Update - 4:20PM

Well, things could be a bit better. Mom has had numerous tests today to try and determine why her oxygen levels are so low. First, she had another chest x-ray, then a blood draw directly from her artery in her arm (for a more accurate blood/oxygen reading), then next a regular blood draw to do a sophisticated test on whether or not her heart is over-saturated with fluid. Basically, what we know at this point is that she has squishy lungs from the surgery and has a difficult time taking very deep breaths. She is using one of those little breathing apparatuses to help build her strength back, but we have to hold a pillow tightly against her chest to help her avoid discomfort for the numerous times per hour she's having to do this. Nurse Theresa (who happens to be magnificent) was there instructing Mom on the proper way to breathe to get back in the swing of things again. They think she might be breathing too shallow to avoid pain (can you blame her?) which isn't letting oxygen get to the bottom of her lungs. It sounds like there are several little things going wrong at the same time, but the nurse said these aren't serious issues. She definitely needs to be over this hurdle before she can go home though.
Mom is a little discouraged by this...'alarmed' was her actual description of how she felt about hearing there is a problem. She doesn't feel like she's short of breath, but we all notice her sentences are short and can hear her wheeze a little. The nurses don't recognize it as unusual, but those of us who know her well can tell the difference. They have moved her breathing treatments up to be more frequent now, every 4 hours instead of 6. She's not at all excited about the albuterol treatment where they put the mask over her face and have her breathe the stimulant for 10 minutes. It makes her shaky and feel 'gross' for quite some time afterward. She loves the 'percussive' treatments that shake up her lungs though. She's a little less talkative today and is visibly exhausted which is exactly what happens when you're not getting enough air. She keeps telling everyone (nurses & doctors) that she's doing just fine, but I think it's mainly because she wants to go home so bad. I am VERY glad she's here and want them to get her all fixed up before we take her home.
One great thing to report is that she's healing really well from the surgery part of things...now we need her lungs to cooperate.
I know I don't need to keep asking, but I will anyway. :) We sure appreciate and welcome your prayers. Mom knows it helps her tremendously.
Love to all,
Alissa