So Ashley has left and I will be at the hospital during the next 2 days until she returns Tuesday evening. Drainage has increased a bit and I know the doctor is being very conservative about letting Dan go home. Pray that he will allow him to leave soon. Pray that drainage will stop and the next follow up CT scan will show good progress in the healing. It is discouraging as you can read from Dan's blog below, but there are many things to be thankful for: the only active tumor is gone; dead tumors are out of the left liver lobe; Dan is infection free; Dan is gaining weight back; the wound is closing up; his strength and energy are increasing! So we ask about the difficult things to get better while praising the Lord for the good things!
Psalm 22:22-28
I will tell of your name to my brothers;
in the midst of the congregation I will praise you:
You who fear the Lord, praise him!
All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him,
and stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel!
For he has not despised or abhorred
the affliction of the afflicted,
and he has not hidden his face from him,
but has heard, when he cried to him.
From you comes my praise in the great congregation;
my vows I will perform before those who fear him.
The afflicted shall eat and be satisfied;
those who seek him shall praise the Lord!
May your hearts live forever!
All the ends of the earth shall remember
and turn to the Lord,
and all the families of the nations
shall worship before you.
For kingship belongs to the Lord,
and he rules over the nations.
sunday, january 31, 2010
Quiet on the Western Front
Tonight, for the first time since October, Ashley will be sleeping 7 hours away from me. School starts tomorrow for her, and she had to go for a few important days before coming back up here (Biola is allowing her to miss some time). That time in October was the only other time in our marriage of almost 1.5 years where we didn't sleep together. It's going to suck, but things already suck. At least she can come back by Tuesday night. My mom will be around on Monday and Tuesday to help me while Ashley's away, but she won't be spending the night here. That's a right I reserve for my wife. :)
So it's kind of quiet today. One of my drains is acting up- it gave up a good amount of bile-y fluid this morning, but is quieting down. However, I think when the nurse emptied them, they equaled the combined total of yesterday. So if nothing else comes out of the drains today, it'll be the same as yesterday. We'll just have to watch it to see if it's a new trend or an anomaly.
When the doctor finally came in around 12, I told him how much I wanted to go home; if I'm waiting for my drains to dry, may as well wait at home where I can actually get some sleep, you know? He said he wants to see at least two more wound vac changes, so on Wednesday, he can think about it, but of course other factors are involved, and it's all so very tricky, an art really, so we'll just have to wait and see. Unpopular answer, but probably the best. So. Not much new to report.
Pray for the usuals:
drain stoppage
accelerated wound healing
rest
absolutely no new complications rearing their ugly heads
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
2 updates for you to read! Pray for no drainage please!
Everyone is trying hard to be patient, especially THE patient. Hoping, praying and waiting is the work of the day and we are grateful that you are on the team with us. We need to focus our prayer efforts in asking the LORD to DRY UP those drains! Of course that will mean that the anastomosis of the pancreas and small intestine is healed and that is the goal. Also prayers for when Dan eats (Monday maybe??) that the drainage DOES NOT increase and he can continue eating and healing and be OUT of the hospital!!!!!!!!!!!
Psa 27:13
I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living!
Psa 27:14
Wait for the Lord;
be strong, and let your heart take courage;
wait for the Lord!
saturday, january 30, 2010
We've already discussed this.
Well, it took me 3 weeks but I got a mild scolding from McGreeky. With everyone wanting to know a solid plan, it falls to me to do the questioning. Apparently, he is getting tired of it. He has been very patient, though, so his firm "we have already discussed this several times" didn't sting as much. To my credit, we have heard 2 different plans for the past couple weeks and we just want to know which one he's working with today!
Anyway, Dan's doing well today. The residents are all taking a huge test today, so doctors didn't bother us until 0930. Whoa. McGreeky and the nurse changed the wound vac again, and he was very pleased with the progress. He's making some modifications to the suction and sponges to help Dan's wound begin to contract. This is certainly a large step in the right direction.
The drains have decreased dramatically. The past few days totals: 250, 140, 120, 110, 85-ish. They MUST continue to decrease in this fashion for Dan to be able to eat. Labs have been ordered for every other day now and antibiotics might be discontinued tomorrow or Monday.
As for the "plan" I got in trouble for asking about, McGreeky really wants to do a feeding trial before Dan goes home. Accordingly, he wants to see the drains continue to decrease in output, let Dan eat a couple of days (Monday, maybe), then see what happens. Just like before, if the output stays the same, Dan is free to go home and eat. If the output increases, he has to spend a couple days "in-house" waiting for the TPN to start again. Either way, the surgeon says he should be home by end of next week.
For McGreeky's safety, I hope he lets Dan out before the Superbowl. Dan might get violent :)
Today will be spent with our sisters, Lise and Laura. They drove all the way up from SoCal yesterday to see Dan and I. So fun to spend time with people who don't live or work in the hospital. I'll be driving back with them tomorrow afternoon (I'm happy and sad about this, of course).
Prayer Requests:
* Release from the hospital earlier than the docs think (before Feb 7th)
* Decrease in drain output to nothing!
* Continued healing of the wound
* Feeding trial to begin on Monday and be very successful (no increase in output)
* Safe travels for me tomorrow and Tuesday night
* Comfort when we're apart
* Patience for McGreeky (too bad, buddy, we're asking questions)
* Confidence for Dan to go home to La Mirada soon :)
Praises:
* Wound healing
* Progress and improvement
* Good friends visiting (Lise and Laura!)
* A mighty God
Posted by Dan and Ashley at 10:52 AM 0 comments
friday, january 29, 2010
Another week?
The doctors must be getting tired. They arrive later and later every day. Today, McGreeky didn't arrive until nearly 11am, when Dan very kindly told him that he had hat head. The doc was in-between cases, so it was nice of him to come by and check things out.
Amazingly, he says that Dan is looking at one more week. Honestly, that is the 3rd or 4th time we've heard that, so who knows. Yesterday, it was 5 days. Today, it's a week. Tomorrow? Maybe he'll go backwards and decide on 3 days. Ha.
Anyway, he wants to change the wound vac tomorrow and Monday, while watching the drain output. He wants to "reassess" on Monday and probably try feeding Dan for a couple days. If the drain output stays the same, Dan gets to go home and eat! If the output goes up again, Dan will be have to re-cycle the TPN before going home. So, Dan could be home by Wednesday or Friday...but we have certainly heard that before.
To make matters worse, McGreeky is consulting a surgeon (McChief) who changes his mind a lot and could develop a new plan. (I'm not being impertinent or disrespectful; McGreeky actually told us that the other surgeon "changes his mind every day, so we don't really know, but I'll go with his advice.") We plan on asking McGreeky if "the plan" is changing or not, because it gets pretty old hearing his plans and then hearing them change due to another opinion. Of course, he keeps reminding us that dealing with this problem is stylistic...so, I'm hoping McGreeky sticks to his guns this time.
I think something has clicked in our minds that we can do absolutely nothing about getting Dan out of here. The nurses really don't think he needs to be here (nor some of the doctors), but I'm not sure we'll ever hear, "You can go home today" from McGreeky. Even when goals are met, new goals are made to delay discharge. Dan feels good, but it must be discouraging to not be able to get out of here even after great improvement.
So, I'm driving to LA on Sunday, then flying up north again Tuesday night. It's my last semester of nursing school, so I have to actually go (Dan's doctor seemed glad that I was coming back, so maybe I haven't bugged him too badly yet). I'm hoping, I'll be able to drive Dan out of Stanford before I go back to school again.
Let's just pray that Dan is home for the Superbowl...9 days.
Prayer Requests:
* The surgeon feels confident to trust his decision-making and actually commit to a "plan"
* Dan's release from the hospital...4 weeks is a LOT different than 10 days
* Complete drying up of drains (I mean NOTHING)
* Improvement of wound
* Successful feeding trial--no increase in drain output at all while eating
* Cooperative/flexible professors to allow me to keep spending time up north
* Dan going home to La Mirada SOON (before I begin clinicals on Feb 17)
Praises:
* Dan feels fine
* Families being helpful and coming to visit
* Financial security
* Ability to fly back and forth
Psa 27:13
I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living!
Psa 27:14
Wait for the Lord;
be strong, and let your heart take courage;
wait for the Lord!
saturday, january 30, 2010
We've already discussed this.
Well, it took me 3 weeks but I got a mild scolding from McGreeky. With everyone wanting to know a solid plan, it falls to me to do the questioning. Apparently, he is getting tired of it. He has been very patient, though, so his firm "we have already discussed this several times" didn't sting as much. To my credit, we have heard 2 different plans for the past couple weeks and we just want to know which one he's working with today!
Anyway, Dan's doing well today. The residents are all taking a huge test today, so doctors didn't bother us until 0930. Whoa. McGreeky and the nurse changed the wound vac again, and he was very pleased with the progress. He's making some modifications to the suction and sponges to help Dan's wound begin to contract. This is certainly a large step in the right direction.
The drains have decreased dramatically. The past few days totals: 250, 140, 120, 110, 85-ish. They MUST continue to decrease in this fashion for Dan to be able to eat. Labs have been ordered for every other day now and antibiotics might be discontinued tomorrow or Monday.
As for the "plan" I got in trouble for asking about, McGreeky really wants to do a feeding trial before Dan goes home. Accordingly, he wants to see the drains continue to decrease in output, let Dan eat a couple of days (Monday, maybe), then see what happens. Just like before, if the output stays the same, Dan is free to go home and eat. If the output increases, he has to spend a couple days "in-house" waiting for the TPN to start again. Either way, the surgeon says he should be home by end of next week.
For McGreeky's safety, I hope he lets Dan out before the Superbowl. Dan might get violent :)
Today will be spent with our sisters, Lise and Laura. They drove all the way up from SoCal yesterday to see Dan and I. So fun to spend time with people who don't live or work in the hospital. I'll be driving back with them tomorrow afternoon (I'm happy and sad about this, of course).
Prayer Requests:
* Release from the hospital earlier than the docs think (before Feb 7th)
* Decrease in drain output to nothing!
* Continued healing of the wound
* Feeding trial to begin on Monday and be very successful (no increase in output)
* Safe travels for me tomorrow and Tuesday night
* Comfort when we're apart
* Patience for McGreeky (too bad, buddy, we're asking questions)
* Confidence for Dan to go home to La Mirada soon :)
Praises:
* Wound healing
* Progress and improvement
* Good friends visiting (Lise and Laura!)
* A mighty God
Posted by Dan and Ashley at 10:52 AM 0 comments
friday, january 29, 2010
Another week?
The doctors must be getting tired. They arrive later and later every day. Today, McGreeky didn't arrive until nearly 11am, when Dan very kindly told him that he had hat head. The doc was in-between cases, so it was nice of him to come by and check things out.
Amazingly, he says that Dan is looking at one more week. Honestly, that is the 3rd or 4th time we've heard that, so who knows. Yesterday, it was 5 days. Today, it's a week. Tomorrow? Maybe he'll go backwards and decide on 3 days. Ha.
Anyway, he wants to change the wound vac tomorrow and Monday, while watching the drain output. He wants to "reassess" on Monday and probably try feeding Dan for a couple days. If the drain output stays the same, Dan gets to go home and eat! If the output goes up again, Dan will be have to re-cycle the TPN before going home. So, Dan could be home by Wednesday or Friday...but we have certainly heard that before.
To make matters worse, McGreeky is consulting a surgeon (McChief) who changes his mind a lot and could develop a new plan. (I'm not being impertinent or disrespectful; McGreeky actually told us that the other surgeon "changes his mind every day, so we don't really know, but I'll go with his advice.") We plan on asking McGreeky if "the plan" is changing or not, because it gets pretty old hearing his plans and then hearing them change due to another opinion. Of course, he keeps reminding us that dealing with this problem is stylistic...so, I'm hoping McGreeky sticks to his guns this time.
I think something has clicked in our minds that we can do absolutely nothing about getting Dan out of here. The nurses really don't think he needs to be here (nor some of the doctors), but I'm not sure we'll ever hear, "You can go home today" from McGreeky. Even when goals are met, new goals are made to delay discharge. Dan feels good, but it must be discouraging to not be able to get out of here even after great improvement.
So, I'm driving to LA on Sunday, then flying up north again Tuesday night. It's my last semester of nursing school, so I have to actually go (Dan's doctor seemed glad that I was coming back, so maybe I haven't bugged him too badly yet). I'm hoping, I'll be able to drive Dan out of Stanford before I go back to school again.
Let's just pray that Dan is home for the Superbowl...9 days.
Prayer Requests:
* The surgeon feels confident to trust his decision-making and actually commit to a "plan"
* Dan's release from the hospital...4 weeks is a LOT different than 10 days
* Complete drying up of drains (I mean NOTHING)
* Improvement of wound
* Successful feeding trial--no increase in drain output at all while eating
* Cooperative/flexible professors to allow me to keep spending time up north
* Dan going home to La Mirada SOON (before I begin clinicals on Feb 17)
Praises:
* Dan feels fine
* Families being helpful and coming to visit
* Financial security
* Ability to fly back and forth
Thursday, January 28, 2010
a good day Dano says- read on:
thursday, january 28, 2010
A little sunshine
If you've been keeping up with the blogs (or have been in Northern California for a few weeks), you may remember that it had been raining and storming pretty nastily. Well, I think we're on day 3 of sunny days. Today, I ventured the furthest I have gone since surgery (the reader is now aware of the author). I went out to the hospital front door and out by some nice fountains with a few ducks lounging in the corner. Despite my new low weight (165 down to 145 and now up to 148), I wasn't too cold in the January air. It was nice to see the outside and feel real air.
Earlier this morning, the doctors changed my wound vac. My skin did NOT appreciate the removal of the adhesive covering, and the whole of the procedure hurt pretty badly, even after taking some pain meds beforehand. But the doctors said it looked better than it did before. It is 'granulating', which is a step towards healing, I have been told. I am getting tired of having an open wound, so this wound vac that is speeding things up is my friend right now. I mean, had it not been for an infection, the wound would have never been reopened and my only concern would be the drains. Too bad. Speaking of the drains, I think they're still at their low pace (about 140/day combined), so that's good.
My surgeon thinks I'll be out of the hospital in 5 days. That is not the greatest news, because that also means Ashley will have to go to school while I'm in the hospital. But at least it's better than 'we'll wait and see.' Here's some sunshine breaking through the clouds: after 3 or 4 days, they're going to put me on a food trial and see what happens with my drains (as was the plan before- if the output goes up, I go back on TPN, but if the output stays the same, I can go home and eat!) Either way, I get to eat soon. You may or may not know how elated I am by that thought.
We've been loved on by some special women today. First, my mom came (and is still here) to spend the day with us. Then, we got a care package and some letters in the mail (I get more mail here than at home!) The package was from one of Ashley's nursing instructors, and had stuff for Ashley and me, including a 5-year-old's rendition of a football game between the Jets and the Angels (he has some learning to do). The cards were from a friend of my mom's; she and the people in her office pitched in and gave us some money to pay for Ashley's flights to and from LA. Then my Aunts Patty and Debbie wandered in and talked for a while, then took my mom and wife out to lunch.
Today was a good day (all things considering). We needed a good day. There have been a lot of mediocre to bad days. There might be some more coming, too. But today--- today was a good day. It was a nice gift from God. I'm open for more of it.
pray for
drain stoppage
wound vac efficacy
wise decisions from the doctors
sleep-filled nights in the hospital
more good days
:)
A little sunshine
If you've been keeping up with the blogs (or have been in Northern California for a few weeks), you may remember that it had been raining and storming pretty nastily. Well, I think we're on day 3 of sunny days. Today, I ventured the furthest I have gone since surgery (the reader is now aware of the author). I went out to the hospital front door and out by some nice fountains with a few ducks lounging in the corner. Despite my new low weight (165 down to 145 and now up to 148), I wasn't too cold in the January air. It was nice to see the outside and feel real air.
Earlier this morning, the doctors changed my wound vac. My skin did NOT appreciate the removal of the adhesive covering, and the whole of the procedure hurt pretty badly, even after taking some pain meds beforehand. But the doctors said it looked better than it did before. It is 'granulating', which is a step towards healing, I have been told. I am getting tired of having an open wound, so this wound vac that is speeding things up is my friend right now. I mean, had it not been for an infection, the wound would have never been reopened and my only concern would be the drains. Too bad. Speaking of the drains, I think they're still at their low pace (about 140/day combined), so that's good.
My surgeon thinks I'll be out of the hospital in 5 days. That is not the greatest news, because that also means Ashley will have to go to school while I'm in the hospital. But at least it's better than 'we'll wait and see.' Here's some sunshine breaking through the clouds: after 3 or 4 days, they're going to put me on a food trial and see what happens with my drains (as was the plan before- if the output goes up, I go back on TPN, but if the output stays the same, I can go home and eat!) Either way, I get to eat soon. You may or may not know how elated I am by that thought.
We've been loved on by some special women today. First, my mom came (and is still here) to spend the day with us. Then, we got a care package and some letters in the mail (I get more mail here than at home!) The package was from one of Ashley's nursing instructors, and had stuff for Ashley and me, including a 5-year-old's rendition of a football game between the Jets and the Angels (he has some learning to do). The cards were from a friend of my mom's; she and the people in her office pitched in and gave us some money to pay for Ashley's flights to and from LA. Then my Aunts Patty and Debbie wandered in and talked for a while, then took my mom and wife out to lunch.
Today was a good day (all things considering). We needed a good day. There have been a lot of mediocre to bad days. There might be some more coming, too. But today--- today was a good day. It was a nice gift from God. I'm open for more of it.
pray for
drain stoppage
wound vac efficacy
wise decisions from the doctors
sleep-filled nights in the hospital
more good days
:)
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Tuesday - slow and steady progress
Ashley's blog gives us the update of today's progress ( albeit somewhat slow ). Dan is moving forward which is GREAT!!!!!!!!!
Psalm32:6 -7
Therefore let everyone who is godly
offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found;
surely in the rush of great waters,
they shall not reach him.
You are a hiding place for me;
you preserve me from trouble;
you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah
tuesday, january 26, 2010
Sucker
Not a whole lot has changed today, but things are finally starting to make some progress.
The day began with an ambush by the residents at 0620 wanting to change the wound dressing, followed by the charge nurse telling us that we had to pack up our stuff and be moved to another room by 0730. Fun. We had been warned that we were moving to a new room eventually because all of the rooms are getting new TVs and Dan's room was one of the last to be modified. So, I packed up our stuff and my sleepy husband and moved to a new address down the hall. Everyone was busy at shift change, so I had move it all by myself--even the bed! But, I got to keep my sleeper couch, which makes up for the work.
The doctors finally decided to put the wound vac (the sucker for the wound) on Dan's wound today. Everything went fine, though Dan said it hurt quite a bit from the intense suction. He is slowly getting used to it. McGreeky was very confident that the wound vac would greatly speed healing. We certainly hope so.
Also, Dan's hematocrit dropped a teensy bit more today. The doctors believe that his marrow is having a hard time recuperating from the stress of surgery and blood loss. Accordingly, McGreeky has agreed to give Dan a blood transfusion (RBCs and fresh frozen plasma) to give his system a boost. Dan's been pretty tired today, but after some blood and a higher calorie TPN mix, he should feel almost great tonight.
We are getting used to our new room, which has a good view of the helicopter landing pad. A few friends even came to visit to help break it in. Thanks, Grant and Lise!
Now, we just have to keep ourselves occupied until things really turn around and Dan can get out of here. Dan's drains have decreased today, but we need to keep them decreasing permanently! At discharge (which seems like another week away), Dan has to go to his parents' house in Lodi for at least a week. We're both bummed about this because it means I will be living alone in our apartment for a while until Dan can come home. My professors are only making me do a couple days a week for the next two weeks so I can be up north with Dan. Lodi isn't home for him, but it will be better than the hospital!
Prayer Requests:
* Continued decrease of drain output...permanently!
* Efficacy of the wound vac
* Safe tranfusions today
* Confidence for the surgeon so Dan can leave the hospital earlier than expected
* Drastic improvement (we're talking huge enough that the surgeons are surprised)
* Release before I have to go to Biola, so I can help him get settled :)
Praise:
* New TV?
* Wound vac!
* Drain decrease (at least a little)
* Understanding professors
* God's power and love
* Transfusion
Psalm32:6 -7
Therefore let everyone who is godly
offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found;
surely in the rush of great waters,
they shall not reach him.
You are a hiding place for me;
you preserve me from trouble;
you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah
tuesday, january 26, 2010
Sucker
Not a whole lot has changed today, but things are finally starting to make some progress.
The day began with an ambush by the residents at 0620 wanting to change the wound dressing, followed by the charge nurse telling us that we had to pack up our stuff and be moved to another room by 0730. Fun. We had been warned that we were moving to a new room eventually because all of the rooms are getting new TVs and Dan's room was one of the last to be modified. So, I packed up our stuff and my sleepy husband and moved to a new address down the hall. Everyone was busy at shift change, so I had move it all by myself--even the bed! But, I got to keep my sleeper couch, which makes up for the work.
The doctors finally decided to put the wound vac (the sucker for the wound) on Dan's wound today. Everything went fine, though Dan said it hurt quite a bit from the intense suction. He is slowly getting used to it. McGreeky was very confident that the wound vac would greatly speed healing. We certainly hope so.
Also, Dan's hematocrit dropped a teensy bit more today. The doctors believe that his marrow is having a hard time recuperating from the stress of surgery and blood loss. Accordingly, McGreeky has agreed to give Dan a blood transfusion (RBCs and fresh frozen plasma) to give his system a boost. Dan's been pretty tired today, but after some blood and a higher calorie TPN mix, he should feel almost great tonight.
We are getting used to our new room, which has a good view of the helicopter landing pad. A few friends even came to visit to help break it in. Thanks, Grant and Lise!
Now, we just have to keep ourselves occupied until things really turn around and Dan can get out of here. Dan's drains have decreased today, but we need to keep them decreasing permanently! At discharge (which seems like another week away), Dan has to go to his parents' house in Lodi for at least a week. We're both bummed about this because it means I will be living alone in our apartment for a while until Dan can come home. My professors are only making me do a couple days a week for the next two weeks so I can be up north with Dan. Lodi isn't home for him, but it will be better than the hospital!
Prayer Requests:
* Continued decrease of drain output...permanently!
* Efficacy of the wound vac
* Safe tranfusions today
* Confidence for the surgeon so Dan can leave the hospital earlier than expected
* Drastic improvement (we're talking huge enough that the surgeons are surprised)
* Release before I have to go to Biola, so I can help him get settled :)
Praise:
* New TV?
* Wound vac!
* Drain decrease (at least a little)
* Understanding professors
* God's power and love
* Transfusion
Monday, January 25, 2010
Sunday - Dan speaks
saturday, january 23, 2010
Extended Edition
Today is day 15 that I have been in the hospital (16 if you count surgery day, but I was unconscious for most of that day). According to the doctor today, they want to add another six to make it a full 21. Four days they want to watch me and my drain output while I'm NPO (not eating), then the next two days see what happens when I eat. So the good news of me being able to eat is masked by the fact that it is preceded by four more days of NPO. I've lost about a pound a day since they've been weighing me (came into surgery at about 170, fell to 150, and have since fallen to 145), and I'm eager to start eating again and regain some weight.
Ideally, the output from the two drains should go below 200 combined mL/day; right now, hovering at about 250. The two-day eating test is to see what happens to the output when I eat; if it rises substantially, they'll send me home with TPN (not ideal); if it doesn't rise too much, then I can go home and eat.
This six-day idea kinda tweaks plans. Before, there would be plenty of time to stay in NorCal for a little while so I could be close enough to Stanford in case I needed a little extra doctoring, but the plan ultimately being to go back home to La Mirada while I recoup. Now, we're cutting it close to the beginning of Ashley's school. A lot depends on my exit status (can I eat, what will my wound care look like, what do I do with my drains), so it's hard to make plans.
It's just really frustrating because of how many times it's looked like I could go home but just never happened. We have plenty of things to occupy our time in here, but hospital rooms are no place to live. We need to get back to something real. It's also frustrating because other factors are improving, like my fevers going down. In other words, while there is progress, it is not the progress we need.
Pray that:
my drains stop up. period.
my wound heals more quickly than is medically expected.
we would not be discouraged at the extension of time.
that the timeframe would not be extended any longer.
Extended Edition
Today is day 15 that I have been in the hospital (16 if you count surgery day, but I was unconscious for most of that day). According to the doctor today, they want to add another six to make it a full 21. Four days they want to watch me and my drain output while I'm NPO (not eating), then the next two days see what happens when I eat. So the good news of me being able to eat is masked by the fact that it is preceded by four more days of NPO. I've lost about a pound a day since they've been weighing me (came into surgery at about 170, fell to 150, and have since fallen to 145), and I'm eager to start eating again and regain some weight.
Ideally, the output from the two drains should go below 200 combined mL/day; right now, hovering at about 250. The two-day eating test is to see what happens to the output when I eat; if it rises substantially, they'll send me home with TPN (not ideal); if it doesn't rise too much, then I can go home and eat.
This six-day idea kinda tweaks plans. Before, there would be plenty of time to stay in NorCal for a little while so I could be close enough to Stanford in case I needed a little extra doctoring, but the plan ultimately being to go back home to La Mirada while I recoup. Now, we're cutting it close to the beginning of Ashley's school. A lot depends on my exit status (can I eat, what will my wound care look like, what do I do with my drains), so it's hard to make plans.
It's just really frustrating because of how many times it's looked like I could go home but just never happened. We have plenty of things to occupy our time in here, but hospital rooms are no place to live. We need to get back to something real. It's also frustrating because other factors are improving, like my fevers going down. In other words, while there is progress, it is not the progress we need.
Pray that:
my drains stop up. period.
my wound heals more quickly than is medically expected.
we would not be discouraged at the extension of time.
that the timeframe would not be extended any longer.
Monday night
So it has been a good news-bad news day. In the overall scheme of things, Dan is progressing, albeit slowly. Please read on, but before you do:
Rom 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
From Dan:
monday, january 25, 2010
Just a little PO'd
If you read the last blog, you read that
1) another surgeon was going to consult on my case so that I could be assured a well-rounded decision
and
2) the plan was two days NPO, two days eating, decide from there TPN or not and go home.
Well, this morning the surgeon came in (who reminded me of my US History prof at Biola) and consulted. I kinda wish he hadn't.
He said that I needed to be NPO longer, though he was going to up my TPN so I wouldn't be as hungry. He wants to put a wound vac in tomorrow (which I think is a fine idea- I'm ready for the wound to close). He wasn't too concerned about the underlying hole- there's something they can cover it with and it won't be a problem. However, instead of a set timeline like McG gave me, now, I'll have to be evaluated at the end of the week. I suppose that could still mean a release date of Friday, but it could also mean I'll be stuck here longer. And even when I do get home, I'll be on TPN for sure, to be renegotiated by weekly meetings with the doctor.
So I mean, there's good news mixed with bad; I think the good news is marred by the fact that I'm still here. I even think the drain output went down. Maybe if it keeps going down, today's decision can get overridden and I can go home sooner. Maybe that's just wishful thinking.
Also, Ash just spoke with her nursing professor and needs to be down there a couple days a week to be able to graduate. So, pray for cheap flights and safe drives. This will be a long month.
What we do now is wait and see (surprise, surprise). Keep walking. Keep breathing. Keep doing something to pass the time. Pray for drains to stop. Pray to go home. Pray just because that's what you do in all situations.
Right now my goal is to be out by the Pro Bowl, of which I could write another entire blog, because of the timing and location change this year which the NFL will likely regret and hopefully reverse. But that's not what this blog is about.
Keep praying for us.
Dan & Ash
From Ashley:
sunday, january 24, 2010
A tardy update
As the night got later, I suddenly realized that neither of us had updated the blog. I apologize for the lateness. Our day was full of visitors.
This morning was basically the same as the past few have been. Early rising for a dressing change, rounds by the residents and waiting for McGreeky to come by. The wound is looking better, though there is a small hole in the fascia that will result in a hernia. Fortunately, the surgeons will be able to fix it during the next surgery very easily. The surgeon is going to consult another attending on the unit to ensure that it is safe for Dan to have the little hole for a few months. We're just hoping whatever they decide will not interfere with Dan's discharge. McGreeky mentioned another week, and I became uneasy with the repetitiousness of his time intervals. After he left, Dan and I talked about what was going on and decided that the issue of length of stay needed to be discussed.
I went out and caught the surgeon before he left, and he graciously came back into the room. Dan explained that it feels as though all he has been doing is waiting, and waiting is something he could be doing at home. He told the doc that being NPO for a week and being in the hospital was harming his strength and spirits. Dan told him that he wanted to do what was safe, but was tired of waiting for something that wasn't working. Accordingly, McGreeky decided that Dan will be NPO today and tomorrow. Tuesday and Wednesday, they will let him eat. If the drainage increases substantially, Dan will need to go home on TPN (which will need to be re-cycled through his body a couple days before d/c). If the drainage stays the same, Dan will go home on a diet and just wait out the drainage. The surgeon even conceded that there really isn't much being done for Dan in the hospital right now.
Having the doctor give specific days and plans and admit that Dan really doesn't need the hospital, gives Dan and I some leverage for negotiation. At the end of the day, Dan is the one in control of what's going on--it's his body. The doctor is here for Dan, not the other way around. I was so proud of Dan as he expressed how he was honestly feeling and only hope that he can continue to press the doctor to stick to his word. Being in the hospital is not helping Dan get better. He needs to go home.
After the doctor left, we got cleaned up and prepared for an onslaught of visitors. Lise finally made it to Stanford for the first time after arriving home from Rwanda on Thursday. She is our sister in all the ways that matter. Oh, it was so good to have her around.
Then, Katal arrived. She found someone (well, her husband found time) to watch her little rug rat, so she came to see us. It was so lovely to be able to hear about someone else's adventures and ongoings.
Finally, my parents, brother and grandpa showed up to keep us company, too. Mom brought clean laundry and a refill of food. Dad brought some homework, Nick brought some hunger and Papa C just brought himself as a buddy to watch football with. Amazingly, Dan didn't get too tired out with all the company. I loved having my family and my closest friends around me. Sometimes, a hospital gets a little lonely.
Now, the day is coming to a close, and I am perched on the edge of the hospital bed as Dan sleeps. His arm around my waist keeps me warm and reminds me of something very important: 'home' can mean very many things. As much as we want to be back in our little apartment in La Mirada, we are home as long as we have each other. It seems so strange that we have only been married a year and a half. Feels like a decade at least. We have surely seen some good times and bad times in our relationship. Yet, standing upon the Solid Rock, we are safe.
Prayer Requests:
* Healing of the wound without any new infection or complication (no additional surgery necessary)
* Healing of the pancreas leak
* Approval for Dan to be able to go home on a real food diet THIS WEEK
* Wisdom for the doctors and an understanding of the benefits of home
* Discharge home BEFORE SUNDAY (so I can go to my first day of classes)
* No need for Dan and I to be separated during recovery (he wants to go to LA after d/c)
* Supernatural intervention and healing
Praises:
* Wonderful friends and family
* Patient doctors
* Resolution of infection
* Energy from the TPN
Rom 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
From Dan:
monday, january 25, 2010
Just a little PO'd
If you read the last blog, you read that
1) another surgeon was going to consult on my case so that I could be assured a well-rounded decision
and
2) the plan was two days NPO, two days eating, decide from there TPN or not and go home.
Well, this morning the surgeon came in (who reminded me of my US History prof at Biola) and consulted. I kinda wish he hadn't.
He said that I needed to be NPO longer, though he was going to up my TPN so I wouldn't be as hungry. He wants to put a wound vac in tomorrow (which I think is a fine idea- I'm ready for the wound to close). He wasn't too concerned about the underlying hole- there's something they can cover it with and it won't be a problem. However, instead of a set timeline like McG gave me, now, I'll have to be evaluated at the end of the week. I suppose that could still mean a release date of Friday, but it could also mean I'll be stuck here longer. And even when I do get home, I'll be on TPN for sure, to be renegotiated by weekly meetings with the doctor.
So I mean, there's good news mixed with bad; I think the good news is marred by the fact that I'm still here. I even think the drain output went down. Maybe if it keeps going down, today's decision can get overridden and I can go home sooner. Maybe that's just wishful thinking.
Also, Ash just spoke with her nursing professor and needs to be down there a couple days a week to be able to graduate. So, pray for cheap flights and safe drives. This will be a long month.
What we do now is wait and see (surprise, surprise). Keep walking. Keep breathing. Keep doing something to pass the time. Pray for drains to stop. Pray to go home. Pray just because that's what you do in all situations.
Right now my goal is to be out by the Pro Bowl, of which I could write another entire blog, because of the timing and location change this year which the NFL will likely regret and hopefully reverse. But that's not what this blog is about.
Keep praying for us.
Dan & Ash
From Ashley:
sunday, january 24, 2010
A tardy update
As the night got later, I suddenly realized that neither of us had updated the blog. I apologize for the lateness. Our day was full of visitors.
This morning was basically the same as the past few have been. Early rising for a dressing change, rounds by the residents and waiting for McGreeky to come by. The wound is looking better, though there is a small hole in the fascia that will result in a hernia. Fortunately, the surgeons will be able to fix it during the next surgery very easily. The surgeon is going to consult another attending on the unit to ensure that it is safe for Dan to have the little hole for a few months. We're just hoping whatever they decide will not interfere with Dan's discharge. McGreeky mentioned another week, and I became uneasy with the repetitiousness of his time intervals. After he left, Dan and I talked about what was going on and decided that the issue of length of stay needed to be discussed.
I went out and caught the surgeon before he left, and he graciously came back into the room. Dan explained that it feels as though all he has been doing is waiting, and waiting is something he could be doing at home. He told the doc that being NPO for a week and being in the hospital was harming his strength and spirits. Dan told him that he wanted to do what was safe, but was tired of waiting for something that wasn't working. Accordingly, McGreeky decided that Dan will be NPO today and tomorrow. Tuesday and Wednesday, they will let him eat. If the drainage increases substantially, Dan will need to go home on TPN (which will need to be re-cycled through his body a couple days before d/c). If the drainage stays the same, Dan will go home on a diet and just wait out the drainage. The surgeon even conceded that there really isn't much being done for Dan in the hospital right now.
Having the doctor give specific days and plans and admit that Dan really doesn't need the hospital, gives Dan and I some leverage for negotiation. At the end of the day, Dan is the one in control of what's going on--it's his body. The doctor is here for Dan, not the other way around. I was so proud of Dan as he expressed how he was honestly feeling and only hope that he can continue to press the doctor to stick to his word. Being in the hospital is not helping Dan get better. He needs to go home.
After the doctor left, we got cleaned up and prepared for an onslaught of visitors. Lise finally made it to Stanford for the first time after arriving home from Rwanda on Thursday. She is our sister in all the ways that matter. Oh, it was so good to have her around.
Then, Katal arrived. She found someone (well, her husband found time) to watch her little rug rat, so she came to see us. It was so lovely to be able to hear about someone else's adventures and ongoings.
Finally, my parents, brother and grandpa showed up to keep us company, too. Mom brought clean laundry and a refill of food. Dad brought some homework, Nick brought some hunger and Papa C just brought himself as a buddy to watch football with. Amazingly, Dan didn't get too tired out with all the company. I loved having my family and my closest friends around me. Sometimes, a hospital gets a little lonely.
Now, the day is coming to a close, and I am perched on the edge of the hospital bed as Dan sleeps. His arm around my waist keeps me warm and reminds me of something very important: 'home' can mean very many things. As much as we want to be back in our little apartment in La Mirada, we are home as long as we have each other. It seems so strange that we have only been married a year and a half. Feels like a decade at least. We have surely seen some good times and bad times in our relationship. Yet, standing upon the Solid Rock, we are safe.
Prayer Requests:
* Healing of the wound without any new infection or complication (no additional surgery necessary)
* Healing of the pancreas leak
* Approval for Dan to be able to go home on a real food diet THIS WEEK
* Wisdom for the doctors and an understanding of the benefits of home
* Discharge home BEFORE SUNDAY (so I can go to my first day of classes)
* No need for Dan and I to be separated during recovery (he wants to go to LA after d/c)
* Supernatural intervention and healing
Praises:
* Wonderful friends and family
* Patient doctors
* Resolution of infection
* Energy from the TPN
Friday, January 22, 2010
3 Friday blogs from Ashley! Please read some good news!
friday, january 22, 2010
Pleasant People
You know, I bet it takes a lot to still be willing to answer a bunch of questions right after you've performed a 5-6 hour surgery and spent the day in clinic. McGreeky is just a pleasant guy. Dan had a CT today and rather than making us wait until tomorrow to hear the results, the surgeon came on over and listened to us. Patiently. Listening might do more for calming a person that having all the right answers at that moment.
The CT provided comforting results that the excess fluid floating around has lessened by half and there appear to be no signs of additional infection. Good news.
Dan and I asked about his hematocrit that has dropped rather than increased and about the leaky pancreas. The hematocrit levels are blamed upon Dan's chemo a couple years back and on the toll of hospitalization. The pancreas drainage is still chugging along, though it might be losing some steam. McGreeky was humble enough to admit that things are not going as quickly as he would have expected, but also told us he was being as aggressive as possible (without opening him back up). Yet, he thinks the rate will decrease and the worst of the dangers are behind us. He said to cross our fingers, but we'll stick to praying.
McGreeky also mentioned that he wants Dan to fully heal before going ahead with the next step of the surgery. Instead of 2-3 months, he's thinking more 4 months.
My nervous mind makes me worried...I graduate in 4 months. So, hopefully, we can talk the doc into doing the surgery at least a month before May 29 or waiting until after. I don't think I could walk without Dan there...he's how I got through nursing school! Before anyone starts telling me "Slow down, stop worrying, my goodness, blah blah blah." I know! At least if I vocalize this concern, I can be joined in prayer for it right?
Another group of pleasant people also visited: the Sizeloves! They brought all the kids and sat at the front lobby of the hospital so they could see Dan (kids aren't allowed in the hospital due to H1N1). Mark and Rachel were thrilled to finally see Dan, since they've only seen me these past few weeks. The kids even packed us a present bag: play-do, hot wheels, bubbles, a puzzle and a book. They drew us pictures, which now decorate our wall. I'm not sure we can ever express how thankful we are for Laura and Jon. They have never failed to open their home to us while at Stanford. Such a blessing. I hope someday, Dan and I can be just as hospitable as they.
Anyway, this is the 3rd blog in one day. Phew. Unless something major happens, I'll update more tomorrow.
Prayer Requests:
* Healing of pancreas and wound
* Recuperation of Dan's bone marrow (for hematocrit)
* Wisdom for planning the next surgery
* Rest for the surgeons (they look tired!)
* God to be glorified through us and this situation
* School scheduling, etc.
Praises:
* Good news from CT
* Patient doctors
* Encouraging friends
Posted by Dan and Ashley at 4:57 PM 0 comments
Path Report
We forgot to share the the pathology report came back from Dan's tumors!
The lab is still having a difficult time determining the exact kind of cancer Dan has and has sent some samples to Johns Hopkins for a consult. The pancreatic tumor was fairly active, though encapsulated to make it behave a little better.
2 liver tumor samples showed just scar tissue and DEAD tumor tissue. The other 2 liver tumor samples showed mostly scar tissue with a small amount of necrotic cancer. That means his liver had a nearly complete response to the chemo and radiation.
The surgeons saw some swollen lymph nodes beneath the pancreas and believed that the cancer may have spread to the lymph system (very bad). They removed 22 nodes...and NONE had any trace of cancer. Yay!
The doctor is very pleased with the report and pointed out that the most active cancer is gone along with its margins.
That being said, one more small procedure and one more large surgery could make Dan a cancer-free man. Whoa!
Posted by Dan and Ashley at 1:36 PM 0 comments
Today is yesterday's tomorrow.
I tried to get Dan to write this since he wrote such a great blog yesterday, but...no luck. You're stuck with me.
Today is much like yesterday and the day before yesterday and the day before that.
Dressing changes show a wound that is healing, just very slowly. The skin and adipose tissue looks very healthy but the fascia (tough under-layer) is healing with some holes. Thus, Dan will have a hernia when the wound closes up. Luckily, he's having another surgery in the near future (the other half of the liver resection) in which they will fix the hernia and shrink some of the scar. The docs still want to put a wound vac on him, but are waiting for the slow-like-molasses-in-snow wound to clean up and look nice. No point trapping infection inside under a sponge and suction!
The drains may have slowed a touch last night. One of them went for 8 hours with nothing! And then drained faster to catch up with its twin. Dan is on a medication called octreotide to lessen the secretions, which has been increased in dosage 3 times already. Between that and the NPO status, his pancreas should stop throwing a hissy fit soon.
McGreeky announced that discharge will not be until midweek next week. Dan will most likely go home on TPN at nights and clear liquids in the day time. He's thrilled (note sarcasm), but wants to go home regardless. So, we will have two additions to our little family: Mr. Wound Vac and Mr. TPN.
Right now, I am discussing with case management where home health needs to be. We thought we would be going to Santa Rosa for a week to recuperate before going to La Mirada, but as this hospitalization has grown longer--the beginning of school for me has grown closer. I may need to miss a couple of the first days (if you know me, you know I'm bummed), but we hope to get to our apartment as soon as is safe. Luckily, Biola's nursing program has surrounded Dan and me with prayer and support and is doing everything possible to help me graduate on time.
For those of you concerned that we are going to be in SoCal alone, we will not be alone. We live in a complex filled with wonderful families who have offered to help us in anyway possible. Additionally, I work at a hospital on a surgical floor where I believe I can find answers to questions that arise. Also, I'm in nursing school surrounded with wonderful and skilled nurses. Finally, Stanford is always a phone call away (and a quick airplane ride if necessary). Psychologically, Dan feels he wound heal better in our apartment. He needs some normalcy. If for some reason, something comes up that would necessitate staying in Northern California, however, we have enough wisdom to do what is best for Dan's health.
Today will hopefully provide some good news as to the collection of fluid in Dan's abdomen. He is currently drinking more contrast fluid for another CT. This one will be before 1 am! McGreeky is specifically checking to see of the small abcess has resolved or if there is anything else to "go after" in his abdomen. We are praying for only good results. No more setbacks!
Thank you for all the prayers and support you have given us. From cards to games to food (for me) to flowers (thanks, Mama!), your love is very apparent.
You will note that I am now including praises to the Lord. Many prayers have been answered. To God be the glory.
Prayer Requests:
* Clear, good results on the CT today
* Drying up of the pancreatic drains!!!
* Continued wound healing and start of wound vac
* Flexibility and understanding of the case managers and doctors in d/c planning
* Encouraging news
* Release from the hospital in time for me to begin school on February 1st
(We can be surrendered to God's timing and still hope and ask for expeditiousness)
Praises:
* Safe surgery despite its length
* Very excellent pathology report
* No VRE/MRSA in wound
* No increase in drainage last night
* Encouragement from family/friends
* A private room for me to stay with Dan (and a shower!)
* Compassionate nurses and excellent doctors
* The Great Physician is in control
Pleasant People
You know, I bet it takes a lot to still be willing to answer a bunch of questions right after you've performed a 5-6 hour surgery and spent the day in clinic. McGreeky is just a pleasant guy. Dan had a CT today and rather than making us wait until tomorrow to hear the results, the surgeon came on over and listened to us. Patiently. Listening might do more for calming a person that having all the right answers at that moment.
The CT provided comforting results that the excess fluid floating around has lessened by half and there appear to be no signs of additional infection. Good news.
Dan and I asked about his hematocrit that has dropped rather than increased and about the leaky pancreas. The hematocrit levels are blamed upon Dan's chemo a couple years back and on the toll of hospitalization. The pancreas drainage is still chugging along, though it might be losing some steam. McGreeky was humble enough to admit that things are not going as quickly as he would have expected, but also told us he was being as aggressive as possible (without opening him back up). Yet, he thinks the rate will decrease and the worst of the dangers are behind us. He said to cross our fingers, but we'll stick to praying.
McGreeky also mentioned that he wants Dan to fully heal before going ahead with the next step of the surgery. Instead of 2-3 months, he's thinking more 4 months.
My nervous mind makes me worried...I graduate in 4 months. So, hopefully, we can talk the doc into doing the surgery at least a month before May 29 or waiting until after. I don't think I could walk without Dan there...he's how I got through nursing school! Before anyone starts telling me "Slow down, stop worrying, my goodness, blah blah blah." I know! At least if I vocalize this concern, I can be joined in prayer for it right?
Another group of pleasant people also visited: the Sizeloves! They brought all the kids and sat at the front lobby of the hospital so they could see Dan (kids aren't allowed in the hospital due to H1N1). Mark and Rachel were thrilled to finally see Dan, since they've only seen me these past few weeks. The kids even packed us a present bag: play-do, hot wheels, bubbles, a puzzle and a book. They drew us pictures, which now decorate our wall. I'm not sure we can ever express how thankful we are for Laura and Jon. They have never failed to open their home to us while at Stanford. Such a blessing. I hope someday, Dan and I can be just as hospitable as they.
Anyway, this is the 3rd blog in one day. Phew. Unless something major happens, I'll update more tomorrow.
Prayer Requests:
* Healing of pancreas and wound
* Recuperation of Dan's bone marrow (for hematocrit)
* Wisdom for planning the next surgery
* Rest for the surgeons (they look tired!)
* God to be glorified through us and this situation
* School scheduling, etc.
Praises:
* Good news from CT
* Patient doctors
* Encouraging friends
Posted by Dan and Ashley at 4:57 PM 0 comments
Path Report
We forgot to share the the pathology report came back from Dan's tumors!
The lab is still having a difficult time determining the exact kind of cancer Dan has and has sent some samples to Johns Hopkins for a consult. The pancreatic tumor was fairly active, though encapsulated to make it behave a little better.
2 liver tumor samples showed just scar tissue and DEAD tumor tissue. The other 2 liver tumor samples showed mostly scar tissue with a small amount of necrotic cancer. That means his liver had a nearly complete response to the chemo and radiation.
The surgeons saw some swollen lymph nodes beneath the pancreas and believed that the cancer may have spread to the lymph system (very bad). They removed 22 nodes...and NONE had any trace of cancer. Yay!
The doctor is very pleased with the report and pointed out that the most active cancer is gone along with its margins.
That being said, one more small procedure and one more large surgery could make Dan a cancer-free man. Whoa!
Posted by Dan and Ashley at 1:36 PM 0 comments
Today is yesterday's tomorrow.
I tried to get Dan to write this since he wrote such a great blog yesterday, but...no luck. You're stuck with me.
Today is much like yesterday and the day before yesterday and the day before that.
Dressing changes show a wound that is healing, just very slowly. The skin and adipose tissue looks very healthy but the fascia (tough under-layer) is healing with some holes. Thus, Dan will have a hernia when the wound closes up. Luckily, he's having another surgery in the near future (the other half of the liver resection) in which they will fix the hernia and shrink some of the scar. The docs still want to put a wound vac on him, but are waiting for the slow-like-molasses-in-snow wound to clean up and look nice. No point trapping infection inside under a sponge and suction!
The drains may have slowed a touch last night. One of them went for 8 hours with nothing! And then drained faster to catch up with its twin. Dan is on a medication called octreotide to lessen the secretions, which has been increased in dosage 3 times already. Between that and the NPO status, his pancreas should stop throwing a hissy fit soon.
McGreeky announced that discharge will not be until midweek next week. Dan will most likely go home on TPN at nights and clear liquids in the day time. He's thrilled (note sarcasm), but wants to go home regardless. So, we will have two additions to our little family: Mr. Wound Vac and Mr. TPN.
Right now, I am discussing with case management where home health needs to be. We thought we would be going to Santa Rosa for a week to recuperate before going to La Mirada, but as this hospitalization has grown longer--the beginning of school for me has grown closer. I may need to miss a couple of the first days (if you know me, you know I'm bummed), but we hope to get to our apartment as soon as is safe. Luckily, Biola's nursing program has surrounded Dan and me with prayer and support and is doing everything possible to help me graduate on time.
For those of you concerned that we are going to be in SoCal alone, we will not be alone. We live in a complex filled with wonderful families who have offered to help us in anyway possible. Additionally, I work at a hospital on a surgical floor where I believe I can find answers to questions that arise. Also, I'm in nursing school surrounded with wonderful and skilled nurses. Finally, Stanford is always a phone call away (and a quick airplane ride if necessary). Psychologically, Dan feels he wound heal better in our apartment. He needs some normalcy. If for some reason, something comes up that would necessitate staying in Northern California, however, we have enough wisdom to do what is best for Dan's health.
Today will hopefully provide some good news as to the collection of fluid in Dan's abdomen. He is currently drinking more contrast fluid for another CT. This one will be before 1 am! McGreeky is specifically checking to see of the small abcess has resolved or if there is anything else to "go after" in his abdomen. We are praying for only good results. No more setbacks!
Thank you for all the prayers and support you have given us. From cards to games to food (for me) to flowers (thanks, Mama!), your love is very apparent.
You will note that I am now including praises to the Lord. Many prayers have been answered. To God be the glory.
Prayer Requests:
* Clear, good results on the CT today
* Drying up of the pancreatic drains!!!
* Continued wound healing and start of wound vac
* Flexibility and understanding of the case managers and doctors in d/c planning
* Encouraging news
* Release from the hospital in time for me to begin school on February 1st
(We can be surrendered to God's timing and still hope and ask for expeditiousness)
Praises:
* Safe surgery despite its length
* Very excellent pathology report
* No VRE/MRSA in wound
* No increase in drainage last night
* Encouragement from family/friends
* A private room for me to stay with Dan (and a shower!)
* Compassionate nurses and excellent doctors
* The Great Physician is in control
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