Houston, Mission Accomplished (will return to Tolentino Trivium now)

Dear Family & Loved Ones,

I was released from Saint Luke’s Episcopal Hospital yesterday afternoon around 12:30. Susie and I had a great trip home enjoying the dazzling colors of the Texas wildflowers. I am humbled and full of thanks for all the prayers and concern for me and Susie! I am truly amazed by all the people who sent greetings and assurance of prayer, thank you all so much. I believe that this valve is healing normally. I should be able to resume regular activities in a few months. I do feel so much better than after the first surgery. I continue to practice all the sternal precautions and not put a strain on my healing bones.

I am so thankful for my sister JoAnn who came to comfort Susie and cheer me up:>) She is a blessing that keeps on giving through her blog and compassionate self sacrifice! Thanks go to my parents who flew her down to us.

God is faithful and merciful to me. I feel as though his presence and the assurance of grace carried me through the many days of pain and suffering. Now I trust that he will strengthen my body in order that I may continue to serve Jesus. This verse sums up my experience…

1 Pet.1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials,

In Christ,

EARL VANDERHOFF
chaplainvand@aol.com

Earl cell 206-595-0615
Susie cell 206-550-0392

Address:
203 Sugar Maple Court
Nolanville, TX 76559

Blog before the Last Blog on Earl/Susie - One More to Come

(From Susie) We are happily home and Earl's temp this morning is 98.6. What beautiful numbers!!

We loved connecting with OLD friends and new through this journey. We are especially proud of our 80-ish mothers who faithfully read and commented on the blogsite.

Our huge thanks goes to Earl's parents who flew JoAnn down to our rescue. We are undone by God's providence once again.

"Still Taking Sternal Precautions"


"Look at your Mom, boys"

After 35 years of avoiding this task, I am changing a tire on the car that we left home in the garage! Earl is thrilled. My former argument that I had four sons and would NEVER have to change my own tire finally came to naught on the altar of God's plan for my life.

Houston, We Have Take Off!

You're Still A Young Man (click for video)


Our Star Patient! (We thought he deserved a litte treat while he waited for the shuttle to the hotel)



Click for Video

Houston, We Have A WET Day

Still waiting for doctor to sign discharge papers. I had to cancel my plane tickets twice, and today I can't get to the airport in Killeen due to flooding, so I am leaving from Houston at 1:55PM(hopefully). Earl and Susie may need to spend one more night in Houston to allow roads to clear.

.......Not to mention the outbreak of Swine Flu here! (We don't even want to go there)

Houston, We Have One More Night

Discharge tomorrow....after we checked out of our hotel, we have to go back in. hahaha - oh we were a little too optimistic I guess.

Houston, We Have New Recommendation

Upon exam, the colorectol surgeon does not recommend surgery now. Bleeding is under control with medication.

We are waiting for discharge, and hoping it is today! Susie and I are checked out of the hotel.

Kinda boring blog, but kinda nice too......you can visualize your own pictures.

Houston, We Have The Lord's Day

"Health is a great blessing, but sanctified disease is greater still" J.C. Ryle


Click below for video

May the Word of God dwell richly
In my heart from hour to hour,
So that all may see I triumph
Only through His power.

May the peace of God my Father
Rule my life in everything.
That my life may calm and comfort
Sick and sorrowing.



Between each mile walk, Earl amuses himself by making the coffee in the nurses station. We brought take-out Chipotle to Earl after church because he has been such a good boy!

Houston, We Have A Delay

For the first time today, he got dressed in regular cloths, so we asked if we could take Earl outside for his first breath of fresh air in 15 days - they said no. He is sweet and patient and has not uttered one complaint through this entire ordeal.


The cardiologist, hematologist, and GI doctor are all recommending surgery here A.S.A.P. - waiting for colorectal surgeon.

Houston, We're Taking Care of Business

Click below for video




Click below for video


Diagnosis for blood in stools = hemorrhoids complicated by blood thinners
Action = waiting for cardiologist again

Houston, We Have An Alarm

I think we have been here too long to be alarmed by an alarm in the hotel room
(click for video)


Waiting for sigmoidoscopy, Earl is back on liquids-only


Click on video for "Taste of Liquid Lunch"

Houston, We Have A Stride

In tennis shoes and T shirt, Earl is convinced he is going home tomorrow - EVEN THOUGH they found blood in his last 2 stools, which could indicate internal bleeding. They are calling in a GI doctor.


Earl now walks a mile before each meal (click below for video)

Hebrews 12:1 "Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us"



The Production Crew

Houston, We Have A Changed Heart

Ezekial 36:26
"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh."

The doctor is hoping to discard ;) Earl Friday IF his blood levels are perfect. He added that he is very sorry that Earl had to come back for this again.

We have watched this view from the room for nearly 2 weeks now:


There are construction cranes everywhere you look - Earl especially likes cranes ;)

Houston, We Have Earl Back

This morning Earl is feeling more like himself.

Click below for video


AND he wanted us to sing this song, but while he was in the shower, we posted the words only - we can't let him get too much control ;)

The Light Of The World Is Jesus

The whole world was lost in the darkness of sin;
The Light of the world is Jesus;
Like sunshine at noonday His glory shone in;
The Light of the world is Jesus.


Come to the Light, 'tis shining for thee!
Sweetly the Light has dawned upon me;
Once I was blind, but now I can see;
The Light of the world is Jesus.


No darkness have we who in Jesus abide;
The Light of the world is Jesus;
We walk in the Light when we follow our Guide;
The Light of the world is Jesus.
(chorus)

Ye dwellers in darkness with sin-blinded eyes;
The Light of the world is Jesus;
Go wash at His bidding and light will arise;
The Light of the world is Jesus.
(chorus)

No need of the sunlight in heaven, we're told;
The Light of the world is Jesus;
The Lamb is the Light in the City of Gold;
The Light of the world is Jesus.

Houston, We Have Training and Trains

Earl and Susie attended Sternum Precaution Class for the second time around.


If you have a Big Mac Attack, you need not leave the premises - talk about heart healthy.


Earl made Susie and I take a break. We got on the train thingy and rode the entire line.





Transfusion yesterday and today. Echo looked good - chest xray shows a little fluid outside the lung. Waiting on his blood to improve before discharge. Earl is saying Thursday for sure - haha.

We are reading all your comments to him and he enjoys them and is encouraged.

Houston, We Have A Funny

While Earl got a transfusion, I went and donated platelets for him, and got a free t shirt, bag, and ball!



After his transfusion, he felt better and wanted to sit in the chair, while Susie took to the bed, giving the doctor a moment of confusion.

As we were discussing discharge ~ Earl said "I think I'll go home on Wednesday." Susie is in favor of waiting longer, and made reference to the failure of the first surgery. Earl said "What do you mean it wasn't a success? I lived one whole month!" (click below for video)



In spite of severe pain to his sternum, we love to see him laugh! (click below for video)

Houston, We Have Ponderings

Do we realize how rare and unusual these things have been for Earl? Yes, we do. We are also reminded as we walk from hotel to hospital how this rare Earl stands out from the rest as he trusts Jesus. Today they took out the wires that were in his heart in case of an emergency start-up


We were discussing the past few years for Earl. He had TWO lower back surgeries, a neck surgery followed by an "emergency repeat" because the first one left him paralyzed! Now, his second valve replacement "replacement"! Earl said "this is just a bump in the road"...somehow, that isn't strong enough for me. On a walk today I saw this sign!!! HUMPS are much larger than bumps! This is a HUMP in the road!

A beautiful reminder of the canopy of God's love that spreads over us as we walk in faith, as I was shaded from the sun on my walk:

I cannot leave out the tender, loving care of Susie ~ my brother's helpmate. She also has become quite a bit better in all ways than any nurse here, complete with "Catch A Wave" dance while putting his elastic stockings on.
!

Houston, We Are Walking and Leaping and Praising God

WALKING



LEAPING (out of his skin)


PRAISING GOD (with the Gaithers)

Houston, We Have A Culture War

I gotta admit, I got a little discouraged this morning. First thing we did at hospital is pick up the wayward valve, while still waiting for culture result. Earl's lunch came. Lo and behold! Look at that bread! In the 9 days awaiting culture results, the Culture War is decided - the bread won! (the hospital sent several people to apologize for such a thing in Earls lunch) For this news - we rejoice! They are fairly certain that there was no bacteria on the old valve.

Houston, We Have Friday Morning Thoughts

This is Susie writing.

Some of you may be wondering about why the first valve failed. We join you.
Perhaps the doctors don't know either. I have yet to speak to the surgeon.
He is now away for the weekend.

The cardiologist visits daily.
We pray the aorta will grow around the new valve.

We assume the surgeon believes the aortic aneurysm will stabilize with a properly functioning valve. It was just under the AMA standard for repair.

He is having his first post op transfusion this morning. Blood was down again. He is back on the oxygen today.

We pray that the sternum does not develop infection. It did not help to notice the nurse who changed his dressing yesterday was NOT wearing gloves. JoAnn will be in charge of hand washing and stethoscope cleaning today.

A false fire alarm in the hotel during shower time helped us get a move on this morning.

Breaking a new jar of olives also provided comic relief.

What E'er My God Ordains Is Right is the song in my head today. Trying to walk by faith.

Susie

Houston, We Have a Scar

Earl says it hurts twice as much this time - please pray for some relief from pain. The Surgeon did say he is very sorry Earl had to go through this twice (that makes Susie and I feel so much better)

Houston, We Have A Room 832-355-2426

Surgeon says first valve did not "seat", thus the leak. Praying that the new valve will.

Before we left for the night, we had our own Tea Party - (Taxed Enough Already) complete with pain pump.

Houston, We Are Day Two in Recovery Room

Earl was sitting up in a chair, sedated and still in steady pain. Today he chose "Trust and Obey"
Grandma Susie took her turn on the asphalt with the paving crew.


After our alotted 20 minute visit with Earl, we fell into a hospital fundraiser in the lobby.

Houston, We have Birds

On our walk to the hospital in daylight we pass under this tree, avoiding bird poop on the sidewalk. However, before sunrise, the limbs bend heavy with the Grackles themselves. The noise blew me away - kids may especially like this sound.



In Texas these are called Grackles, in Washington they are Starlings...(we think - no research on the topic yet)


We cannot see Earl until 10AM today. He will be fully awake and fully in pain. I still cannot get over the fact that he had two open heart surgeries one month apart.

Houston, We Have A Full Cup

As the anesthesia wore off, Earl requested this song - one of his favorites:
FILL MY CUP LORD



Helping out any way we can around here

Hey kids! Grandma stopped to play in the parking lot on the way home!

Houston, We Have First Post Op Contact

ALL HAIL THE POWER OF JESUS' NAME


Susie thinks Earl deserves to show what he's gone through twice, March 11, and April 14




Leaving the hospital for a break today, we noticed how appropriate my choice of jewelry turned out to be - Two different sized rings with matching heart pendant.

Houston, We Had the Wrong Size

OR TWO IF YOU'RE EARL!!!!!!!





First Post-Op Report - replaced the valve with a size 23mm instead of the original size 27mm. We will be able to see him (while he remains asleep) in 1 1/2 hours.

Houston, We Like Comments

Susie told me to write this:

In lieu of flowers, cards, or phone calls, please leave us your comments.
For first time blog commenters, you may click "leave comment", then write comment, sign your name. No password necessary when commenting as "ANONYMOUS".
We would love to hear from you - we have been reading all emails, facebook comments, and blog comments to our star patient. He enjoys them.

Thanks!
Susie and JoAnn

Houston, We Have Surgery

Earl taken to surgery at 7:30AM Houston time - in great spirits. We wait....



UPDATE Houston time 9:10AM - Earl on by pass machine now - we will have another update in one and a half hours. Information says they are looking at the valve now to determine course of action.

Houston, We Have a Doctor

Monday morning update,

Head surgeon and Cardiologist came this morning for the first time. They will do surgery tomorrow, so Earl can now eat today again after 12 hours of no food.

Growing Cultures negative for bacteria - they will know more when they get inside. We are hoping and praying to be on the head of the list tomorrow morning (because Earl wants Susie and I to go to San Antonio Wednesday for Glen Beck's Tea Party at the Alamo - he can only wish, that guy!)

Spirits are good - Earl says to tell you all that he is resting in Jesus (in spite of us, his non medical attendants)

Houston, We Have a Risen Savior!

Easter Hymns, the Word, and phone calls. My mom called during this song - hung up the first time on accident, then called back - Mom - this is for you! We love you! You can see what we were doing when you called....



FYI - Our Hymn list was from the Trinity Hymnal:
Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed
Christ the Lord is Risen Today!
All Hail the Power of Jesus Name
Crown Him with Many Crowns
The Day of Resurrection

And the Readings were Isaiah 45, and 1 Corinthians 5

Houston, We Have a Problem

So, I arrive in Houston at 12:40AM and look for the Super Shuttle - nowhere to be found. A cute lady with adorable red shoes caught my eye - I ask "Are you from Houston?" she replies "yes"...I go on to ask her how to get to town (25 minutes away) without a Super Shuttle....she waits, then says "My husband and I will drive you there".

What a darling couple they were! We spoke of Jesus and the Hand of God, and how He orchestrates our lives. They will pray for Earl.

Finally, I get into the room at 1:30AM where my dear sleeping Susie is awaiting me. She is sound asleep so I write her a note, place it next to her pillow, and get a cab to find Earl.

At the hospital, I ask for his room - "he is not here"...yikes! what?? They make a few calls, to discover that he rode in a MediVac Turbo Prop plane, room for one patient only. They flew into my airport, and were on their way to the hospital in an ambulance. SO, I race to the emergency room entrance, to arrive at the exact same time as he and his entourage of medical personnel. I say "Beat ya here! I win!"

I hang out with him until 4AM, and come back to the hotel for a few hours sleep. We took advantage of the hours ZZZZZZZzzzzzzz

Today he is resting well, in CCU, awaiting decisions to be made as to his care. He trusts God with his life, and IS in total peace - the peace that passes understanding.

We made this script chart for him for when he gets phone calls so he can remember what to say: (we didn't have a medical terminology book with us for spelling)