Home sweet home!

So this first part was supposed to go out Saturday, but somehow we got busy and it never happened! Sorry!!

Stats from Saturday's bloodwork:

White blood cell count is normal!!!! Not just within normal range, but normal! Amazing! Hemoglobin is 9.9 (virtually normal) and has been there since they "filled his tank" last Sunday night after surgery.

Dr. Shires also had a chance to look at the CT and says it looked "remarkably good"; showed small flat pancake of fluid where hematoma had been, but still says he has to wear binder for the next 3 weeks. He can take it off to shower but cannot bend or twist while it is off so, poor baby, I have to continue to bathe him. I know he's sad about that! haha

Now, Monday's update:

We are home again!!!! Ron was discharged yesterday afternoon. First thing we did was get Ron a glass of juice!!! Yes, it's official....he has begun the eating process (well, drinking for now). The look on his face was priceless! AND, last night we ALL sat down together as a family for dinner; Ron enjoyed a bowl of chicken broth and a glass of peach tea!! Praise GOD! We all had tears in our eyes and praise on our lips that this long-awaited day had finally come! It's amazing to realize the things many of us take for granted are monumental blessings to others.

He will go back to Presbyterian in 7-10 days for Interventional Radiology at which time they hope to remove g-tube; as long as eating process goes well. He will remain on TPN for a while to ensure he receives proper nutrition (since he will be eating such small amounts and his body has to basically relearn what to do with food)

Please pray:

Ron's body will begin to absorb food in a normal way
that his entire gastro-intestinal system will continue to heal
vitals will continue to be stable
there will be no diabetes issues (not sure how functional remaining pancreas will be)
for rest
for smooth adjustment to being home

I'm sure there is more, but I've been very busy since we arrived home so I'm headed for a nap!

Much love,
Christie

Streams In the Desert

"By faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope" Gal 5:5

Waiting with hope is very difficult; but true patience is expressed when we must wait even for hope. When we see no hint of success yet refuse to despair...when we have an empty place in our heart yet will not allow it to be filled with anything less than God's best.

Dear Lord, You have taught us that Your will should be accepted, simply because it IS Your will. You have revealed to us that a person may see nothing but sorrow in his cup yet still be willing to drink it because of a conviction that Your eyes see further than his own. ...Father, give me Your divine power...Give me the strength to wait for hope...Even when my joy is gone, give me the strength to stand victoriously in the darkest night and say, "To my heavenly Father, the sun still shines."

I will have reached the point of greatest strength once I have learned to wait for hope. George Matheson