Mom's cardiologist has told us that he considers her to be terminal. The aortic valve calcification will only become worse, he says. He says she would not survive valve replacement surgery. She is home now under the care of hospice. I was doing some research on aortic stenosis, and basically confirmed her doctor's estimate of no more than 1 to 2 years survival. I did find that the University of Maryland is doing a new less invasive valve replacement through a tiny incision between the ribs. We are planning to ask her cardiologist about this procedure during her follow up visit on Tuesday.

This morning I awakened before my alarm. I was praying for Mom when I felt compelled to look at the internet. I got out of bed, and turned on my computer. I went to the site of our local newspaper which I look at almost every day. I was surprised to find an article about a local surgeon who is doing the same procedure. This is encouraging. I will ask her doc on Tuesday since I plan to accompany her for her visit. I am definitely not giving up hope yet.

Things can happen quickly. On the 13th we signed a contract for the sale of our current home and found an apartment to live in until the new house is ready. I drove by the new place today. The rough plumbing is done, the footings are poured, and the rebar, wire mesh, and forms are ready for the slab to be poured. I'm sure it's a matter of perception, but the house looks awfully small. I think it is because it's outdoors. Inside twenty feet seems like a large room, but outdoors twenty feet is nothing. The new house is substantially larger than our current one, but appears smaller to me at this point.

Tuesday a bulldozer leveled and cleaned off our lot in preparation for the start of construction on our new home. They also set up the temporary electric pole and meter for construction. This is the first real sign that construction will soon begin. We are still scheduled for May 12 as the start date. We have yet to sell our current home. I sure hope some one comes along soon to buy it from us. Perhaps the new business opening in town next month which will employ over 500 people will heat up the housing market a bit for us.

On the family front, my Mom suffered a mild heart attack on Tuesday and is currently hospitalized. An angiogram today revealed severe blockage in 2 arteries. The doctor deemed them inoperable due to the high risk of causing further damage while trying to place a stent in the arteries. He believes her condition can be improved some with medication including blood thinners. Her cardiologist says that many people live for "years" in that condition. She does have another serious problem, though. Her aortic valve is somewhat calcified and doesn't close completely. The doc says it's not critical, but may become so in the years to come. Offer up a prayer for her if you would, please.