Another surgery for the Spain family

Stacy · Joined: 21 Nov 2007 Posts: 39 Location: Porterville, CA

Well the time has come for our family to endure another valve sparing surgery at Stanford University Medical Center. My valve sparing surgery was performed in Feb 2006, my 20 yr old son's was performed in Feb of 2008, and now my 17 yr old daughter will graduate high school on June 5th and have her surgery on June 17th. I honestly think that I am numb.

Needless to say, the anxiety level, stress level, and patience is wearing thin. Of course, just like last time with my son, I will be on here through out the day of the surgery to update everyone as to what is happening. It is a long 10 hour surgery as you all know, and I have to do something to keep me busy.

Everyone on here has been such a great support for my family during these trying times, and I know that I will have to lean on you all on that day also.

Trust me, I will stay in touch.
_________________
Stacy

"Knowing is half the battle."

Rachel · Joined: 29 Sep 2008 Posts: 46 Location: Dublin, Ireland

Your poor family, you've certainly had it. Keep the spirits up, fact that you and your son have already had successful surgery hopefully gives you some comfort for a ery successful surgery for your daughter.

You all will be in my thoughts on that day.

Take care and hope your daughter enjoys her high school graduation.

Rachel xx

tch225 · Joined: 17 Mar 2008 Posts: 144 Location: ohio

HI STACY,

IM SO SORRY ABOUT ALL YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ARE GOING THROUGH RIGHT NOW AND HAVE BEEN FOR A WHILE!! I HAVENT BEEN THROUGH THAT WITH MY SON YET ONLY MYSELF AND I KNOW YOU KNOW ITS EASIER TO BE THE PATIENT THEN BE THE MOM. ITS TOUGH ENOUGH FOR ME JUST TO BE SITTTING THERE FOR TWO HOURS FOR HIS MRI AND I DONT KNOW HOW MY HUSBAND OR MY MOTHER HAS DONE THE 12 HOUR THING. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. I WILL LOOK FORWARD TO HEAR ALL THE UPDATES ON YOUR DAUGHTER AND HOW WELL SHE IS DOING.

SINCERELY,
LESLIE

jaleehall · Joined: 24 Aug 2008 Posts: 25 Location: Bloomington, IL

Stacey,

Our prayers are with your family. I know this will be a stressful time for you, just do what you can to relieve all you can. Perhaps you could book some massages. The biggest relief for me when my son and I had our surgeries 4 days apart was just getting everything in order and when I realized I had done all I could within my power, I turned it all over to God. I was still nervous, but felt relief. I only focused on one day at a time and sometimes a shorter time, like an hour at a time; whatever I think I could handle.

I applaud your daughter for her graduation. It should be a great day. I hope she has something fun planned between graduation and the surgery.

Good luck with everything and keep us posted. We will all be praying for her.

Beth · Site Admin Joined: 17 Apr 2007 Posts: 189 Location: Ohio

Dear Stacy,

Congratulations on the graduation! You definitely have some busy days ahead! I just saw your post on FB and didn't realize a surgery had been scheduled. I will be thinking and praying for you and your family. I hope you have some time to enjoy each other and all the celebrations that life is bringing you most currently!!

Please keep us updated!

Sincerely,
Beth Utz

Stacy · Joined: 21 Nov 2007 Posts: 39 Location: Porterville, CA

Graduation was wonderful for Chelsi. Now we are getting prepared for Chelsi's surgery on the 17th of June.

I will keep everyone posted throughout that day.

I have also been scheduled that same day at Stanford for a consultation for a diaphram hernia that I have to have repaired. I was hoping that would keep my mind occupied while she is in surgery but my husband is torn between being with me or her. Since mine is just a consult, he can sit in the waiting room while I go to my appt. Since Stanford is so far away, I just thought it would be better to do it all when I was there.

Anyways, just thought I would keep you all posted on what is going on in the Spain family.

Take Care and God Bless
_________________
Stacy

"Knowing is half the battle."

Beth · Site Admin Joined: 17 Apr 2007 Posts: 189 Location: Ohio

Dear Stacy,
Life always keeps us guessing, right? One thing that always holds true, is that no matter how crazy, God is with us! As well, family and friends! I will have you and your family in my thoughts and prayers and hope to hear good progress updates regarding your consult and Chelsie's surgery! Email or callN or FaceBook any time-to talk, vent, cry, or we hope--laugh! Take care of you, too, and look forward to talking soon!

Sincerely,
Beth Utz

Steven007 · Posted: Wed Jun 10, 2009 5:40 am Post subject: Another Surgery for Spain Family

Our thoughts and Prayers will be with you and your Family Today Tomorow and everyday. Good Luck and our Best wishes to you and your Family.
The Torres Family

Stacy · Joined: 21 Nov 2007 Posts: 39 Location: Porterville, CA

Well, we just spoke with the surgeon and he said that everything went great. No extra blood was needed. There was a small leak in her coronary artery that was easily repaired. He said that if it hadn’t stopped, then they would have had to put her back on the heart/lung machine, detach the graft and fix the leak. Thanks to everyone’s thoughts and prayers, it stopped so we did not have to go thru that step.

She should have the breathing tube out tonight sometime which will be a big relief. Right now we are still waiting to see her. They are in the process of getting her settled in her ICU suite. The surgeon has now performed valve sparing surgery on 3 or the 5 Spain’s with great success. I honestly feel like he is part of my family along with the entire team here at Stanford.

More to follow.
_________________
Stacy

"Knowing is half the battle."

tch225 · Joined: 17 Mar 2008 Posts: 144 Location: ohio

IM SO GLAD IT WENT WELL, AND GLAD SHE DIDNT HAVE TO GO BACK ON THE LUNG MACHINE. GOD IS WONDERFUL ISNT HE? WE WILL CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR A SPEEDY RECOVERY, AND WILL LOOK FORWARD TO MORE WONDERFUL UPDATES.

WAT TO GO

LESLIE

Stacy · Joined: 21 Nov 2007 Posts: 39 Location: Porterville, CA

Chelsi has been moved to a regular room now. She is progressing quite well now. Next step is walking. She is still in quite a bit of pain, which is to be expected.

I cannot say enough good things about this hospital. They are truly miracle workers.

Thank you for all that thoughts and prayers.
_________________
Stacy

"Knowing is half the battle."

Steven007 · Posted: Fri Jun 19, 2009 9:21 pm Post subject: Another Surgery for Spain Family

Glad to hear that all is well. Steven had a similiar situation with the bleeding but nothing like what you faced. Best wishes for a short hospital stay and may all come out well.

Sincerely,
The Torres Family

Stacy · Joined: 21 Nov 2007 Posts: 39 Location: Porterville, CA

We are finally home!! It feels so great to be back in our own house, own kitchen, own beds.

Chelsi is doing pretty good. Had a rough 4 1/2 hours drive home, but after a shower and dinner, she is doing much better.

Thanks to each and every one of you for your thoughts and prayers. Your support means the world to us.
_________________
Stacy

"Knowing is half the battle."

Roxys_Mom · Joined: 16 Nov 2007 Posts: 18 Location: Houston, TX

Way to go. Graduation, check. Heart surgery, check check.

And now on to bigger and brighter things!

Rosio
(Roxys Mom)

Stacy · Joined: 21 Nov 2007 Posts: 39 Location: Porterville, CA

Thanks everyone for the thoughts and prayers.

Chelsi just had a check up with her cardiologist and everything checked out fine. She has an infection in 1 of the chest tube incisions, but that is being controlled with antibiotics. Since it has been over 100 here in CA, she is having a hard time doing all the walking, but she gets it in whenever she can.

Before you know it, she will be starting college and running around like any 17 yr old would be.

Glad it is over!
_________________
Stacy

"Knowing is half the battle."