Lisa Today
March 9, 2006
Oro Valley, AZ
It was 9:45 AM today when Lisa was taken from her 2nd floor room in the intensive care unit. The nurse pushed Lisa’s bed down the corridor with Lisa not feeling the gentle forward motion. The nurse chose one of the two elevators for their short decent to the ground floor; after the elevator stopped and the doors opened they moved down the long corridor to the Cardiac Catheterization Lab. The surgical team was waiting. The procedure began with Lisa being prepared (preped in hospital slang) to have a defibrillator implanted into her chest. Her physician, a specialist, Dr. Decena began the process with a prick from a Novocain syringe. He intended to cause Lisa no discomfort. One would think, “Patient’s in a coma”, “the anesthetic would take effect as soon as it was applied”, and we would be on our way. Well, that’s what Dr. Decena thought, and most of us would think so too, but Lisa did something unexpected! She flinched from the skin prick. Very unexpected, and it was a surprise to the medical team! The flinch reassures us because we were told by Dr. Decena it indicated that the healing process has begun. Doctor Decena came to us in the waiting room and reassured us everything went well, Lisa is resting comfortably, and then he told us about the now famous flinch. He met with Richard separately as Richard was in another waiting area talking with Blue Cross. As the Decena was leaving, he handed Richard an Owner’s Manuel about 2 inches thick, and suggest Richard might want to familiarize with the material. That was about the only levity we had this morning.
Carmen (Lisa’s mother) and David (Lisa’s brother) went to Lisa after the implant. They were delighted to learn how well things went before and after the implant. Then Karl (Carmen’s husband) and I went to see Lisa for a very brief visit. Let me tell you Lisa look serene and peaceful. She was positioned on her right side. Lisa’s auburn hair was brushed back and flowed on to her pillow and that combined with her color made for a beautiful picture. Karl saw her beauty too. She wasn’t acting it was real, but we were standing on the outside, waiting for her to join us…. and I passionately believe someday she will.
The conversations with Blue Cross continue, they are not heated, but Richard is pressing, and seeing some cracks in their resolve. I will let you know how this ends.
I emailed PhotoShows of Lisa and Michael to several people who asked to see the pictures, and would be delighted to send you a copy for yourself, just email at wintory@galesburg.net. You will get same day service J.
I am Richard’s father, he asked that I keep you informed of Lisa’s progress. From our family to you and yours: THANK YOU! Michael
