We could really use the Prayer Warriors out there today...
Apparently, after Holly and I headed for home just after 10:30pm last night, Rob had another very bad episode, and was taken down to x-ray where they discovered his small intestine to be dangerously distended.
When Holly and I arrived this morning, he was in terrible shape, and they were awaiting a nasal gastric tube (NGT). This will automatically drain his stomach with the hopes that the small intestine can rest and decompress, and hopefully, start functioning again. After two unsuccessful attempts with the nursing staff, they called in a doctor to re-try the procedure, and Rob refused it. The doctor was very patient in explaining the consequences so that Rob, Holly, and I could understand. He showed us the "textbook case" x-ray, and that alone would have convinced us. He explained that in any surgery with the intestines, there is the chance of them shutting down and not waking back up. Unfortunately Rob fell into the 25 percent category this happens to. *sigh*
Rob finally agreed, and with almost the ease of buttering a slice of bread, the NGT was in place and draining at a remarkable pace! Praise the Lord!!! The nurses came back in, and his assigned RN stooped to Rob's eye level, and held his hand, thanking him for being so humble and kind. And as Holly said, "That's just who Rob is."
It's been about three hours since the tube was put in place, and he is resting very peacefully. Holly and I glance over every few minutes to see his chest rise and fall, being comforted that for now, he is doing very well. We have shed enough tears for this day already. If tears happen to flow again, we pray they are thankful and celebratory ones!
The doctors will do another x-ray in 2-3 days to check on the intestine, and we'll go from there. One day at a time.
Please pray for healing and for strength, for the intestines to resume the miraculous work they do, for all of the staff tending to him to be guided with wisdom and compassion, and for this wonderful gentle giant of ours to find his 'music' once again.
Thank you... ♥
In Peace and In Love,
Cheri ♥
ROCK ON, ROB! *** Finding Joys in the Quiet Whispers and the Deep Battle Cries of LIFE
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Day Two - Evening Update
Just a quick update for you wonderful, blessing-our-lives followers:
As always, your prayers are working miracles!
There was a fear of leakage, of having to undergo another surgery, of needing a stomach drain, fluctuating numbers... It was a very rough morning and afternoon in most every way. Rob slept most of the day and was letting his body work at repairing itself. We have to remember that Rob did not just have 'one' surgery -- It was actually five major surgeries combined into one. His body has been traumatized and is trying it's best to recover.
Around dinner time, he got a short burst of energy, asked to get up and walk, and walked further down the hall than he has so far. Rob's brother, Stu, his sister, Holly, and I watched in sheer delight, with tears of joy in our eyes! Since then, he has been sleeping quietly on and off, somehow becoming accustomed to the non-stop poking, prodding, draining, and monitoring. We discovered another angel nurse - Melanie. She really blessed us all day today!
Holly and I find ourselves checking to make sure we see the rise and fall of his chest as he rests in this darkened hospital room. We remain faithfully perched on the windowsill watching, listening, praying... from before sunup 'til well after sundown.
We are praying the quiet hours bring more and more healing to his body and mind, and that tomorrow brings so much more strength that the thought of undergoing more surgery fades into the shadows. Way into the shadows.
And on a lighter note, pray that when we leave tonight, I remember which deck we parked in, so that Holly and I don't have to go on another tour of the tunnels under Beaumont to get to the "other side." Without the help of a fine young lad named Ryan, I'm sure we would have arrived home much later than the midnight hour we did. :) I guess we're a little tired!
Thank you, in the deepest and most heartfelt way.
In Love and In Peace,
Cheri ♥
As always, your prayers are working miracles!
There was a fear of leakage, of having to undergo another surgery, of needing a stomach drain, fluctuating numbers... It was a very rough morning and afternoon in most every way. Rob slept most of the day and was letting his body work at repairing itself. We have to remember that Rob did not just have 'one' surgery -- It was actually five major surgeries combined into one. His body has been traumatized and is trying it's best to recover.
Around dinner time, he got a short burst of energy, asked to get up and walk, and walked further down the hall than he has so far. Rob's brother, Stu, his sister, Holly, and I watched in sheer delight, with tears of joy in our eyes! Since then, he has been sleeping quietly on and off, somehow becoming accustomed to the non-stop poking, prodding, draining, and monitoring. We discovered another angel nurse - Melanie. She really blessed us all day today!Holly and I find ourselves checking to make sure we see the rise and fall of his chest as he rests in this darkened hospital room. We remain faithfully perched on the windowsill watching, listening, praying... from before sunup 'til well after sundown.
We are praying the quiet hours bring more and more healing to his body and mind, and that tomorrow brings so much more strength that the thought of undergoing more surgery fades into the shadows. Way into the shadows.
And on a lighter note, pray that when we leave tonight, I remember which deck we parked in, so that Holly and I don't have to go on another tour of the tunnels under Beaumont to get to the "other side." Without the help of a fine young lad named Ryan, I'm sure we would have arrived home much later than the midnight hour we did. :) I guess we're a little tired!
Thank you, in the deepest and most heartfelt way.
In Love and In Peace,
Cheri ♥
Day Two...
Yesterday started out wonderfully, with happiness and hope dancing around the room with us! Such a shower of relief! Then the music gradually slowed down, to a stark halt, and we were letting the fear take over for a while. Just a little while. Comfort came with an angel of a nurse named Wendy, and from the love of a family friend who explained things the way we needed to hear them, so we could understand what was happening, and what to expect. The evening ended back with the music playing, and our calm and reaffirmed spirits in a much better place. The 15+ hours Holly and I were here at the hospital seemed to fly by.
And then began this morning. No music could be heard, only sounds that tear at your heart because you don't know how to help. There are MANY wonderful things happening (great vitals, no more high temp... YEAH!!!), but there are also things not happening that should. The team here is working to figure things out, and they just put in a call to the doctor - for help, for a plan of action.
So what we humbly ask, is that you send up a prayer to our Lord of Lords and King of Kings for wisdom for all the team of doctors, nurses, and specialists that are working with Rob - so they can get things back on the track we hope for. And for God's peace to continue to surround Rob, to heal him inside and out, to wipe away the pain, and let him hear the music again.
When we say "Thank you," I hope you can see in those words the thousands of other words and thoughts that are SO grateful for you, for your love, your prayers, and your support... physically, emotionally, spiritually, financially... When I try to find the words big enough to hold everything I feel, all I do is cry.
In Love and In Peace,
Cheri ♥
Friday, January 11, 2013
Day One... Recovery
The healing has begun, with all that surrounds that, too.
Just before Rob's sister, Holly, and I left the hospital last night, Rob spiked a high fever. The surgeon wasn't too alarmed, and they were able get it down. It went back up to 99.9 during the early morning hours, and remained there. But all other signs are doing great, and for that we are so thankful!
The nurses had Rob up for a short walk, and though very painful, he was really excited to have gotten up and done it! One of the aides referred to him as "flash" although I think he may have been displaying a bit of sarcasm! The point is, he did it. Yeah! Rob has the most amazing positive attitude for what he has just gone through, and I have to say that I am so blessed to have him in my life!
The anesthesia and numbing agents have all run their course, and the pain is intensifying, especially with each movement. But Rob is strong, and absolutely retaining his sense of humor, WITH EVERYONE!!! He just asked about getting more "pain kills." LOL!
He started a clear liquid diet this morning, and was able to tolerate some of it. But he has been most excited about the water! His voice is quite raspy from the air tube, and the oxygen was drying him out even more. But the oxygen was removed just a little while ago, and he's doing great without it. :)
Rob's surgeon is due in around noon today to go over our "future plan of action," and the ostomy nurses have their first session with us around 1pm.
So begins the new chapter in our lives, and I am really thankful for it, no matter what it entails. As long as it includes him.
In Peace and In Love,
Cheri ♥
Just before Rob's sister, Holly, and I left the hospital last night, Rob spiked a high fever. The surgeon wasn't too alarmed, and they were able get it down. It went back up to 99.9 during the early morning hours, and remained there. But all other signs are doing great, and for that we are so thankful!
The nurses had Rob up for a short walk, and though very painful, he was really excited to have gotten up and done it! One of the aides referred to him as "flash" although I think he may have been displaying a bit of sarcasm! The point is, he did it. Yeah! Rob has the most amazing positive attitude for what he has just gone through, and I have to say that I am so blessed to have him in my life!
The anesthesia and numbing agents have all run their course, and the pain is intensifying, especially with each movement. But Rob is strong, and absolutely retaining his sense of humor, WITH EVERYONE!!! He just asked about getting more "pain kills." LOL!
He started a clear liquid diet this morning, and was able to tolerate some of it. But he has been most excited about the water! His voice is quite raspy from the air tube, and the oxygen was drying him out even more. But the oxygen was removed just a little while ago, and he's doing great without it. :)
Rob's surgeon is due in around noon today to go over our "future plan of action," and the ostomy nurses have their first session with us around 1pm.
So begins the new chapter in our lives, and I am really thankful for it, no matter what it entails. As long as it includes him.
In Peace and In Love,
Cheri ♥
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Surgery Update, 2:40pm
I will start with a heartfelt "Thank you" for the prayers that were lifting Rob and his surgical team today... and we, his family.
The surgery lasted about 6-1/2 hours, and Rob did very well! They are finishing up the dressings and will transfer him to recover for a couple of hours, then to his room -- where we will be able to see him. He lost some blood, but not enough for a transfusion (though they may give him a pint in the recovery area). From a visual standpoint, Rob's surgeon said things looked good, and he's hoping that if there was cancer still in there, they took it all out today. We will probably be home before the pathology report comes back, but we will stand firm in the arena of positive thoughts.
Holly (Rob's sister) is my angel today. She stayed by my side, cried with me, held my hand, we shared laughter and smiles. Rob's brother Stu helped hold us all strong this morning, and his Uncle Eddie helped soothe some time in the late morning. I am so thankful to be surrounded by so many lovely people who bless my life tremendously.
In many of life's situations, people often say they want to help others but don't know what to do. Sometimes, you just need to be there to hold a hand. As in the book of Job, as he wept in despair, his friends sat with him silently, which spoke volumes to his heart. I continue to receive volumes of love in this precious life.
I was given strict orders from the surgeon to take time these next few days to get rest, because once Rob is able to come home, my work will begin. But really, it won't be work. It will be my privilege to be able to have him here to take care of. I just want to see him and touch him again, and make sure he's okay.
Thank you, thank you.... the words are just not enough. I wish you could see and feel the love I am filled with from your prayers for Rob, and for all of us who love him.
I'll update as I'm able to.
In Peace and In Love,
Cheri ♥
The surgery lasted about 6-1/2 hours, and Rob did very well! They are finishing up the dressings and will transfer him to recover for a couple of hours, then to his room -- where we will be able to see him. He lost some blood, but not enough for a transfusion (though they may give him a pint in the recovery area). From a visual standpoint, Rob's surgeon said things looked good, and he's hoping that if there was cancer still in there, they took it all out today. We will probably be home before the pathology report comes back, but we will stand firm in the arena of positive thoughts.
Holly (Rob's sister) is my angel today. She stayed by my side, cried with me, held my hand, we shared laughter and smiles. Rob's brother Stu helped hold us all strong this morning, and his Uncle Eddie helped soothe some time in the late morning. I am so thankful to be surrounded by so many lovely people who bless my life tremendously.
In many of life's situations, people often say they want to help others but don't know what to do. Sometimes, you just need to be there to hold a hand. As in the book of Job, as he wept in despair, his friends sat with him silently, which spoke volumes to his heart. I continue to receive volumes of love in this precious life.
I was given strict orders from the surgeon to take time these next few days to get rest, because once Rob is able to come home, my work will begin. But really, it won't be work. It will be my privilege to be able to have him here to take care of. I just want to see him and touch him again, and make sure he's okay.
Thank you, thank you.... the words are just not enough. I wish you could see and feel the love I am filled with from your prayers for Rob, and for all of us who love him.
I'll update as I'm able to.
In Peace and In Love,
Cheri ♥
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
It's Time...
The days have gone from "are they going to pass fast enough for us" to "we're not ready yet" in a matter of hours.
The surgery will be tomorrow morning, Thursday January 10th, at 7:45am. It is expected to last until between 1pm and 3pm, and Rob is sure to be in the ICU for at least a couple of hours. I am hoping we'll be able to see him by dinner time. I will post updates as I'm able to so you can continue to lift Rob in prayer for quick and complete healing. The surgeon tells us we should have the pathology report before Rob gets out of the hospital, in about 7-10 days.
Rob is handling things very well, is at peace with all that's about to come, and is comforted by the love of Christ that is shining so brightly from all of you. I don't know what shape he'd be in without that.
This post is going to be short and sweet tonight, as Rob and I need time. Time to say all the things we want to say, even things we don't. Time to just hold each other, and tell each other everything will be okay. Time to just be... us. Time. It's so precious, sometimes so wasted, but at this moment in it, it's everything to us.
Thank you in advance for your continuing prayers throughout the day tomorrow, and in the days and weeks to come. You are all so loved and so appreciated, that I don't even know how to thank you. But I do, completely and totally, always and forever.
Goodnight to all.
In Peace and In Love,
Cheri (and Rob)
The surgery will be tomorrow morning, Thursday January 10th, at 7:45am. It is expected to last until between 1pm and 3pm, and Rob is sure to be in the ICU for at least a couple of hours. I am hoping we'll be able to see him by dinner time. I will post updates as I'm able to so you can continue to lift Rob in prayer for quick and complete healing. The surgeon tells us we should have the pathology report before Rob gets out of the hospital, in about 7-10 days.Rob is handling things very well, is at peace with all that's about to come, and is comforted by the love of Christ that is shining so brightly from all of you. I don't know what shape he'd be in without that.
This post is going to be short and sweet tonight, as Rob and I need time. Time to say all the things we want to say, even things we don't. Time to just hold each other, and tell each other everything will be okay. Time to just be... us. Time. It's so precious, sometimes so wasted, but at this moment in it, it's everything to us.
Thank you in advance for your continuing prayers throughout the day tomorrow, and in the days and weeks to come. You are all so loved and so appreciated, that I don't even know how to thank you. But I do, completely and totally, always and forever.Goodnight to all.
In Peace and In Love,
Cheri (and Rob)
Monday, January 7, 2013
Friends, Lifesavers, and Always... Peace
We were blessed to spend the evening with a beautiful family of friends last night, to share a meal, laughter, and love. It was a much needed distraction from the heaviness that surrounds us lately, and we were so thankful for the time. (Tom, Sylvia, Aleksander, Danielle, and KiKi... from the bottom of our hearts, "Thank You!")
We are savoring each moment, talking of things we never thought we'd be talking about, and saying so much to each other with just a glance or a light touch. Hundreds of words in an instant. Amazing.
The love and prayers and support from our friends and family have been something so awesome to experience. In the quiet alone times when the tears just seem to form without warning, they are quickly, miraculously, dried away, and instead of being washed in anquish, we are washed in peace.
We'll let you know the time of the surgery as soon as we find out... most likely on Wednesday. And I will keep you posted on the surgery and recovery thereafter.
Three days. An eternity and an instant.
In Love and In Peace,
Cheri (and Rob) ♥
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