CaringBridge journal entry by Stephanie Fay
Hello again all,
Nancy’s tour of large American city Cardiac ICUs continues… and she, once again, is on the her remarkable road to recovery. Although she is still supported by the balloon pump in her heart and the ventilator, her trajectory today, according to the various doctors rounding on her and her main nurse (Erin), has been only positive.
She’s been busy writing to all of us here on a small whiteboard, her clever sense of humor and pure joy in life visibly intact. It’s a sight to behold!
Here’s the current plan. The electrophysiocardiologist (EP doc) wants to do an ablation on Monday to eliminate the PVC that is the precursor to Nancy’s device storms. His lab is over at the main hospital at the University of WASHINGTON, and so the plan is to move her from Harborview over to that hospital later today or tomorrow. Meanwhile, Nancy’s main job is to continue her recovery. So one step at a time here. But things are looking up, and I’m feeling quite positive and hopeful.
Thanks for all of your sweet and supportive replies! Once she’s more alert, we will enjoy reading your responses together. Nancy will so enjoy reading them (and replying!) when she’s able to use her computer again.
Tina and Jess are here again today, of course. Nancy’s brother Jeff drove up from southern Washington and stayed with Nancy at the hospital overnight last night. My sister Elaine and brother Bradley flew in from Arizona last night as well. And Andreas and Greta (the newlyweds!) flew in this morning. And Nancy’s longtime friend Kari Lipke paid an afternoon visit as well. All such wonderful people who show up for us over and over again. We are grateful!!!
Much love to all! Nancy & Stephanie
____________________
Joan L. | Dec 13, 2019
We met at the wedding last weekend (I am Chrissie’s high school friend from So CA), and are all on the Nancy team! Lots of prayers and good wishes for restored health and good healing are being sent toward Seattle, Nancy, and hugs all around for your family and loved ones there supporting you. ❤️
Mark & Barb E. | Dec 13, 2019
Sorry to hear the trouble you’re having but glad things are improving. Sounds like you’ll be out of the hospital soon. Hugs!
Denise S. | Dec 13, 2019
Sending prayers and thinking of you. Much love to you both.
Kelly K. | Dec 13, 2019
So glad to her your on your way to recovery Nancy! Keep up the good work and I will continue to send you healing thoughts, prayers, and hugs.
Susan H. | Dec 13, 2019
Much relieved about Nancy’s progress. Love and prayers to you both.
Kim H. | Dec 13, 2019
Great news! You all will remain in my thoughts and prayers for a great recovery!
Jonathan O | Dec 13, 2019
So glad that Nancy is recovering, that you are surrounded by love, and that you are in the care of excellent professionals. Sending love and thoughts of healing. May the procedure go smoothly and effectively. Much love!
Nancy H. | Dec 13, 2019
Tremendous news! Continue to heal and be well. Hugs to both of you – love Nancy and Jody
Judith T. | Dec 13, 2019
So glad to hear that you have so much love and support there for you both! Sending virtual hugs and prayers!
Jeanne E. | Dec 13, 2019
Thank you so much for the beautifully written update. Everything is so well-explained, with warmth and gratefulness in every word. How can I will Nancy strength, patience and humor when she has so much of her own?
I met Nancy in the 1980s and early ‘90s at St. Olaf College. My sons, Jacob and Noah, were born at about the same time as Andreas and Tina. I remember what they felt like in my arms. Though we moved to Philadelphia (Go Eagles!) and now Boston, we cherished Nancy’s Xmas letters and admired her pioneering work on Norwegian language textbooks. Through the years, we enjoyed reading FB updates too. Her humor, gentle wisdom, kindness, and love of family were always evident.
In a kind of coincidence, Nancy had her first heart incident a few months after I had one. (A sudden and traumatic—to me—need for an aortal valve replacement.) When I read those 2016 CaringBridge reports of her recovery, as beautifully written as these, I knew it was the same Nancy I had known. You are blessed to have her and she, to have all of you.
Right now, I can hear the happy and kindly laugh, which made our every Northfield, MN gathering a better one, just as I see her beating every last one of us at Scrabble. These sometimes happened concurrently. Did I mention we also admired her brains?
Love,
Jeanne (and Jerry), Jacob & Noah
Kari L. | Dec 12, 2019
So loved seeing you today, Nancy — especially the twinkle in your eye. ❤️
Eric S. | Dec 12, 2019
Awesome news. Thanks for keeping us updated!
Liz H. | Dec 12, 2019
Good, good news. Nancy, you are resilient! You are loved. ♥️
Ann D. | Dec 12, 2019
Very encouraging news 😊. Sending love and healing thoughts.
Stephanie F. | Dec 12, 2019
U of Washington is where she is moving, NOT Minnesota.
Su S. | Dec 12, 2019
Hi Steph- thanks for the good news! I’m really glad you and Nancy are surrounded by family and friends. More prayers and healing thoughts on the wing.
Andrea G. | Dec 12, 2019
Love to you both. Praying for Nancy’s road to recovery. I am thinking about you so much and wish I could give you both a huge hug… sending them from afar. Love, Andrea ❤️
Vicki O. | Dec 12, 2019
Hi Steph, sorry to hear about this. We just got back to AZ. The best to you and Nancy. Keep us posted.
Maria K. | Dec 12, 2019
I can visualize Nancy writing little quips on that white board. Her bravery (and Stephanie’s!) continues to amaze me. If you have to travel a rocky road, how wonderful to have your team fall in with back up and so much love. You got this, Nancy, and we gots you!♡♡♡
Kit H. | Dec 12, 2019
I’m so relieved to hear this. I’ve been thinking about all of you and sending my love. Kit
Susan D. | Dec 12, 2019
My goodness, dear friends. Soon you will be enjoying the sun in southern California I hope that day comes quickly. You are both in my prayers and in my thoughts. with love always, susan
Michelle F. | Dec 12, 2019
Does this mean you are flying to MN and when? Thank you for keeping us updated. You have both been on my mind and heart all day! Love you!
Liv D. | Dec 12, 2019
Absolutely delighted about the positive news!
Robin K. | Dec 12, 2019
Such positive news. Hoping the progress continues. Love you both tons!!!
Pamela I. | Dec 12, 2019
Really good news. Give Nancy and yourself a loving hug from me. That woman is a wonder! BTB Claire’s “train car” for a class project had the Wonder Woman logo drawn on it. The train to recovery.
Mary Ellen E. | Dec 12, 2019
You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Take care Nancy.
Hanna E. | Dec 12, 2019
Thank you for the positive update! I am happy to hear she is in good spirits, and will continue to send positive healing thoughts. Love to you both!