Dad's Little Brother

     Hi!  I know that it has been awhile since writing on this blog.   Charlie is doing great and recovering from his heart ordeal this past winter. Once again, he is traveling and speaking all around the globe.   I thank you for the support and prayers you gave and continue to give my dad. 

     Now I ask that everyone pray for my dad's little brother, Joe.  Remember Joe (the one on the left)?  He was the one at the hospital getting yelled at for making too much noise in the waiting room.  His karate moves, singing voice, and positive attitude exuded to all people at the hospital.  Joe always stopped to hug, pray, and encourage anyone who was struggling around him.  Well, Joe had a stroke last night and has limited function of his right side.  Joe is also struggling with his memory.  Please pray that his body and mind return to full functioning capacity and no more strokes are in his future.  Thank you.

Eighth week post-surgery

Charlie is doing great. His appetite is up, although all he wants is italian and mexican food at restaurants. Sorry, mom! Charlie and Kevin walk briskly every day, accomplishing about one-two miles at a time. Cardiac rehab is going well and dad can accomplish more on that treadmill than most people do without heart surgery. I'm sure Charlie is a big encouragement to everyone around him. The fellow heart patients, respiratory rehab patients, and family members all receive a dose of "Burress" with each visit. The cardiologist told Charlie that everything was going so well that a follow-up appointment with the cardiologist would be in four to six months!

Thank you all for your continued prayers and support for mom and dad. God is good and saw Charlie through the entire ordeal.

Driving, 6 weeks post-surgery!

Charlie drove for the first time yesterday! Cardiac rehab was the destination. The drive actually went so well that he was going to attempt the stick shift convertible today??? He loved being behind the wheel but I advised an automatic shifter, to continue the chest wall healing.

Dad and mom continue to be encouraged by all of your love.

With spring right around the corner, the fresh, warm air will be a welcome renewal to our days!

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

- John 16:33

Cardiology visit

Charlie and Kevin with the grandkids in Colorado this past summer.

Dad saw the cardiologist today. He said that Charlie looks great for what he has been through! The cardiologist thought that dad's progress is good, but is still a bit concerned about some left over fluid in the left lung. I'm sure that more time will correct the problem.

Mom and dad are still very encouraged by everyone's constant support. Thank you for being there for them. It is so hard to be so far away. Thank goodness for computers and phones!

Thank you!

Charlie thanks you all for the cards, gifts, food, visits, and phone calls! Mom and dad have been completely encouraged by all of your support. Dad is feeling great. Aches and pains interrupt his plans for an active, energetic day. I think when he wakes up in the morning, he forgets that he has had major surgery. Your support has carried him through the days!

Dad found out that a long-time friend, also named Charlie, had had open heart surgery just 10 days after my dad did! He had a call from this friend after his daughter informed him of dad's ordeal. Only because kids of three long-term friendships had stayed in touch via facebook and email, had these long life friends known of their common predicament. Dad was energized by this amazing sequence of events. I say that the Lord carefully orchestrates each and every moment of our lives!

Healing and strengthening

Dad is feeling better with each passing day. His chest is sore, but healing slowly. Soon, the doctors want dad to start cardiac rehab. This will strengthen his chest wall and heart muscle over the coming months. Little do the physical therapists know, but they will have to slow Charlie down! Dr. Propp said that people like Charlie go to rehab to be instructed not on what to do, but what "not" to do!

I want to thank you all again for the love for mom and dad. They are incredibly strengthened emotionally by your kind words and gestures.

I love the words of Luke 12:7,

Why, even the hairs of your head are numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.

Dad, here are some words from Coach Wooden:

"Be true to yourself. Make each day a masterpiece. Help others. Drink deeply from good books. Make friendship a fine art. Build a shelter against a rainy day."

The Parker ER needed cheering up

This morning, Sunday, February 20th, dad travelled to the Parker ER to cheer up the medical staff! Can you imagine the church service that dad gave to the nurses and docs? Actually, he was having problems breathing, and came to find out that some fluid had accumulated between the lungs and the chest wall. This is a very common occurance following major chest surgery. Conservative treatment with medication was the order from the cardiologist, and dad is going to head home! If his breathing worsens, a more aggressive approach will be used to draw off the fluid.

Dad has been encouraging everyone to spend more time with family and less time on the not important things. So go do that today, at his request! Thank you for the prayers.

More medical excursions...

With Charlie being home and recovering nicely from the open heart surgery, I had planned to occasionally post some updates concerning dad's medical progress. The most recent news is good AND challenging.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support for my parents. Your prayers, phone calls, visits, baskets, cards, letters, e-mails, and blog comments have been such an inspiration to my parents. All of the encouragement is carrying dad through recovery. Dad is having very little chest wall pain. I find that hard to believe, since he is most likely not performing the required respiratory breathing therapy since he is on the phone all the time! You all know what I am talking about.

Last night, dad had a little visit to the local ER because of a nose bleed. In an attempt to keep his blood thin and prevent clotting around all those fake parts, the medicine is making him bleed. They inserted something in the nose to stop the bleed, but it continues today. Please pray that the bleeding stops. Hopefully this is a minimal bump in the road for Charlie.

Dad, the kids wanted me to send a picture of their new igloo. They want you to feel better so you can come play! Ethan, Ella, and Laurel love their grandpa!

Post-OP Day 9.... HOME!

Charlie was able to be discharged from the hospital today! No further surgeries or tests are needed for now. Mom and dad are finally home, together. Mom asks that you pray for continued healing and that she is able to keep dad "down" to rest.

Charlie feels great, has little pain, but is very sleep deprived. He was so excited to be back in his own bed and to have, yes, I am going to say it, good toilet paper! The hospital beds and hospital TP are not the comforts of home.

Thank you for your love and prayers. Charlie was encircled in a world-wide prayer chain. His body was healed, he still has work to do! I think that this experience will be an amazing step in his journey. Thank you for joining him in this adventure!

Operative changes

Charlie was wheeled back to surgery, placed on the table, even anesthetized when Dr. Propp ran in saying "CANCEL the surgery!!!!" He said that my dad's heart looked great all night and all tests on his heart's conduction system turned out to be good. No more accelerated junctional rythm or bradycardia (slow heart rate). WOW! Thanks for the prayers.

As I am writing this update, Charlie is in surgery to have his pacemaker placed. It is a three hour surgery. On hospital day 12, I ask that you continue your prayers for him! Thank you.

My daughter, Laurel, broke her leg five weeks ago and was at the orthopaedic office today. She was able to have a short cast placed so she can walk on it, so it means that everything is healing well! When I asked her to pray for Papa, she said that it was a great day and he was going to be fine. She then proceeded to strike this pose for her grandpa as an encouragement for his surgery.

I can't help but remember as we all go through trials and tribulation, the words of Psalm 139:14-16:

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.

Charlie-Post Op Day 6

Charlie is stable, but his heart's conduction system is not working properly. This is a frequent consequence of major heart surgery. They are going to wait for a day or two, and then place a pacemaker in his chest to keep his heart beating in a normal rythm. Charlie's chest wall is healing well and his cardiac muscle is functioning appropriately.

Since you all know Charlie, you must know that he is not acclimated to the immoblity of his condition. Please pray that a few more days in the hospital will not drive him crazy! He is a little confused as to time of day, surroundings, etc.

Thank you, once again, for checking in on dad and lifting him up in prayer. I know that he would be there for all of us if we were in a similar position.

Charlie- Post-OP Day 5

Charlie says that he is ready to go home! Well... he wants to go home. No chance of that happening any time soon. Chest tubes, catheters, and IVs remain in place but dad is feeling so much better. Charlie is healing and his condition is progressing.

While laying in a hospital bed, dad looks at the small hospital TV and cheers for the Pittsburgh Steelers!!! GO STEELERS GO!!

Post-OP Day 4

Charlie is taking his first steps! Cardiopulmonary rehab was in to check on dad today and insisted that he try to take some steps with a walker. They encouraged 20 feet or so, but dad did a full loop around the entire hospital floor! They had to stop him from doing more.

Dad is eating more and talking . When I talked to him on the phone he said "Daa-da-da-dahhhhh, I feel much better." He is alert due to the decrease in pain medications.

I asked Farley if he was looking forward to his return home. He shrugged, grabbed my sister's hand and said, "Home is wherever we are, together." At that moment, home was a critical care waiting room. For the next week, my parent's home becomes a sterile hospital room in Aurora, Colorado. But hospital discomforts aside, my parent's joy in being alive and together radiates from my father's room.

Moved to the step-down unit

Charlie has been moved to the step down unit. This means he is no longer in critical care. He is telling everyone (even the cleaning ladies) that he loves them, so we know that he is returning to normal.

What am I going to do this week without my daily call from my dad? "Hey, Britt. It's dad. Just wanted to say you're the best! I love you!"

Charlie's Post-OP Day 3

Charlie is up in a chair this morning and sipping fluids. He is healing slowly. Most importantly, his heart is beating all by itself! And the cardiac function (heart muscle use) is good. He wants to sleep, sleep, sleep.

Charlie continues to have two chest tubes, which are draining minimally. He has been nauseous. The internal medicine doctor thinks that this is from the chest tubes irritating the stomach and diaphragm, which causes Charlie to gag. Hopefully, these will be removed later in the day.

We saw his big, sexy chest scar today. His tan, muscular legs look the same. There are two tiny scars where the surgeon tried to find the veins for the bypass.

Did all of you know that when my dad was a little boy (1943) he had meningitis? The doctors told my grandparents to prepare a grave for my dad, as he would most likely die from the illness. Instead, he recovered, but as a result lost his hearing in the left ear. Dr. Propp thinks that at this time, he may have developed rheumatic fever, which left his aortic valve damaged. Hence, he developed severe heart disase at by age 68! Being one of 12 kids, Charlie was smack dab in the middle so could consider himself the true "middle child". His brothers and sisters said that Charlie was always concerned for everyone else, was respectful to everyone, and made sure that everyone had fun. His hyperactivity and exuberance has continued from birth until now. Thank God he was spared in 1943 and in 2011 to be with us a little bit longer!

Courtney and Farley, Uncle Joe, Steve... we miss your presence. Mossie, I will continue this after I depart Denver.

Post-Op Day 2 afternoon

Dad is awake! Charlie is more alert and using his hearts' own electrical system! The pacemaker is being utilized less and Charlie's own heart is pumping more. The doctors are very hopeful about his progress in the next few days. Bleeding from the chest wall has stopped. Dad is having more pain, but this is a good thing. He smiles, talks briefly, and tries to get up and out of that terrible, constraining bed.

Courtney and Farley just left, so there will be no more fashion updates from the waiting room. Uncle Joe just left, so no more karate lessons. Plenty of friends continue to stop by, which helps support my mom. A BIG thank you to Nick and Lisa, Big Nick, Pat, Steve, Tracey, Linda, Kelly, Leigh, Katie, Tim and Terri, Jose and Lidia, Jimmy and Jim, Megan and kids, Bruce, Pastors Louie, Ed and Matt, Doug Boone, Bill, Walter and Marshall, Tiffany and Matt, Ralph, David, and Jeff for being here!!! My mom will need you all after Aunt Karen and myself leave on Saturday. Thank you to all who are far away and supporting us through prayer and encouraging words!

Thank you, again, for all the thoughts and prayers. It is a good thing we are snug in a hospital. We are in the middle of a fantastic snow storm with plunging temperatures! I am sure, if dad were up to it, he would be skiing and ice skating with mom, while telling everyone about Jesus.

Post-Op Day 2

Charlie is doing much better today. He is awake and a bit groggy due to the pain medications. His heart functioning is good and blood pressure is maintained. He is still being externally paced because his heart is not beating on its own. This is not a problem. Dr. Propp said that there is a chance that when he took out the calcifications around the aortic valve, the node that sends electrical impulses to the heart was damaged. They will wait a few more days and then decide if he needs a pacemaker.

I love talking to Dr. Propp. He said that we should consider dad to be like a used car. He came in for a 100,000 mile tune up, and now will run for 100,000 more miles. He was also excited to challenge my dad to a push-up contest. Prior to surgery, my dad could beat Dr. Propp in push ups. Now, Dr. Propp could take him!! It made us laugh.

The CCU asked us to not have visitors until Sunday. He needs constant rest over the next 3 days. You are welcome to come and support mom, but other than that, there will be limited or no time with dad. No worries! With the meds, he doesn't even know/remember that you were there.....

Extubation (Ventilation Tube Out)!!! Post-Op Day 1

We are thrilled, as Charlie's heart numbers have looked great for the last few hours and his lungs are taking over control again. The ventilation tube was just pulled out and Charlie is now being told to shut up. He is looking at us and recognizing each person. His smile is huge. He is using his hands to sign his love for each person that enters the room. WOW!

His condition is now guarded, as the staff has to monitor his heart and blood pressure regularly. His heart is a bit irritated, so the pacemaker will continue to give support to his regular heart function. Dr. Propp said that Charlie is 24 hours out from surgery, and in the clear as of now!

Thank you for the prayers! Thank you for the support! Thank you for the love! Something that I have learned from all of this is how much love can be poured out for another human being. I am overwhelmed by how many people around the world love my dad and lift him up. His condition at this time is a result of all of you.

Post-Op Day 1

Good morning everyone!

Charlie is in the Critical Care Unit and doing well. His lungs and heart are not quite ready to be weaned from the ventilator or the pacemaker, but rest assured that he is only being paced partially, and the other part of his heart is functioning independently. When the hospital staff tries to wean him from the sedation, his blood pressure increases, so medication is being administered to control the pressure. His bleeding has decreased, and his coloring is much better!

Mom was finally able to sleep last night. I loved seeing her more relaxed and eating again (Alice). We talked about the amazing hospital staff at Aurora South. Everyone is so intelligent, kind, and caring. Dad's nurse last week from the ICU stayed after her shift last night to spend time with our family and to see dad!

Charlie's condition is touch and go right now. Please continue to pray. He looks good, but tubes, drug-drips, and monitors abound. Dr. Propp thinks that things are going well, but wants to keep him down for the next 6 hours or so. This gives him time to heal and prepare for full use of the new heart parts.

LOVE YOU ALL!

Post-op first night

Dad is in guarded condition. He lost a little more blood than the doctors would have liked, but were able to slow things down with FFP, Crio, and PRBC's. He will remain untubated (have a breathing tube) over night and sedated. He will be this way until the bleeding is completely controlled. We all sighed a breath of relief.

The morning will continue to be a guarded time. We are so thankful for all of the love and support. Dad is in the Critical Care Unit in the Cardiac Hospital at Aurora South.

Recovery!

Charlie's surgery is complete. The next twelve hours will still be very critical, so keep him in your thoughts. Visitors are now allowed to pop in two-by-two. First up was Kevin and Brittney, followed by Courtney (in her Wonder Woman boots) and Farley, then Karen and Joe (hiking boots), then Nick and Lisa (lovely jewel-toned ensemble), then Nick and Jimmy (hat).

Suh-weet Rockin' News, Dudes! 8.5 hours of surgery

Charlie's aortic graft was placed beautifully in his chest. We just found out that he was weaned off of the bypass machine and his heart is pumping on its own! They are now closing his chest so it will be another hour or so until he is out of the OR. We are all rejoicing at this news.

I loved writing this new post!

Seven hours into surgery

Charlie's valve is in place! Brand new (well, USED, but new for Charlie) aortic valve.

The surgeon said that they have the graft ready to put in place of the ascending aorta. SO, they are starting that procedure next. Dad is stable and doing great. This is the most crucial part of the surgery so please pray extra hard over the next few hours.

FYI: We are now ingesting massive amounts of hot tamales, chocolate, twizzlers, and pez candies. UNO tournament becoming heated and Uncle Joe telling crude jokes while the entire waiting room laughs.

Here is a picture of our homemade man. He looks a little like Uncle Joe (behind)

5.5 hours into heart surgery

Charlie is five and a half hours into surgery. Family is going a bit wacko in the waiting room (Uncle Joe teaching black-belt karate moves, Nick learning to be faster, Farley showing push up moves, Courtney breaking out fashion updates, mom pacing while holding babies, Aunt Karen singing show tunes, etc...) but over-all, everyone is holding up well.

We just received an update from the surgeon. Dad's bypass in finished. He had double bypass. They could not retrieve enough vein from the chest wall to do the third bypass, so he will have to go back in for a stent in 2 days. They are now suturing in the cow valve. You can imagine the "moos" in the waiting room. The last procedure is the aorta, so they said ANOTHER 5-6 hours! Keep up the prayers. We appreciate you all so much!

Guest Blogger: Courtney Blackman

We're three hours in and the Burress enclave (eight adults and two mini people) are wreaking havoc in the Aurora South waiting room.

Charlie is on bypass right now and everything is going A-OK.

...and because I work in fashion, here's a brief rundown of what people are wearing. Megan is wearing a pale pink sweater with a ruffle collar, jeans and trainers (UK English for sneakers), Brittney is wearing olive green cargo pants and a black t-shirt with 'Steelers' emblazoned in gold. Karen is sporting a plum coloured shirt, jeans and black leather boots, accented with a black scarf. Kevin is wearing black trousers, black leather clogs and a long, flowing beige pancho. We're looking great!

Check in frequently for updates.

Update for dad, two hours in....surgery is going well. They were unable to retrieve a vein from Charlie's leg, due to previous achilles tendon surgery. SO, they took a vein from his chest to complete the bypass surgery. He is stable and doing well so far. After the bypass, on to the valve repair. Thank you, thank you for the thoughts and prayers.

Surgery Day

Dad is in surgery. He was feeling great prior to being wheeled away.

Dr. Propp came in to the OR holding room and grabbed Charlie, gave him a great big hug and handshake, and said, "Thank God I was given the easy job of operating on one organ, the heart. All these other surgeons have to worry about left or right sides prior to OR procedures." We all laughed. Dr. Fisher, the anesthesiologist was excited about the challenge of making a man who talks 24/7, SLEEP!

Charlie has had a very relaxing day spent with family and friends. His brother, Joe, and sister, Karen flew out to be with us. Courtney and Farley arrived. Friends arrive by the dozens.

The doctor told Charlie that this surgery will increase his energy level by 40%. Can you imagine Charlie's energy level being any greater than it already is? He will be unstoppable!

Beginning at 7:30 am tomorrow, dad's heart surgery will take place. Part of is aorta will be replaced, his circumflex artery will be bypassed in two to three places, and the aortic valve will be replaced. Dad loves to think that a pig or cow "part" will be in his chest.

Charlie's spirits are high. The love surrounding him is nearly visible. Charlie and Kevin fell comforted and reassured that the Lord is in control!

Dad wanted me to include several questionable jokes. INSTEAD, I will attach a picture of my mom and dad. They love each other so much!

Day 5 , One day pre-op

Here is dad in the ICU still. He is not quite feeling
as bad as his surgery indicates. He is very tired,
and having very little chest pain. The staff at Aurora
South are continuing to prepare him for OR

tomorrow. Tests, showers, repiratory therapy, and

monitoring are scheduled for today. THAT and rest.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for the outpouring of love for Charlie and our family! We are overwhelmed by the responses we are receiving. We would love to personally respond to each and every one of you, but know that dad and mom are reading all comments and they are immensely encouraged by your words. People all over the world are lifting dad up in prayer. It is amazing to see the outpouring of love.

Enjoy the photos. Dad wanted me to include as many as possible. One is circa 1975!!! Courtney and I snuggled on his lap. Here I am doing it again in 2011!!

Thank you everyone!

Here is dad in the ICU. Looks pretty good, eh? The cardiac surgeon was just here- the famous John Propp! He seems to think that dad will pull through this pretty well. Dad and mom are so grateful that both daughters are here; mom needs extra love and care right now. Visitors and calls are non-stop so thank you everyone!

Day 4 in the hospital

Dad is day 4 in the hospital, awaiting open heart surgery on Monday or Tuesday. He is in the ICU, receiving excellent care from all the medical personal. The orders for dad are to stay in bed, rest, and prepare for battle (as one wonderful nurse, Sarah, stated)! They have him monitored, on oxygen, on blood pressure medicine, and heparin. He is blowing into a breathing device to prepare his lungs and chest for the big operation ahead. His spirits are very high, as you can well imagine. He stated this morning, "What can I do? There is nothing I can do to help this. The whole situation is in the Lord's hands." He then commented on how much he loves mom.

Keep Charlie and Kevin in your prayers!

Charlie arrived in the ER 3 days ago. He was found to have aortic valve stenosis, narrowed coronary vessels, and a thoracic aortic aneurysm.

The beginning