My facebook update:
Jamie Howen is rejoicing that her son Dan is OUT of the hospital, here in Lodi, was able and willing and happy to eat his home cooked steak dinner! In response to the question just posed, " How are you feeling?", he responded, "FINE!" Hallelujah! Prayers are answered! Home to LA soon!
Dan has not yet blogged and I can't wait to tell you all this great news! We are so happy! Thank you Lord!
God's Word:
1 Chronicles 16:34 Oh give thanks to the Lord , for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!
Monday, April 12, 2010
Sunday, April 11, 2010
April 11 #2
Can't resist sending another blog today as Dan has written something and I am an eyewitness of his progress. Eating and enjoying his mother's matzoh ball soup! What more could a Jewish mother want! And even though he told me not to bring it, I knew it would be good medicine. The gold standard of medicine! So now we are asking for your prayers for discharge tomorrow (why not ask specifics) and home to LA ASAP (could be tomorrow too!)
If you feel like sharing what our LORD God has been showing you through this time of prayer, I would love to hear from you.
Dan's blog:
Not a bad day at all
Dan here, taking on blogging duties.
Today was pretty good. I found out that discharge is possible by the end of tomorrow at earliest; it's contingent on my ability to eat an amount large enough to keep me hydrated (which could be soon) and my wound's inability to develop an infection. So... awesome!
I also got to watch a great hockey game between Boston and Washington; it's unfortunately rare these days to see the great game televised.
Ash and I filed our taxes, which was done with considerable difficulty with things scattered between Stanford and LA. A refund from our nation's deficit will be nice.
A couple of friends from church surprised me today by stopping in; they had come up from LA to a wedding in Stockton and impulsively decided to see me in the hospital.
My mom came by also and brought some matzoh ball soup for me. I had asked earlier for some, since I missed Passover, but yesterday asked her not to bring it, because Stanford's soups had been both plentiful and banal. However, she brought it anyway, and I thought I'd try a little bit. Turns out, it was really good. Lots of flavoring. I had a whole bowl. I might have another in a little while.
I'm really hoping that I can get out soon. It's been too long that I've been away from home. It feels so right when I'm there. Plus, it means more clinical hours for Ashley when she dresses my wounds.
Thanks for praying for us. Keep praying; I'm not out of the woods yet. I have to get out of the hospital, have an embolization procedure, and then a second surgery--- then I will be cancer free!
Prayer Requests:
Continuous increase of appetite
No fevers/infections
Discharge soon
No coming back to the hospital with complications
God's Word:
Ephesians 6:10-18
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.
Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;
and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,
praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints
If you feel like sharing what our LORD God has been showing you through this time of prayer, I would love to hear from you.
Dan's blog:
Not a bad day at all
Dan here, taking on blogging duties.
Today was pretty good. I found out that discharge is possible by the end of tomorrow at earliest; it's contingent on my ability to eat an amount large enough to keep me hydrated (which could be soon) and my wound's inability to develop an infection. So... awesome!
I also got to watch a great hockey game between Boston and Washington; it's unfortunately rare these days to see the great game televised.
Ash and I filed our taxes, which was done with considerable difficulty with things scattered between Stanford and LA. A refund from our nation's deficit will be nice.
A couple of friends from church surprised me today by stopping in; they had come up from LA to a wedding in Stockton and impulsively decided to see me in the hospital.
My mom came by also and brought some matzoh ball soup for me. I had asked earlier for some, since I missed Passover, but yesterday asked her not to bring it, because Stanford's soups had been both plentiful and banal. However, she brought it anyway, and I thought I'd try a little bit. Turns out, it was really good. Lots of flavoring. I had a whole bowl. I might have another in a little while.
I'm really hoping that I can get out soon. It's been too long that I've been away from home. It feels so right when I'm there. Plus, it means more clinical hours for Ashley when she dresses my wounds.
Thanks for praying for us. Keep praying; I'm not out of the woods yet. I have to get out of the hospital, have an embolization procedure, and then a second surgery--- then I will be cancer free!
Prayer Requests:
Continuous increase of appetite
No fevers/infections
Discharge soon
No coming back to the hospital with complications
God's Word:
Ephesians 6:10-18
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.
Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;
and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,
praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints
April 11
Dan has been eating (yeah) without nausea or vomiting, but still trying to catch up on his appetite. As Ashley's blog states there is still some concern about his infected wound. I know many of you have shared with me that you are learning a thing or two about prayer in your intercession for Dan. Maybe that is part of the purpose in all this, to teach us how to pray fervently. Well, I say keep it up and ratchet it up; we need to get this guy not only home to his honey but feeling fine and eating well. Whatever the Lord is trying to teach us, let us be still and learn.
This is something the Lord has been impressing on me:
Exodus 20:2-3
“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.
“You shall have no other gods before me.
Ashley's blog:
Tut tut
This blog will be short and to the point because Dan has such an aversion to blogging that he makes his sad and tired wife blog right after driving 6 hours away from him. Tut tut.
Appetite: Better but not good enough to get off of TPN, which is the goal. Dan got a hamburger on his lunch tray, was delighted, ate half and has had no room for much else. Dinner was nibbled at most. So far, food is staying down and going through without causing much of a problem. This needs to continue so Dan can go home.
Infection: Fever returned a bit today, but not high enough to be considered a "spike" (38.5 C). Incision is still oozing, but the docs wants to give it time to drain before opening any more. All of the staples will most likely be removed Tuesday or Wednesday. One of the labs drawn Thursday came back "suspicious" (they take 2 days to grow), so another test was done today. No antibiotics until another fever spike or a sudden change in the wound or labs.
Spirits: Doing well, though getting restless and sad to be in the hospital for so long again. Also, we are no longer in the same place. It's getting harder to keep driving away and leaving Dan in the hospital. I won't be able to return until next Monday at the earliest, so we're hoping and praying Dan will be released this week without any complications, so he can get his butt home.
Prayer Requests:
* More appetite and ability to eat and snack throughout the day
* Cooperative digestive system...no vomiting, no distention, no premature full feeling
* Resolution of infection (where ever it is)...no fever, no discharge from wound
* Pain control...continued improvement of pain
* Increase in mobility and energy
* Wisdom for the docs to know what and when things should happen
* Discharge from the hospital within this upcoming week
* Comfort for hearts sad to be apart :(
This is something the Lord has been impressing on me:
Exodus 20:2-3
“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.
“You shall have no other gods before me.
Ashley's blog:
Tut tut
This blog will be short and to the point because Dan has such an aversion to blogging that he makes his sad and tired wife blog right after driving 6 hours away from him. Tut tut.
Appetite: Better but not good enough to get off of TPN, which is the goal. Dan got a hamburger on his lunch tray, was delighted, ate half and has had no room for much else. Dinner was nibbled at most. So far, food is staying down and going through without causing much of a problem. This needs to continue so Dan can go home.
Infection: Fever returned a bit today, but not high enough to be considered a "spike" (38.5 C). Incision is still oozing, but the docs wants to give it time to drain before opening any more. All of the staples will most likely be removed Tuesday or Wednesday. One of the labs drawn Thursday came back "suspicious" (they take 2 days to grow), so another test was done today. No antibiotics until another fever spike or a sudden change in the wound or labs.
Spirits: Doing well, though getting restless and sad to be in the hospital for so long again. Also, we are no longer in the same place. It's getting harder to keep driving away and leaving Dan in the hospital. I won't be able to return until next Monday at the earliest, so we're hoping and praying Dan will be released this week without any complications, so he can get his butt home.
Prayer Requests:
* More appetite and ability to eat and snack throughout the day
* Cooperative digestive system...no vomiting, no distention, no premature full feeling
* Resolution of infection (where ever it is)...no fever, no discharge from wound
* Pain control...continued improvement of pain
* Increase in mobility and energy
* Wisdom for the docs to know what and when things should happen
* Discharge from the hospital within this upcoming week
* Comfort for hearts sad to be apart :(
Friday, April 9, 2010
April 9
Dan is eating, a little. But that is progress for which we are very thankful for. Here is Ashley's blog for the day:
No Bon Appetit
As an update to yesterday, the most obvious source of infection is the incision. Dan no longer has a fever, but the incision is still oozing. The surgeons are being cautious and slow with removing staples, as they do not want Dan to have an entirely new open wound. They are still holding off on antibiotics unless Dan has another fever spike.
Today has been somewhat better. We got a little more sleep and Dan woke up early enough for the docs to see him out of bed for once. He said walking is a easier, and he is definitely taking longer strides. He finally got tired of the hospital gown, which is a good sign to me.
The problem of the day is a lack of appetite. We aren't sure if the cause is the extremely nutritious TPN telling his brain he is satisfied or that his stomach his tiny or that things are going through or a combination of all of these. After dealing with an intern who doesn't always think things through well (we just got the chief resident to give him the "what-for"), I think we've convinced the docs to decrease the TPN calories. Hopefully, this will let Dan be a little more hungry. Dan is glad he is eating other things besides clears though...sunchips, bread, crackers, etc.
We're bummed because I have to leave for school tomorrow. There have been too many good-byes said at the front of the hospital. I won't be able to return for at least a week, so we are still praying that Dan will get out of the hospital sometime next week. I hate being away as so many things are going on. Hopefully, I receive only good news over the phone.
Now, I need to get him up to walk. The Simpsons is seriously distracting him from moving around. Doh.
Prayer Requests:
* A big(ger) appetite
* No more vomiting
* Continued decrease in pain
* No more fever
* Wound healing...no need to open the wound
* Safe travels for me tomorrow
* Dan getting discharged next week...and coming home
God's word:
Col 4:2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.
No Bon Appetit
As an update to yesterday, the most obvious source of infection is the incision. Dan no longer has a fever, but the incision is still oozing. The surgeons are being cautious and slow with removing staples, as they do not want Dan to have an entirely new open wound. They are still holding off on antibiotics unless Dan has another fever spike.
Today has been somewhat better. We got a little more sleep and Dan woke up early enough for the docs to see him out of bed for once. He said walking is a easier, and he is definitely taking longer strides. He finally got tired of the hospital gown, which is a good sign to me.
The problem of the day is a lack of appetite. We aren't sure if the cause is the extremely nutritious TPN telling his brain he is satisfied or that his stomach his tiny or that things are going through or a combination of all of these. After dealing with an intern who doesn't always think things through well (we just got the chief resident to give him the "what-for"), I think we've convinced the docs to decrease the TPN calories. Hopefully, this will let Dan be a little more hungry. Dan is glad he is eating other things besides clears though...sunchips, bread, crackers, etc.
We're bummed because I have to leave for school tomorrow. There have been too many good-byes said at the front of the hospital. I won't be able to return for at least a week, so we are still praying that Dan will get out of the hospital sometime next week. I hate being away as so many things are going on. Hopefully, I receive only good news over the phone.
Now, I need to get him up to walk. The Simpsons is seriously distracting him from moving around. Doh.
Prayer Requests:
* A big(ger) appetite
* No more vomiting
* Continued decrease in pain
* No more fever
* Wound healing...no need to open the wound
* Safe travels for me tomorrow
* Dan getting discharged next week...and coming home
God's word:
Col 4:2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
playing catch up - tues thru thurs 4/6-4/8
Tuesday April 6
Ashley's blog, as you will read, is a bit down. Warriors of the praying kind we need you! Pray on.........
Not better
We're already having a hard day.
There's no point in trying to make up points of encouragement or happy anecdotes. Dan's not really progressing much. He's still in pain, he's still exhausted, he's not motivated to get up and no matter what anyone says, he never feels like things are getting better. Sure, he could barely walk around the unit on Sunday but now he can--he's still not better. Sure his pain was 8/10 after surgery, and now only gets up to 4/10--that's not any better either.
To be frank, I sometimes don't want to get up in the morning. All that is ahead of me is forcing Dan to do things he doesn't want to do, trying to determine whether or not his pain is better/worse/new so as to tell the doctor, hoping for progress that doesn't ever happen how doctors expect, changing the linens, trying to talk Dan into getting cleaned up, trying to do the homework I have no motivation for and then putting on a happy, encouraging face for everyone else. It's exhausting and rather unchanging.
I apologize for the lack of cheerfulness or good news. This is a blog to update on how Dan is doing, and today, he's not doing great. His heart rate is back up, his energy is lower and he barely talked to McGreeky when he came in this morning. As far as the surgeon can tell, Dan isn't doing any better than yesterday and that doesn't make sense. Labs are good, incision is healing, etc. Dan should be feeling better. Alas, if you have been following this blog, you know Dan seldom feels like he is supposed to. It's frustrating to watch elderly patients cruising the halls, but see Dan just lay there. Yet, there's nothing we can do but "wait and see".
Though, he got out of bed and walked once around the unit, he just got too tired and went back to bed. So, we're back at square one for the day: wake up. Sometimes, that truly is the worst part of the day.
Prayer Requests:
* Sudden and long-lasting energy and endurance for Dan
* Resolution of pain (muscular and intestinal)
* Passing of gas--lots of it, today
* No infection or complications
* Motivation for Dan to move and want to get better
* Motivation for me to keep encouraging him and to keep doing my schoolwork
* Unmistakable improvement today
* Good news and encouragement
* Wisdom for me to know when to go home again
* Ability for Dan to be able to come home with me soon
* Our marriage
* Hope
God's Word:
2 Corinthians 1:8-11
We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life.
Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.
He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us,
as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.
Wed. April 7 #1 update
Bob and I went to see Dan and Ashley today and I think he is doing better. Still tired. Taking in fluids. Walking. Slowly moving in the right direction. Pray for wisdom for all taking care of him. Ashley plans to head back to LA on Saturday. I wish Dan could be with her. We could pray for that and should and will, but it does look doubtful at this point.
Thank you thank you thank you for praying with us.
Here is her blog from today:
Mixed Messages
Question of the day: is Dan's GI system awake, asleep or obstructed?
Since Dan passed a little bit of gas yesterday, he was allowed to have sip on some clear liquid last night. Things went down fine, but around 3 or 4 in the morning, he got a bloody nose. He proceeded to swallow some blood which made him throw up quite a bit. The nurse got nervous as it was mostly bile (too much bile in vomit means the GI system is not absorbing and passing the bile through quickly enough), called the on-call resident who put Dan back on NPO.
This morning, when Dan's team rounded, he explained about the bloody nose and that he wasn't nauseous at all otherwise. The docs agreed Dan could be back on a clear diet today, especially since his bowels were making lots of noise and letting free lots of gas. About the time the tray of clears came, Dan got another bloody nose (heparin and toradol and a dry nose is making this happen a lot). Dan also received a rather large dose of dilaudid. Between swallowing blood and his head swimming from too much med too fast, he threw up again. Great. His day nurse also felt that his vomit had too much bile in it, so she asked Dan not to eat any more until the team makes a decision. Dan insists that he is not nauseous anymore and wasn't until he received the pain med and really doesn't think the episode had anything to do with eating.
Dan's body is once again sending mixed messages. Good messages: passing lots of gas, active bowel sounds earlier, no nausea when eating. Bad messages: vomiting bile, quiet bowel sounds now, no BMs. Though we know the vomiting could be from multiple things (food, drugs, bloody nose, gag reflex), it is often assumed that food is the problem. Unfortunately, the longer it takes to find out if Dan can handle solid food, the longer he has to be here. As his stay will hit the 4-week mark on Sunday, he'd really appreciate no more hang-ups. Of course, we also want the docs to make the appropriate decisions.
Thanks to the dilaudid, Dan is sleeping like a baby. This is a nice thing as no one let us sleep last night. We have a lot of walking to do today to catch up on our slowness this morning. Hopefully, Dan will also have eating to do....without throwing up.
Prayer Requests:
* No more throwing up and no need for another NG tube
* Dan's ability to eat and tolerate the clears well today
* Wisdom for the doctors making the decisions (hopefully, quickly)
* Control and improvement of pain
* Continued healing of incision and wound
* No complications or infections (he had a fever again last night)
* Ability for Dan to come home with me very soon
* A period of peace, health and rest for both of us...very very soon
* Encouraging news and events today
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Wednesday April 7 #2 update
We just found out Dan's new wound is infected:((((((((
Oh my, what else could happen to this dear son of mine?
keep up those prayers!
love
Jamie
As Ashley writes, Dan needs a miracle.
Wound Infection #2
As if Dan didn't have enough to deal with, his wound has become infected.
It has looked a little red and angry today, but we were just watching it.
Then, he spiked a fever of 101.1 this afternoon. Finally, we got the team to
pay more attention to the incision. The intern thought they would take out a
staple or two tomorrow to let any pus drain out. The nurse and I helped to
convince the resident (his superior) that maybe that should happen today.
So, 3 staples got removed and a good deal of drainage came out of the wound.
It was deja vu as this happened with Dan's last incision--which is now a
wound that we are still dealing with.
The plan is to let the incision drain and to recheck it tomorrow. If it
doesn't look markedly better, Dan will be started on antibiotics. Hopefully,
the wound will be able to heal better this way and not need to be opened all
the way.
Dan really isn't feeling well right now. His immune system is pretty low
(WBCs=2.5) after being in the hospital for so long (TPN is causing some
problems with immunity also), so it is taking a lot out of him to fight this
infection. He's been tired and sleepy all day. He's fighting some nausea
here and there. He's still in pain. I just convinced him to give in and go
to sleep, though I don't know how much that will help him.
I'm really not sure what tomorrow will look like. The doctors were
anticipating advancing his diet, but Dan didn't really eat enough to be sure
he can tolerate the clears. As I blogged earlier, his GI system is sending
mixed messages, so that isn't helping the docs make decisions. Yet, the
resident commented tonight that it might take real food to get Dan's bowel
working again...though he cannot give a regular diet yet. A catch-22 of
sorts.
I wish we had chosen to do Cyberknife. It may not have worked, and Dan
might have needed more treatment later on. Yet, it would have been a week of
out-patient visits. I might still have a job. Dan might have been able to
finish his credential. I would have had Dan around to celebrate my final
semester of nursing school. Yes, I understand that those are all potential
outcomes and that complications could have arisen there, too. Yet, I cannot
bring myself to see this surgery as a success.
I haven't the faintest idea what to pray for now. A wound infection,
nausea, vomiting, non-improving pain...all of these things have been prayed
against, yet they have happened. Yes, God has a plan for Dan. It just hurts
to see Dan continue to suffer more and more set-backs as he tries to be in
God's will. Of course, Dan has more faith than me. Always has. I know we're
not supposed to test the Lord, but sometimes I just yearn for proof that He
actually loves Dan and is caring for him.
So many people declared that 2010 would be a year of victory for Dan. No
more cancer, a new hip, a teaching credential, a new job, etc. Instead, Dan
is stuck in a hospital bed with half as much cancer, losing his strength,
losing his immune system, losing so many things.
We need a turn-around. Dan needs to feel better in the morning. Dan needs
to be able to eat and not be nausea. Dan needs his pain to abate. Dan needs
his infection to resolve. Dan needs his immune system to bounce back.
Dan needs a miracle.
Pro 4:20 My son, pay attention to what I say;
listen closely to my words.
Pro 4:21 Do not let them out of your sight,
keep them within your heart;
Pro 4:22 for they are life to those who find them
and health to a man's whole body.
Pro 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart,
for it is the wellspring of life.
Thursday morning April 8
Hard to know what is happening with Dan. A series of tests are being done today. Pray for wisdom for the doctors, strength and healing for Dan, stamina and concentration for Ashley for her course work in the coming weeks. God's love to be poured out on all.
Ashley's blog this morning:
Hunt for the Infection
Last night was a teeny bit better than the last, though Dan continued to vomit and have bloody noses. We're hoping that the nausea and throwing up is from swallowing blood and not from the food. As Dan threw up again this morning, he is weary of trying to eat for fear of throwing up again. With a 3-4 incision in the belly, throwing up is quite painful.
McGreeky came in this morning with an agenda: find what is causing Dan's fever and illness. About time. Despite the wound being slightly infected, the surgeon is concerned infection could be elsewhere being allowed to run rampant. So, Dan will be getting blood cultures, urine samples, and an abdominal x-ray. The x-ray is also to see what is causing Dan so much pain in his left side, as the docs aren't sure what it could be. Another issue emerged when McGreeky changed the new incision packing: Dan bled, quite a bit. Due to a couple of blood thinning medications, Dan isn't able to clot very quickly...this is contributing to Dan's very frequent bloody noses. The doc is taking away one med and decreasing the dose of another med, which should help things.
Today should reveal some things. Reasons for pain, reasons for fever, reasons for vomiting. God willing, today should also find Dan able to eat more and keep it down. We really don't understand why all of this is happening, but it needs to change soon. Very soon.
Selfishly, I need the docs to get things settled this week because I am leaving for school again on Saturday. I would simply hate to have Dan still this sick while I'm hundreds of miles away.
Unfortunately, I have to go back if I have any hope of graduating (which I do). Due to my clinical schedule, I won't be able to come back to see Dan for almost a couple of weeks. Accordingly, Dan and I are asking for prayer that Dan would be released from the hospital sometime next week. I wouldn't be able to be here for the release, but at least I would know he was doing well enough to get out.
This is truly a miserable situation that is just being prolonged. Pray that God moves now. That's what Dan needs more than labs or meds or doctors: he needs God to save him from this mess.
Ashley's blog, as you will read, is a bit down. Warriors of the praying kind we need you! Pray on.........
Not better
We're already having a hard day.
There's no point in trying to make up points of encouragement or happy anecdotes. Dan's not really progressing much. He's still in pain, he's still exhausted, he's not motivated to get up and no matter what anyone says, he never feels like things are getting better. Sure, he could barely walk around the unit on Sunday but now he can--he's still not better. Sure his pain was 8/10 after surgery, and now only gets up to 4/10--that's not any better either.
To be frank, I sometimes don't want to get up in the morning. All that is ahead of me is forcing Dan to do things he doesn't want to do, trying to determine whether or not his pain is better/worse/new so as to tell the doctor, hoping for progress that doesn't ever happen how doctors expect, changing the linens, trying to talk Dan into getting cleaned up, trying to do the homework I have no motivation for and then putting on a happy, encouraging face for everyone else. It's exhausting and rather unchanging.
I apologize for the lack of cheerfulness or good news. This is a blog to update on how Dan is doing, and today, he's not doing great. His heart rate is back up, his energy is lower and he barely talked to McGreeky when he came in this morning. As far as the surgeon can tell, Dan isn't doing any better than yesterday and that doesn't make sense. Labs are good, incision is healing, etc. Dan should be feeling better. Alas, if you have been following this blog, you know Dan seldom feels like he is supposed to. It's frustrating to watch elderly patients cruising the halls, but see Dan just lay there. Yet, there's nothing we can do but "wait and see".
Though, he got out of bed and walked once around the unit, he just got too tired and went back to bed. So, we're back at square one for the day: wake up. Sometimes, that truly is the worst part of the day.
Prayer Requests:
* Sudden and long-lasting energy and endurance for Dan
* Resolution of pain (muscular and intestinal)
* Passing of gas--lots of it, today
* No infection or complications
* Motivation for Dan to move and want to get better
* Motivation for me to keep encouraging him and to keep doing my schoolwork
* Unmistakable improvement today
* Good news and encouragement
* Wisdom for me to know when to go home again
* Ability for Dan to be able to come home with me soon
* Our marriage
* Hope
God's Word:
2 Corinthians 1:8-11
We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life.
Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.
He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us,
as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.
Wed. April 7 #1 update
Bob and I went to see Dan and Ashley today and I think he is doing better. Still tired. Taking in fluids. Walking. Slowly moving in the right direction. Pray for wisdom for all taking care of him. Ashley plans to head back to LA on Saturday. I wish Dan could be with her. We could pray for that and should and will, but it does look doubtful at this point.
Thank you thank you thank you for praying with us.
Here is her blog from today:
Mixed Messages
Question of the day: is Dan's GI system awake, asleep or obstructed?
Since Dan passed a little bit of gas yesterday, he was allowed to have sip on some clear liquid last night. Things went down fine, but around 3 or 4 in the morning, he got a bloody nose. He proceeded to swallow some blood which made him throw up quite a bit. The nurse got nervous as it was mostly bile (too much bile in vomit means the GI system is not absorbing and passing the bile through quickly enough), called the on-call resident who put Dan back on NPO.
This morning, when Dan's team rounded, he explained about the bloody nose and that he wasn't nauseous at all otherwise. The docs agreed Dan could be back on a clear diet today, especially since his bowels were making lots of noise and letting free lots of gas. About the time the tray of clears came, Dan got another bloody nose (heparin and toradol and a dry nose is making this happen a lot). Dan also received a rather large dose of dilaudid. Between swallowing blood and his head swimming from too much med too fast, he threw up again. Great. His day nurse also felt that his vomit had too much bile in it, so she asked Dan not to eat any more until the team makes a decision. Dan insists that he is not nauseous anymore and wasn't until he received the pain med and really doesn't think the episode had anything to do with eating.
Dan's body is once again sending mixed messages. Good messages: passing lots of gas, active bowel sounds earlier, no nausea when eating. Bad messages: vomiting bile, quiet bowel sounds now, no BMs. Though we know the vomiting could be from multiple things (food, drugs, bloody nose, gag reflex), it is often assumed that food is the problem. Unfortunately, the longer it takes to find out if Dan can handle solid food, the longer he has to be here. As his stay will hit the 4-week mark on Sunday, he'd really appreciate no more hang-ups. Of course, we also want the docs to make the appropriate decisions.
Thanks to the dilaudid, Dan is sleeping like a baby. This is a nice thing as no one let us sleep last night. We have a lot of walking to do today to catch up on our slowness this morning. Hopefully, Dan will also have eating to do....without throwing up.
Prayer Requests:
* No more throwing up and no need for another NG tube
* Dan's ability to eat and tolerate the clears well today
* Wisdom for the doctors making the decisions (hopefully, quickly)
* Control and improvement of pain
* Continued healing of incision and wound
* No complications or infections (he had a fever again last night)
* Ability for Dan to come home with me very soon
* A period of peace, health and rest for both of us...very very soon
* Encouraging news and events today
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Wednesday April 7 #2 update
We just found out Dan's new wound is infected:((((((((
Oh my, what else could happen to this dear son of mine?
keep up those prayers!
love
Jamie
As Ashley writes, Dan needs a miracle.
Wound Infection #2
As if Dan didn't have enough to deal with, his wound has become infected.
It has looked a little red and angry today, but we were just watching it.
Then, he spiked a fever of 101.1 this afternoon. Finally, we got the team to
pay more attention to the incision. The intern thought they would take out a
staple or two tomorrow to let any pus drain out. The nurse and I helped to
convince the resident (his superior) that maybe that should happen today.
So, 3 staples got removed and a good deal of drainage came out of the wound.
It was deja vu as this happened with Dan's last incision--which is now a
wound that we are still dealing with.
The plan is to let the incision drain and to recheck it tomorrow. If it
doesn't look markedly better, Dan will be started on antibiotics. Hopefully,
the wound will be able to heal better this way and not need to be opened all
the way.
Dan really isn't feeling well right now. His immune system is pretty low
(WBCs=2.5) after being in the hospital for so long (TPN is causing some
problems with immunity also), so it is taking a lot out of him to fight this
infection. He's been tired and sleepy all day. He's fighting some nausea
here and there. He's still in pain. I just convinced him to give in and go
to sleep, though I don't know how much that will help him.
I'm really not sure what tomorrow will look like. The doctors were
anticipating advancing his diet, but Dan didn't really eat enough to be sure
he can tolerate the clears. As I blogged earlier, his GI system is sending
mixed messages, so that isn't helping the docs make decisions. Yet, the
resident commented tonight that it might take real food to get Dan's bowel
working again...though he cannot give a regular diet yet. A catch-22 of
sorts.
I wish we had chosen to do Cyberknife. It may not have worked, and Dan
might have needed more treatment later on. Yet, it would have been a week of
out-patient visits. I might still have a job. Dan might have been able to
finish his credential. I would have had Dan around to celebrate my final
semester of nursing school. Yes, I understand that those are all potential
outcomes and that complications could have arisen there, too. Yet, I cannot
bring myself to see this surgery as a success.
I haven't the faintest idea what to pray for now. A wound infection,
nausea, vomiting, non-improving pain...all of these things have been prayed
against, yet they have happened. Yes, God has a plan for Dan. It just hurts
to see Dan continue to suffer more and more set-backs as he tries to be in
God's will. Of course, Dan has more faith than me. Always has. I know we're
not supposed to test the Lord, but sometimes I just yearn for proof that He
actually loves Dan and is caring for him.
So many people declared that 2010 would be a year of victory for Dan. No
more cancer, a new hip, a teaching credential, a new job, etc. Instead, Dan
is stuck in a hospital bed with half as much cancer, losing his strength,
losing his immune system, losing so many things.
We need a turn-around. Dan needs to feel better in the morning. Dan needs
to be able to eat and not be nausea. Dan needs his pain to abate. Dan needs
his infection to resolve. Dan needs his immune system to bounce back.
Dan needs a miracle.
Pro 4:20 My son, pay attention to what I say;
listen closely to my words.
Pro 4:21 Do not let them out of your sight,
keep them within your heart;
Pro 4:22 for they are life to those who find them
and health to a man's whole body.
Pro 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart,
for it is the wellspring of life.
Thursday morning April 8
Hard to know what is happening with Dan. A series of tests are being done today. Pray for wisdom for the doctors, strength and healing for Dan, stamina and concentration for Ashley for her course work in the coming weeks. God's love to be poured out on all.
Ashley's blog this morning:
Hunt for the Infection
Last night was a teeny bit better than the last, though Dan continued to vomit and have bloody noses. We're hoping that the nausea and throwing up is from swallowing blood and not from the food. As Dan threw up again this morning, he is weary of trying to eat for fear of throwing up again. With a 3-4 incision in the belly, throwing up is quite painful.
McGreeky came in this morning with an agenda: find what is causing Dan's fever and illness. About time. Despite the wound being slightly infected, the surgeon is concerned infection could be elsewhere being allowed to run rampant. So, Dan will be getting blood cultures, urine samples, and an abdominal x-ray. The x-ray is also to see what is causing Dan so much pain in his left side, as the docs aren't sure what it could be. Another issue emerged when McGreeky changed the new incision packing: Dan bled, quite a bit. Due to a couple of blood thinning medications, Dan isn't able to clot very quickly...this is contributing to Dan's very frequent bloody noses. The doc is taking away one med and decreasing the dose of another med, which should help things.
Today should reveal some things. Reasons for pain, reasons for fever, reasons for vomiting. God willing, today should also find Dan able to eat more and keep it down. We really don't understand why all of this is happening, but it needs to change soon. Very soon.
Selfishly, I need the docs to get things settled this week because I am leaving for school again on Saturday. I would simply hate to have Dan still this sick while I'm hundreds of miles away.
Unfortunately, I have to go back if I have any hope of graduating (which I do). Due to my clinical schedule, I won't be able to come back to see Dan for almost a couple of weeks. Accordingly, Dan and I are asking for prayer that Dan would be released from the hospital sometime next week. I wouldn't be able to be here for the release, but at least I would know he was doing well enough to get out.
This is truly a miserable situation that is just being prolonged. Pray that God moves now. That's what Dan needs more than labs or meds or doctors: he needs God to save him from this mess.
Monday, April 5, 2010
monday
Too tired to write much but thankfully Ashley keeps us informed:
Monday April 5
Nursing Student
I must make a confession: though I am a nursing student, I am not always fond of Dan being cared for by nursing students. I know, I know...hypocritical. However, some SNs just aren't on their game and let mistakes happen. Accordingly, I have become a wee bit more watchful tonight, as Dan has a SN again. This one is graduating in May like me, but has fought with this IV pump multiple times tonight and if I chewed gum like her, I think one of my preceptors would have smacked me. Oh well. We all have to learn. Dan is her easy patient, so I'm pulling for no mistakes this time around.
By the way, Dan is doing alright. (He was supposed to blog in exchange for taking the computer away from me, but he thought checking sports stats would take priority.) The NG tube came out this morning, freeing him from one more tube. His heart rate stayed up for most of the day until McGreeky came in. After he left, Dan and I went for a walk. When I hooked him back up to the pulse ox (measures oxygen and heart rate), his pulse was barely high. Now, it's back to the normal range. Yay! He still has a teeny fever, but that's better, too. His new wound looks good--like a football, Dan says. The staples will probably come out sometime next week, so long as everything goes well. His pain is under control, and he is much less sleepy since they changed the medication today. He still has a pain that the doctor cannot explain, but Dan said it is getting better.
Tomorrow, we're hoping for gas! That would mean a clear diet finally, and some progression toward the true test: solid food. Accordingly, we'll keep walking around the unit and staying out of bed as much as possible.
Keep praying. We're both tired of this hospital business. Dan wants to eat and go home. Seems pretty simple, right? Oy.
I'm off to sleep, too. I need to be alert when the nursing student comes in...maybe I should crawl in bed with Dan and freak her out again! Ha. Don't worry, we'll be nice.
Prayer Requests:
* Passing of gas tomorrow!
* No infections or other complications
* Ability for Dan to eat normal food without any pain or recurrence of obstruction
* Resolution of weird pain...and all pain very soon
* Energy and endurance
* Ability for Dan to come home with me soon...this is getting very old :(
* NO MORE COMPLICATIONS EVER EVER EVER AGAIN
* Encouraging news and events tomorrow
Psa 17:6
I call on you, O God, for you will answer me;
give ear to me and hear my prayer.
Psa 17:7
Show the wonder of your great love,
you who save by your right hand
those who take refuge in you from their foes.
Psa 17:8
Keep me as the apple of your eye;
hide me in the shadow of your wings
Psa 17:9
from the wicked who assail me,
from my mortal enemies who surround me.
Monday April 5
Nursing Student
I must make a confession: though I am a nursing student, I am not always fond of Dan being cared for by nursing students. I know, I know...hypocritical. However, some SNs just aren't on their game and let mistakes happen. Accordingly, I have become a wee bit more watchful tonight, as Dan has a SN again. This one is graduating in May like me, but has fought with this IV pump multiple times tonight and if I chewed gum like her, I think one of my preceptors would have smacked me. Oh well. We all have to learn. Dan is her easy patient, so I'm pulling for no mistakes this time around.
By the way, Dan is doing alright. (He was supposed to blog in exchange for taking the computer away from me, but he thought checking sports stats would take priority.) The NG tube came out this morning, freeing him from one more tube. His heart rate stayed up for most of the day until McGreeky came in. After he left, Dan and I went for a walk. When I hooked him back up to the pulse ox (measures oxygen and heart rate), his pulse was barely high. Now, it's back to the normal range. Yay! He still has a teeny fever, but that's better, too. His new wound looks good--like a football, Dan says. The staples will probably come out sometime next week, so long as everything goes well. His pain is under control, and he is much less sleepy since they changed the medication today. He still has a pain that the doctor cannot explain, but Dan said it is getting better.
Tomorrow, we're hoping for gas! That would mean a clear diet finally, and some progression toward the true test: solid food. Accordingly, we'll keep walking around the unit and staying out of bed as much as possible.
Keep praying. We're both tired of this hospital business. Dan wants to eat and go home. Seems pretty simple, right? Oy.
I'm off to sleep, too. I need to be alert when the nursing student comes in...maybe I should crawl in bed with Dan and freak her out again! Ha. Don't worry, we'll be nice.
Prayer Requests:
* Passing of gas tomorrow!
* No infections or other complications
* Ability for Dan to eat normal food without any pain or recurrence of obstruction
* Resolution of weird pain...and all pain very soon
* Energy and endurance
* Ability for Dan to come home with me soon...this is getting very old :(
* NO MORE COMPLICATIONS EVER EVER EVER AGAIN
* Encouraging news and events tomorrow
Psa 17:6
I call on you, O God, for you will answer me;
give ear to me and hear my prayer.
Psa 17:7
Show the wonder of your great love,
you who save by your right hand
those who take refuge in you from their foes.
Psa 17:8
Keep me as the apple of your eye;
hide me in the shadow of your wings
Psa 17:9
from the wicked who assail me,
from my mortal enemies who surround me.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Resurrection Sunday
Surgery is over; healing is slow, but happening; prayers are needed because pain is present; bowels need to move again to be fed; patience for the patient and the rest of us; blessings to you all; God is good, all the time; wishing I could ease his pain; Jesus is risen from the dead and one day (maybe soon) all the wrongs will be righted and all the suffering will cease and the King will reign on His throne forever.
Ashley's last 2 blogs, today and last night:
Easter in the Hospital
Unless you are a little kid, holidays in the hospital can be pretty boring. People feel sorry for children missing Santa Claus or the Easter bunny, but adults get to fend for themselves. Accordingly, if we didn't have a calendar in the room, we wouldn't know it's Easter today! Though it is a bummer to not be with our families or finding hidden eggs (yes, we still do that), we hope that this is one of the last holidays spent in here. Well, we hope it's one of the last days spent in here period!
Dan is doing alright today. He's still having considerable pain, but it's better than last night. Oddly, his pain is on the opposite side of where the biggest band was, but the surgeon isn't concerned about it as of yet. The NG tube has to stay until tomorrow since it was still draining quite a bit. Though, the foley got to come out this morning. Dan has some post-anesthesia affects still (low fever, high heart rate), but they will be considered normal as long they resolve by tomorrow.
The goal for the day is to get Dan out of bed, get walking, and wean off the oxygen. So far we have been successful. Dan got out of bed by himself (for the most part), went for a teeny walk and sat in a chair for a couple of hours. He is now as clean as is possible without the possibility of a shower. Apparently, that wore him out, as he is now asleep again.
Long term goals are similar to before surgery: bowel sounds, pass gas and be able to eat. Dan will be NPO (no food or drink) until he can pass gas, which could be anywhere from 2-5 days from surgery. At that point, he'll start with clears and work his way up to solid food. God willing, Dan could squeeze out of this joint by next weekend eating happily again. (McGreeky does NOT think that's going to happen, but you can't blame us for hoping).
Enjoy Resurrection Day, as that is what today should be about...Jesus and the price He paid for us to receive salvation. Dan and I certainly missed going to church to celebrate, so if anyone knows of a good webcast of an Easter sermon, let us know. For now, here is one of my favorite musical reminders of God's grace and mercy for us. (The Power of the Cross by Keith Getty)
Oh, to see the dawn
Of the darkest day:
Christ on the road to Calvary.
Tried by sinful men,
Torn and beaten, then
Nailed to a cross of wood.
This, the pow'r of the cross:
Christ became sin for us;
Took the blame, bore the wrath—
We stand forgiven at the cross.
Oh, to see the pain
Written on Your face,
Bearing the awesome weight of sin.
Ev'ry bitter thought,
Ev'ry evil deed
Crowning Your bloodstained brow.
Now the daylight flees;
Now the ground beneath
Quakes as its Maker bows His head.
Curtain torn in two,
Dead are raised to life;
"Finished!" the vict'ry cry.
Oh, to see my name
Written in the wounds,
For through Your suffering I am free.
Death is crushed to death;
Life is mine to live,
Won through Your selfless love.
This, the pow'r of the cross:
Son of God—slain for us.
What a love! What a cost!
We stand forgiven at the cross.
Prayer Requests:
* Safe, complete, uncomplicated recovery
* No infections, no internal bleeding, no bowel damage, etc.
* "Awakening" of bowels (bowel sounds, gas, etc.)
* Control and continued improvement of pain
* Ability for Dan to get moving, get eating and get out within a week (that's the normal recovery time for this type of surgery)
* Ability for Dan to come home with me soon
* Good health and endurance for me (I don't want to get Dan sick)
Posted by Dan and Ashley at 1:40 PM
saturday, april 3, 2010
Night One
Dan made it back to his room accompanied by lots of tubing, though not as many as after his last surgery. After the nurses got everything situated, I could finally say hello to my hubby after a few hours of waiting. He is still in a good deal of pain, though the PCA (pain button) has helped considerably. I have yet to see the incision, as Dan is tucked in and cozy for now. The NG tube is still in, but draining only a small amount.
Dan wanted to know how the surgery went, so I told him, but I bet I'll have to remind him tomorrow. He wants the surgeon to explain it, too. Hopefully, morning will find him feeling better and more alert. Of course, there is probably a long road of healing up ahead. Our prayer is that the recovery goes as smoothly as the surgery did.
Pray for no complications (no infection, no internal bleeding, etc.) and a cooperative digestive system. Also, pray for easing of the pain so Dan can sleep and regain strength.
Posted by Dan and Ashley at 10:48 PM 0 comments
Recovery Room
Dan got out of surgery after only a couple of hours.
McGreeky said they found 3 thick bands of scar tissue wrapped around his bowel, which were causing Dan the pain when he ate. The surgeons had to make a large incision to check all of Dan's bowels for adhesions. Luckily, he didn't have many adhesions elsewhere in his bowels, but these bands were causing some serious problems. McGreeky said they took care of those bands, checked everything out and closed him up. There was very little blood loss and the open surgery time was very short.
So, the surgery was definitely necessary, though there was no way to see this for sure on the CTs. Tomorrow, they should be able to remove the NG again (which will thrill Dan). They will wait until there are bowel sounds and passing of gas before letting Dan try eating again. Hopefully, eating will go much better, though this is still a concern.
For now, we are waiting for Dan to get out of the recovery room and go back to his room. As McGreeky said, "we aren't victorious until Dan is out of the hospital." Keep praying.
Prayer Requests:
* Quick and uncomplicated recovery
* No infection, no problems
* Successful eating trial...completely successful!
* Ability to get out of the hospital and go home within the week
* NO COMPLICATIONS AND NO MORE OBSTRUCTIONS
Ashley's last 2 blogs, today and last night:
Easter in the Hospital
Unless you are a little kid, holidays in the hospital can be pretty boring. People feel sorry for children missing Santa Claus or the Easter bunny, but adults get to fend for themselves. Accordingly, if we didn't have a calendar in the room, we wouldn't know it's Easter today! Though it is a bummer to not be with our families or finding hidden eggs (yes, we still do that), we hope that this is one of the last holidays spent in here. Well, we hope it's one of the last days spent in here period!
Dan is doing alright today. He's still having considerable pain, but it's better than last night. Oddly, his pain is on the opposite side of where the biggest band was, but the surgeon isn't concerned about it as of yet. The NG tube has to stay until tomorrow since it was still draining quite a bit. Though, the foley got to come out this morning. Dan has some post-anesthesia affects still (low fever, high heart rate), but they will be considered normal as long they resolve by tomorrow.
The goal for the day is to get Dan out of bed, get walking, and wean off the oxygen. So far we have been successful. Dan got out of bed by himself (for the most part), went for a teeny walk and sat in a chair for a couple of hours. He is now as clean as is possible without the possibility of a shower. Apparently, that wore him out, as he is now asleep again.
Long term goals are similar to before surgery: bowel sounds, pass gas and be able to eat. Dan will be NPO (no food or drink) until he can pass gas, which could be anywhere from 2-5 days from surgery. At that point, he'll start with clears and work his way up to solid food. God willing, Dan could squeeze out of this joint by next weekend eating happily again. (McGreeky does NOT think that's going to happen, but you can't blame us for hoping).
Enjoy Resurrection Day, as that is what today should be about...Jesus and the price He paid for us to receive salvation. Dan and I certainly missed going to church to celebrate, so if anyone knows of a good webcast of an Easter sermon, let us know. For now, here is one of my favorite musical reminders of God's grace and mercy for us. (The Power of the Cross by Keith Getty)
Oh, to see the dawn
Of the darkest day:
Christ on the road to Calvary.
Tried by sinful men,
Torn and beaten, then
Nailed to a cross of wood.
This, the pow'r of the cross:
Christ became sin for us;
Took the blame, bore the wrath—
We stand forgiven at the cross.
Oh, to see the pain
Written on Your face,
Bearing the awesome weight of sin.
Ev'ry bitter thought,
Ev'ry evil deed
Crowning Your bloodstained brow.
Now the daylight flees;
Now the ground beneath
Quakes as its Maker bows His head.
Curtain torn in two,
Dead are raised to life;
"Finished!" the vict'ry cry.
Oh, to see my name
Written in the wounds,
For through Your suffering I am free.
Death is crushed to death;
Life is mine to live,
Won through Your selfless love.
This, the pow'r of the cross:
Son of God—slain for us.
What a love! What a cost!
We stand forgiven at the cross.
Prayer Requests:
* Safe, complete, uncomplicated recovery
* No infections, no internal bleeding, no bowel damage, etc.
* "Awakening" of bowels (bowel sounds, gas, etc.)
* Control and continued improvement of pain
* Ability for Dan to get moving, get eating and get out within a week (that's the normal recovery time for this type of surgery)
* Ability for Dan to come home with me soon
* Good health and endurance for me (I don't want to get Dan sick)
Posted by Dan and Ashley at 1:40 PM
saturday, april 3, 2010
Night One
Dan made it back to his room accompanied by lots of tubing, though not as many as after his last surgery. After the nurses got everything situated, I could finally say hello to my hubby after a few hours of waiting. He is still in a good deal of pain, though the PCA (pain button) has helped considerably. I have yet to see the incision, as Dan is tucked in and cozy for now. The NG tube is still in, but draining only a small amount.
Dan wanted to know how the surgery went, so I told him, but I bet I'll have to remind him tomorrow. He wants the surgeon to explain it, too. Hopefully, morning will find him feeling better and more alert. Of course, there is probably a long road of healing up ahead. Our prayer is that the recovery goes as smoothly as the surgery did.
Pray for no complications (no infection, no internal bleeding, etc.) and a cooperative digestive system. Also, pray for easing of the pain so Dan can sleep and regain strength.
Posted by Dan and Ashley at 10:48 PM 0 comments
Recovery Room
Dan got out of surgery after only a couple of hours.
McGreeky said they found 3 thick bands of scar tissue wrapped around his bowel, which were causing Dan the pain when he ate. The surgeons had to make a large incision to check all of Dan's bowels for adhesions. Luckily, he didn't have many adhesions elsewhere in his bowels, but these bands were causing some serious problems. McGreeky said they took care of those bands, checked everything out and closed him up. There was very little blood loss and the open surgery time was very short.
So, the surgery was definitely necessary, though there was no way to see this for sure on the CTs. Tomorrow, they should be able to remove the NG again (which will thrill Dan). They will wait until there are bowel sounds and passing of gas before letting Dan try eating again. Hopefully, eating will go much better, though this is still a concern.
For now, we are waiting for Dan to get out of the recovery room and go back to his room. As McGreeky said, "we aren't victorious until Dan is out of the hospital." Keep praying.
Prayer Requests:
* Quick and uncomplicated recovery
* No infection, no problems
* Successful eating trial...completely successful!
* Ability to get out of the hospital and go home within the week
* NO COMPLICATIONS AND NO MORE OBSTRUCTIONS
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