UW Medicine

Ready, Set, Discharge!

nancyaarsvold

Good Morning!

Nancy’s new ICD installation went very smoothly late yesterday afternoon.  Name yet to be determined, but nice work with all the clever suggestions!

Fiona

Flurry of device and heart tests this morning to make sure everything looks the way they want it to look.  Sounds like Nancy may be discharged TODAY!  She’s doing really really great.  She’ll have some movement restrictions on her left side while the incision above her heart heals.  And she’s a bit bruised from various interventions — infiltrated IV line in her arm, a burn mark on her back from the external defibrillator pads, several very bruised ribs on her chest from the ICU CPR the first night.  A little Tylenol seems to go a long ways!

We’ll check in again in a few days from our Seattle house in the Ravenna neighborhood just north of the University of WA Hospital.

Thank you for this outpouring of support for Nancy (and the rest of us 🙂 on CaringBridge!!!  

Love, Nancy and Stephanie

Monica S. | Dec 19, 2019
Such wonderful news! Take care of each other and thanks for all of the updates. Enjoy your new temporary digs.

Liz H. | Dec 18, 2019
Have yourself a merry little Christmas in Seattle! ❤

Pat H. | Dec 18, 2019
Great news!

Sveinung S. | Dec 18, 2019
Thank you both so much for these updates. We wish you keep up the courage! Love, Hanne and Sveinung

Barbara M. | Dec 17, 2019
Sending our prayers for you both, Happy Anniversary ! from me and Gary

Nancy H. | Dec 17, 2019
Way to go, Nancy and Steph! What a long haul, but so glad for the continuing improvement! Love and Hugs from Nancy and Jody

Barbara T. | Dec 17, 2019
Good to be in a home again. Hoping Stephanie will get some much needed rest and sleep. Sounds like the medicine is worse than the disease. Christmas in Seattle sounds beautiful. No expectations to clean or entertain. You are alive and you can look forward to a New Year. Hopefully maybe a little time in Minnesota😜😜

Terry A. | Dec 17, 2019
Thanks for the updates Stephanie. Love Terry ❤

Patricia S. | Dec 17, 2019
I just love getting this good news. Such a marvelous Christmas and anniversary gift! Love to you as you recover. Take good care of yourself.

Lynn D. | Dec 17, 2019
So happy to hear things are progressing well. You guys amaze me with your stamina. Thankful all is moving toward a positive recovery.

Terry K. | Dec 17, 2019
Happy News! Still praying! Love you

Ann D. | Dec 17, 2019
Yippee Skippy!

Susan D. | Dec 17, 2019
Poor Nancy. Ouch. But the wonderful news surpasses it all. Enjoy your new digs, relax, get healthy. Blessings on you both.

Christine H. | Dec 17, 2019
Wonderful news!

Kathy S. | Dec 17, 2019
Fantastic news! I’m so glad to hear it. I wish you equally great success on the next move. My thoughts and love to you both.
Kath

Su S. | Dec 17, 2019
I still like the name Cordelia : -D

Su S. | Dec 17, 2019
Hooray!

Patti P. | Dec 17, 2019
So grateful Nancy is doing well with her new ICD ! Another idea for a fitting name “Astrid”…because life is “divinely beautiful!” Happy Healing and Merry Christmas!

Joan L. | Dec 17, 2019
So wonderful to read this latest update. May Seattle provide you a healing haven in the coming days. Wishing you all rest and a quiet celebration as the holidays unfold.

Sarah M. | Dec 17, 2019
Great news!! We wish Nancy continued recovery and some R and R for you both. Much love from the Monsons.

Laura S. | Dec 17, 2019
So happy to hear that everything’s progressing so well. You are both definitely in my thoughts.

Nonny S. | Dec 17, 2019
Wow. Nancy just keeps on setting records for healing!! This is SUCH good news!!!! Sending prayers for healing of all those tender bruises, for smooth tests and a sweet departure from the hospital. Also hoping for an easy transition and nourishing rest in your next “house” there in Seattle. May all the Advent angels keep watching over both of you and your beloved helpers….. Send lots and lots of love from St. Paul. Nonny and Murray

Roberta L. | Dec 17, 2019
Woo Hoo! Thankful for your speedy recovery. Have a Merry Christmas!!!!!

Mary C. | Dec 17, 2019
Great job, Nancy! So glad things are going well so far and that that procedure is over!

Heidi D. | Dec 17, 2019
So blessed to have the updates Stephanie! Thank you! Best wishes for a speedy recovery for our Nancy. Lots of love sent your way.

Lisa F. | Dec 17, 2019
Love you both. ❤️

Kari D. | Dec 17, 2019
Such a relief to hear the updates!

Kris G. | Dec 17, 2019
No need to ask you to rest, right?? I hope it’s peaceful and relaxing to have your holidays there.
All our best to you,
Kris and Tom

Gloria B. | Dec 17, 2019
Great news for the holidays! I suggest you name the ICD something that means “friend” or “companion.” Seems like Fiona was both of those in times of need. All the best wishes for continuing recovery.

Linda S. | Dec 17, 2019
We were talking about you two in the pool yesterday – and sending all good watery wishes your way!
Glad to hear its going well.
Linda

Progress, Progress, and More Progress

nancyaarsvold

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.

Nancy Now at University of Washington Cardiac ICU

nancyaarsvold

CaringBridge journal entry by Stephanie Fay

They moved Nancy (and ALL of her equipment!) last night around midnight.  She’s even more alert this morning.  And in great spirits.  Says she feels a little giddy even.  She’s ready to have the vent out.  Naturally!  Waiting here for rounds to begin.  Will update again later today some time.

Love from us to you all!!

____________________

Mary C. | Dec 14, 2019
Hi, friends – you’ve been in my prayers as Nancy-the-miracle-gal recovers ! Of course I think you’re in the BEST place – not the hospital maybe, but Seattle. Actually, I went to UW for my MSW…if you run into any social workers, I hope they are well trained (the other providers, too…). Stay hopeful – I am!

Sharon H. | Dec 13, 2019
Nancy, you know how to come into a town with panache and flair!! 🙂 Sending you and Stephanie lots of love, many prayers for a robust and speedy recovery. Keep getting stronger my dear friend. Many hugs!!

Terry A. | Dec 13, 2019
Love you !!!! Prayers are with you and.Stephanie

Shelley C. | Dec 13, 2019
So fun that you come into our life through Andreas and Greta. We are sending hugs, kitties and prayers!

Nonny S. | Dec 13, 2019
Nancy. Just so you know, there is an agency called the Joint Commission (formerly the Joint Commission of accreditation of Health Care Organizations). They take care of making sure that hospitals know what they are doing. You do not have to visit each one yourself to carry out these inspections as a patient!!!! Enough already! That said, Murray and I are very glad to hear that your recovery seems to be going well !!!! We are pulling for you and praying for you. Sending love.

Marguretta Y | Dec 13, 2019
Dear Nancy,
Our prayers are with you. May each day be better than the day before! Christmas is near and our savior came to be with each of us. He is there with you. May you feel his presence.

Shirley F. | Dec 13, 2019
Nancy, Nancy, Nancy — Pfew! Glad to hear to are healing. You are one remarkable, resilient woman!!!

Patty S. | Dec 13, 2019
Hugs to you Aunt Nancy and Aunt Stephanie

Kathy S. | Dec 13, 2019
I was so sorry to hear that Nancy’s had another episode with Fiona. But, it sounds like she is getting great medical care and support, and I’m so glad that she is improving. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Nancy and Stephanie, and with all your family and friends. Love, Kath

Su S. | Dec 13, 2019
You sure get around! But maybe talk to your travel agent about getting more comfortable accommodations.

Kathy O. | Dec 13, 2019
Great news👍. Thanks for the updates.

Joan H. | Dec 13, 2019
Yay! Early Christmas:)

Elaine K. | Dec 13, 2019
Nancy is amazing! It’s good to be here with her and Steph! Hoping she gets her vent out today.

Gail M. | Dec 13, 2019
Whoa. I was just thinking about the two of you earlier this morning and up pops this email. My love to you both, and best wishes for a speedy recovery to Nancy.

Susan D. | Dec 13, 2019
Such wonderful news. I am sure she will soon put this behind her. The beach is waiting. Both of you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Barbara T. | Dec 13, 2019
I can imagine the caravan of people following her. Time to get matching t shirts!

Martha M. | Dec 13, 2019
Go Nancy! Go Huskies!

Ann D. | Dec 13, 2019
Good to hear the transport went well with all her equipment! I’m so encouraged to hear that she is more alert and in good spirits. GOOD WORK NANCY!

Connie F. | Dec 13, 2019
Such great news. Only Nancy would be giddy with a vent and preparing for a procedure. I’m holding all of you in prayer.

Sheila H. | Dec 13, 2019
Oh, that is SUCH good news. Makes me so happy to think of her smiling there! I bet your smile is big, too, dear Stephanie! Love love love to you both!

Mary C. | Dec 13, 2019
That’s great news! We are keeping both of you in our thoughts. Nancy is a strong woman. Fingers crossed that she continues to improve quickly.

Eileen K. | Dec 13, 2019
Wonderful. Thanks for keeping us updated. Thinking of you all.

Recovery Road

nancyaarsvold

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!