that one of the little girls was apparently feeling a bit too crowded, as she had placed her foot into the cervix area. A little nudge moved that foot back into where it belonged, but the doctor decided that it was time for Christy to go on complete bedrest, that means no more shopping for baby clothes, looking at baby furniture, trying to decide on what kind of car will handle the new "large" family, and so on. The babies checked out OK with all three having strong heartbeats. Christy is feeling a lot more movement from the babies, espcially when she is laying on her side or stomach. Apparently they don't like the pushing in those positions, so they have decided to push back. The babies are now in their 22nd week. We hope and pray that they will make it through week 30, so that makes it 21 down and 8 to go. Mother and babies are due for their next exam this Wednesday, April 16, so you can expect an update shortly afterward.
Sharon is having her reconstruction surgery this coming Tuesday. The surgery will last nearly all day as it involves micro surgery to connect blood vessels to the fleshy mass being moved from her tummy to her breast area. The prospect of her getting a tummy tuck is making her the envy of her girlfriends. Her hospital stay will be 4-5 days, depending on how quickly she recovers, and will probably result in me losing a few pounds.
Please keep the babies, Christy, Steve and Sharon in your daily prayers. Also pray for me as I struggle to get through the week without Sharon around to help.
God Bless, til later, Bernd
Sharon is having her reconstruction surgery this coming Tuesday. The surgery will last nearly all day as it involves micro surgery to connect blood vessels to the fleshy mass being moved from her tummy to her breast area. The prospect of her getting a tummy tuck is making her the envy of her girlfriends. Her hospital stay will be 4-5 days, depending on how quickly she recovers, and will probably result in me losing a few pounds.
Please keep the babies, Christy, Steve and Sharon in your daily prayers. Also pray for me as I struggle to get through the week without Sharon around to help.
God Bless, til later, Bernd
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
March Update
As you can imagine, we have been pretty busy the last couple of months. Although Christy has had several doctors appointment there has not been a lot to report. Some of you may have heard about her appointment and ultrasound in the beginning of March. Everything was as usual. Baby A, kinda quiet, Baby B, dancing and Baby C, shy or obstinate, facing her back. Typical! The technicians could tell for a certainty that Babies A and B were girls and although not positive they were 85% sure that Baby C was also. Resigned to the fact that no one in our family could master the "outdoor plumbing" I rushed off to the store and bought 3 beautiful dresses. (Don't make my mistake!)
Just after Easter I was able to go with Christy for a more detailed ultrasound. Lots of measurements, etc. All of the babies are doing very well. Although she could see their hearts beating on every ultrasound, this was the first time they turned up the volume and let Christy and I hear the heartbeats. Miraculous! The babies all have the same size heads and abdomens and are progressing pretty much on target. Babies A and B are now 7 ounces and Baby C is 8 ounces. This is a change because prior to this Baby C seemed to be a little smaller. Still wanting to face Christy's back and keep us in suspense, we marveled as we saw a baby folded in half with legs over his head. And then after much prodding he turned and proudly displayed his wares. Yep, its a boy and Christy and I sat with tears in our eyes.
Christy had a little more reason to tear up than I because when faced with the prospect of three girls Steve began talking about the "next time" A notion she swore he would have to tackle with his "next wife"!!!
I'm happy to report that so far all of our prayers have been answered. (I swear Christy prayed that appendage onto Baby C). The babies are doing great and so is Christy. Tests for diabetes have been negative and her blood pressure is staying down. She has completely quit working and is very careful what she eats and does. At our visit the doctor noted that her cervix is starting to shorten a bit so no more long walks for exercise but she can still go shopping! What a blessing that she is not yet confined to bed. I have a feeling that when that time comes it will be difficult for all of us. The headaches still persist so keep praying. God is good.
"I will praise you O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders." Psalm 9:1
Just after Easter I was able to go with Christy for a more detailed ultrasound. Lots of measurements, etc. All of the babies are doing very well. Although she could see their hearts beating on every ultrasound, this was the first time they turned up the volume and let Christy and I hear the heartbeats. Miraculous! The babies all have the same size heads and abdomens and are progressing pretty much on target. Babies A and B are now 7 ounces and Baby C is 8 ounces. This is a change because prior to this Baby C seemed to be a little smaller. Still wanting to face Christy's back and keep us in suspense, we marveled as we saw a baby folded in half with legs over his head. And then after much prodding he turned and proudly displayed his wares. Yep, its a boy and Christy and I sat with tears in our eyes.
Christy had a little more reason to tear up than I because when faced with the prospect of three girls Steve began talking about the "next time" A notion she swore he would have to tackle with his "next wife"!!!
I'm happy to report that so far all of our prayers have been answered. (I swear Christy prayed that appendage onto Baby C). The babies are doing great and so is Christy. Tests for diabetes have been negative and her blood pressure is staying down. She has completely quit working and is very careful what she eats and does. At our visit the doctor noted that her cervix is starting to shorten a bit so no more long walks for exercise but she can still go shopping! What a blessing that she is not yet confined to bed. I have a feeling that when that time comes it will be difficult for all of us. The headaches still persist so keep praying. God is good.
"I will praise you O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders." Psalm 9:1
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