March 7, 2009

Dear Family and Friends,
My mom would like everyone to know how much she has appreciated the prayers of so many in her behalf. We are all grateful for all the love and support that we have felt these past few weeks. The good news is that our first prayer has been answered. Thursday and Friday night, she was able to sleep - something she hasn't been able to do very well for the past 6 weeks. Unfortunately, I do not think she will get much sleep tonight because she is back in the hospital with all kinds of wires surrounding her. She has been home all week, but her breathing has been more and more difficult. This morning it was so bad that my dad took her to the emergency room. Her oxygen level was down to 60 and she was listed in critical condition. She is now in the intensive care unit at the Intermountain Medical Center. For most of the day she was on a forced air respirator. She is still on 100 oxygen, but she is able to talk through this ventilator that she is on now. Even with the oxygen, it is still difficult for her to breath and talking for more than a few minutes causes her oxygen level to drop below where it should be. The doctors attempted to drain some of the fluid that has built up so that my mom could breathe easier; however, it was unsuccessful and they have had to put in another tube through her back. The fluid is not draining very fast and so she has not had much relief so far. In other news, she had her PET-CT scan on Friday and we are awaiting to see what the results of the scan are. First, we need to deal with her not being able to breathe - surgery may be a possiblility. Hopefully we will know what course of action to take within the next few days. Sorry if this seems a little scattered, it's pretty late and I don't really understand it all myself.
Thanks again for your prayers and support.