[ccjohnson]

Just wanted to thank everyone for their prayers, support & kind thoughts. You have truly lifted Fran's spirits! Here is an update on what's been going on. She spent 22 days in Neuroscience ICU in El Paso. Kind of 1 thing leading to another for most of it. The admitting Dr. was not sure that it was simply a stroke. After having a miriad of tests run on her they found a very rare malignant tumor in the medula of her left adrenal gland. It was decided that it would need to be excised surgically. She needed +/- 4-6 weeks post stroke to be cleared for surgery by the neurologist. Also an effect of the tumor is very erratic blood pressure. This has been pretty much chemically stabilized with alpha & beta blockers. She was sent to rehab hospital in Las Cruces ( we are fortunate to have a top 10% nationally rated facility so close) to work on rehab while awaiting surgical clearance. Rehab has been going VERY well! Once again, thanks for your prayers. We met with surgeon today and surgery is scheduled for Nov. 8. Should be 4-5 days in hospital pre surgery to convert her from Cumadin to Heprin. Then 5-8 days post op hospital recovery. After that back to Las Cruces to finish rehab. So far from this experience, I would advise all one thing for sure, never miss an opportunity to tell someone how much you love them or miss one good morning/good night kiss you don't absolutely have to.