Barbara-lyn’s Story

Site created on July 15, 2020

Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and prayers. Thank you for visiting.


Mom was transferred from INVOA to Johns Hopkins on June 25, 2020 after waking up feeling not well.  She tested negative for COVID more than once. However, her xray indicated a perforation of the stomach. She had previous issues with her stomach in the past (surgeries 18 months ago at UVA) because a hiatal hernia was allowing her stomach to enter her chest cavity.  The surgeries were not ultimately successful; however, one can live and treat the symptoms of the stomach in the chest cavity.


We reviewed minimally invasive procedures and options on June 26th with Johns Hopkins; however, the perforation or hole was not easily accessible. As you might imagine stomach contents outside the stomach is not a good thing and can deteriorate rapidly especially when the stomach is in the chest.


On June 27th, she underwent thoracic surgery to stabilize the "hole in her stomach." The surgery was successful. However, it was major surgery- at any age. 


She remained in ICU for 9 days. Those who previously saw her facebook posts know she was placed on a ventilator to clear some liquid from the lungs. She was extubated on July 4th. She was moved from ICU for 4 days. There were some setbacks but we tackled them last week.


On Friday, July 10th due to respiratory distress she was transferred back to ICU. Unfortunately, due to the level of distress, she was placed back on the ventilator.  I got to visit her for the first time on July 12th - due to COVID restrictions, there are no visitors allowed. This is also why it's hard to respond to every person as I have to available by phone for calls from the medical team.


I will try to post in the days to come; however, I will not share every detail and think about what mom would want me to share. However, she announced to the world on facebook the situation, and I know many of you are worried about her. We are all worried. 


At this time, we appreciate your prayers and ask for them for the medical team's wisdom, mom's healing, and our entire family's patience. 
There are restrictions of what can be sent to the hospital so please refrain at this time. As I have updated information, I will share.

Newest Update

July 29, 2020

Journal entry by Rosa Morris —

All,
Please find the link to mom's obituary here: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/charlottesville-va/barbara-lyn-belcher-9276675

As well as instructions to join us virtually this Saturday. We will be pulling the comments and stories and memories left on the Teague site for a book for mom's "grands" to read. So please share- we treasure the stories and memories.
Read More of the journal titled "July 29, 2020"
Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.
Help Barbara-lyn Stay Connected to Family and Friends

A $25 donation to CaringBridge powers a site like Barbara-lyn's for two weeks. Will you make a gift to help ensure that this site stays online for them and for you?

Leave a comment of support for Barbara-lyn

Did you know? A quick comment, no matter the situation (positive or negative), can boost morale by 28.2%.

Comments Hide comments

Load more comments
Read More Journal Entries

Show Your Support

See the Ways to Help page to get even more involved.

Personal Fundraiser
Support Links
Helpful Requests
Go to Ways to Help
SVG_Icons_Back_To_Top
Top