I checked in at the hospital at 12:30 this afternoon. The day was starting off much better than last week. Ultrasound came to my room to start an I.V. and only had to poke me once! I thought, today’s procedure is going to be awesome. They wheeled me away from my family to begin the process of placing a stent.
I was prepped in both the groin and the arm and we started the procedure. Interventional Radiology was in charge today. Once again, I had no sedation and was able to watch everything on the screen. The doctors were having difficulty threading the glide wires but we were slowly making progress. I was lying there thinking, we are so close, just a little further and we will be through the scar tissue. We started the procedure at 3:45pm and it was now 5:00pm.
That is were the road blocks went up. You know what it’s like when you are driving and you come across a construction sign that says, lane closed next 22 miles, and those seem like the longest miles ever. That is what the next hour felt like to me. At 6:00pm the decision was made that the scar tissue was like a rock. Unfortunately, nothing more could be done. There wasn’t a wire in the hospital that could pass through the vein. Trust me. They tried all of them! We were not able to place the stent and it is no longer an option to attempt again.
Now what? My understanding is, I may possibly need to have another major surgery called a vein by-pass. It involves breaking my sternum in order to reach the vein. I don’t have many details at the moment. Apparently the surgeon is going to contact me tomorrow to discuss the procedure.
After the thought of another surgery that will most likely be very painful, I admit, I shed a few tears. The outcome was unsuccessful today but I give credit to my medical team today and a heartfelt thank you for trying everything possible.
Nikki's New Lungs 
I’m so sorry that it didn’t work again Rocket. Try and keep up your spirits & stay positive. You have more support than you’ll ever know!! GM.
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I am a lucky girl to have so much support! Thank you.
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Oh, Nikki. I’m so sorry. I am so sad for you. I can’t even imagine what you went through. Something good will come, I’m sure. I will be saying my prayers that the doctors find the answers.
Love from Appleton,
Llonda
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Thank you Llonda! We will get it all figured out soon.
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Awe crap. I’m so sorry, Nik. Thanks for sharing the news, though. A tough day, for sure. Sending lots of love and hugs through the inter-webs. 😉 I was thinking about Fathers Day and wondering if you will be dining on spare ribs? Get it? Spare ribs! BBQ ribs? Baby back ribs? Is that a tasteless joke? Probably. By the way, did you ask the doctors to save the rib they removed so you could see it? Did you take pics? If so, I have some previously unreleased c-section footage I’ll trade you for it. 😉 Ok – It’s late and clearly I shouldn’t be commenting. Love you. Stay strong!
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Annie, you are hilarious. I will post our menu item on Sunday:) And, I’m bummed, I didn’t get to save the rib! We may need to trade something else for that video 😉 Love you too!!!
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I’m so sorry Nikki. I will continue to pray for you and for your medical team. Hang in there. You have so many people in your corner, I know all will be well.
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Thanks Barb. I am very fortunate to have all of you supporting me!
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So sorry it didn’t work 😦 hang in there you have come so far! You are an inspiration to all! Sending lots of prayers!
Amie
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Thanks Amie! We will get everything taken care of.
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Thinking of you Nikki!
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Thanks Purdy! Haven’t seen you in a while, hope all is well with you.
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I’m Sorry Sweet Baby, I Will Continue To Pray. I Know This Can Be Done, You Are The Strongest Little Lioness I’ve Ever Known. MuAh Muah Lil Nik Xo
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You are so sweet Sheila! Hope you and your little one are fantastic.
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I’m with Annie, I wanna see that rib! I’ve got some hysterctomy footage and a beautifully enlarged uterus pic to trade!
In all seriousness, it’s shitty that you have these bad days and roadblocks- but if anyone can push through and totally ROCK a broken sternum and a vein bypass, it’s YOU Nik.
Our family loves you and is always thinking of you- cheers to better days!
Love,
Sidra
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Hahahaha. Dang, I need to come up with something during the next surgery in exchange of all this footage!
Thanks for the encouraging words! Love you too Sidra!
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So sorry Nikki. Stay strong….many thoughts and prayer. Jody H
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Thank you darling. Bummed we missed the wedding last weekend. It would have been great to see you!
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Oh Nikki, I am so sorry. Hang in there and know you have an army of people sending positive thoughts and prayers your way.
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Thank you Susan! I am so lucky to have that army you speak about! Thank for the lovely thoughts and prayers.
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You’re so strong, you can handle it and God is on your side.
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Thank you so much Berglund!
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No No No No! I’m sad to hear this Nikki. I can’t imagine the mixed emotions and pain, let alone all of your time. I suppose one could say atleast there is another option? Although the mention of breaking your sternum seems unfathomable. I think of you daily and I’m available if you ever need anything. Xoxoxoxoxooxox
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Thanks Angela! Yes, there is an option, I am lucky for that! Love back at you.
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I don’t even know how to comment. You are perhaps the strongest and most positive person I have encountered. We are working hard on Camden’s Concert and it just makes us want to raise more money for CF research. I can’t bear to think of our little Camden having to go through what you have had to endure. Hugs to you.
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Thank you Linda. I know Camden won’t have to endure any of this. The research is happening fast. They are making large leaps and bounds for a cure. Keep thinking positive! Hugs to you also 🙂
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My heart goes out to both of you in this shattering disappointment! What you have endured. But God didn’t get you this far to fail. I have to believe you will do whatever it takes to combat this.
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Thank you for the kind words Marilyn.
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My dearest and sweet Nikki, while reading this I am saddened and shedding tears…I just can’t comprehend what you are going through and the pain that you have had to endure, I wish that I could take some away or help in some way, I pray daily for you and will continue to. I am going to be as strong as you and remain positive, I am sending hugs and love from Al and I along with good vibes, we love you very much!
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Thank you Auntie Char. You can help by continuing the prayers. I will take everyone of them. Hugs back at you & Al. Love you both!
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Our thoughts and prayers go out to you to keep you strong during this terrible ordeal. I know they will find a way to make this easier on you and please know that all your friends and family are praying and supporting both you and Travis.
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Thank you so much Ginny!
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