Saturday, November 29, 2008

Pray, Pray, Pray, PRAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A little while ago I had to make the toughest decision of my life. They found a huge blood clot in the main part of Rob's brain. I could either let it be and let him die a peaceful death or I could choose to do an emergency craniotomy on him. However, he has a huge chance of dying on the operating table and if he makes it, he has a huge chance of no quality of life. Rob told me specifically that he does not want to be a vegetable. However, I cannot believe that God got him this far to let him die now or let him live the rest of his life as a vegetable. The neuro dr said that the majority of the outcomes are not good but he has seen some cases where the person made it through fine. He said we may not know how much damage he's suffered for a year or more. After talking it over with his parents and my mom, we felt that we had to give Rob a fighting chance. I decided to have them do the craniotomy. I mean the odds were not good for him to have survived the IED but he did. So he will survive this and he will be cognitively ok. That's what I've got to have faith in. God is working through the dr's. He knows that Rob has 2 little girls that need him very very much. So all I can ask for right now are more prayers than you've ever prayed before.

87 comments:

Household6 said...

I'm praying, praying, praying...this breaks my heart for you....

Love you guys.

Heather

Anonymous said...

Dena you have me on my knees....Prayer is the only answer....Your whole family is in all our hearts and prayers....Hang in there.....The McGroarty's

Anonymous said...

We are saying constant prayers ourselves and as a family. We have called in many prayer warriors to specifically work extra hard tonight.

You are right, Rob has already overcome such great odds and are praying and having faith that this is one more major obstacle he will overcome.

Rob - We love you and are wrapping you in God's love and His strength. Keep fighting the fight, buddy, and know we are keeping you close.

Our hearts and prayers are with all of you,
Karen and Craig

Anonymous said...

We are praying, for Rob and for all of you.

Andy Boston said...

Rob - I am praying for you and your family.

Andy Boston

Anonymous said...

Dena i will pray a lot for Rob and all the family! hang in .... I feel soo sorry this is happening, but please dont loose faith ...

Long-time RN said...

Lots of prayers. For Rob and all your family. (((Hugs)))

Hutto Haole Wahine said...

All praying with you.

Anonymous said...

Dena at what time is the surgery, ghow long is it gonna take? please let us know..

brittneyjackson said...

Oh my Gosh Dena, I am praying so hard!!! This just can't be happening! Thinking of you all!!!

Love you guys,
Brittney

Chris said...

Dear Rob and Dena,
Keep fighting, keep fighting, keep fighting. Neve give up. We are rooting for you.
Chris

Anonymous said...

I am praying Rob, you and your families.

Liz Machado

Lodmell said...

We are praying, praying, praying!

Paige Tyler said...

Every prayer chain I have has been activated. There are a lot of knees bent right now Dena. We love you so much and I hope you can feel God's power in your life and the power of all these prayers that are being heaven sent on your family's behalf.

Liz said...

Oh Dena...praying so very hard.

Anonymous said...

Dena,
We are, as always praying for Rob. And of course for you and the girls. Hang, in there, its in God's hands.
Bree Loggins

Anonymous said...

Dena,
this is definitely a challenge and difficult situacion, however we need to continue to trust in God and that He will help you through this. We are praying for you and Rob. Please let us know how Rob made it as soon as you have some news.
Ewald

Anonymous said...

This is heartbreaking. You all are in my thoughts and prayers always.

Jason said...

Will be thinking of you both tonight as I watch over my own patients.

Anonymous said...

Prayers and hugs from Arizona.

Anonymous said...

Dena, Just like Paige... every prayer warrior that I have are activated also! People are praying fervently! God, created Rob and his care and love have sustained and nourished him all these years of his life. God knows the very fabric of Robs being. I am praying deligently that God Be with ROB AND YOU now, and that you both feel Gods presence as ROB undergos this operation. Realize Dena that Rob is never alone, and YOU are never alone no matter how deeply you may feel alone at this hour. I am also praying that God Gives knowledge and skill to Robs doctors and to the nurses who care for him in recovery. And, know Dena that in the coming hours as you wait this out...that God will aLWAYS be with you. I love you and am on my knees.
xoxoxLove, Aunt Nancy

Anonymous said...

Hello!
I just rec'd an update from your aunt Nancy! My heart is holding on right with you! I WILL PRAY NON STOP AND WILL FORWARD IT TO MORE PRAYER WARRIORS. You are so right, he did not make it this far - there is a huge reason!!!!! You are an incredible woman and I KNOW YOU WILL BE BLESSED FOR FAITH!

GOD BLESS YOU & YOUR FAMILY!

Anonymous said...

Hang in there Rob....

Anonymous said...

Oh, Dena, we are so sorry to hear this news. We are praying.

James and Julie

Anonymous said...

On my knees here, too. I was trying to keep a calm face in front of my boys, but they're praying now, too. -K

Anonymous said...

praying for you and your family.

traceylynndel said...

I am so sorry you had to make such a difficult decision. I pray it will work out for the best.

Tracey

Anonymous said...

praying along with you

Anonymous said...

More from Mary Kay Omaha! We are praying so hard for all of you. We had the wonderful opportunity to meet darling Julia at our Mary Kay meeting on Monday night. She's a wonderful girl and we all love her! God bless you all!

Mary Burnett

Anonymous said...

We are praying for Rob, for the doctors, and the family. God comfort you in this heart breaking times.

Maggie Goff said...

Dena, I am sending this on. I am on my knees asking the Lord to help Rob, and you.

Maggie Goff
Bisbee, Az

Anonymous said...

ACTIVATED!

Jodi Lilly said...

Dena,

Prayers from Omaha, NE coming to you, Rob and the medical staff. Keep us posted...

Jodi (Seifert) Lilly

Anonymous said...

Something drew me back to my computer tonight - I just had to check on you and see if there was an update. Praying harder than ever for you now. Rob is tough as nails and if anyone can beat the odds, I pray that he can.

Please God, please.

Carol Dzurenko

Anonymous said...

Dena,

Exactly three years ago today Tim and I sat late at night, camped out in front of the 1-13 AR headquarters waiting for news about Ryan's injuries. We knew then that the situation was grim and it would take nothing short of a miracle to get any sort of positive news back at all. Fast forward three years and Ryan is now there at the hospital with you right now, hopefully as a reminder of the possibility of miracles. I do not know what the future will hold for you, but I will promise you that we will continue to pray. Whatever the outcome, I cannot mentally downplay the fact that Ryan and Nancy were there with you today as you got this news. I can only take that as a sign that God is working in your life right now. We will continue to pray for you, Rob, Julia and Eva.

Anonymous said...

We are praying.

Jeremy and Shannon Bryant

Anonymous said...

Rob and Dena,
We are praying and praying for you.
The Soutters

Tracy S said...

I said a prayer. My heart is aching.

Nancy said...

I'm sitting here at Bethesda looking at Dena, watching her as she talks on the phone to friends and family... watching as she keeps everyone in the hospital updated with the latest info, and watching her amazing dedication to Rob, and her unwavering faith in the lord. I could not be more impressed. For those of you who are reading "between the lines" trying to figure out how Dena is really holding up, I have to tell you that I am truly amazed. She is a rock and someone I would want on my team if I were going through something like this. Keep up the prayers... they are so appreciated. Rob is a fighter- and has proved that time and time again.

Love you, Dena. I'm proud of you, and the rest of the family. You all are rock stars. ;)

Anonymous said...

I have been reading your blog every night and I am thinking of you tonight. I will keep you on my mind and prayers always. You are a lot more courageous and patient than I could ever imagine myself being. What a lucky man Rob is this minute, this hour, this second to have such a wonderful woman waiting for him when he finishes his surgery!Sincerely,
Sleepless and praying in Arizona!

Anonymous said...

Prayers for all of you...

Anonymous said...

Dena,
Thoughts & prayers are with you & Rob. God has wrapped Rob in his arms & will watch over him
Michele

Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear this heartbreaking news. We continue to pray, pray, pray....

Love,
Toby, Jeanne, and Ethan

Tree said...

OH Heavenly Father... You've brought Rob through this test so far. You gave him the gift of love from a wonderful, strong woman and entrusted him with 2 beautiful girls to love and raise. Please carry him, and all that love him, through this difficult time. St. Michael the Archangel, come to Rob's side and help him through this difficult and trying time.

The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, and He knows those who take refuge in Him.
Nahum 1:7 NASB

Theresa O.

Anonymous said...

Dena, we are so sorry you had to face this moment. Our thoughts and prayers are dedicated to you, Rob, the girls and both of your families.

Dave & Cari

Anonymous said...

Dena, I also was drawn to check-up on Rob's status tonight and have put out prayer requests to all of my pipelines. God bless.

Another Mom in Maryland

Anonymous said...

Dena,
I am praying extremely hard at this moment. Your decision was the right one...Rob is strong and God is stronger, He will see him through this journey. I will ask my friends and family to pray hard as well. Until the next update, hang in there!

Anonymous said...

We are praying so hard. Rob has come so far and we will continue praying that God will wrap all of you in His loving arms.

Love,
Aunt Jo, Uncle Steve, Brooke & Ashley

Julie Noonan said...

Dena, I want you to know that I am thinking of you. Hang in there and take care of yourself. Love you, Julie

Anonymous said...

We are praying so hard for you guys. The Lord is watching over him. It's just heartbreaking.

Anonymous said...

Dena i agree nancy i want you in my team if i would be crossing a difficult thing... you are a wonderfull person, hang in, you make me strengher...

Anonymous said...

Dena, Grandpa and I came down to read your blog, When Nancy called that she had talked to Bev, We emediately knew in our hearts that Rob had to have a chance in surgery. We Pray that he will get threw this hurdle too. We are so proud of you in your strong FAITH. God is real and he knows from beginning to end what is taking place. We Love you, Rob and the darling little girls SO MUCH. Grandpa and Grandma O.

Dustin and Beth said...

You and Rob are in our thoughts and prayers always!

The Soechtings

brenda cox giguere said...

My prayers are with your entire family. Thank you for being the people you are. I don't know you, and yet I somehow feel like I do.

love & light

Anonymous said...

im prayin for rob and ur family may god be with you... please let us know how he makes out!!

Anonymous said...

I hope you don't mind but I've copied your post into my blog for others to see. You and your family will be in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

Dena,

We, and so many others, are in constant and urgent prayer for Rob, you, Julia and Eva. We went to church tonight and our pastor and congregation lifted you all in prayer. God hears every one of our prayers. Most of us can not be with you in person, but we know you can feel our presence as we reach out in love and concern. We have a loving and compassionate God, and our faith remains strong that He will bring healing to Rob. We believe in miracles.

Much love,
Aunt Joyce and Uncle Doug

Anonymous said...

I'm praying with you too. Ten years ago tonight I took one of my children in with a blood clot on the brain and the doctors did a craniotomy and evacuation and ten years later everything is fine. I pray God will give you the same miracle and give the doctors there the same dexterity and good outcome. God bless you all and please, God, bring Rob through this safely.

Anonymous said...

Prayers coming from Ft. Lewis as usual, but stronger and louder tonight. Kim and Jeff Jablonski

Anonymous said...

Prayers being sent up from Lawrenceville, Ga. Keep the faith!!

Karen said...

Keep fighting, Rob! We are praying very hard for you!

The Marshalls

Pamela @ Frugal Vet Tech said...

I found my way over here from Chuck's blog (tcoverride.blogspot.com). I'm praying for your entire family.

Anonymous said...

Dena,
We are praying like crazy. I know that Rob is a fighter. Like you said this is a marathon, not a sprint. Rob is going to finish this race. We are soooo proud of you. You are by far the strongest woman I know. Just know that God is guiding the dr's and the whole world is praying for him. We will be up all night lifting you all in prayer. We love you sooooo much!!! Annaka, Aaron, Aizlynn and Amarae

Anonymous said...

Dena,

The girls and I are praying for Rob. Be strong!

Love,
Michelle

Anonymous said...

Dena and Barb;
We are praying for you in Nebraska. Lean on the Lord.

Kathy Croson

Anonymous said...

Praying for you and Rob

for peace and grace

for healing and life

Anonymous said...

Dena-we're praying so hard for a successful outcome for Rob. God is good and will see you through--trust Him and give your concerns to Him. Love and prayers, prayers, prayers to all of you....Jackie & Joe

Anonymous said...

Please know that prayers are being sent up on behalf of your family. Remember that the Lord sustains us through the dark hours until the light can once again come.
Erin Dobson

Anonymous said...

All our prayers are with you. Stay strong and God be with you. Love Uncle Doug and Aunt Jeanne'.

Pam said...

Prayers and more prayers, and on bended knees for more prayers...
I got the call from Nancy as I arrived in San Antonio for the opening of a Warrior Family Support Center here...you now have so many Texans praying here and we all know they do things BIG, that has to help even more adding to so many others in so many places---hoping and praying for all things good for Rob and for you and all the family...

Unknown said...

Dearest Dena!
We are sitting here reading your blog with our hearts in deep sadness. We have and will continue to send many prayers your way. Please rest in the comfort that your awesome Saviour knows Rob's today, his tomorrow and his forever. He knows what he needs and what you need even before you know it. Things will never make sense to us on this earth, but God is the master crafter, and His plan is perfect.

We are all here for whatever you need. Most importantly, we'll never stop in believing in miracles with you!

Much Love and prayer!
Gary, Artie, Layne, Angie, Seth, Peyton, Mat, Marcy, Jeremiah, Jody, Tori and Quinlan!

Anonymous said...

Dena,

We will continue to pray for your entire family. We need to trust in God that he will get Rob through this surgury. Try to take care of yourself.

Love,
Tyler, Katie, Grace & Jocelyn

Anonymous said...

Still praying Rob and Dena. Will continue tonight till we hear something. Stay strong!!
Craig

Anonymous said...

Do not give up hope.

Anonymous said...

Dena:
Rob and your family are in my prayers. I thank God daily that I have not been put in the position that you and the family find yourselves in. That Rob is fighting is worth us fighting for. My family will have Rob and y'all in our prayers.
nuf sed

Holli said...

I have been following your blog since Paige posted about Rob's story the very first time and I want to thank her for that. Every morning I read your updates on my email and I laugh and I cry and I get excited and i get disappointed right along with you. This morning I cried and stopped everything at that moment and said a prayer for Rob. Its all I can do. I respect you so much for the faith you have and for your dedication to your husband. Its amazing.

Anonymous said...

Dena, there are almost no words I can say, except to tell you that survival without impairment is possible. A little over 2 years ago my better half was struck down by a ruptured anuerism in the brain...no time for decisions, the superb Neuro Surgeons just acted, thank God. Today she is 100%. Rob can and will be also. I'm not religious, but I know when Angels are present. You are one of those.

Aridog / 30 Nov 08

Anonymous said...

You are in my prayers and I have also sent this along to our church prayer chain.

JoeS said...

We are on the Prayer List.

God bless this Hero and His Family.

Anonymous said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
- zonker

Anonymous said...

Hello dear, I am a Texan living in Minnesota. I know I am a stranger to you, but I too am going to pray for you all. I will say a prayer that the Lord hold you,your husband, and your precious little children extra close to Him. Just believe in our Saviour, He has a plan...the best plan. In the meantime, you might checkout the website skype.com it is free phone calls and video chatting. It might help you to be able to visit and see your family and friends here in the states that all love you and your family so much. God be with you sweetheart. With the Lord, you can do this.
Tanya

Anonymous said...

Hang in there...Remember, Baby Steps...Scotty and Anne

Anonymous said...

Dena, Julia and Eva, We are praying for you during this difficult time. I wish there was some way I could take away the pain, but I know that is not possible. God is the master healer, and is holding you in the palm of his hand. Please let me know if there is anything we can do to help. Love you, Annaka, Aaron, Aizlynn and Amarae

Rachelle Jones said...

We have been praying...please let us know if there is anything you need, we are in Nebraska...

Gods blessings, and comfort

May they surround you

David M said...

The Thunder Run has linked to this post in the blog post From the Front: 12/01/2008 News and Personal dispatches from the front and the home front.

Anonymous said...

Pensacola,Fl
I am praying for you and your family.keep your faith.God is with you all.I will keep praying.God Bless You All.




Dec.1,2008

Debbie of Boise said...

Just saw your post through Thunder Run. I'm an R. N. and a Deacon. God give you strength and peace in this difficult time. God give the doctor and all of Robs health care providers wisdom and skill as they care for him. Angles of God surround Rob and his loved ones. God bless you call.