Day 22 // Successful Procedures

Hi all,

JoAnne's cleaning procedures went well today, though her time in the OR was a bit more extensive, as they made the first attempt at closing her abdomen a bit! See below for details on both procedures.

HIP- Dr. Madey's inspection and cleaning of her amputation site went well. They've been impressed with the healing the last few days, though they will continue to keep the wound site a bit open to encourage drainage. So far, so good.

ABDOMEN- Dr. Ramzy found no suspicious fluids or infections when they cleaned her abdomen today. He attempted to close up the site, but ultimately decided it was still a slightly too early to close it up entirely. He was able to close about 5cm at the top and 5cm at the bottom, leaving a small portion of the center open. They put the wound vac (essentially a barrier in place of muscle to protect her insides and prevent infection) back in place, and will wait to close her up entirely when the wound begins to heal together on its own. Dr. Ramzy felt it was important to close as much as he could, but didn't want to push it, compromising her healing process. She'll likely go back on Friday for another cleaning on both sites.

REST- to facilitate total rest, allowing for successful healing of her new stitches, they have given JoAnne medication with a temporarily paralytic effect (meaning she can't move at all). They want her still and resting (which we know is not JoAnne's forté), so that's what she shall do for the next day! Still buoyed by heavy pain meds and sedatives, she should not feel any discomfort from her new procedures. Dr. Ramzy emphasized again how much JoAnne has been through in the last three weeks, and how her body must have rest with substantial time to heal. We must hope for no further infections or problems that could compromise this progress! She has come so far in this ordeal, and as heartening as that fact is, JoAnne has a long and difficult road to recovery.

ONE DAY AT A TIME- that's the motto, right? We can't take for granted the amazing luck she has had so far, but we also shouldn't get to far ahead of ourselves, projecting, worrying or imagining the future. Its been quite the balancing act to maintain a firm stance in the present these days, and you all are helping so much in our struggle with that. We feel your love and support every day, and that is what really matters most right now: today.

More tomorrow.  :)

Xo Team JoJo

PS- Kelty snapped a shot of Dr. Ramzy in all his post-OR glory- see below.