Sunday, June 29, 2008

Good News

Dad is doing well. He will probably be getting out and heading home on Tuesday. Today they are a little worried about his oxygen level being low. Dad can't take a full deep breath yet because it hurt when he does, so I am thinking that is why its low. He has been up walking, he showered, and has NO tubes except his central(pick) line. The plastic like stuff that was over his stitches on his chest is gone. He is doing really well just tired.

I have two weeks till class starts for my new service dog and I can't wait.

Friday, June 27, 2008

Dad's Surgery

Dad's heart surgery went fine. It took four hours. He spent last night in the surgical ICU. When he first came out his oxygen level was low, but within an hour it was back up to 100%. They took a vein out of his leg as well as his mammary vein for his double bypass. Dad came off the ventilator at 9:30 p.m. last night and is now breathing on his own. This morning when we called we were happy to hear that he was sitting in a chair and eating breakfast. This afternoon he went up to his own room and is doing well. His only complaint is the pain when he inhales. The area on his leg is not as painful as his chest. If all goes well he will be home sometime early next week.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

5 am hospital call

Dad goes for surgery at 5am tomorrow. He will be in the O.R. at 7am. I have had a headache all day with all the stress that is running around this house. I will be away from the house till Sunday because we are having the cabinets varnished and kitchen and dad's room painted so if and when I get to a computer I will update on dad.

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Fruga fruga fruga fruga

I am so frustrated. To many things happening all at once. My chair's actuator is OUT, DEAD, then my portable lift I just got today, the sling is HUGE, and then I have TONS of things I need to get done before I leave for KSDS. The actuator lets my chair tilt back so I can wiggle to get comfortable and let me tilt back out of the way so I can get tied down in my van securely. All we have to do is wait for insurance to verify and doctor to send a prescription for wheelchair repair. Just one more thing to figure out and make me stressed before I get my puppy. I am trying to keep the thought of my puppy in my head to keep me calm and sane.

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Heart Surgery

Dad has his surgery scheduled. He will be going under the knife on Thursday, June 26. I am not sure what time but I am guessing early morning some time. Wednesday he will be doing pre-op stuff. He is ready for it he keeps saying. I myself am a little freaked but am trying not to show it. I know he is in good hands. His cardiologist likes the surgeon and the surgeon has dad scheduled with his "best" team so that is promising. Of course dad is joking around and raddling our nerves(mom and I).

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Ford Dealership

We needed to get the cruise control changed out of our van, change the oil and rotate tires. My attendant and I got to the dealership around 10:15 and didn't leave till 2:45. They started with the cruise control and oil change. When they got to the tire rotation they took the tires off and noticed that they had dry rot and were cracking on the sides. Well we had already been sitting for 2 hours and they said it would take another hour and fifteen minutes. Off we walked to Macdonald's across the parking lot while they do the tires. We got home and then mom noticed the tires were the WRONG size. Dad got home and he took the van back up and got a rental because it was closing when he made it up there. Now we have to get the lift on the van checked and the get the van have a overlook by our auto mechanic. 3 1/2 weeks till class and oh yeah dad's heart surgery too. AHHHHHHHHH

Monday, June 16, 2008

Anniversary

Today is the 10 year anniversary of me and Shocker as a team. If she was still alive today would have made it 10 years. They were fun and wonderful years. I miss you sweet girl. You will forever be in my heart.

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Dad

Dad had a heart cath yesterday. It went well and it showed he does need the heart surgery. They also found that he also needs a double bypass. Some time this week he will go to his doctor and they will schedule his surgery. He is going to try and see if he can schedule it before I go to KSDS. I am glad because if he has it done while I am at KSDS my head will be here while I am getting my new puppy. So we will see.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Prayers and pixied dust needed

My dad goes for his heart cath tomorrow. I know he is in good hands and will do fine. I would just like extra prayers for him. We wont know if they will do heart surgery right after or if we will have to have it scheduled. I really don't like they date but what can you do.

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

One small thing off my to do list

I GOT A JOB!!! It doesn't really start till January but hey I am glad I got it. I start training in September so I will be back from KSDS and hopefully in a routine with my new dog before I start training. I will be working for the IRS through a program that hires disabled people to work in their own home office. I will be working 20 hours a week and it wont affect my eligibility status for the program I am on. It is just a seasonal position but there is a chance for permanent position or I can find another job through this program. Now all I need to do is find an attendant for nights, weekends and for days part time to permanent position before I head to KSDS.

Saturday, June 7, 2008

The Goal

I LOVE GOOGLE!!! I have lost contact with the girls and guys that graduated with me when I got Shocker. Yes I always thought about them and their partners but just didn't know how to find them. Last night I typed in one of the guys names in Google and FOUND him. I was shocked. I was typing his name in wrong but finally came to the correct spelling by flipping letters. He has a Facebook and Myspace account and so do I so of course I messaged him. I am now waiting on his response. I also found out he acted and produced a film. That is the reason for my title of this snip it today. The movie is called The Goal. I also saw a picture of Newly his service dog he got when we were in class. I am so excited

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Jason's Deli debacle

Desirae and I went to meet Richard and Trotter for lunch today at Jason's Deli. I chose the Jason's Deli by my house because I know one of the assistant managers. We walked in and I said hi to him behind the counter. Richard was ordering and all of a sudden another assistant manager walked up asking me if it was a guide dog. I told her it was a puppy in training to be a guide or service dog and it was okay for him to be in there. She said she had to ask her boss and I think he burst her bubble allowing him in there. As she was asking her boss, my friend said not to worry that it was ok. Richard got up to get something and the assistant manager threw a fit he took Trotter up to the counter with him because "this is a deli and I don't wanna be fined." She waited on us hand and foot so we wouldn't get up. Oh well we enjoyed talking and laughing at the assistant manager;). Here are some pictures of the cute Trotter. He is just a sweetie.I gave Trotter the toy he has in his mouth. It was one of Shocker's. Yes I washed it before I gave it to him.

Monday, June 2, 2008

41 1/2 days and counting

I can't wait. 41 days til i get my new 4 legged companion. Today in the mail I received the KSDS packet. WOW! I had Shocker and wasn't expecting a page of new commands but I am so excited. I could have used some of these new commands with Shocker if I had of known them. Especially the push command when I got stuck for 3 hours leaning forward. Shocker did try and help and did what I asked her but(there is always a but isn't there) she put her paws on my shoulders and pulled me over more. luckily I had my seatbelt on or I would have probably ended up on the floor. I can laugh now but never again. I can't wait! I can't wait! I can't wait! I can't wait!