Pacemakers

CaringBridge journal entry by Stephanie Fay

Good Evening, Everyone,

Nancy came off the ventilator by mid-afternoon.  She’s doing great with that — and her voice is nearly back to normal already.  About an hour ago they removed the balloon pump supporting her heart.  Also flying colors with that!  She’ll need to rest motionless and easy on her back for 6 hours while the insertion site heals.  Tomorrow morning, she’ll be able to get out of bed.  Yay!  Due to her remarkable recovery, she only spent around 60 hours on the ventilator — her shortest stint ever with that ol’ machine, as best I recall.

From what I’ve gleaned from the doctors so far today, she will likely remain in the cardiac ICU until at least Tuesday.  The Monday ablation is now up in the air.  The electrophysiologists are concerned they won’t be able to locate the area where the PVC originates because, yet again, it has completely disappeared.   And there are risks in trying to induce the PVCs, they say, including inadvertently starting another “storm.”  Ablation or otherwise, Nancy will get a NEW Fiona, most likely on Tuesday.  The battery life on Fiona the Defibrillator is under 6 months now.  High time for a new one!  And she will upgrade to one with two leads into the heart instead of the single lead she has now.  Both Nancy and I are relieved the new ICD will have several fresh years of battery life.  But will this one have a NEW name???  How about some suggestions, all you clever folks out there?  🙂

That’s it from here at the hospital this evening.  Nancy is just winding up a sweet phone conversation with her sweet Dad.  She’s off all pain medications now and having a few vivid though happy dreams when she dozes off.   I’m asking the universe and all interested parties for a calm and restful night of sleep for my sweet bride tonight.

And the same to all of you out there following along.  Nancy wants me to read to her from these Caring Bridge posts now.  A fine and fun way to bring this astounding day to a calm close. 

Much love from Nancy and Stephanie

____________________

Nancy M. | Dec 15, 2019
So happy to hear that Nancy is doing so well! What a time she has had. She has a great support system with you and all of her family surrounding her with love. What an important part of recovery: Being surrounded by loved ones. Know that Chris and I are keeping you in our hearts. 

Su S. | Dec 15, 2019
Here’s a name suggestion: Cordelia. Cordelia is a feminine given name. … The name is of uncertain origin. It is popularly associated with Latin cor (genitive cordis) “heart”, and has also been linked with the Welsh name Creiddylad, allegedly meaning “jewel of the sea”, but it may derive from the French coeur de lion “heart of a lion”. 

Michelle F. |Dec 15, 2019
So glad to hear she is off the ventilator; those look scary, but of course we are grateful for such equipment. A name that comes to mind for the new one is Frida. 

José M. | Dec 14, 2019
So happy to hear that progress is being made. My thoughts are with you both everyday for a speedy, healthy recovery. Sending you both virtual, energy-filled hugs!

Colleen A. | Dec 14, 2019
Fabulous news!!!

Hanna E. | Dec 14, 2019
P.S. Regarding the new name: Panacea, goddess of the cure by medicines and salves. Love,Hanna

Amy B. | Dec 14, 2019
Thanks for these updates. I’m so glad Nancy’s situation continues to improve. Thinking of you both and sending love from Northfield. Regarding the new name: Maybe something Norse this time around…How about Frigg?

Patricia S. | Dec 14, 2019
Such good news, you two!! The prayers and good vibes are still coming your way. They’re sent with bunches of love and hugs from us!! 💕💕💕 

Susan D. | Dec 14, 2019
So relieved and thrilled to hear this good news. Very happy for you both. Every day I ask the Universe to guide you and keep you both safe. I am kind of liking Scarlett for a name. Some fierce beauties did that name proud. Sending all love to you both, always.

Barbara T. | Dec 14, 2019
Nancy you are one strong woman with a legion of followers. You are missing another arctic blast. Hope they find the spot Fiona doesn’t like. I vote for Charlotte, one determined heroine.

Debra T. | Dec 14, 2019
I’m glad Nancy is improving. And much faster than anticipated? How great! Thanks for the updates. As far as a name for the new Fiona, in keeping with the hard F sound, perhaps Pheobe. Or, some dictionaries say a meaning of Cora is “heart”. Greetings to you & Nancy. 🧡💜💛💚💙

Kari O | Dec 14, 2019
Sean let me know what was going on, so I read up on the latest and greatest adventures. I am so sorry that you are going through this. It sounds like things are heading exactly where they need to go, which is back to a normal and healthy Nancy with a device that is doing its job calmly and quietly in the background. As you well know, Greg and I are also members of the club. It sucks. You never know when it will happen or even if it will happen. And in your case, in what state or country it will happen! Reading your posts, Steph, it reminded me so much of all the positives. It reminded me that you can find joy anywhere if you have the right people with you. And that you can have joy in life despite not knowing what happens next. Thank you so much for that! Much love and hugs from Kari, Greg, and twins
PS, Greg will no doubt be formulating a sassy comment once he gets up to speed on the latest posts, stay tuned!

Vicki O. | Dec 14, 2019
Good Morning, Great to hear of Nancy’s progress. You’re both in my thoughts and prayers.

Deborah P. | Dec 14, 2019
Good Morning you two! Such impressive progress. I’m grateful for your spunk and resilience. I’m thinking the name RITA MAE might fit. As in Rita Mae Brown (strong, smart, funny, tough and won’t take any crap. ) I’m retreating in silence today at Shambala Center. You can bet I will hold you as my dear one. 🙏💕

Jeanne E. | Dec 14, 2019
We are so glad to hear things are progressing so well and so quickly. How nice that “Fiona” gets to retire after time well-served.
Jeanne and Jerry

Pamela I. | Dec 14, 2019
My dear Nancy, you really are a Wonder Woman and I couldn’t think of a better name than Xena for your new device. But it will be fun to hear other suggestions and final answer. Keep moving forward; won’t walking feel marvelous!! Stephanie thanks for the prompt updates, I eagerly anticipate reading these and wrapping prayers around your words. Sending my love to you both.

Kari D. | Dec 14, 2019
Yay! Thanks for the update!

Betsy E. | Dec 14, 2019
For the new defibrillator, how about Xena, as in Xena, Warrior Princess? Because that is the first thing that came to mind when I thought of Nancy and her journey with her heart issues. Love to you both, Betsy

Mary C. | Dec 14, 2019
So happy to hear the good news!

Ann D. | Dec 14, 2019
Atta way, Nancy!! Show ’em how it’s done! So happy that you are making great progress. You’ll feel so good when you can get up and walk around again! No running! ♥️😊🤗

Maria K. | Dec 14, 2019
Way to go, Nancy! Team KellyLargenKelvakis is rooting for you!

Lynn K. | Dec 14, 2019
Great news. Thank you.

Liv D. | Dec 14, 2019
So happy to read the good news! How about Flo as the new name?

Denise S. | Dec 14, 2019
Yay, all this news sounds good. Will keep up the prayers for a smooth ICD update. Rest and get stronger.

Terry K. | Dec 13, 2019
Hi Nancy and Stephanie. So happy you are improving! You are so brave ! You are so often in our thoughts and prayers and conversations and you have many cousins cheering you on! You are very much loved!
❤️Terry

Sandi P. | Dec 13, 2019
She’s a tough nut alright! So glad things are going well and she is on the road to recovery. We’ll continue to keep you both in our thoughts and prayers.