Friday, November 12, 2010

Truly Thankful

Today, my Aunt Callie had her venogram. She's resting right now, and they should be letting her go home in about 25 minutes. I am so overwhelmed with gratitude. Her left jugular vein was narrowed in two places, her right jugular was narrowed, as well as her azygous vein. Amazing. They were able to open them successfully and she did great. Each time they ballooned another narrowing, she wept. Understandable. I hope so much that this helps her hands and feet.
For those of you who don't know, Callie has played a huge role in my life. I didn't have a present mom growing up, and in so many ways, Callie was there to be that mother figure for me. She allowed us 4 kids to stay with her in the summers, she let me live with her when I came out to college, she planned my entire wedding, she treats my children as if they are her own grandchildren (not that she's old enough for that!!!), and helps me in every way that she can. I remember one day when I got out of bed in the morning and slammed right into the wall because I was so dizzy. I had 3 little kids and Jake couldn't be reached at work, and my sweet Aunt Callie came to my rescue. She not only watched my kids, but she cleaned my house too. When I went to have my liberation in Costa Rica, Callie watched my littlest Jonah the entire time. She is truly a saint. I could go on and on and on about how much I look up to and admire this woman. But I won't. I'll just say that I pray this surgery helps her immensely.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

News Story

http://www.komonews.com/news/problemsolvers/106282468.html?tab=video

Miracles are Happening!


It's a glorious day for a liberation!!! Wooohhooo!!!!!!!!! My sister Andrea (and my sister Brynn, her husband, our dad, and I) went into Utah Valley Regional Medical Center this morning for Andrea's venogram. Ready for the incredible news?! BOTH her left and right jugular veins were 75% closed!!! The dr. opened them up beautifully with a balloon angioplasty. Amazing that she was only diagnosed a month and a half ago and both of her jugular veins were stenosed! The dr. said he thinks they've been closed for years because the narrowed areas had a lot of built up scar tissue around them. Anways, she's doing well, still groggy from the meds they gave her, but resting comfortably at home. I can't wait to see what a difference it will make for her. We were so elated when they came in and told us the wonderful news.
Also, as if that wasn't enough excitement, when we arrived at the hospital and they took us back to our room, there was Lynda who had just come out of her second surgery! 2 veins near her legs were closed, one on the left and one on the right, and the dr. was able to open them successfully. She said she could already feel more warmth in her legs and could stand on her tippy toes like a champion! Pretty amazing.
I can't wait to see how both of these amazing women continue to progress. It has been such an exciting and emotional day. I'll keep you all posted!
Humbled and Grateful,
toby
PS, Andrea's gonna kill me for posting that picture:) You know I love you sis.