I'm sorry this is so late in coming -- I spent 10 hours at the hospital and didn't get home until about 9:30 tonight, then just had to sit, unwind and unload before I could even get my brain wrapped around the idea of blogging.

There are so many of you who sincerely care and have been sending all kinds of positive energy, thoughts and prayers my sister's way, and I want to THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart! (((((group hug)))))

The surgery went well, after they finally got her in there! We arrived at the hospital around 11:20 this morning, but they didn't take her back to the O.R. until 3:00 p.m.!! The waiting was really hard on her. She had psyched herself up for this, ya' know? So to have to lie there and wait ... and wait ... and wait ... well, after a while her brave front starting to give way and she ended up in tears, just wishing they would get the show on the road. So anyway, she went into surgery at 3:00, and came out around 6:00, then was in recovery until almost 8:30. The Doc came in and reassured us that everything had gone very well. He was able to re-open the duodenum without having to do any bypass of the intestine at all, or having to remove any of her stomach. (YAY!!) He removed her gallbladder and cut the venus nerve to reduce the amount of acid released into her stomach.

She's in a lot of pain and is spending this first night in ICU. They will move her to a regular room tomorrow sometime. I don't know when she will be able to eat or take in fluids orally, so for now she is, of course, hooked up to a lot of IVs, and has a GI tube running from her nose to her stomach in order to keep it drained (sorry for being so graphic here).

Anyway, you guys, I just wanted to update you and thank you so, so much for your thoughts and prayers. I told her this morning what you all have said and it really meant a lot to her! :) I appreciate you all more than I can say!

*yaaawn* Now I'm going to bed. Have a great tomorrow! :)

*huggers*

It's great to hear that things have gone well. I'm hoping that they continue to do so.

Thoughtfully shared by: Brandy at May 20, 2003 05:35 AM

prayers and hugs for you and your sis. careful when you give her the hug Love you, Leigh.

Thoughtfully shared by: Beverly at May 20, 2003 06:29 AM

surgery waiting is always an ordeal. i remember how life as we know it seems to disappear...we wait, and wait...and feel the powerlessness.

i'm glad to hear that your sister's proceedure went ok. get some rest.

i come to you on the wings of prayer...

Namaste'

Thoughtfully shared by: theo at May 20, 2003 06:42 AM

i am so glad to hear things went well with the surgery:)) i will have the candle lit all day as well today... big huge hugs for you leigh and lots and lots of love...a soft gentle hug for your sister:)))
much thought and prayers for all of your family leigh:)

be gentle with you my friend

always
min

Thoughtfully shared by: fae at May 20, 2003 07:12 AM

wonderful news, leigh! i hope her recovery goes as smoothly. she's lucky to have you at her side.

Thoughtfully shared by: nicole at May 20, 2003 08:37 AM

I am so glad your sister is doing well. Tell her to get plenty of rest. I am sorry to hear about the delay, it is always nerve racking for everyone involved.

(((hugs)))

Thoughtfully shared by: Martie at May 20, 2003 01:54 PM

Absolutely wonderful. I am so thankful that all went as well as it appears. She will get stronger and well soon. You take care of yourself also! kisses xxxxx

Thoughtfully shared by: amit at May 20, 2003 07:29 PM