Well, the tides of health have shifted, and again for Michelle. She went to the hospital for a check-up and they discovered that the fluid around her heart was greater than it had been. The doctors had ner admitted immediately, although we found out later it was for their own peace of mind. They were going to perform a pericardiectomy (that is, they were going to cut a hole it the pericardium – the sack surrounding the heart) in order to drain off the fluid. Traditionally, this procedure required the surgeon to crack open the rib cage and go at it from the inside. I’m not so sure as Michelle would have handled that… but it is no matter. The doctors chose to to it Laparoscopically. This means that rather than crack her open, they insert a small camera and the instruments through holes in her abdomen. The procedure was successful – nearly 200ccs of fluid were extracted and they cut a 3-inch hole in the pericardium. This should prevent any future fluid buid-up.

Michelle is recovering well. She’s still grumpy, but there were no complications during or after surgery as yet. She was even allowed to go home on thursday.

I’d classify this as good news myself.

Apparently, Michelle is getting better. The steroid therapy they’ve been using seems to be working. Looks like I’m just overreacting…. 😀

I finally completed the Deviatone Independent study project, but alas it came down to a 6-week incomplete and an 8 page paper (single spaced). I still have grand plans for Deviatone, and I hope to finish it someday, but with my schedule as tight as it is, it will not be soon.

In other news, my sister Michelle is in the hospital. If you know much about her, you know being in the hospital is not a huge deal. However, this time is a bit different. She has too much fluid around her heart, and fluid in her lungs to the point that she needs oxygen to keep from turning quite blue. From what I understand there are / were a couple of theories: A virus, arthritis or who knows. They ruled out the virus, and are stucking with ‘who knows’ for now, but my parents and I are thinking it looks more like a Rheumatoid Arthritis complication. It would go right along with some other unusual inexplicable symptoms she has been having lately.

What does this mean? Frankly, nobody knows. Many a doctor have asked my parents about their Resuscitation plans, leading me to wonder if this might be the beginning of the end. Michelle has well outlived her initial life expectancy, and has been our family’s little bundle of joy for (I think) 23 years. While my Mother and Father have not mentioned it (in fact my Mom is speculating about when Michelle will get to come home), I’m wondering if she will survive this. Perhaps I am just being paranoid. Only time will tell. Just keep her in your prayers, ok?

Finally, to help my other sister’s cause, I am now hosting her art website, House of Shuler. Have a look around. She plans to redo the site fairly soon too, so keep an eye out.

Thanks for reading!

-Jason

The new Radiohead cd, Hail to the Thief, came out yesterday. I was one of the first people to get it, and I must say I’m glad I did. For those unfamiliar with Radiohead or the sound of the new cd, try downloading tracks such as “There there”, “2+2=5”, “Backdrifts”, and “Where I End and You Begin” (some of my favorites off the album).

On a random note, I also reccommend “Godspeed You Black Emperor!” aka Godspeed, which is an absolutely amazing group that thrives on orchestral rock. Many tracks have fantastic builds and are a true musical experience, but lack any vocals, which might throw some people off of it. Check out anything off the album “Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas To Heaven”.