Post-surgery UPDATE Friday, January 9th

Many thanks to friends and family who have kept in touch today. I just spoke with the surgeon, and Dennis did very well before, during, and after the surgery. It lasted much longer than expected because of the scar tissue surrounding his sternum. The plan was to fuse the sternum by inserting titanium plates and wiring it together. This was not possible, so they wired it together and left it primarily as it was prior to the surgery. His heart valve was replaced and is working well and the arterial bypass was successful according to the surgeon.

Dennis will not go to a recovery unit; he will be taken to cardio ICU and the ventilator will be breathing for him until the anesthesiologist makes the decision to remove it. This is expected to happen over the next 24 hours...(the sooner the better; but, he was under anesthesia for an extended period--so it could be longer).

I am going in to see him in about 45 minutes, and I am allowed in for 15 minute visits until 9 pm. Cell phones are forbidden in ICU, but feel free to call or text, and I will return your call.

 I will send another update at that time if I possibly can. If not, I will post tomorrow morning.

I covet your prayers for Dennis and for me.

Grateful for your care and concern...

In God's amazing, eternal "hand-tailored" grace...
            Donna

[Donna's cell:   704-301-5991]