Branches of Life

It was the massive green limbs that first caught my eye. When I downloaded the photo, I felt astounded at the shapes and directions of the naked limbs, down to the narrowest ones. It looks as if the winds have influenced these trees in downtown Portland much more that one would realize from seeing them filled out spring, summer and fall. It's inspirational to see beneath what we take for granted, the greens and golds, to realize that the beauty of it all extends year round. We take for granted so very much of what we rely on, from our own bodies to our everyday lives. Much like my dear Mama's strong little body and the vessels that supply it with life-maintaining blood. So, for me, this is the perfect photo for today's post.

Dr. Lukacs explained what went on today to me by drawing a diagram of sorts, explaining as he went along. If I had the cord that goes from my camera to my computer with me, I'd take a photo of it and put it here--I didn't think to bring it with me. I'll do my best to explain.

There is stuff as hard as concrete, as he put it, completely blocking her right subclavian artery. They tried to break it, coming at it from both ends, to no avail. On the left subclavian artery, there are deposits narrowing it, but they were able to insert a stent there which has greatly improved the blood flow. She's in Cardiac Intensive Care, probably for overnight only, to be closely monitored. She's awake, flat on her back, and trying really hard to stay still.

Dr. Luckas said that there is the possibility she will need another procedure to take care of some blockage in her left carotid artery and also they will be evaluating her for the possibility of a by-pass of the 100% blocked right subclavian artery.

I read all of your e-mails to her this morning before she left her room for the cath lab, which she thoroughly enjoyed, and was just about to show her the photo of Tony and Melissa's Preston when the escort arrived. I'm saving that for later on, so if anyone else has a photo you think that she'd like to see, please send it. I can show it to her once she gets back into a regular room.

I'll let you know how she's doing tomorrow. Thanks again for all of your thoughts and prayers.