Hi everyone,

A happy update here on Joan.  After spending 11 days in the hospital she is back home and resting comfortably.  She has good days and challenging days, but we are excited that she is back in the comfort of her home. 

It is suspected that mom's trouble breathing was caused by a number of factors, including 1) post surgical, subconscious changes in breathing techniques which became her new normal but are inefficient and stressful, 2) anxiety created by the new less efficient breathing method, and the cycle of anxiety and shortness of breath that result from each other.  To help remedy this cycle the doctors have given her breathing exercises that will reteach her how to breath, which she is faithfully practicing.

As mentioned previously, mom had a stint put in one of her bronchial tubes to straighten out a kink that had formed during the healing process.  There was some concern that tissue was blocking the stint and contributing to her difficulty breathing.  That may still be the case, and the stint may ultimately need to be removed, but for now it's being left in and observed for the next 30 days while she works on lowering her anxiety and practices her new breathing techniques.

Thankfully, she is on the mend.  It will take time to adjust and heal, but with your continued support and her steadfast faith, we are certain she will continue to make healing progress.