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