Dear Family and Friends, August 18, 2011
Blessed be the name of the Lord! Today we are writing from the apartment we are renting just a few blocks away from UCSF. Colby seemed to be doing so well that he was able to leave the hospital today, just 2 days after his craniotomy! Though it is one day earlier than expected, his swelling and pain are both controlled, he is able to eat without problems and walked a few laps of the hospital ward without getting dizzy or weak. The comforts of the apartment without routine neurological checks, vital signs, and construction across the hall from his hospital room have allowed him to get uninterrupted sleep all afternoon long. True to the warnings given by the nurses and neurosurgery team, Colby is tired. (Though when alert he has already been checking up on Husker stats!) We anticipate that he will need to sleep 12-18 hours per day over the next few weeks to give his brain some rest. We were also told that the next 1-2 days are usually more difficult with regards to swelling and pain in the temporalis muscle. So far, however, Colby’s pain seems to be minimal.
Colby was able to have his repeat MRI late last night. It showed no concerning signs in terms of brain edema or bleeding. However, we will need to wait until our follow up in 2 weeks in order to have a better idea of what percentage of the tumor was resected, to review the final pathology results, and to discuss the next steps in Colby’s treatment plan. When Colby isn’t sleeping, we will try to get out and walk around to work on his conditioning. This Saturday we will be moving back to Emily’s aunt and uncles house in Danville, CA, where we will stay for the rest of our time in the Bay Area.
It will be unusual not to live a fast paced life filled with things to do, places to go, and tasks to complete. It will also be difficult for Jireh to continue making adjustments as we move from place to place. In addition, Colby is not allowed to carry her and will not be able to play with her as much with his need for rest and his lifting restrictions. As we take life one day at time, our prayer is that we will understand even more deeply these verses from Psalm 16: 5-9:
The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure.
PRAYER REQUESTS:
1. Colby’s recovery: Please pray that the time he gets to rest will allow his brain and body to heal. Pray that the aggressive surgery Colby had will truly make an impact in his overall prognosis. Please also pray that he is protected against any infection, seizures, or other possible post-operative complications.
2. Wisdom for Emily: It is easier to help someone when you know exactly how you can help. Now that we have “done” so much to get Colby help, pray for wisdom, patience, and grace for Emily in the weeks to come as she balances the role of caretaker, wife, mother, and follower of Christ.
3. Travel Safety: Colby’s sister and niece will be traveling back to Houston this weekend. Colby’s mom will stay with us here in the Bay area until next Tuesday.
Still in awe of God and the work He is doing in our lives,
Colby, Emily, and Jireh
No comments:
Post a Comment