Tracy’s Story

Site created on May 9, 2019

So it all started last Saturday night.  Tracy wasn’t feeling well during the middle of the night and by the morning she had some pains and felt she should go to the hospital because it may be heart related. One trip to urgent care and an ambulance ride to a local hospital it turned out it was not a heart attack. Instead, a pre-heart attack incident that indicated a likely blockage of an artery.  A routine exploratory scope of the heart and arteries was scheduled for Monday morning.  Tracy was a champ and the procedure was done without a hitch with no arterial blockage requiring stints.  A decision was made to use medication to handle things and continue to monitor the situation.  One of the typical medications used on Monday was a blood thinner.  The day went well on Monday without any issues other than feeling tired.  Phil left the hospital for a short while with anticipation that Tracy would be released that evening or the next morning.  When Phil returned a few hours later everything had turned upside down. Tracy was not responsive and there were obvious signs of a stroke or bleed on the brain.  Additional testing indicated the need to make a quick decision, as the local hospital in Noblesville would not be able to treat her bleed. Tracy was airlifted from the local Noblesville Hospital to St. Vincent’s Hospital to be cared for by the neurosurgery unit in Indianapolis.  

The neurosurgeon and medical team assessed the situation and a decision had to be made as to what to do. Surgery quickly ensued late Monday night/early Tuesday morning to determine the source of the brain bleed. After several hours of surgery to relieve the pressure on the brain and determine the source of the bleed, Tracy was out of surgery and into recovery.  The heart condition and brain bleed were totally unrelated and the blood thinner was an acceleration of a likely genetic condition whereby Tracy was predisposed to a brain bleed/aneurism.  Luckily all of this happened at the hospital and she was treated quickly.  

Tracy has made amazing strides since Tuesday morning’s surgery.  The bleed was significant and serious and it will take time to heal. We are and the medical team is amazed at her strides of recovery already.  She has been able to answer important questions, move her arms and legs as requested by the doctors and recognize family members. 

In order to let Tracy heal, it has been recommended that we are limiting in-room visitors to her immediate family. We welcome and encourage our friends and family to join us in the waiting room as we support one another during this difficult time. Please keep the cards, love and prayers coming! We will be posting here on all progress and recovery. We also appreciate the outpouring of offers to support our family. As this journey progresses we’ll be sure to communicate what areas we may need help. 



#teamtracy

Newest Update

November 2, 2019 (Tracy's 50th)

Journal entry by Phil Michael —

It has been almost 4 months since I last posted, I apologize as so much has happened.  Most importantly today is Tracy's 50th Birthday & she is doing amazing.  Tracy finished her 12 weeks of outpatient therapy, she will continue w/ some more speech (cognitive) therapy for the next month or so.  Within the next 2 weeks she should be officially released to drive (we have gone out a couple times & she drives perfect - well, I should say as good as she did before).  She is going to transition back to work (THANK YOU Harper's for being unbelievable and giving her this opportunity).  The future is very bright for Tracy & the family.

We visited the neurosurgeon a couple weeks ago (1st time he had seen her since the week of the incident), he was amazed at her recovery.  He indicated that while he had hope everything would go well, he couldn't have imagined she would be in his office communicating 5 months after the surgery.  I can't thank Dr. McCanna enough for the miracle he performed in helping save Tracy's life.  I think back to my conversation on May 6/7 with Dr. McCanna on Tracy's prognosis and hard for me to believe where Tracy is (thank you Keith Lash for being there to help keep me through that conversation).

I won't try to list everyone I need to thank as there is no way I will remember everyone, but thank you to all our family and friends for being there for Tracy, the boys, & me.  From your prayers, to sitting with Tracy in the hospitals & our house, to bringing us food, to taking the boys into your homes, to taking Tracy to lunch, to simply reaching out & texting/emailing/talking to me, for everything.

This past 6 months have seen our family hit many milestones:

1. Tracy being here with us today (most important)
2. I turned 50
3. Tracy & my 25th wedding anniversary
4. Jared started driving (technically a few days before)
5. Kyle became a teenager
6. Tracy & my 30th anniversary of our first date
7. Jared pitched for the varsity baseball team, including in the sectional game
8. Tracy turned 50
9. Kyle made the 7th grade basketball team (just happened this week).
...
Again, Tracy being here with us today (most important)

Thank you again from the bottom of my heart to everyone.  It is amazing how much love Tracy & our family has been shown. 
Read More of the journal titled "November 2, 2019 (Tracy's 50th)"
Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.
Help Tracy Stay Connected to Family and Friends

A $25 donation to CaringBridge powers a site like Tracy'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 Tracy

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