Lisa Goes to Cleveland

In 2017 I developed blood clots from taking birth controls pills while celebrating the honeymoon we never had (after being married for 21 years). There were several misdiagnosis, so by the time I was hospitalized there were clots all over both lungs. Shortly after that it was discovered that I needed a hysterectomy because I became anemic. Despite being on blood thinners, one large clot has become permanent scar tissue. There is a type of hypertension that develops within the heart and lungs for people with such clots- not a good prognosis- usually about 5 years. When I sought out treatment we landed at Cleveland Clinic (five hours from our home). Through testing it was discovered that my diaphragm was stuck very high, and much of my right lung had died. I recently had a very painful surgery (thorocotomy) and they were able to sew my diaphragm muscle down and scrape all the damaged tissue out. My doctors were very happy to discover that I still had over half a lung left! God has truly blessed us through all of this- the ups and downs!
Now I can procede with the surgery to remove the clot so that the lung that is there can receive the blood it needs to heal. ( Link to the details of the surgery )This will be a cure and will hopefully allow me to live a full life! November 27th I will be hooked up to a heart lung bypass, rendered hypothermic, breathing and heart stopped while they remove the clot. 2-3 days in ICU, then approximately 2 weeks in the hospital. They’d like us to stay in Cleveland a week after I am discharged. Hopefully I will be home by Christmas.
As you can imagine, this has been hard on our family. My boys (actually adults- 22, 20, and 17) have been super helpful and supportive of their mom.  Mike has made countless trips with me to Cleveland, juggling work and his emotional wife. I have struggled with anxiety and PTSD.

Here are some ways you can help:

Pray: We’re praying that the whole clot can be removed with no damage to the artery.
Also please pray that the surgery goes well without complications- there is a risk for memory loss and reperfusion, a problem when the blood is introduced back into my body.

Financially: You can imagine the financial strain after two major surgeries this year and me not working. This fundraiser is so that Mike can stay right near the hospital, and the boys can visit, and eat, etc. and not worry about bills or missed work. We are staying in a Hilton hotel, and if you’re feeling generous you can gift Hilton points.

Thank you for any support you can give. We are so very thankful for all who have donated, all who have been great company, and friends who have been praying. :)