WHERE IN THE WORLD IS TIN MAN

STILL AT BAPTIST HOSPITAL!! The last 5 weeks have been hard work for Ken. I have to get back to updating you more often - it would be much easier for me - so much happens I don't know where to start. Ken has worked hard in rehab. I hope to get some pictures posted soon. There were a couple of weeks we wondered if the insurance was going to let him stay in rehab where he was. Their answer was yes - but at this time he is back on the fifth floor dealing with a small setback.

Ken did not feel good last week. It was different than just being tired from three hours of PT and OT everyday and dialysis on top of that M-W-F. The doctor ordered a chest x-ray to see if pneumonia was in the picture - not the culprit. He had an echo on Thursday which lead to a heart biopsy on Friday morning which lead to a floor change so he could be treated for rejection. YES, after all this time - but that is not unusual. We were told it was one of those "good news -bad news" type finds. Bad news "rejection" but they are treating that with increased steroids. Good news "Ken's body is getting stronger". Strange isn't it? I'll try to explain.

I continue to find out more and more just how sick Ken has been since February 22nd. The fact that his body now recognizes something different shows that he is getting better. He was so sick that his body didn't know to fight before. UNBELIEVABLE - I am still so amazed at God's creation. The full results of the biopsy will not be known until tomorrow. Those results will determine how long this course of treatment will last. Tonight he will receive his third IV. It is possible that could be all that is needed or he may require seven more days. Yesterday he received a unit of blood as well, so he should be a little perkier today.

Ken and I have both been a little discouraged - he has been making such great progress and getting closer to coming home. It remains to be seen what this will do to his physical rehabbing but also where that rehabbing will take place (don't know it rehab and the insurance will allow him to go back). We have continued to see God working out details and we know He will take care of the steps ahead. At times you just grow weary - in all areas - MIND, BODY, SPIRIT. One very important life lesson I have been learning through all this -God is in the present and that is where I can find Him. When I try to focus further down the road that is when I become anxious and fearful. Jesus calls me to the present, where He is, then He will walk with me down that road and through the unknown.

This coming Thursday is Thanksgiving and we have so much to be thankful for. The 12th of November, Ken celebrated another birthday, and it is only by the GRACE OF GOD we were able to put another candle on the cake. We are thankful for the many physicians, nurses, techs and therapists who have used their gifts to get Ken to this point. Their hard work and encouragement in both words and deeds have been tremendous. Our family - Ken, Bert, Hannah, Josh, Melanie and Jack are so very thankful to all of you who have held us up from the very beginning of this journey.

WE ARE SO BLESSED AND SO HUMBLED BY THE GENEROUS OUTPOURING OF YOUR LOVE IN SO MANY WAYS.