Hi, all. I am only now in a position to get my wits about me (somewhat) enough to post.
K's heart survived remarkable well through the operation. The surgeon was very surprised with its vitality and the size the anneurysm has already grown since last testing (he would have been gone any day now if left alone). They only had to use the defibrillator paddles on him once because his heart very much wanted to run of its own accord to their surprise once they brought him back from deep freeze.
The concern was brain function next. There was a lot of touch and go as he came to in little spouts but each fit he had into consciousness seemed to be a little less violent and eventually his eyes held recognition while he looked into mine. Then he began to be able to nod in appropriate response, do thumbs ups, and some makeshift sign language. This was all to my delight as the surgeon was not able to promise if all brain function would return. Once he realized he was in restraints he slammed his hand down in frustration and I knew my K was in there still.
Our only current battle right now is getting him off the ventilator. He still has the tube down his throat, he is not able to breathe for himself yet. It's very, very frustrating as he is very thirsty, in so much pain, and is unable to talk and whenever he comes to once again he is choking and they have to suction it and make him cough which is horribly painful to his chest region. They are giving him breathing treatments on a constant basis. His wheezing and oxygen saturation has not stabalized. We are hoping by morning he will be able to breathe on his own. Please send good thoughts.