Getting better...

It's been a few days since I last posted but all is well. Jerry's blood thinner levels are in range & he is adjusting to the meds nicely. He also started walking at the park yesterday...he actually walked over a mile & didn't feel tired!!! He still has good & bad days but his energy levels are returning & he is anxious to work again. He doesn't like me driving him everywhere & is ready to take that role back over but we have a few more days to wait on that one. The big highlight lately was the boys starting football. Jerry really wanted to watch both of their first scrimmages...it tired him out but he made it through them both :)) Here are a few pics of Jerry & our kids... hope u enjoy!

Doctor's Visit :)

Today is 2 weeks post op & Jerry had his family doctor's visit today. He has lost 19 pounds since surgery!!! He is happy about losing weight but we don't like how he has lost it. He doesn't have an appetite & he in sensitive to certain foods. He only eats about 1/4 to 1/2 of a normal meal. We are going to try a diet plan called Eat Clean...we have used it before & the food is very tasty but also very healthy with minimal fat, salt, etc.. We are hoping this will restore some of the nutrients that he is losing. Jerry is out for his first walk alone...I'm not too happy about that but he wants to start doing more on his own. He wants to get back to work & is frustrated that he can't drive. He informed me this morning that he plans to start driving next week...but the doctor & I say no way!! I guess I'll let you all know who wins that battle. lol All in all...he is doing remarkable and we are excited about the progress that we see so far. Hope everyone has a fantastic week...God bless you all :))

Much love.... The Garlands

Week 2 post op

The weekend went well. We made a quick trip back to the hospital because a large knot appeared above Jerry's chest incision. They said this is normal & should go back down over time. Jerry attended church yesterday morning & ate breakfast with friends but that wiped him out for the rest of the day. He has good days & bad days but he is getting stronger. He gets a little frustrated with how quickly he gets tired after basic tasks but that is normal and will get better as we go along. Our dog Buddy has been wonderful with Jerry. He won't leave his side & appears to sense that he needs to be careful around him. Buddy nudged Jerry to the door today...carrying his favorite toy & wanting to play lol so Jerry gave in & went outside with him for about 5 minutes...Buddy was so excited. I thought everyone might enjoy seeing a pic of them. Thanks for the continued calls, texts, cards & gifts. Jerry still isn't strong enough to talk on the phone very much but I'm sure he will be in touch with all of you soon. We hope everyone has a blessed day.

A Personal Message From Jerry

I wanted to take a quick moment while I had a little strength to personally thank each and every friend and family member who has helped me to appreciate the value of love, kindness, faith and the overall greatness of the human spirit during what has been a critical turning point for me and my family!

For the wife who never left my side, I am humbled to have made such a great choice, so long ago, in asking you to be my best friend! Your commitment to me during this difficult moment means you took your "vows" very seriously...for better or worse, in sickness and health. I love you now more than ever before. I will forever be unable to articulate the strength that you have shown to me. I admire you so dearly.

For those 3 great kids of mine that have been so strong, for so long, Dad loves you so much! You let me know through this that maybe I'm doing something right as a father.

For all the countless calls, texts, and emails offering your support, I owe you a debt of gratitude that I cannot repay.

For the weary travelers who came so far to be here just so that I felt their support, my love for you is immeasurable.

For the countless prayers from so many friends that crossed a wide variety of religious beliefs, I believe it's safe to say that you reached God on my behalf. I will continually ask Him to richly bless your lives.

For those that camped out for days at the hospital providing my family with so much support, you are the salt of the earth.

For all the many flowers, gifts, cards, "treats" and otherwise, I wish you to know that they all seem to come at a point when a special lift was so important.

I look forward to reaching out to each and everyone once my strength returns, to thank you in person. For now, I send my sincerest love and gratitude to "life changing" friends!

Thursday...not a great day but getting better.

Well, Jerry slept better last night!!! He has experienced a series of negative symptoms that we have been concerned about so we called the doctor today. They said the night sweats are a reaction to being on life support during the surgery & should subside within a few days. The headaches are from the fluid restrictions that the doctor imposed but they have lifted that so hopefully he will get some relief once he gets enough water intake. His lack of appetite will probably continue for a couple more weeks. I can tell that he is losing weight & I'm sure the lack of food, specifically protein, is hindering his energy levels. The doctor stressed the importance of protein for the healing process so I'm going to do my best to incorporate as much as possible into his diet. Jerry is very quiet and his color isn't too good today & he refuses to lay down because he says it makes him feel worse. The nurses & doctors encouraged him to get showered & dressed in the morning & stay up all day with small resting periods from time to time. I think the key is to push through because exercise increases your strength & gets you on the road to recovery faster. We are trusting that God will bring everything together & Jerry will be back to himself very soon :) God bless all of you.

Hebrews 11:1 KJV
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Before surgery

A few pics the week before surgery :)) We had about 15 or so of Jason's friends over to celebrate his birthday...Jerry baked two of his famous chocolate cakes haha..it was so much fun :))

Wednesday...

Last night some of our dearest friends...Darin, Narissa & Courtney (unfortunately Trev was out of town & couldn't join us) came over to have dinner with us. Narissa cooked a delicious homemade meal...roast, mashed potatoes, garden fresh green beans & corn, mac & cheese, salad, rolls, cherry cobbler & ice cream! Narissa is an amazing cook!!! Jerry was able to visit with them for a little while...as well as our pastor & his wife earlier in the evening. Everyone has been so generous & loving to our family...I don't know what we would do without them :) Jerry is having some difficulty sleeping since they want him to sleep on his back until the sternum heals. The pain meds are also causing night sweats & nightmares so his sleep is interrupted frequently. His heart is strong but physically he is feeling pretty weak. He is walking & doing breathing exercises very well. He is trying to stay up most of the day & rest from time to time. His appetite has not returned yet...so a few bites each meal is about all he is taking in. Overall...things are going as we anticipated. It's just a long process to "normal" & we are working on that everyday. In the meanwhile....the stress levels are high so please remember our family in prayer. My blood pressure has been high all day & I don't normally suffer from blood pressure problems. I'm sure it will all level out once we get a more consistent schedule & Jerry is able to walk safely without assistance...I'm very paranoid that he will fall & rip the sternum open so that keeps me on edge. Thanks for your continued prayers....much love to all :)