O.R. UPDATE

According to the plastic surgeon they were able to accomplish what they went in to do. Both areas worked on did not have any evidence of infection - that was a huge plus. Ken had to be given blood but in part because he was already on the low side. He was in quite a bit of pain upon returning to the room and I have a feeling he may be for several days. A lot was moved and shifted inside. In the larger picture I really believe this will be a definite boost to his continued healing. Just the stabilizing of the sternum will be a big relief. We had already talked several times about how he felt when he was rolled from side to side and brought to an almost sitting position. Ken said it was as if everything was popping and coming loose - very unnerving for him. The surgeon made the comment today that Ken was not healing very fast from what he saw. I truly hope this is the only day of surprises this week - they wear me out more than working in the yard all day. Good night and have a Great Tuesday!!!

BACK IN O.R.

As I have said and said and said.........Things can change before you even turn around. The plastic surgeon examined the opened chest area this morning and it was decided to go ahead and take care of it in the O.R. There were some cancellations in surgery that opened up a room so all systems were go. The plan as I KNOW IT NOW is cleaning out, making sure no infection is present, stabilizing the area with a metal plate or muscle flap and closing it up. They are also going to look at the area in his groin to see what shape it is in and the best course of action to get it closed as well. Should be about a two to three hour procedure. I will update later.

HOW MANY TICKETS FOR THE FERRIS-WHEEL

I had several people ask if everything was okay - it's been several days since I updated and they were worried. I know you must get tired of reading "I can't believe it is.....(date)", but here it goes again; April 26th - YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING!! We have now past the two month mark since the transplant. Ken has made a lot of progress, but "our tour in Baltimore" still has some time left. When I stop and think about Ken's progress; he has not had his feet on the floor, sat up on the edge of the bed, lifted his arms or legs on his own, been able to eat, drink or write, and he has not been able to talk without the use of a speaking valve. However; the fact that he is lying in his bed awake, able to communicate and still has a sense of humor is a MIRACLE.

I got tickled yesterday when one of the transplant nurses said we were off the roller coaster and had now moved onto the merry-go-round. I told her I was ready for the SLIDE - right back to Franklin.

It has been a good week in spite of its ups and downs. Ken's blood pressure continues to be an issue at times, but thankfully at this moment he is off all IVs to keep it up. The nurses have been able to remove fluid most of the week even though it remains such a numbers game when fluid is continually added through IVs. Last weekend and the first few days of this week, there seemed to be the possibility of another infection brewing. All the cultures came back negative so there was a little uncertainty regarding some of the signs he was displaying. The tube feedings were restarted and it appeared by looking at the contents in the drainage tubes the result of the thoracic duct surgery was still in question. The contents still look suspect but the feedings continue and there does not seem to be concern. In the bottom part of his chest incision an area opened up earlier this week, leaving a hole that was sucking in air. According to the report I got, the plastic surgeon would take Ken to the O.R. this next week and close it up. This morning the area became larger and it was uncertain if he would go to surgery sooner. The surgeon instead placed a wound vac with the hope fluid will be suctioned out and the area will be allowed to heal from the inside out. Upon arriving at the hospital yesterday his nurse informed me, outside of Ken's room, the latest chest x-ray showed he had a collapsed lung. It did cause some difficulty the first time they put him on the trach collar but he has been able to tolerate a few short periods of time since.

There have been times this week I asked God how much longer. I walked out of Ken's room and saw, in the bed next door, a man who has been there since November. I also felt sorry for myself this week, wondering how many more things could go wrong. Mr. Burroughs came to my mind and the realization hit - I still have the opportunity to return to Tennessee with Ken and celebrate our 32nd wedding anniversary. Looks like God provided that ferris-wheel ride, because He loves me, so I could get a better perspective on things.

I was reminded by a friend tonight that we do not always need a list to pray from because God knows what is needed already. Then I read, "But if we look forward to something we don't yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently. And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don't know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God's own will. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." Romans 8:25-28

Thank you for faithfully continuing to pray and support us. I pray you have a blessed Sunday with your loved ones.

NEVER RELY ON LAST NIGHTS FORCAST

I sometimes wonder how in one day a person can have so many different emotions. Yesterday I decided you can compare it with the weather. Have you ever heard the saying, 'if you don't like the weather just wait fifteen minutes'? The summer after Ken 's heart attack he rode his Harley to Texas. He did not plan to ride it back to Tennessee, so the kids and I drove out several days later, pulling a trailer. We met up with him in Abilene for the first family reunion. When it was time to head out for Lubbock, about 145 miles away with wide open space, Ken talked me into riding with him on the bike. Josh drove and pulled the trailer so he and Hannah headed on out. At the time I crawled on the back of the bike, the temperature was 103 degrees. As we moved on down the road we ran into a rain storm. So now I am wet and not quite as hot; however, before we reached Lubbock we hit a dirt storm. The wind was blowing so hard it was all Ken could do to keep the bike up. When we arrived at our final destination I was COLD, WET, and GRITTY. Ken considered it all part of a great adventure. Let's just say, I am what you would call a 'Fair Weather Rider'.

There are times I feel like I'm living in the middle of a weather forecast. Today will be sunny and bright out - or a least that's what it was when I went to bed the night before. BUT, when I walk in the hospital I find I'm not dressed right - it's partly sunny with intermittent showers. Friday, Ken had experienced some progress and things were looking up so I went to bed thinking that Saturday was going to hold even more progress. When I got to Ken's room I ran smack dab into a huge rain cloud. My heart was so heavy. (Before I left the apartment I forgot to check with the ONE who had the true forecast.) The doctors had to put him back on two IV drips for his blood pressure and he was back on the ventilator. He barely opened his eyes all day. When the doctor changed his IV location, it took a long time for the old site to quit bleeding. Every time he released pressure I could hear him say this isn't good. I knelt at the head of Ken's bed, trying to keep HIM calm and relaxed, while my mind was full of WHAT NEXT. Platelets were given and he had to be given a unit of blood.

Yesterday when it was sunny it was VERY SUNNY. A couple from our Sunday school class was in the DC area and drove here to see us. The Lord knew I needed lots of hugs this week and He provided. As I stood looking out the window I heard Gregg's voice behind me and then there were hugs. Robyn gives the best hugs. BLESSING - WHAT A BLESSING. I woke Ken up and I know he was glad to see them. He loves to talk to Gregg about business and he loves to pick on Robyn. I just wish it had been a better day for him. He was able to stay awake for maybe five minutes. It was so nice to enjoy being in the sunshine as we walked and then ate lunch in the outside seating area of the restaurant. Seeing someone from home almost gives you a sense of normality.

I continue to enjoy Sharon being here. For those of you who know her - you can't help but feel better when she is around. Just being around someone who has known you for 39 years brings a level of comfort that I was truly in need of. She understands what I am going through better than anyone else I know. After years of living with her husbands illness, he passed away last year while waiting for a kidney transplant.

One of the devotions I read this week had to do with being called to a life of Thankfulness.

I want all your moments to be punctuated with thanksgiving. The basis for your gratitude is My sovereignty. I am the Creator and Controller of the universe. Heaven and earth are filled with My glorious Presence.

When you criticize or complain, you are acting as if you think you could run the world better than I do. From your limited human perspective, it may look as if I'm mismanaging things. But you don't know what I know or see what I see. If I pulled back the curtain to allow you to view heavenly realms, you would understand much more. However, I have designed you to walk by faith, not by sight. I lovingly shield you from knowing the future or seeing into the spirit world. Acknowledge my sovereignty by giving thanks in all circumstances.

Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

This week would you pray for me that I continue to have the faith to accept God's plan and to be thankful for each moment of the day. 1) Please pray that Ken's body would grow stronger and that there will be no sign of any infection. 2) He would be able to breath without the assistance of the ventilator. 3) The wounds on his body would heal without complications. 4) His blood pressure would stay up so the IVs can be discontinued. 5) The function of his kidney's would be protected and return . 6) His body would tolerate the removal of fluid. 7) My visit with Sharon would continue to minister to my body, heart and soul. If you are one of the many who worry about me eating right - she cooks 'real good' with the groceries she had to help carry from the store. 8) A safe trip for her as she goes back to Texas on Wednesday.

THE HEALING POWER IN SEEING A FRIEND

HAPPY FRIDAY TO YOU!!!!! I can hardly believe it. The occupational therapist was asking Ken if he knew what day it was this morning. He replied "Thursday" (I was cheering inside - he got it right) and then she said it was "Friday" --Ohhhhhhhh, I got it wrong too. Where did that other day go. Visitors coming in the middle of the week must have thrown us off -- that's OK, we'll take the VISITORS ANY DAY!!!!! Larry left last night and it was not easy to see him head off. Sharon has already learned about buying groceries without a car - I wasted no time in putting her legs to work. Go ahead and pray for her since she doesn't leave until Wednesday morning.

Today has been a day of exciting news!! Ken has been on the trach collar since 8:30 this morning. He is getting tired and we are not using the speaking valve since that uses so much oxygen and energy. He was up in the chair for a couple of hours this afternoon and was definitely wanting back in bed - I think in part the chair is not as comfortable. His body is definitely a little bony in places without so much fluid being on board. There was a little bit of a problem with his blood pressure for awhile but it eventually leveled out.

The tube feedings were started back up this morning and the IV nourishment has been stopped. That means less fluid going in and less having to come off later. It looks like all of the chest tubes may be coming out tomorrow which will be great in so many ways. They are hoping that if numbers stay up the dialysis will only have to be done every other day or at least not on a continuous basis.The doctors are all so pleased with his progress today. Smiles all around and I think some were even doing a little dance (inside) - I know I was!!

Ken is tired for sure but his spirits and will power seem a little stronger today. He definitely enjoyed Larry being here. Today he was wanting Sharon to tell him some stories and she said she would and could put him to sleep and she did. Nothing like a visit from a friend!!!!

We just ask you to pray for 1) A restful and calm weekend for Ken. 2) He will continue to get stronger with his breathing. 3) Infections will be a STRANGER to his body. 4) PRAISE - the third biopsy was negative for rejection. 5) Wounds he has will heal quickly. 6) Protection for Sharon and I as we walk the streets - the weather is gorgeous!!

After all these weeks, it is still hard to express just how thankful I am for everything you all do. People ask me if we need anything or what my needs are - NEED only prayer. Everything else you do is icing on the cake. All of the cards, care packages and love offerings bring smiles, laughs, joy and even tears of gratitude. THANK YOU - as always from the bottom of my HEART!!!