Sunday, April 12, 2009

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!

22 comments:

Justin said...

It does my heart good to hear of my boy eating in such a hardy fashion. One thing Andy and I love is Christ and food. Praise God.
He is Risen indeed.

Beck said...

Oh Cari. I don't know you at all but have been reading through all the archives of your blog after being led here today by the friend of a friend. I have cried, I have prayed, and I have been led back to the Lord again and again.

I have about a thousand words to say but instead of doing that, I will pray mightily for you and Andy. Specifically I am praying for complete healing for Andy and that he would surprise you and all his doctors & nurses with his quick improvement - that he would be fully back to his old self by the time your son is born.

I am praying against anxiety for you - that our God would continue to hold you by your hand (think of how precious Caden's chubby little hand is to you - and how yours must be much more so to the Lord) and lead you onward in trust.

I am praying that we would all claim the truth of Messiah's death & resurrection - that the last enemy to be destroyed is death- and that has been accomplished by His work on the cross. We are more than conquerors- over seizures, over brain tumors, over pregnancy hormones (hey, those are so hard), over our fears that cripple us...you get my drift.

Thank you for being an excellent writer -for opening your heart to someone like me who has never met you but loves you, loves you for being my faithful sister in Christ.

I will call on so many others to pray for you, and I will count it a blessing to do so.

Anonymous said...

Wow is all I can say. Praying for quick recovery for Andy and peace of mind for you.
And if your wondering, I came here from Kelly's korner and spent about 2 hours (prob more) reading your story. What a crazy beautiful world we live in. Your inspirational =)

LinMarie

Jill said...

WOW! Awesome news! Keep up the great work Andy!

Anonymous said...

Cari,
Praying in Chicagoland for you... I found you from Kelly's Korner... my heart just broke as I read your story.

Our God is Mighty to Save... oh, the mountains I have seem Him move!!!

Praying for you tonight to get a great night's sleep and for your husband to greet you warmly and naturally in the morning. I pray for a quick healing for him so you can both turn your focus to your new little guy...

-Julie

Julie : ) said...

Your updates have been so helpful during this weekend - thanks for sharing so much info with us. I'm glad you had an encouraging day. Will be praying that each day you see more and more improvement. Sherwin being the eternal optimist says it's a nice thing andy doesn't have to change his hairstyle...you can share that with andy in a few weeks when it might be funnier...(rolling my eyes). I love you. Hugs for tonight. hope you are sleeping right now...

Melissa: The Goldilocks of the Bear Den...and the Momma! said...

Hi- I am Brandon's Mom...Melissa...Brandon is my son who will be turning one soon. I keep a blog for him for my friends and family. I also read a lot of blogs and have been following yours for a bit. Just know you are in my thoughts and prayers. I told my family here in Minnesota about your story and your amazing strength and they said you will be in their prayers. One thing I have learned about blogging is that even if you don't know someone you can easily meet them through these blogs and become friends. I know you have lots of friends and family and supporters near by- but you have many that are out in the blogging world that care about you and Andy and Rigg as well and are here for you and will continue to keep you in their prayers and support you. You are ONE strong woman! I ADMIRE YOU SO MUCH! God bless you!

CinderellaMommy said...

Keeping you in our prayers!

SW WI MOMMY

Anonymous said...

I do not know you, but you are in my prayers. Your family has been placed on my heart, and I have faith the Lord will spread his angels wings out to protect all 3 of you. I came from Kelly's Korner also. Blessings to you!
-W from Texas

Lacy said...

Wow!!! What great news...I bet that helped your Easter to be a little brighter. Amen to the praises. I will continue for speedy recovery for Andy and the requests you have listed. You continue to keep your chin up and rest.

Charity said...

Still praying for you and your husband. I'm glad to hear all of the good news!

The Pink Owl said...

I am a new reader to your blog and wanted to let you know that I am praying for you and your husband. So glad that he is doing better! Love your blog!

Psalm112 said...

Praise the Lord...can't wait to hear of more improvements!! Again, let us know if you ever need to talk...

Amber Schmidt said...

Praise God!!!!!!! His mercies are new every morning. So glad to read the wonderful updates!

Meredith said...

Great news! We will continue to pray for you.

JAEL said...

If Christ death taught us nothing else, it has shown us what true faith looks like. Reading this blog, Cari...the faith you are able to express in this delicate and stressful time is so inspiring. Faith as small as a mustard seed...you have shown me what it looks like when it starts to mature. I will keep praying for you and ANDY. In the bible most where healed by their faith and the faith of others around. You stay strong, and what God change things.

JJ from the VIC

Jill said...

The Lord led me to pray Psalm 121 over y'all at night. Praise God for the answered prayers and for more to come!

Bethany said...

I'm so glad he's beginning to do better. We will continue to pray for you all. Thanks for keeping up with your blog. It is helps to be able to pray specific requests and know that others are doing the same. Praise Him! We serve a risen Savior.

Krista said...

I realize this is a day late, but, He has risen indeed!!!

My cousin went through a similar procedure and is now doing great! Sometimes it is a long road, but you have God and so many others on your side!

Still praying for Andy, as well as you & baby Rigg!

Blessings, prayers, and much love from Seattle, WA,
~Krista Lynn

Boothbloggers said...

Yay!! I am so excited and grateful to God for Andy's quick progress! That is amazing! I can't believe he is walking already!! Praise God! Will continue to pray for you guys! :)

Edith Drew said...

Wonderful news Cari!! Jennie passed along the news.. we have been praying ever since.

David and Emily McKay said...

I will be praying for you. I am 8 months pregnant and I lost my husband on 3/1/09 to non-hodgkins lymphoma after a 6 day (totally unexpected) battle. I will be praying that your answer to prayers is different than ours.