Sunday, November 16, 2008

Further update

Ok, first of all I want everyone to know that I got word that my aunts and uncles will be fine. A few of them have several broken bones but they will all be ok. GOD IS GOOD!!!!! Thank you for the prayers. Also, I just got back from being with Rob. The dr said that when they did the scope, they did not find any blockages. The gall stone is still there but it is not what's causing the problem. She feels that, again, it's from all the blood Rob has received and his liver is just trying to adjust to it. She said at this time there is no permanent damage to the liver, it's just slow. She also said they did a full body CT scan on him. He has no active bleeding. His head CT also showed no active bleeding or new spots and the swelling has decreased. She feels that of course they want to keep Rob medicated so he isn't having pain but that alot of that medicine along with the old sedation medicine is "sitting" in the liver making him more tired and sedated. She feels that once the liver kicks in and starts metabolizing all these meds out that we might start seeing Rob respond more. That's really good news. The dr's are so careful not to give false hope but at least she's being optimistic!! I showed Rob pictures of the girls and today it looked like he was looking back and forth at each of them in the picture. Every little thing counts!!!!

39 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dear Dena,

Please know that you are always in my prayers and thoughts! I am so pleased to hear that your relatives will be fine. Like you, I would be holding on to all positive aspects of Rob's recovery and looking at individual pictures appears to be a sign headed in the right direction! You are such a phenomenal woman, and I am so proud and honored to be your friend!

Love,
Michelle

Anonymous said...

So glad to know that your Aunts and Uncles are going to be okay. Also encouraged with todays news about Rob. I choose to believe that the nurse is correct about all the meds sitting in his liver and just needing some time to dissapate. Praying hard that this is the case. Praying, too, for you Dena and your Moms. Hang in there.

Carol Dzurenko

Rosie said...

SLOW AND STEADY! I agree once the liver kicks in things should start progressing for Rob. Positive results, sounds encouraging, keep your chin up.
SEE GOD IS GOOD, your relatives are ok, and no serious injuries, those they substained will heal in time.
Tears are good healing waters too, SO, don't forget IF you need to shed a few it's ok.
Will keep praying.
Rose

Anonymous said...

Dena,
I am not sure if you remember me, but my wife Colleen and I were guests on your boat with Tim and Kim Decker before you PCS'd from FRKS. I was sad to hear of Rob's injuries from Tim but know that he is strong and will fight back for what is most important in his life - his family. I will keep you and Rob in my prayers. Please let me know if there is anything that I can do to help.

Jason Woodward

Anonymous said...

Yes, every little thing does!! That is awesome! And knowing that his kidney is going to need some more time to filter properly makes it even more incredible that he is responding as much as he is...GOD IS GOOD! Once his kidney heals and allows the medicines to properly filter through, your Rob will be able to hit the recovery trail that much harder!

God knew you were getting another blow while you were down, and no worries your Ultimate Father came in and took the Devil head-on and took care-of you by taking care-of your extended family...and He is busily at work with Rob too!

Keeping strong in Him,
Karen and Craig

Paige Tyler said...

Hey Dena

I know I am continually amazed at the improvements Rob is making. From your first few posts until now have felt like an eternity, but truely it has not even been 3 weeks yet, and when I stop to think about it...it is truely amazing. Rob has been through so much and his progress sounds nothing short of a miracle! I still believe in them for sure!!

I was saddened to hear about your Aunts and Uncle...Thank God they will mend soon.

Keep your chin up!
XOXO
Paige

About The Caddo Tribe said...

I'm so glad that your uncles and aunts will be okay. We can never truly understand the plan God has for us. I'm glad that Rob's surgery went well. We will keep praying!

Shani and Mike Ginani

Maggie Goff said...

Good news for all. (smile) Everyone is still in my prayers.

Maggie Goff
Bisbee, Az

Anonymous said...

Dena: I just got off the phone with your mom - it sounds like your support system out there is just as awesome as the support system you have on this blog. We are so glad to hear of the continued progress Rob is making - the prayers keep coming.

Love,
Aunt Jo, Uncle Steve, Brooke & Ashley

Karen said...

Dear Dena,
Keep the faith! I'm so sorry to hear about your aunts and uncle... thank goodness it sounds like they will be okay. I will add them to my prayers.

We just got back from church and I lit a candle for Rob after mass. It is glowing brightly and will burn for several hours. I pray the hope and love it symbolizes finds it way to you tonight.

Karen M

Karen M

Anonymous said...

Dear Dena,

I just wanted to thank you for your daily blog and let you know that our prayers are with you! Your mom is one special lady and together you will ALL get through this with the help of the Lord! Please know that our prayers are with Rob, You, and your Entire Family! Let us know if we can help in any way!

Love,
Deb & Brad Lensch & Family
David City, NE

Anonymous said...

I checked in tonight and found 2 more updates since I began a long message early this morning on your Nov. 15th message,(called "Another Quick Update"). I did not send my 1st message until this evening, as I needed my daughter's help. Then I read your new Nov. 16th information. I was amazed to see that your aunts and uncles were in a car wreck also. I'm glad they are OK. ANYWAY, SINCE MY MESSAGE IS NOW TWO ENTRIES DOWN, I JUST WANT TO ENCOURAGE YOU TO READ IT AT THE BOTTOM OF THE NOV 15TH BLOGGING.
Your mom is right, all this is definitely not from God.

In Christ, 2nd LT Chad Lorenz's
Mom, MDL

P.S. I'm sorry that on that message I do have a couple of needed typo corrections.

Anonymous said...

Hi Dena! Its so good to hear that the dr. is optimistic. We will keep praying like crazy! Tell your mom that we miss her too. Love ya, Annaka, Aaron, Aizlynn and Amarae

Anonymous said...

Hugs from Arizona-
Dena, we are constantly sending positive energy and prayers your way. Sorry about your Aunts and Uncles, it is a reminder to us all to be careful out here, I am thankful they are okay.
It is encouraging and a good information about the liver; it's amazing how the body works and how differently we all process drugs.
Thanks for the updates.
Trisha

Anonymous said...

Dena,

We coninue to pray. I'm so glad to hear that your aunts and uncles are ok. God is good. I truly believe Rob will wake up completely. Again, keep your chin up. You are one of the toughest peaple I know. When this is, I started to say all over but we all know it will be an on going battle, so when everything stablizes, you should think about writing a book. We continue to pray for Rob, you, your girls, Barb,Jenn, Chris, Natalie, and Otto, and of course the rest of your family.

Love,

Colleen

Wendell said...

Dena, it sounds like great news and we have you all in our prayers!

Jonell, Casey and Cory and I drove to Kansas City to check on Wes and Jean and Doug and Jeanie' all is good with Wes, he has some head injury's but nothing serious. Doug walked away with no problems, Jeanie' has some soreness in the pelvis area and is in some pain but also will be fine. Jean is needing our prayers! She has two broken ribs, a broken collar bone and two cracked vertebrae's #2&3...She will have a halo placed in the morning and the healing process will begin for her! Wes and Jeanie' should be released from the hospital in the morning. Again, prayer is good!! All our love!!! And our Prayers!!
-Uncle Wendell

Anonymous said...

Dena, I read your updates every day! We are praying for you. So glad your aunts and uncles are doing well and yes, God is Good! I always keep Psalm 91 close to me. It might help you, too. Please hug, Rob, your Mom, Barb and your whole family from ALL the Willitses. I gave Jason the address to your blog, too. You have prayers nationwide! Love Carita and the Willits clan

Anonymous said...

Hi Dena,

Still checking your updates and praying for Rob (and you and the girls, too!). I put in another prayer request/update at our church this morning. Hope this is a better week for everyone!! Keep your head up!

Julie McGahey

Anonymous said...

Dear Dena,
Ryan and Nancy Kuhls forwarded your link to me, and I'm glad they did.

I just wanted to let you know that the thoughts and prayers of friends and colleagues of mine, many in the Washington, DC and in the Las Vegas area, are with you, Rob, and your family.

Richard Urey

Anonymous said...

Dena,

Today's events are more fantastic examples where God answers prayers.

After you read this, close your eyes and see if you can picture what your Uncle Doug said he visualized when he was praying for Rob and you today. God had placed so many angels in Rob's room that there wasn't room for even one more. Can't you just see all those angels surrounding, protecting and comforting Rob! Awesome!!!

Much love,
Aunt Joyce and Uncle Doug

Anonymous said...

Dena:
Sounds like another day with another step in the right direction. I hope that no matter how slow the recovery continues. I am also glad to hear the your aunte and uncle are ok. I do not know if you could handle more bad news now. You have enough on you mind at this time. May God Bless you and the rest of your family in this tough time.


Philip Davis

Anonymous said...

ALL great news.

Long-time RN said...

Thanks for updating. What a weekend for your family. It takes TIME for the body to restore from these multiple traumas. Prayers for continued healing,progress, and especially for Rob's liver function. Hang in there.

Liz said...

Gosh Dena, I would say you have enough plates for the entire state right now. I am happy to hear your family is ok. Bless their hearts.
And that is great news about the scope. I hope that his liver kick starts soon. Praying everyday.

Anonymous said...

Dena, im so glad your family is okay. Prayers were heared.have a nice day, and try to rest, hang in ...

Anonymous said...

Blessings to you Dena and your family:

My name is Jerry VanHoutan, I am your dad's oldest cousin. We use to raise turkeys in Missouri but now I live in Michigan. Not that is makes any difference but sometimes it helps to a face on things. Anyway we are praying for yall too. I have been part of a mens prayer group now for over twenty years ( that's a mirical right there, that men would maintain a prayer group twenty years) but God has blessed our group so much with answered prayers that we lift up to Him. He is so faithfull, so good, so wonderfull. But that's not why I am posting. Last Sunday 11/9/08 in church during praise and worship I felt the Spirit of God impress upon me a Word about Rob. I quickly wrote it down, not knowing for sure if it was for me just to pray about or to send to you. After reading todays 11/17/08 posts, I felt I am to send it to you..."Rob you are in the Army of the United States of America and you have tesified (by your conduct) on that armys behalf...A Good Testimony...not only to your men but especially to others even your enemies. Now you are being Promoted in God's Army. Your testimony Sure and True, Tested by Fire and Not Found Wanting! YOU ARE ONE OF GODS FAVORITES. He Loves your Heart, and because of your heart towards others God will Supernaturally Bless You and use you in your New Promotion and Testimony of The Promises and Goodness and Faithfullness of God!! " HOO RA!

Well that's it. I pray it is a blessing to you and Rob. Remember "God watches over his Word to Preform It" So every word spoken out of our mouth in prayer that lines up with His divine plan and purpose and his WORD, ...HE IS WATCHING OVER AND PERFORMING IT, BRINGING IT INTO THE NATURAL REALM. All because Christ LIVES in us and it pleases Him to give to us the Keys to the Kingdom.

Your cousin In Christ Jerry VH

Anonymous said...

Dena,

Keeping Rob in my thoughts and prayers...

-Carrie

Unknown said...

Dear Dena,

I cannot possibly know what you are going through - but I do know who holds today & all the tomorrows. GOD WILL see you through these difficult days. I have had times in my own life recently that I felt I just couldn't deal with anything else, BUT each & every trial that came my way - GOD saw me through & I know He will do the same for you & Rob & the rest of your family.

Take care of yourself. You, Rob & your entire family are in my daily prayers.

Love & prayers,
Kathy Creed
(mom of Sgt Bryan Creed, B Troop, 6/4 Cav) -

Anonymous said...

Dena...everything does count! And, oh my goodness miracles are around every little corner when we look for them! We can daily look at the immediate and get overwhelmed or we can daily look ahead at all the possibilites, the hope of what is to come and be at peace!
I will continue praying that his liver adjusts quickly along with the healing of his whole body ...
Pretty soon, Rob will have the energy to sit up and give you a GREAT BIG SMOOCH!!
xoxoxoLove you, Aunt Nancy

The Morrow Family said...

Dena, how great is our God. He is definitely watching over you and your family. We continue to pray that Rob will recover and that you and your girls can be with him on a daily basis. God will be there in all circumstances and I just know that Rob will persevere through all of this.

Unknown said...

Dena,
So glad to hear about your Aunts and Uncles, God is watching over them too. Now we shall focus positive thought and prayers that Rob's liver starts working as it should to get rid of all that is not needed. Your daily blog inspires me/us. Stay strong and make sure and take care of you.
Love & Friends,
Mel, Quinn, Lauren & Meghan

Anonymous said...

Dena,
I'm so glad that your aunts and uncles are doing well. How scary! You are so strong and seeing your faith in God through all of this is inspiring! Thank you so much for sharing with us and we are praying so much for Rob and your family!
~Christy

Janice and David Legaard said...

November 17, 2008

Dena,

We were so sorry to hear of Rob’s injuries that have placed all of you in such a difficult situation. We are praying for a fast, complete and speedy recovery for Rob.

You have been in our prayers each day since Joyce and Doug first informed us of Rob’s injuries. We have also placed all of you on prayer requests at our church.

I have always been so proud and had such admiration for the Gissler women in our family. Many faced difficult challenges in their lives and each one rose to the occasion and met the situation head-on with gentle, loving, Christian ways.

Dena, you are showing such devotion and courage. Thank you for writing and keeping the family informed. It helps to be abreast of Rob’s improving condition.

It has been such a joy to watch you grow up and my heart is filled beyond words to see the woman that you have become.

Please know that our love and prayers are with you and you are in our hearts.

Our Love,
Cousins Janice and David

P.S.
While I was reading last night I came across the following poem.

I am praying for you in the midst of your heartache,
believing that although the clouds are black
and the storm is severe,
in God’s perfect timing the sun will appear.


Bev,
You, your brothers and sister-in-laws are in our prayers.

We are glad that you are with Dena and Rob at this time. Your love, guidance and faith are such a support for them.

Our Love,
Janice and David

Anonymous said...

Stay strong and committed to the long road ahead-You will persevere!!!

B-Mama said...

Day by day, joy by joy! Keep rejoicing in the small miracles! You're doing so well!!

Amber Kumpf said...

Dena -- You are in many peoples thoughts and prayers around the world. Keep your chin up and you will get through everything. How are the girls doing? Will they be joining your soon? Looking forward to another good update!!

Amber -- From NE

Anonymous said...

Rob,
Saw your Uncle Mark, Aunt Lori, and your cousins this weekend. You were a topic of our discussion and as always remain in our prayers.
The process is slow but there are definitely some good things going on.
Dena,
Take care of yourself and tell the moms and dads to do the same. We hold you all close in our hearts.
Hugs and prayers,
Mitch and Vicki Coffin :-)

Anonymous said...

Dena, you husband is obviously a very strong willed man to be hangin in there and making the progress he is, however slow it may seem. Rob hasn't given up and that is so important! He will continue to make a recovery with the help of the medical team. Its amazing what can be done in the world of medicine. God doesn't give you more than you can handle, although it may seem like he has sometimes. He will not let you and your family down in this trying time. Rob will be recovered and your family will be together doing everyday things before you know you. Thanks for taking the time to update this blog. I truely enjoy hearing the progress he has made and pray for leaps and bounds one day instead of baby steps!

Unknown said...

Dena,

Just wanted to let you know that I spent the weekend with the girls, down on the farm in Chester. They had a wonderful time! I'm sure Angie told you, but Julia got to "pick eggs" out of the barn (she asked why it's called picking eggs because you don't actually pick at them :)) and she got to ride in a combine. She told my dad that finally she knows where all that corn comes from. And she got to see Uncle Layne's buck he shot. She and Peyton thought it's tongue was "SO GROSS!!" We even took the girls to do a little shopping on Saturday at a little boutique store in Belleville. I let Julia and Peyton pick out necklaces and told them I would get each of them one. So they went to my mom and said they wanted to pick out something really nice for Marcy. They surprised me with a green candle -- my favorite color! Julia made me the sweetest card to go with it. She is such a sweetheart! We also started on her Christmas wish list. That girl dreams big, Dena!! Snow cone machine, Jeep (I asked if she meant a Barbie Jeep, she said no, a Jeep that people ride in!), a swimming pool (daddy says she can't have one because it kills the grass :)), a real phone with sparkles on it (she said her mom says she's too young for it - that made me laugh), and she had several others. :)

And Eva, what a sweety! She is so laid back and easy to please. You can tell she misses her mommy, but she is such a joy to be around. She loved it when the guys would come in from hunting and fuss over her. She made sure to keep making faces and sounds and smiling so they would keep looking at her. Quite the flirt! And she got a lot of attention when we went shopping. People coulnd't quit fussing over the beautiful baby!

Just thought you'd like to hear a little bit about their weekend. They are really doing great! As always, our thoughts and prayers are with you and Rob everyday.

Marcy