Thursday, July 12, 2007

{Caardvarks} Lucky Number 7





Here is my card for yesterday's Lucky Number 7 {Caardvarks} 10 Day-10K Challenge. >I got it submitted in the nick of time last night after returning home from visiting Muriel in the hospital. The goal of this challenge was to make a good luck card. I started the card first thing yesterday morning, and finished it before I left for the hospital yesterday afternoon. I took a picture of it at about 1030p and then got it uploaded. I really want to finish out the 10 days of this challenge, but I am not sure that will happen.

This is why....Muriel has hospital staph. She contracted the staph infection in her surgical heart wound. Yesterday, they gave us the odds of her surviving this deadly infection. 50/50. If these were my odds for winning the lottery, I'd be ecstatic. But in this case, the odds don't seem so good. She is an elderly woman in ill health. My FIL asked if he should call in the family (sister Jayne is back home in VA), and the doctor said if this were his family, he would make the call. Doctors don't like playing the odds game, but in this case, they have no other choice. My FIL wants it straight. He doesn't like sugar coated explanations.

In a nutshell, hospital staph is resistant to almost every antibiotic known to man. Once it is in the blood (which it is), chances of survival are slim. They will be taking Muriel into surgery this afternoon at 530p (can you believe THAT? Why such a late surgery for a critical patient?) to vacuum out the wound (literally) and at the same time they will aspirate the fluid that's been hanging around in her lungs. They say we should know if she will survive within 24 hours after the surgery. We visited with Muriel last night. She is basically out of it due to the Vicadin she is taking for the pain. She knew who we were and we even got her to laugh a little. She knows she's having surgery, although I'm fairly certain she does NOT know her odds. There is no purpose in sharing that with her at this stage of the game.

My husband stayed with his dad last night at their house for support. My FIL is having a very difficult time accepting this is happening, although he is very clear on odds, etc. He's a realist. But Muriel is the love of his life. They have been married 50+ years. He's not ready to let her go yet. None of us are. It's totally surreal. If Muriel does pass, this will be the first of our parents to die. Both my parents are still living and they have also been married 50+ years. We were blessed to have such great role models for our own marriage. And we have been blessed to have them with us for so long.

Given the circumstances, I'm going to forgo going into detail on my Lucky 7 card. I just don't have it in me. I know you all understand and don't expect anything from me but honesty. And you know I will give you that. Whether it's good or bad. I promise I will be in touch either later today or tomorrow about Muriel. Your prayers for all of us are greatly appreciated.

Hugs,
Amy

23 comments:

  1. Of course, prayers being said right now and through the day for Muriel's surgery tonight. I know how hard this is on all of you.

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  2. Anonymous8:32 AM

    So very sorry to hear about Muriel's health issues. I was really pulling for her after her surgery. Best wishes to you all and to Muriel for a speedy recovery,despite her situation. God bless you.

    Lynn Forsythe

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  3. Amy- I amso sorry to hear about Muriel's infection and upcoming surgery. My thoughts and prayers are with her, your father-in-law and the rest of your family.

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  4. Anonymous8:42 AM

    I will set my cell phone to ring at 5:30pm so that I can say a special prayer for Muriel.
    Judy

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  5. AMy - I'm so sorry to hear the news about your mother-in-law. I'll definitely keep her in my prayers this morning and pray that God will be merciful and grant her full healing.

    XXOO

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  6. Oh Amy, my heart goes out to your family. I never thought when I started reading stamping blogs a few months ago that I'd ever end up in tears while reading. It's pretty amazing how emotionally invested we can become in a complete stranger's life. My thoughts are with you today.

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  7. Anonymous9:08 AM

    Amy, just want you to know you and your family are in my thoughts today.

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  8. Dear Lord I pray for Amy and her family. Comfort them in the knowledge that you carry them in your will and that you have purpose for everything. Hold them in your hand as they deal with this tough reality. Bless them with strength and peace....Amen.

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  9. Anonymous9:55 AM

    Oh Amy, I sure wish I could be there just to give you a hug. Your post has me in tears. I will pray for a positive outcome for Murial and your family.

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  10. Amy, I've been reading your posts faithfully even tho I haven't been commenting. So sorry to hear about Muriel - I've been there many times so I can truly sympathise. Prayers going up for her & your family - especially that you will continue to focus on God & keep it uppermost in your minds that He is totally in control. He knows what's best for each of us even when we don't understand His plan.

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  11. Anonymous10:21 AM

    Prayers for Muriel to get back to all of you in good health.

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  12. Anonymous10:25 AM

    I don't usually leave comments but I read your blog everyday and have been following Muriel's situation. I am sending my prayers of a positive outcome to you and your family. Will be anxiously awaiting the news from Muriel's surgery. Hugs to you. Harriet

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  13. Hi Amy

    I'm a regular reader of your blog, love your work. I'm so sorry to hear of your MIL. My father has suffered through a staph infection and I know how scary it can be. Please know that your family is in my thoughs and I will say a prayer for your MIL. Wishing her all the best!

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  14. Amy, your post had me in tears. I am soooo sorry to hear about your mother-in-law. This is truly going to be a tough time for your family. I will keep Muriel and you all in my prayers.

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  15. Anonymous1:04 PM

    Amy-- I have been reading your blog now for several weeks..and have been sharing your ups and downs with Muriel. These are times when all I can say is "I'm sorry. I'm thinking about you." I have written all your names in my prayer journal and remember you in my daily prayers. May God send his blessings to you all.
    Be strong.

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  16. My heart aches for you and your family. You are in my prayers.

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  17. Anonymous4:40 PM

    As you know, our love and prayers are with you and your family, Amy. It really is surreal. God bless each of you right now.

    barb hendrickson

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  18. Anonymous4:54 PM

    You and the rest of your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Needless to say, I am wishing the best for your mother-in-law's complete recovery.

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  19. Oh my gosh, I hope she's going to be okay!! :( I will pray for her...

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  20. Anonymous8:52 PM

    I read your blog daily, although I don't leave comments (not big on words). Just want you to know you are in my thoughts today.
    Linda.

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  21. Thinking and praying for you...

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  22. Amy,

    I'm so very sorry to hear about Muriel. Prayers are going up from Hoquiam!

    Hugs.

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