Journal entry by Stephanie Fay
Unfortunately Nancy’s throat began to swell after her breathing tube removal yesterday, and, worried that her airway would close, they had to put one back in. She’s getting IV steroids to bring the swelling down. It’ll be a “couple more days’ on the respirator is what I heard the ICU hospitalist (they call them “intensivists” here) say yesterday.
Three positive notes. (The bullet points are for Nancy. She has a particular fondness for them!)
- Nancy had a VERY restful night, and all her labs and so forth look good.
- The PVCs have all but disappeared. So still not so much as a peep from Fiona since Sunday afternoon. Needless to say, Nancy is quite anxious about Fiona firing again. As are all of us. But I think the electrophysiologist has a good handle on controlling that using an antiarhythmic medication call Amiodarone.
- For the few hours yesterday that she had the tube out, Nancy was very much her winsome self, whispering away (the vent makes folks hoarse) and showing really good coordination and awareness.
If Nancy remains restful and status quo in the ICU today, I plan to take much of the day away from the hospital while Nancy’s son Andreas, daughter Tina, my brother Brad, my sister Elaine and all their significant others take turns staying with Nancy in the ICU. I feel strongly that she have an “advocate” in the room while she is sedated and unable to speak for herself. Nancy’s sister Jennifer flew home to California last evening with the idea that she may return later to help out. Because Jen’s an amazing helper outer and stalwart advocate for her little sister — I can vouch for that!
I / we feel so much support. It’s a beautiful, overwhelming experience. So thank you all. Thanks to everyone for showing up for our Nancy in all the ways you do. I remain hopeful that she will make a full recovery yet again.
Much love, Stephanie & Nancy
Kari Dorer|Mar 22, 2018
Thanks for keeping us updated Steph. You get some rest too, don’t forget to take care of YOURself! 🙂
Susan Hadley|Mar 22, 2018
Steph, I am in awe of your extended family, gathering together to take good care of Nancy, and you, and each other. Love, Susan
susan Donohue|Mar 22, 2018
Of course! Planning on full recovery. They will figure this out. Just a wee detour in your activities. So pleased she had a peaceful night and progress is good. Thank you for the excellent updates, Stephanie. Go out and soak up some sun today. You will bring back much positive energy for Nancy! My thoughts and good wishes are with you all. What a family! Love you so.
Ann Dyellig|Mar 22, 2018
So…it’s a little setback, but she will rally and get rid of that swelling in no time — I’m certain of it! I’m happy Steph had a few hours of calm and communication while Nancy was sans tube, and that she has a chance to rest and restore today as the others spend time with her. Lots of prayers being said at Pilgrim for healing and comfort. Hugs to you both!
Betsy Ellis|Mar 22, 2018
(Say with Russian accent) “Woman strong like moose!”
Jason Menard|Mar 22, 2018
Well this is good news, too. and so glad you and Nancy have such a great support crew!
Martha Morrow|Mar 22, 2018
Good morning Team Nancy,
- Keep getting the rest you need Nancy.
- Tina and Andreas, hug your mom for me. Hug each other from me too;-)
- Put on some good music for Nancy to listen to. Music is a healer.
- Stephanie, enjoy some time out in the fresh air, soak up a little vitamin D and take care of yourself, it’s important.
- Nancy you may not think you are brave, which of course you are, but you are also strong, wise and adventuresome. So here is to more fun adventures. I will see you back in Saint Paul!
Love, Martha
Mary Cisar|Mar 22, 2018
Hi, Nancy, I am thinking of you from MN and hope that all gets resolved quickly!
Joan Haan|Mar 22, 2018
Dear all,
- Continuing the thoughts and prayers for healing and strength
- Ditto to the above – and underscore the care givers self care:)
- Also love the olive points . . . .
Pat Saltsman|Mar 22, 2018
Sorry to hear about the “bump in the road” but knowing you two and how strong you both are, you will get through this better than ever. You are in the right place and surrounded by the love of your family. When I went through chemo, I had a mantra “8:00 tomorrow morning” meaning tomorrow morning I would feel better than I did that day. So it gave me short term goals and knew I just had to get through that day. So here is to you and Nancy “8:00 tomorrow morning”.
Much love
Jillian Hiscock|Mar 22, 2018
Gosh darn swelling! Glad the crew is all there and sending all my love your way. Please let me know if there is anything back in MN I can help with!
Eric Schlotterbeck|Mar 22, 2018
Stephanie, thanks for spending the time and emotional energy to keep us all up to date. We’re all sending that energy back to you and to Nancy and looking forward to our next hugs.
Kari Lipke|Mar 22, 2018
Advocates are the best. Blessings to all as you take your turns at the bedside. Holding you all in heart from Seattle.
Liz Hawkinson|Mar 22, 2018
Sending love and warmest wishes for healing. Breathing in healing . . . Breathing out, calm. Love to you all, Liz PH
Randi Jeeps|Mar 22, 2018
Dear Nancy and Stephanie, Thinking of you and your wonderful extended family as you go through this process of healing. Sending lots of love and best wishes from across the pond! Randi xx
Sveinung Skjesol|Mar 22, 2018
I second Eric. Many thanks for sharing these reports with us, Stephanie, but a thousand times more for hanging in there with my friend Nancy. Say thanks to the rest of the gang, too.
Barbara McCauley|Mar 22, 2018
Good morning dear Stephanie – thank you for keeping us up to date on precious Nancy’s progress. Know that she was on our lips and in our hearts last night in the Pilgrim kitchen. You are dearly loved. With our fervent prayers,
Barbara and Gary
Pilgrim Lutheran Church|Mar 22, 2018
Stephanie, thank you for the updates and for taking such good care of Nancy. You and Nancy are in my prayers. Nancy, you are such a beautiful, dear woman! I’m sorry you are going through this now. All of us at Pilgrim look forward to welcoming you back to Minnesota! Hugs, Lynn
Lynn Kier|Mar 22, 2018
Steph, Thank you so much for having Nancy’s back. GO NANCY! Remember SISU.
Much Love
Lynn
Sigrun Skjesol|Mar 22, 2018
It seems that you are in good hands on the hospital, and that you too can take a rest with so much good help. That means a lot. We wish you all the best in the days of recovery. Asbjørn and Sigrun
Gloria Betcher|Mar 22, 2018
The less heard from Fiona, the better. I hope Nancy continues to improve and the swelling goes down so she can be free of the tube! — Sending thoughts and prayers–Gloria
Jennifer Beran|Mar 22, 2018
Lifting Nancy and her special care givers up in prayer! Keep positive! Jenni Beran
Terry Kenck|Mar 22, 2018
Nancy and Stephanie: You are loved! Praying. Saw several ELLERTSON cousins and aunts and Uncles last evening and we are all praying and talking about Nancy getting WELL!!!
Gail Klemm|Mar 22, 2018
I am so moved by the tremendous support reflected in these messages, and grateful to all who are taking turns staying with Nancy. I agree, Stephanie – that is really important. Get some rest, and know that Ellertson family (scattered as we are) are there in spirit, along with endless numbers of friends – all praying and holding Nancy and you close. (Nancy’s dad is my cousin, and I know the Vancouver area family are all united in prayer and positive vibes!) Much love, Gail Ellertson Klemm
Kris Grangaard|Mar 22, 2018
Stephanie,
We know it’s a little bit of a chore to keep us updated, but we are so appreciative. We have you on our minds and in our hearts. Thank you for taking this time and energy —
Rest well today.
Kris and Tom
Peter Spuit|Mar 22, 2018
May Nancy heal and become stronger and stronger, and may you all grow in confidence that her heart can operate well again.
Claudia Gordon|Mar 22, 2018
The highs and lows of this roller coaster ride are hard on both of you, Nancy and Stephanie. My thoughts and prayers say hang on tight to each other and peace will come. Love, Claudia
Connie Ford|Mar 22, 2018
Oh, darn it all, for this bump. Thinking about both of you and your ever-present indomitable spirits. Thank you for the updates. Rest, Steph, rest.
Patricia Sween|Mar 22, 2018
Thinking of you both so often. These updates are so welcome and needed by all of us here in MN who are cheering you on over the miles. Continuing prayers for both of you! You two personify strength!
Torild Homstad|Mar 22, 2018
God bedring, Nancy! Thinking about you both, and sending warm thoughts your way.
Michael Schulze|Mar 22, 2018
You have been and will continue to be in our prayers.
Lori Ellertson|Mar 22, 2018
Hi again Nancy–June, sand castles, family, bon fires and great company…I’m missing you and thinking of you almost every minute of everyday. I really need for you to get better because you are a most awesome sister-in-law among many other things, partner, daughter, sister, mother and on and on. I can’t wait to see you! Much love, hugs and everything else.
Pamela Itzin|Mar 22, 2018
Darn those tubes! Sending wishes of strength and support to you both. I agree with Stephanie, Nancy you have a beautiful and strong spirit to help you through all this. We have more “adventures” and taco parties in our future I’m sure! Sending my love, Pam
Patty Selenski|Mar 22, 2018
Hug aunt Nancy! I love you both
Jan Ellertson|Mar 22, 2018
Love to you💓
Amy Jacobson|Mar 23, 2018
Sorry for the minor setback bit she’ll do great I’m sure!