So far, so good!

My sister is out of surgery. The pacemaker is in and she is doing fine so far. She has to lay flat for a couple of hours, and then still stay pretty still after that. She will be at the hospital for at least 72 hours while they monitor her-which would bring her home on Christmas Eve. Thanks for all of the prayers for her and our family.

Updating Again!

I just came from the hospital and visiting my sister. It was so good to sit and talk to her! (Actually, our first real conversation was on Friday. I can't tell you how happy it made me to be able to talk to Mary again. It's had been a long week!). She looked good, but really tired. I was able to go for a short walk with her as well while I was there. I am continued to be amazed by my sister's strength and courage through this whole process.

She has one more hurdle to cross before coming home. My sister is having surgery tomorrow to have a pacemaker put in. He heart just has not returned to a normal rhythm, and at this point, it is unlikely that it ever would. She had some scary moments the other day when they tested it, and she hopes to not go through that again. Please continue the prayers for her tomorrow, and I will update when I know something.

Thanks for all of the prayers and encouragement!

Another Update

My sister continues to improve, although she is in a lot of pain. Everyday movements we take for granted hurt a lot. My brother-in-law has requested no visitors for the time being so my sister can rest. I am hoping to see her over the weekend. I miss my sister.

I have a few specific requests for prayer at this point. We were informed yesterday that my sister more than likely needs a pacemaker. This surgery is very minor compared to the one she had, but my sister is very disappointed with this turn of events. Please pray for peace for her with this surgery or for the miracle that her heart goes back into rhythm and she won't need one. My husband reminded me yesterday that this is not a done deal and that God can change this if He wishes, so pray like crazy!

We are also unsure as to when she will come home. My brother-in-law is hopeful it will be next week. I am praying that she is home for Christmas-for herself, for her husband, for her children. Her children are all handling this beautifully, but it is hard for them to not have their Mama home. I am so proud of all of them-from my adult nieces who are managing things on the home front all the way down to the youngest who misses his Mama terribly. Please pray for them to have strength and peace as they help my sister through her recovery.

Today

My sister's surgery is scheduled for 6:30 AM this morning. They will be performing a bypass, valve replacement and possible aortic reinforcement. I am leaving my house at 4:15 AM so I can see my sister before they take her back for surgery. I will update here when I can, but it probably won't be until I get home.

For those of you who are friends on facebook-I will update on there from my cell.

Please pray for my sister, her husband and children, and for the doctors and other hospital staff taking care of Mary today. God Bless!

Update

I thought I would post an update about my sister. Her cath yesterday did not bring the best news. Mary has a 60-80% blockage in her coronary artery. Because of the location, she is going to require bypass surgery. While they are in, they will also replace her valve, which as I said before, is bicuspid (two openings) rather than tricuspid (three openings). Please pray for her and for her husband and 7 children (ages 22-9) as they walk this journey. Please also pray for her doctors that they treat her with knowledge strength, wisdom and steady hands. Her surgery is on December 14.