Overdue Update!

Mornin'!

Sorry I didn't get a chance to update yesterday....it was a long day! I went down to Ron's room at 7AM so I could be there when they came to take him for CT scan, scheduled for 7:30 but it was after 9 before they came! AARRRGGGGHHHH!!! Hospital time! CT didn't take long; then he went to a "holding area" until Interventional Radiology was ready for him; which wasn't 'til 11. He was down there until around 2. They were able to remove his Central Line, replace PICC line, manipulate one of his drainage tubes, and have Wound Care do wound vac change. Everyone seemed pleased with results. The fistula (site of leak) must be a tiny pinprick; they were not able to see it as they injected contrast into the area but have evidence it's there...somewhere in the small intestines between the stomach and resection which is the shortest area, so that's good. The hematoma/clot continues to get considerably smaller (originally football-sized!, that's why he was having so much pressure on his diaphragm). The lower area has completely collapsed so they have pulled back (shortened) that tube to dry things out. They will continue to "take pictures" periodically and pull out slowly until they are sure it is totally gone, before removing.

Ron was very sore and groggy the rest of the day; only got up once for a walk before I left for the night.

They will not feed him again until everything has closed down/healed. So, looks like we're here 'til ????? Which is ok. We certainly don't want to go home until we know everything is in working order and they have progressed him from liquids up to a more normal diet! And we really don't want to go home with the wound vac. His spirits are good and he's working very hard towards regaining his strength. Up until yesterday, he was also working towards a more normal sleep routine, not sleeping 'til noon but with all the anesthetics yesterday, I wouldn't be surprised if it has set things off a bit!

Thanks for your continued prayer support, financial support, e-mails, texts and cards of encouragement...you are invaluable!

Love,
Christie

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work; If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-12