I would need another surgery. They removed more blood clots, suctioned out lots of blood, and tried to stabilize my blood pressure. But they couldn’t. I would need to go on ECMO. ECMO stands for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. ECMO is similar to a heart-lung by-pass machine used in open-heart surgery but the patient can be on it longer term. It pumps and oxygenates a patient's blood outside the body, allowing the heart and lungs some time to recover.

Aunt Emily

After the second surgery, the surgeons again went to my family and described the situation. I was much sicker now. They described how they could not stabilize me and I needed ECMO. My husband then asked “After the last surgery you said the next step was ECMO. What is the next step after ECMO?” The surgeon explained  

“That’s it. ECMO is the last resort and that is all we can do for her. It is up to her now.”

Nana then said “Well she is in God’s hands now!” The surgeon said “What a wonderful place to be.”

Around 5 pm my dear friend Candice posted this update on our Caringbridge website.“Cathy woke up for Eli and was able to answer basic questions! Praise the Lord for answered prayers! She is showing signs of brain activity and is still on the ECMO machine.

Aunt Jackie and Uncle Parker

11:30pm Update:

Cathy is making small improvements and showing good signs. When Eli said he was going to leave she squeezed his hand and shook her head no. Eli was able to sit with her and comfort her. She is still on ECMO and awaiting at least one more surgery. Please pray that the surgeries will be completed soon so Cathy’s body can continue to heal. Pray that the side effects of the necessary interventions will not be permanent. 

Cathy and Eli both need rest and we pray that they will both feel God’s peace & comfort as they sleep.