August 10 Update
It's been nearly six weeks since we missed a flight to Nice, France. As you may recall, our friends were about to be engaged, and Josh and I were en route to teach them all about a happy and lifelong union.
Instead, we did two weeks in as many Atlanta hospitals. Josh left the hospital with a triple coronary artery bypass graft (or 3CABG for short), while I absconded with a water bottle and a really nice blanket that I hope no one died in.
After being released, which is a phrase only used to describe rehabilitated patients and prisoners, Josh has been in McComb, Mississippi, recuperating in the relative peace of his parent's home. The Malones are fantastic people and both retired, so they have been able to devote their entire attention to his recovery. Plus, with three dogs, our home is more circus than sanctuary.
One of Josh's least favorite things is to ask for help, so you can imagine how happy he is now that he's able to do most things by himself, sans assistance. During open heart surgery the sternum and surrounding area are split, and both muscle and bone need time to repair. Things like grabbing something from the cabinet or hopping in the car are tough, but getting easier. Luckily, I am very tall and, as a nurse at Emory Hospital informed me, “solidly built,” so I can handle those sorts of things.
His blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen saturation are great, an indication that the surgery was a success. His appetite is back, and he's taking his medicine like clockwork. He's even, quite surprisingly, given up coffee. We have an appointment with a cardiac surgeon in Austin, Texas soon, but because he's followed the doctor's instructions to the letter, we don't expect any surprises.
Josh was able to get back to one of his favorite things, however: walking! Not quite yet at his pre-surgery cadence, he's still up to an average of 1 1/2 miles a day. Stairs are a little more challenging, but getting easier. Add the exercise regimen to the extra effort in everyday tasks, and Josh is pretty exhausted at the end of the day. His mainstay of daily naps proceed unfazed.
Two weeks ago yesterday, I arrived in Mississippi to keep him company. I've watched him improve dramatically in my time here. This morning we hopped in the car and only moments ago made it back home to Austin!
To our Austin family: we’re in the early discovery phases for a fall JOSHFEST, but it will be some time yet: Josh's immune system is not quite yet back to 100%, leaving him susceptible to germs. As well, he has a pretty big incision that hasn't fully healed. We'll be sure to let everyone know when he is cleared by his doctors to make appearances again, hopefully in late August (and in time for his Birthday).
We‘d all like to say thank you to everyone who said a prayer, sent a thought or helped us out. We won’t forget your kindness anytime soon, and can’t wait to see you sometime soon.
PS Despite the gall of doing it without us being present, Graham did propose and, miraculously, Cheyenne said yes.
