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First off... WOW you guys. I am at a loss for words of how to tell you how SO VERY important you are to us. He's gotten plants and cards here at home... and at the hospital.
Yesterday his phone rang off the hook all day. Sorry about many people missing him - it turned out they brought him down to do a few tests and it took all morning and into the early afternoon.
He was the first surgery of the day for Dr Bell-Tomson. Surgxl website
They never stopped his heart during the procedure. They used one mammary artery, but also used a vein from his leg. He came through surgery fine. We do have some issues to work through, and I have some more questions for the nurses when I go back tomorrow.
I gotta tell you guys I have a WHOLE NEW RESPECT for Barb Shortreed. OMG, I have NO idea how she does it. I've have done my absolute best hanging in there, postitive and upbeat, this whole time. Just crying in the car on the way home at night from the hospital.
Tonite I just lost it.
Waiting to hear after surgery was hard enough. Hearing some stuff after surgery was even harder. Going in to see him right after was really tough. He was still on the respirator, hooked up to everything in site, tons of ivs, tubes, etc etc etc.
I thought I could handle it. Guess not.
At least the nurse spotted me and asked if I was ok... to which I said a resounding NO. I got hot, nauseus, light headed, and coudn't hear anything. They gave me stuff to eat and drink... and found out my blood pressure was 141/40. Um ok.
So I finally got back with it, and sat bedside holding his hand for a while, then left to go sit with his folks in the waiting area.
The nurse rang to say he was asking for me, so I went back in. I can't tell you how it made me feel, to walk in, take his hand, have him open his eyes, see me... then get the BIGGEST smile, wide eye'd and tell me how much he loves me.
I sat with him for a while, his folks came in to visit for a tiny bit, then they took me to get some food, so I would be ok.
I went back in for a bit... but this time he was starting to feel things. He was so uncomfortable, nauseous, he would wince in pain... and I finally reached my saturation point. I just couldn't deal with it. The nurses were so great and understanding, I kissed him on the forehead, told him to rest and hang in there for me, and I would see him tomorrow.
Coming here and reading what everyone posted, and being able to 'vent' means more than I can say.
Some people here know that we have some MAJOR changes ahead of us... and we will need some help, be it giving us a hand, or some advise, or some support. But I know you guys will be there for us... thanks!!!!
-------------------- Dana Ferry St Cloud, MN Posts: 1556 | From: St Cloud, MN | Registered: May 1999
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So glad to hear that Bruce is out of surgery and you are home hopefully getting some much needed rest and nutrition. Call anytime if you want to talk or vent or whatever. Bob & Marcia
-------------------- Bob & Marcia Peach Peach Signs Inc Sandwich, MA rpeach9828@aol.com Posts: 1020 | From: Sandwich, MA | Registered: Jan 2002
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Dana, It sounds like he made it thru the surgery really good or at least as good as one can be. It is so nice that you are keeping us all up to date too.
Even though I don't always pipe in right away, Bruce and you have been in my prayers.
My dad went thru this surgery two times so I know the road that the two of you have to go down. When he starts feeling much better, it will so easy to over do it.
[ October 12, 2005, 07:47 PM: Message edited by: Laura Butler ]
-------------------- Laura Butler Vision Graphics & Sign 4479 Welch Rd Attica, Mi 48412 Posts: 2855 | From: Attica, Mi, USA | Registered: Nov 2000
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High five to Dr.Cas and to you Dana...hang in there...everythings gonna be cool...
-------------------- Mario G. Lafreniere (Fergie) J&N Signs Winter did show up! Posts: 1257 | From: Chapleau, Ontario | Registered: Jun 1999
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Thanks for keeping us informed,Dana. Hopefully he only had to have 3 bypasses. Hang in there Dana. We'll continue to keep you and Bruce in our prayers. Call if I you need to talk. My Daddy had the surgery in '88, sounds like there have been a lot of improvements since then. Judy
-------------------- Judy Pate Signs By Judy Albany, Georgia USA 229-435-6824
Live simply...Love generously...Care deeply...Speak kindly...Leave the rest to God. Posts: 2621 | From: Albany,GA,USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Glad to hear everything is working out OK Dana. Kay and I were even talking about it in the store today. I feel for you. We've been there, and it's not easy. You brought a tear to this old tough guys eyes reading the above, and just thinking about it. We're all here for you, and if you need anything, just hollar. We'll do our best.
-------------------- Dave Utter D-utterguy on chat Sign Designs Beardstown, Il. signdesigns@casscomm.com Posts: 777 | From: beardstown, illinois, usa | Registered: Mar 1999
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Great news. You two have been in my thoughts since this ordeal started.
Dana, my mom in law went through this a few months back. The day of the surgery, she looked pretty rough. The next day she looked a LOT better! A few days later she was home. It WILL get better and rather quickly.
Tell Bruce, I'm looking forward to talking to him again soon.
-------------------- George Perkins Millington,TN. goatwell@bigriver.net
"I started out with nothing and still have most of it left"
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Dana, I'm so glad to hear the progress report. You keep well enough to deal with the rest of this. Okay? You can't totally fall apart and become a patient yourself. I really do look forward to seeing both of you again.
On another note, I've seen the pictures of Bruce with his dog. Needless to say, what kind of hedge trimmers did they need to prep for surgery?
-------------------- Gene Golden Gettysburg Signs Gettysburg PA 17325 717-334-0200 genegolden@gettysburgsigns.com
"Art is knowing when to stop." Posts: 1578 | From: Gettysburg, PA | Registered: Jun 2003
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Dana, I'm very relieved. Thanks for being so strong and a continuing voice on the BB. We need you. I'm sure many of us would like to be with you and quietly listen to you and hug you and be the support that you need. Bruce has all kinds of support from the white robe department for now. May God bless you both.
-------------------- The SignShop Mendocino, California
Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity. — Charles Mingus Posts: 6714 | From: Mendocino, CA. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Been thinking about you guys all day. Glad to hear he made it through ok. Take care of yourself too woman!
Whatever you need, please remember I'm just a phone call away. Ok, a phone call & a few hours. Alright fine, be technical...a phone call, a few hours, and at least 1 Sheetz stop.
Gene, I remember that pict too. (Actually, I'm still frightened by it.) But hedge trimmers? Pulease, they'd need at least a buzzsaw or brushhog.
-------------------- Chris Welker Wildfire Signs Indiana, Pa Posts: 4254 | From: Indiana, PA | Registered: Mar 2001
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I got a lump in my throat reading your post Dana. You are so very lucky to have Bruce by your side after what he's gone through. I lost my dad about 10 years ago from the same thing.
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Holy Wah, been on pins & needles all day waiting for the good news. Ahhh the power of prayer. 'Course like his mom said, he's to stubborn to let a little bypass put him down for long. Good luck Bruce, talk to you soon. Hang in there Dana, he needs you now.
-------------------- Dave Sherby "Sandman" SherWood Sign & Graphic Design Crystal Falls, MI 49920 906-875-6201 sherwoodsign@sbcglobal.net Posts: 5397 | From: Crystal Falls, MI USA | Registered: Apr 1999
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PTL Bruce came through the surgery. He is moving on to perfection. Now as for you, take baby steps. Deal with each day and know that you have the support of many. Give Bruce a peck on the forehead from me and yourself a hug. Both of you are in our prayers!
""Good judgment comes from experience; and a lot of that comes from bad judgment" - Will Rogers Posts: 3485 | From: Beautiful Newaygo, Michigan | Registered: Mar 2003
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We're glad to hear that the surgery went well Dana and Bruce!
Still keeping you guys in our thoughts and sending some good vibes your way.
-------------------- Dave Grundy retired in Chelem,Yucatan,Mexico/Hensall,Ontario,Canada 1-519-262-3651 Canada 011-52-1-999-102-2923 Mexico cell 1-226-785-8957 Canada/Mexico home
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Well that is great news, I wondered all day how Bruce was making out thru surgery.
Its great to hear Bruce made it thru the surgery ok, now its time to relax and enjoy the healing process.
Dont be afraid to let us know if ya need help with anything, your letterville family will be happy to help out however we can.
-------------------- Harris Kohen K-Man Pinstriping and Graphix Trenton, NJ "Showing the world that even I can strategically place the pigment where its got to go." Posts: 1739 | From: Trenton, NJ, USA | Registered: Jun 2001
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There's no rushing past this part,and it is hard to go through, but things get better. You will both need each other, so cry some when it's time and get ready for a new day tomorrow. Best of everything to you both.
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Awesome! Pat them docs and nurses on the back for a good job gettin Bruce straightened up. I been wondering all day how things went, and got on and read this. Good to hear he's doing okay. Each day will get better, and you'll be surprised how fast he comes around after this. Tell him Tater says hay.
-------------------- Maker of fine signs and other creative stuff. Located at 109 N. Cumberland ave. Harlan, Ky. 40831 606-837-0242 Posts: 4172 | From: Ages-Brookside, Ky. Up the Holler... | Registered: Jul 1999
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Just got back from Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle. I took a 90 year old friend to have some surgery. While there I was watching all the family members trying to be patient and brave while waiting for word from thier loved ones. I thought of you and Bruce going thru the same thing.
Hang tight brother....
Jackson
-------------------- Jackson Smart Jackson's Signs Port Angeles, WA ...."The Straits of Juan De Fuca in my front yard and Olympic National Park in my backyard...
"Living on Earth is expensive...but it does include a free trip around the Sun" Posts: 1000 | From: Port Angeles, Washington | Registered: Jan 1999
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We shoulda warned you about those tubes and stuff...it's a bit scary when you first walk in, but I've been through this with my mom several times and my dad this year and it's all part of taking care of him. Lord bless you both, in a few weeks he'll be back to work and feeling great! A:)
My mind wanders. And that's not a good thing, 'cause it's too small to be out there alone. Posts: 3129 | From: Tooele, UT | Registered: Mar 2005
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Dana, I'm so glad everything went well! It's good to hear that you let some of that pent up emotion & stress out. Gotta get that bad stuff out so you can come back and take care of Bruce and YOU. BTW, Don't ya just love 'hospital time', it has it's own dimension. Waiting shouldn't have to be that hard. or take soooooooooooo long! You guys are beautiful. Hang in there Shalom
-------------------- Bill Dirkes Cornhole Art LLC Bellevue, Ky. Goodnight Mrs. Calabash, wherever you are. Posts: 591 | From: Bellevue,Ky. US | Registered: Aug 1999
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Thanks so much for letting us know & keep up to date- I turned a lovely shade of green when we went in to see Mom after her by-pass... Cat
-------------------- Catharine C. Kennedy CCK Graphics 1511 Route 28 Chatham Center, NY 12184 cck1620@taconic.net "Look at me, Look at me, Look at me now! I't's fun to have fun, But you have to know how!" Posts: 2173 | From: downtown Chatham Center, NY | Registered: Feb 2004
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I'm so glad to hear that hurdle is over. I hope the road to recovery just gets better and better. 
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