Fast and Furious

An action movie might seem like an odd way to describe how today went, but fast moving with lots of plot twists was exactly our day today.

Early this morning, Melissa passed her breathing test, which meant she could be extubated and get off the ventilator. This was very exciting for her and all of us!

The respiratory team came and extubated her. For a couple hours, she was sitting up, talking, and getting acclimated to life off the ventilator. She even did a little physical therapy. Unfortunately, after a while, it became clear that she developed a lot of mucous in her lungs while on the ventilator. Due to the nature of open heart surgery, it was really difficult to clear her lungs by coughing. The team decided it would be best for her to go back on the ventilator so she could rest and they could deal with the mucous.

Shortly after going back on the vent came a really sharp, fast turn. Melissa developed "V-Tach" or Ventricular Tachycardia. This is a really fast heart rate that originates in the lower chamber of the heart. In order to get a normal rhythm, the team shocked her heart.

Once they got the rhythm back to normal, the twists and turns of trying to figure out why began. The surgery team, nurses, and many other doctors all collaborated to determine the best course of action. Many of them worked long past their normal shift ending to continue to help.

For now, the plan is to keep Melissa sedated and comfortable, let the ventilator do its work, and help the heart out with medication.

Some ways you can pray, if you are a praying person:

• First and foremost, gratitude for the medical team here. They work so hard and care deeply about Melissa and also their craft. They are truly excellent at what they do

• Pray that all of the medical interventions tonight will be effective

• Pray that Melissa will rest comfortably

• Pray for peace in our hearts as Melissa's family. These plot twists are not easy.

• Finally, gratitude for God's good care of Melissa no matter what happens during her recovery

Thanks for your support and prayers!