Facebook Post

Cami had the sheath removed this morning. She had to lay still for six hours to prevent bleeding afterward. She is sitting up now, and yelling at the machine that beeps when her blood oxygen falls below the desired level. In other words, she is feeling better. She is even joking with the nurses. Thank you all for your prayers and well wishes. Please keep praying for her comfort and a swift recovery. More to follow. — with Brent Luke and 2 others.

Facebook Post

Morning update. I must have been tired when I talked to the doctor, but I had misheard when he said that they would scan the clot. They stated that they need to let the medication work on the clot for 24 hours before they scan to check on its progress. They plan to scan it around 4 this afternoon when they move her out of the ICU. She is a trooper. We appreciate all your thoughts and prayers. We are not out of the woods just yet. I will keep you updated. — with Brent Luke.

Cami is back from her scan this afternoon. Great news, the doctor said that the clot is broken up and there is good blood flow in the vein. There are still some smaller pieces present but they are not occluding the flow of blood. They are very encouraged by the results. They have removed the catheters, leaving the sheathing in place for tonight due to risk of bleeding. She will remain in the ICU until tomorrow when they remove the sheathing. She will then be moved back up to observation with the milder thrombolitic (anticoagulant) for a couple of more days till she is ready to come home. Thank you all for your support and prayers. They have been and continue to be answered in wonderful ways. I will post again tomorrow. — with Brent Luke and Connie Powell.

Facebook Posts - Surgery

This is Brent Luke, Cami just went into the operating room to start the procedure about three hours ago. They called at hour two and said it was going well so far. Now we can just wait, and see. Thank you for your prayers and thoughts. We are so blessed to have such wonderful friends and family.

Cami Luke, for those who are not following her updates, is currently in surgery to remove a blood clot that has developed in her brain. It has been three hours, we got an update about an hour ago, that everything is progressing well so far. They should be calling in another hour to give us another update.

(5 1/2 hours) Cami Luke is coming out of surgery. Waiting to talk to the doctor. We are hopeful that all went well.

Ok. So Cami came out of surgery about two hours ago and is now sleeping. The doctor was encouraging. He said the procedure went well, and they were able to place the catheters in her head. The best option would have been to use something called an angiojet(?) to break up the clot and suction it away. They could not get around the clot to do this. So they are using the catheters to administer anticoagulant directly to the clot. They will then check on the clot in the morning to see if it is dissolving. I will keep everyone posted, and let you know more in the morning. Thank you for all your prayers.

Cami Luke is sleeping now. Her doctor said the procedure weren't well. They got the catheters in place. They had two options one there, use an angiojet(?) to break up the clot and suction it away, or administer anticoagulant directly to the clot. They were unable to use the angiojet(?). So they will be monitoring her through the night and check on the progress of the clot tomorrow. That'll you for your thoughts and prayers.

Bruises

I have spent the last 1 1/2 weeks getting poked and prodded.  I have had several IV's (update: 5 total) because they burn out.  Since I have been in Denver I have had blood drawn every 4-6 hours to check my coagulation levels.  Here are a few pictures of my colorful arms.  (Update: this is mild compared to the bruising that I came home with.  My friends were appalled when they saw me.)

The nice view out my 7th floor window.  Unfortunately my headaches have been so bad that I have had the blinds closed most of the time.  Heading in for surgery tomorrow!

Facebook Post

Huge update: my clot has not improved. I am having a procedure tomorrow afternoon to break up and remove the clot. I will be under anesthesia and they will use a catheter through my femoral artery (leg) to head up to my brain. The doctor will inject dye into my system to watch my blood flow and know where to go. He will be watching this through a live x-ray. He said that my clot is about 5" long and runs the length of the crown of my head and down. The doctor will use a tool like a pressure washer to break up the clot and it at the same time sucks up the pieces that are breaking off. Afterwards I will be watched in the ICU very closely. The catheter and tools will remain in my system for a few hours while things in my brain settle and the doctor will recheck and make sure that he removed all of the clot. From there I will be under observations and pain control for a couple more days. I am hoping to head home Monday if all goes well.

We feel confident that this procedure will improve my condition and that we are making the right choice. We have been in contact with perinatologists (baby) and they are not concerned about the x-ray or the dye affecting the baby. They will do an ultrasound before and after and will be involved in this process until I go home. Please help us pray for the doctors to be guided through the surgery and for us to have peace. I will give updates as I am able. I am sick and tired of being sick and tired. I am ready for this to get taken care of so that I can go home to my husband and babies. I feel your prayers and support and really need them now. Lots of love!— with Brent Luke.

Facebook Post

Update: I didn't update last night because my sister came up and made my toes pretty. I see them all day so I was excited.

More observations and tests yesterday. I had a peek-a-boo ultrasound and got to see baby's heartbeat. I am getting another MRV this morning to help determine if we need to do a blood clot removal procedure. Feeling tired and missing my family like crazy. — with Brent Luke.

Flowers from Dad

 My Dad brought me flowers today to brighten up my hospital room.  They are really pretty and he was proud of himself for the smiley face vase.  It is nice to know that there are people who love me.  ♥