Failed Surgery, but Good Things to Come

Clare's last surgery (we hope) was today. The plan was to take her blood filter out of her vein. They put the filter in after she got blood clots in her lungs to catch any other clots before they reached her lungs. She was put under for the procedure and was supposed to be done in 15 minutes. Two hours later, Kris was in the waiting room and still hadn't heard anything. It turns out the procedure took much longer than anticipated because they found a clot, so they decided the filter needed to stay. The doctor tried to reposition the filter so it wouldn't get too attached and could be removed later, but it was so firmly attached that he says it will have to stay permanently. I guess that means Clare's a faster healer than they expected-which is a good thing usually :)

She's back, a little drowsy, but doing well. They were waiting for this last surgery to remove her PICC line (her long-term IV), and she's also been eating better the last few days, so if she keeps it up they can take her PEG (feeding) tube out soon too. After that she will be tube-free!

Clare has done pretty well with physical therapy. She still can't put weight on her right leg, so she isn't walking but she stands and her right knee is bending more and with less pain. She still has irritated and confused moments when she doesn't cooperate with the therapists, but for the most part she seems to be trying her hardest.

We have always had hope she would get better. From the very first night in the emergency room when the doctors weren't sure what to tell us about either Kris or Clare, we have been comforted and somehow knew they would be okay. I still have no doubt they both have amazing things ahead of them! Here is a clip of a talk that has comforted me at times through this. It assures us that there are Good Things To Come.



p.s. In case you were wondering, I asked her and she said she is going to be a witch for Halloween! Guess we'd better start pulling together a costume for her-unless she changes her mind before then :)