A long time between posts

Sorry all, I had no computer at the hospital today...so you had to wait awhile for the update.

Your waiting has paid off...it is good news.

I was awakened at 2 am this morning to a phone call from my sister-in-law who was staying with Andy last night. Andy was heading down for an emergency CT scan. (remember...I have good news) This was because the nurse called Andy's Dr. and said he was not moving his right side as well as he had been previously. The Doc ordered the scan. 25 min later Elizabeth called again...the scan was fine. 15 min. later she called again...well they might have seen some blood, but it could just be seepage (such a gross word) from the surgical site...nothing to worry about. The Dr. will see him in the morning. I asked if Andy wanted me to come in...he said no. I tried to sleep...I got up a little after 5 and was at the hospital a little after 6. I got home 10 min ago.

OK, back to Andy. He has minimal pain, although his shoulder hurts...we, meaning the medical staff and his Dr., have no idea why, but they are watching it. He sat up and ate his breakfast WITH HIS RIGHT HAND (praise GOD!). Is he eating well? you ask. Well for breakfast he had a cheese omelet, 2 buttermilk pancakes, home fries and a fruit cup. Plus 2 cups of coffee and 2 glasses of juice....I think he is eating just fine.

He walked laps around the nurses station today as well as got up and sat in a chair for some time. He took 2 really good naps and says he feels really good, for having someone root around in his brain.

We saw the Doc today. We really like him. He said he didn't expect Andy's limited ability to talk and use of his right side, but he is not alarmed by it. He gave some very long technical jargon which ended in syndrome, and said many brain surgery patients get it. Andy will heal completely, it just might take up to 2-3 weeks. He said he was sure Andy would have perfect speech by the time he took the staples out. 10 -14 days after surgery. (yet, he is a man, and not God, so we will be patient and see.) The important thing to remember is Andy is speaking...even if he is frustrated and it is limited, and he is moving his right side...even though it is difficult. Both functions are improving each day. Andy said 10-12 SENTENCES today (in response to the nurse offering scrub pants, Andy said "my wife has basketball shorts in the car for me."), plus 1-2 word answers. I have asked him to use yes and no instead of shaking his head and he is using his right arm on his own without being asked. The Dr. said he is going to have to work, sometimes hard, to help the brain get back on track.

PRAISE GOD for all the good news.

Thank you for your continued prayer. Please keep it up. Pray for Andy's frustration level, that his motor and speech skills would continue to improve. That I would not annoy the heck out of him trying to get info out of him. For all of our rest. For what it will look like when we come home. And anything else you can think of.

Thank you for all of your comments. I have read them all. They are so encouraging. To all who have gone through this before...I praise God for you and thank Him for your words of encouragement and wisdom.

I told Andy this morning, one day we will be the ones who visit someone else in a sticky spot...when we do, we will remind them of all the things you all are reminding us. I thank God for you and your prayers...we could not get through this with out the love of family, friends, brothers and sisters in Christ, prayers and most importantly our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

He is Risen!