Saturday, November 29, 2008

Rob made it through the surgery

God is good! Rob made it through the surgery and tolerated it very well. They took off the right part of his skull. Because of the different areas of function in the brain, they went in through the front to minimize damage. The way he was positioned, they were able to see all the way to the bottom of the clot. They said when they took off the bone, his brain bulged out. Once they took the clot out, it shrank back down. However, because of the natural body reflex with all the manipulation, it started swelling again. So they finished what they had to do and closed up the brain with his skin. Because of the swelling, the dr said they did have to take "a small amount of brain off" the top to get it closed. What future reprocutions this will have, we won't know for a long while. They also had to insert a catheter to measure his intracranial pressures. They said this is very hard to do especially when the brain is swollen. The dr was able to do it without any difficulties his very first try! They said when Rob left surgery, his pressures (ICP) in his brain were 20. This is very good news. Down the road, they will replace the missing bone with a titanium plate. They took the clot to be cultured to make sure there was no infection in it but the drs feel there wasn't. They feel this clot happened due to an initial injury from the attack that had healed itself to some degree but left a hole for blood to collect. They did say if Rob did develop another clot in his brain they would not go back to surgery because they wouldn't be able to close it up again. I feel like the drs were very happy with how the surgery turned out. They are brutally honest here and the news they gave was good. Obviously we don't know Rob's outcome cognitively. However, I have faith he will be ok. As hard as it was, I prayed while he was in surgery that if Rob would not have any quality of life, then to please take him home. Rob would not want to live the rest of his life in bed. I feel that God got him through this and He will take him all the way. So we have a lot to pray for. We need to pray his pressures stay low, no more clots develop, his infections go away, his legs continue to heal appropriately, and Rob regains his cognitive status. I WILL NOT give up on my husband. He is the most amazing fighter I've ever met in my life. God has bigger and better plans for him. So, again, pray pray pray.

121 comments:

Anonymous said...

THANK GOD DENA,,,,, I COULDN´T SLEEP TILL SEE UPDATE OF ROB... THANK GOD!!!!! NATALIE I WANTED TO CALL YOU BUT I WILL TOMORROW, ITS TO LATE TO TALK TO YOU, .... DENA I HAVENT READ THE UPDATE JUST THE TITLE, I WANTED TO ANSWER YOU BEFORE, WE STILL PRAYING.

Anonymous said...

Dena ~ your faith, strength and courage are amazing. You and Rob have many people praying for you tonight. I hope you feel that. We won't stop. God does answer prayers.

Take care of yourself and rest. You must be exhausted. I want to tell you, again, what an inspiration you are to me and to so many others. You and Rob are in my thoughts and prayers every day.

Anonymous said...

THANK YOU for the update. I still won't sleep, will keep praying. --K

Karen said...

Dena, That is great news. Karen and I will keep you and Rob in our prayers. Karen and Jason

Anonymous said...

Thank you God! Oh Dena, I've been praying all night - Craig called Michael, Hanna called me and we've been praying HARD! I've been refreshing your blog all night waiting for news - so happy to hear it! I truly feel that God brought him this far for a reason! More prayers headed your way! Try to get some rest!
~Christy

Anonymous said...

Dear Dena,

We are still praying here for Rob. Your strength continues to amaze me!

Love, Michelle

Hutto Haole Wahine said...

Wewill continur to pray with you

Anonymous said...

Amen. May you sleep in the arms of God tonight as he watches over you both.

Another Praying Mother in Maryland

Anonymous said...

Halleluiah!! We will keep on Praying for forward progress in Robs healing from this day forward!
Yes, Dena GOD IS GOOD...and he does answer prayers and he will never leave you!
Try to get some sleep tonight!
xoxxo Love, Aunt Nancy

Anonymous said...

PIDAN Y SE LES DARA! SOLO HAY QUE SABER PEDIR... !!

Long-time RN said...

Same here, couldn't sleep till hearing the news. Thank you for taking time to update. Get some rest while you can. Rob is incredibly strong and thank God for the skill of his medical/surgical team. Keeping the prayers going.

Anonymous said...

Dena,

It looks like a lot of peopl all over the US are going to have a sleepless night, either praying, rejoicing, crying or all three. I'm not really sure which one to choose, so I'll probably be here in KS doing all three. Takre care of yourself, Dena. Get some rest. I'm so proud of you for havin the strength, guts, determination and unwavering devotion to your husband to make the toughest choice of your life. You deserve as many cheers as Rob and the docs.

Anonymous said...

Dena:
I will not stop praying.........you are not alone.........Thank you for keeping us all updated.....I am so glad I stayed up and checked on Rob's status one more time.......from one military wife to another........never give up, and never back down!!!!
Hanging-on-mom

Anonymous said...

I cant believe how strong the both of you are!! Not only Rob but you as well. Tonight, when I go to bed I am so thankful and proud to be an American. I cant believe the amount of people praying and giving out so much positive energy to the universe! It is unreal and makes me believe that mankind is so awesome and powerful when we all work together. I thank you and your husband tonight for the sacrifices he has made to fight for our country so I can be safe.
Thank you,
Sleepless in Arizona

Anonymous said...

I'M SO GLAD!!! Thank God! I'll continue to pray for him. You guys are always in my thoughts. Thank you for keeping us updated. Your husband is a definitely a fighter!!

Michelle Rodriguez

Lisa J. said...

Dena - You have many anxious readers of your blog. Because of your willingness to share your struggles online, even those of us who don't know Rob have come to care deeply for him and pray for his recovery. You are amazing, so we know Rob must be amazing too! We also pray for your continuing strength and faith, because that is so very important.

Mike & Lisa Joner

Paige Tyler said...

I believe in a God who performs miracles and that is exactly what He did tonight! All praises for Rob's miracle comeback should be to Him.
Dena- thank you for updating at this late hour and I pray you will get rest so you can be at Rob's side for the coming days with continued energy and love! you are awesome Dena!!! Talk to you soon

Anonymous said...

Thank God!

Anonymous said...

I have been waiting up to see how surgery went. Thank you for updating. Even though I have never met you or Rob, I can not stop thinking about you. I will continue to pray. As many have said before, thank you for your service to our country.

Anonymous said...

Dena~Thank you for the update. I know you must be completly exhausted but you took the time to let those of us praying for you and Rob about the outcome. You are amazing. The Lord has answered so many of our prayers tonight and I know he will continue to protect Rob. Try to rest. We'll continue to pray.

Anonymous said...

Great news. Man Robby is a fighter. So are you Dena. You hang in there, and if there is ANYTHING we can do, besides praying, just let us know. We love you two.
Craig and Karen

Jason said...

Thanks for taking the time to update everyone. Your husband sounds like quite the fighter. Good luck to you both.

Anonymous said...

THANK GOD!!!!!!!!!

HOW IS ECONOMIC THINGS DOING FOR YOU??, HAVE YOU RECIEVE HELP, DO YOU GUYS NEED THIS KIND OF HELP? PLEASE LET US KNOW... I TRY TO GET INTO THE PAYPAL BUT I COULDN´T ACCESS.. IS THE MARINE PAYING EVERYTHING FOR ROB AND HIS RECOVERY,HAVE YOU RECIEVE MONEY HELP FROM PEOPLE, ??PLEAS LET US KNOW SO WE CAN HELP IN THAT TOO!!

Anonymous said...

We were so relieved to hear that Rob made it through surgery ok. We will pray that he makes a complete recovery and for no more complications.
Love you
Shelly, Aaron and Megan

Anonymous said...

Great news! We will keep on praying! Love ya, Annaka, Aaron, Aizlynn and Amarae

Nancy said...

We love you guys...

Anonymous said...

Thaniks for the updates, Dena. Try to rest, let God take over for tonight. Bless You.

Anonymous said...

Thank you God!
Dena- we will not give up on him either! Praying hard. Thank you for the updates. To Rob's surgeons and nurses - thank you so much - you are awesome.

Many people here in Georgia and all over the US praying for you now.

Carol Dzurenko

Anonymous said...

God is soooo good! Praise God and praise Rob! And of course you, Dena for your continued amazing love and support of your couragous soldier.

WE LOVE YOU BOTH!!! And are once again in awe of God's work being so strongly shown through Rob and you! And will keep the faith and prayers coming strong for the journey ahead and future healing.

On our knees in thanks,
Karen and Craig

Unknown said...

I Love Julia. I miss you Julia.

Peyton

Unknown said...

I love Eva. I miss Eva!

Peyton

Unknown said...

I miss you guys. I am praying for you guys.

Seth

Unknown said...

Ohhh Dena! I was glad to hear that Rob made it through surgery with a positive outlook from the medical team. I just wanted you to know that we continue to pray for Rob and for your Family.
Keep strong Dena and continue to stick to your FAITH!!!

Anonymous said...

What strength God has given you and Rob. Keeping all of you in my prayers.

Unknown said...

I went to work a few hours ago and checked the blog just before I left and you had not updated for today. Just now as I was getting ready for bed I decided to check and realized I had missed all these updates! Sorry I couldn't pray before surgery but I am so glad that so far everything went good! I will definitely pray for the healing and for the lack of a clot returning! Stay strong Dena... I have to agree that God has gotten you all through everything so far He wouldn't help with all this and not continue! Prayers are headed your way! Stay strong! God's Blessings!
Heather Sanchez

Anonymous said...

Prayers are with you and your family. God will have the glory in all of this.

Sacramento, California

Anonymous said...

Oh Dena this is such good news! I was in bed, praying, and decided to get up & check one more time--so glad I did! I can't imagine what you are going through--rest probably seems impossible, but I hope you can do that. Rob is in God's healing arms and we're all holding him (and you and your Moms) up in prayer. Thank you for letting us know yet tonight--praying for strength and healing and a better day tomorrow. Love and prayers.......THANKS BE TO GOD! Jackie & Joe

Tree said...

Dena... You're so awesome... Huge exhausting day and you still found time to put up a post. Take a rest. Thanks for the update. Keeping you all in the prayers.

God is listening and at your side. I know he is.

This is such good news.

Theresa O.

Anonymous said...

We are very glad to hear that Rob made it through the surgery with flying colors. God is on your side. Keep your head up along with your faith. Great things are sure to come.
Grubbs Family

Maggie Goff said...

What everyone else said....

With a prayer on my lips, and a song in my heart..
Maggie Goff
Bisbee, Az

Anonymous said...

Thank GOD! I had to check before settling down for the night. Between your strength and the doctor's skills-and everyone else's prayers-Rob is wrapped in warmth. Get some rest.
Ft. Lewis

pam h. said...

Dena, Your strength continues to amaze me. No one should have to be where you are now. We will continue to pray for Rob. He is a fighter and he will pull through this. Keep the faith, and I hope you can get some sleep tonite. love, Pam

Anonymous said...

I was waiting for this update....ONCE AGAIN THE POWER OF PRAYER!!!!!!!!!!!!! McGroarty's

Anonymous said...

Dena and family,
So glad to hear that Rob made it through surgery. We'll keep praying for Rob; the doctors, nurses & staff caring for him; you and your family, and wish we could give you a BIG HUG!
Hang in there ... you're doing a great job, and we're so proud of you. God gives us strength and coping skills when we need it most!
Love, Cheryl & Monty

Anonymous said...

I have only just found your story on the internet. Hugs and Prayers from a military mom in West Chester, OH.

Anonymous said...

I am so relieved everything went well. You are one amazing lady is all I can say. Thank you for updating the blog as I have been checking all night. Sleep well tonight as God has answered your prayers tonight.

Liz M.

Anonymous said...

Please keep us up dated! I have read your blog since day one. God be with you. Bennington, NE

Anonymous said...

Thank God Dena,
I am so glad to hear everything went well with surgery. Thank you so much for keeping us updated back here at Fort Hood. Your blogs are our only source of info. about Rob. We hang on every word you write! We will continue to keep ya'll in our prayers as always. Your faith and determination to trust God to bring your husband through this is an inspiration to us all.
Bree Loggins
Proud Wife of SFC.Loggins

Anonymous said...

Dena,
"And I will raise you up on Eagle's wings......and hold you in the palm of my hand." Rob is definately in the palm of God's hand. Amazing, simply amazing!

Charles & Jane

Anonymous said...

The power of prayer can do amazing things and there has and will contiue to be lots of prayers for Rob and the rest of your faily.

Liz said...

Oh Praise GOD!!! I felt sick waiting for my interent to get up and running. You are such an amazing woman. I will keep up in my prayer circle. We are always thinking of you both. God bless.

Household6 said...

Dena,

You are doing an amazing job. I'm praying for you girl.

Heather

Stacy said...

Thanks for the update. Praying for you all.

Anonymous said...

The will of God will never take you, where the grace of God cannot keep you, where the arms of God cannot support you, where the riches of God cannot supply your needs, where the power of God cannot endow you.

The will of God will never take you, where the Spirit of God cannot work through you, where the wisdom of God cannot teach you, where the army of God cannot protect you, where the hands of God cannot mold you.

The will of God will never take you, where the love of God cannot enfold you, where the mercies of God cannot sustain you, where the peace of God cannot calm your fears, where the authority of God cannot overrule for you.

The will of God will never take you, where the comfort of God cannot dry your tears, where the Word of God cannot feed you, where the miracles of God cannot be done for you, where the omnipresence of God cannot find you.

Keep strong in the Lord! God is surely with you and your family. Your love shines out to many.

Anonymous said...

The will of God will never take you, where the grace of God cannot keep you, where the arms of God cannot support you, where the riches of God cannot supply your needs, where the power of God cannot endow you.

The will of God will never take you, where the Spirit of God cannot work through you, where the wisdom of God cannot teach you, where the army of God cannot protect you, where the hands of God cannot mold you.

The will of God will never take you, where the love of God cannot enfold you, where the mercies of God cannot sustain you, where the peace of God cannot calm your fears, where the authority of God cannot overrule for you.

The will of God will never take you, where the comfort of God cannot dry your tears, where the Word of God cannot feed you, where the miracles of God cannot be done for you, where the omnipresence of God cannot find you.

Keep strong in the Lord! God is surely with you and your family. Your love shines out to many.

Anonymous said...

Can donations (checks), be mailed to you Dena at the Fisher house?

Anonymous said...

Continuing to pray here in Minnesota. I am inspired by your courage, Dena!

Jenifer Fadness
Ruthton, MN

Paul said...

Dena
You made the right decision and we are all praying with you.
Paul

Threehourtour said...

Prayers, prayers and more prayers coming. I believe God has brought Rob this far and has led you to make the best decision for him. He has made it through the surgery for a reason! Constant prayers will be coming his way to heal and continue a strong recovery. Robs a fighter and he is fighting to get better all the way!
Hang in there sweetie, get some rest when you can and know that thousands of people are holding a prayer vigil around the world for Rob.

Unknown said...

Praying Hard!
-Mike and Kara

Anonymous said...

Praise be Jesus! We prayed all night. We will continue to offer all prayers for Rob. And for your Dena, God Bless your strength and your love and devotion for your husband. You are an inspriation to us all.
The Kruse Family
Lincoln, NE

kkazor said...

We will keep praying for Rob and your family! I'm so thankful the surgery went well. God was guiding those surgeon's hands! You are doing an amazing job, Dena. May the Lord continue to guide you and provide you with strength, courage and hope.
Love and prayers,
Katie

Anonymous said...

Dena, We are praying here for strength, encouragement and healing for Rob, for you and for your entire family. Your faith is a beacon to all. You are in the hearts and minds of many MK prayer warriors here that know your Aunt Nancy. We will keep praying!

Unknown said...

Thank goodness!!!! Come on Rob!!! Keep on fighting the good fight. We LOVE you guys and we are PRAYING, PRAYING, PRAYING. Love, The Mariani's

Anonymous said...

Dena: Our prayers will continue. We are so happy that Rob made it through the surgery and it sounds like the surgeons were pleased which is so positive to hear. We know Rob will continue to fight and you will continue to fight for him. Keep the faith.

Love,
Aunt Jo, Uncle Steve, Brooke & Ashley

Anonymous said...

While we don't know each other, I believe Rob must be an incredible soldier and he is using those skills to fight his current battle.

I also believe that Dena, you are an incredible witness to both what a real tangible faith in our Lord is (not just a Sunday thing but a real relationship) and also an incredible witness to what being a loving committed spouse means.

Between the incredible fight of a soldier, the incredible faith in what Christ can do, and the incredible love of a spouse - coupled with the incredible medical support you are receiving - what a foundation you guys have as you progress through this stage of your life.

Continuing to pray.

David Black
Papillion, NE

Anonymous said...

Dena,

We rejoice with everyone else worldwide that God answered our prayers and through the skill of the surgeons Rob has again made it through yet another obstacle. Praise God!!! We love you and continually lift you in prayer for your strength and wisdom. Love to Alan and Bev. Thank God you are with Dena now.

Much love,
Aunt Joyce and Uncle Doug

Anonymous said...

We just got the news. We are praying for Rob, you, and your families. I can't imagine how hard that decision must have been, but we know you made the right decision. Rob is a fighter. We will continue to pray for Rob's recovery.

Love,
Beth & Beau

Anonymous said...

we are soo grateful he made it through, our prayers will continue...Love you. Uncle Doug and Aunt Jeanne'

Jodi Lilly said...

God is good! I don't know Rob but I must say he is the strongest man out there. :)

Jodi (Seifert) Lilly

Anonymous said...

Dena ~ What amazing news!!! I didn't sleep much last night thinking of you and praying for Rob. Like you, I asked God to only bring Rob back if he would be able to recover from this. I believe that God listened and soon Rob will be responding to commands again. Prayers will continue! Keep the faith! Hope you can rest some today and enjoy your girls until they fly out.

Heather in Helena, MT

Anonymous said...

Rob,
keep fighting buddy. This challenge is something you can also overcome! We are praying for you and know that you can make it.
Ewald

Anonymous said...

Dena, how in the world are you holding up thru all of this? You are the strongest woman that I know. I really don't think that I would be doing as well as you. Please take care of yourself. I am sending up many prayers for you and ROb. I welcomed home a friend from Iraq yesterday and while hugging him I thanked God for bringing him home to us and to please take care of Rob. Your blog is the first thing I read in the morning and the last at night. Please let us know if you need ANYTHING.

Hugs, Cindy at Ft Riley

Anonymous said...

Dena:

I read your journal every day - and am so inspired by you - and by Rob. He truly is a hero in every sense of the word. I have been praying for you both and for the medical staff that has been caring for him. This surgery, I'm sure took you off guard and with it - you had to make such an incredible decision. God has held the hands of his doctors during all his procedures and because of your faith and that Rob is a fighter - with his number one cheerleader supporting him - he will overcome this battle.

God Bless you - my thoughts and prayers are with your entire family.

Robyn in Omaha

Anonymous said...

Dena,

I am certain you made the right decision. It is never wrong to choose life and hope when there is any chance at recovery. If I were your husband I would be so glad you had my back.

Regardless, of how this all turns out you know that you made the best possible decision with what you knew when you had to make the choice. God is with you and Rob and HE will help you through this awful time.

I know HE is by your side because how else could someone so young, with two little girls, and a gravely wounded husband be so strong, wise, and focused to do what you have done every day for so long? You really are unbelievable!!!!!

Pam said...

Very early this morning, here in San Antonio, I walked along a remarkably quiet Riverwalk and stopped at the "Old Church" in La Vieta. As I knelt to pray for Rob and all of your family there was a single beam of light that shown through one of the very old stained glass windows of this tiny sanctuary...it brought a sense of peace and strength into the small church that had not been there the moment before. I am hoping and praying that message of light and hope through all the prayers being offered comes to your hearts and helps strengthen you all as you walk these difficult days...you are not alone, just as I was not alone, early this morning in that tiny church glowing with that single ray of light...

Anonymous said...

Dear Dena and Family,
I wept as I read the last entry. Please know that God has a purpose in ALL of this. I pray for continued unfathomable strength and faith for Rob, you and your family.

Hugs and love
Cheryl B
aka ARMYMOM, Michigan

Anonymous said...

Dena sorry I have been away from my computer for a few days. We had a problem come up my mom but my prayers was still with you guys also. Your fatih is so strong I feel God is working thur the doctors. Hang in there. Love Carol

Anonymous said...

We are praying every day for you, Rob and your precious girls. I am so glad that the surgery went so well. God does have awesome plans for Rob! You are so strong and your faith in God is such a testimony for so many people following your words every day! May God continue to shine His face upon you all!
Blessings,
Amanda Kapci and family

DangerGirl said...

Keep fighting Rob.
Never Never Never Give Up!!!

Your courage, faith, and strength Dena is truly inspiring.

Prayers being said for a daily improvement & a successful recovery.

GOD BLESS!

Anonymous said...

Still praying.

I agree, your strength, faith and Love for Rob is an amazing witness and an example of what love for a husband should be like.

You are a wonderful woman, Dena. You don't have to share so much, but thank you for doing so.

May God be with you all today. We will keep praying back here. --K

Wandafay said...

I am praying!!!

Anonymous said...

We are continuing to pray for Rob and for all of you.

Anonymous said...

Dena -
Our whole church system has you and Rob and your two little girls on our prayer chain.
In church this morning my 16 year old daughter got up and told the congregation what we know of Rob's story and asked that the whole church pass on their prayers.
Whats remarkable is that she has never had the courage to get up in front of any crowd and speak as she is terribly shy.
She didn't tell me what she was going to do...she just walked up to the front of the church on her own during open prayer call and told Rob's story and asked for everyone to send the power of prayer to Rob.
No one else spoke - there was a calm, peaceful silence and then soneone started singing "
Amazing Grace". It was one of those moments in church that far exceed words. It was so powerful and I know that it was God collecting all of the prayers and bestowing them on you and Rob.
They say the power of prayer is a mighty thing!
For the first time since I started reading your blog I really felt the full strength of the prayers - I hope you did too!
I honestly believe from the depth of my soul that God has a plan for Rob and that he has cradled him in the safety of his hands since the day of his accident.
For whatever reason God chose Rob to walk this path I think all of your supporters across America believe that the man upstairs couldn't have chosen a stronger man!
And I have a heard a few times that behind every strong man stands a strong women. Keep the faith. Trust that God has a plan and just ask for grace and clarity in trying to understand his plan.
We will keep praying for you all.
Don't give up! Hope and faith is what you can give to Rob right now! Hope and Faith!

Anonymous said...

Jody Kerr Said

I will pray for Rob and your family all day. I also feel God has other plans for Rob and will be hugging him close to help him recover from the catastrophic injuries. I so admire your strength Dena and I also can relate to the fear you feel. I will be thinking of you. May God bless you and give you peace of mind.

Anonymous said...

This is awesome news! God does answer prayers and you have so many coming your way. You and Rob are both fighters and going to win together.

Love,
Toby, Jeanne, and Ethan

Anonymous said...

Dena,

GOD IS GOOD!
You're right. Rob is the strongest man I know. I know I've told you this before but again, You are amazing. We will continue to pray for the specifics you named.

Love,

Colleen

Anonymous said...

I saw your note at the top of the page about this not being an appropriate place for negative political comments. It saddens me that you have to make such a statement. Please know that the kind of dirtbags who write that sort of thing are few and far between. There are many more people who are sending you love and support!

I have never met you, but I am praying for your family. I have also added you to our local church prayer chain. It takes an incredible amount of strength to do what you are doing. Thank you for having the courage to share it.

This time last year I had just gotten back from Iraq. Now I am trying to finish my college degree before our next deployment. Know that you are part of a family of soldiers who will not turn their backs on you!

Anonymous said...

Dena,
We send our love and continued
prayers from Omaha.
Your decisions are made with
Rob's best interest, but God
has guided you all along.
Stay strong in your faith.
Stay determined in your efforts
for your husband, you are doing
an amazing job.
We support you all the way!

Anonymous said...

Though we've never met, a mutual friend shared your story, and we will be praying for strength for the whole family and a speedy and healthy recovery for Rob - as a Soldier as well as an Army wife I can only imagine the pain and frustration you are all facing. Much love and prayers your way...

Anonymous said...

OH my! What you have been through! God is good and I can't help but believe that He is keeping Rob here for a reason! We will continue praying! Take care of yourself as well.

Guard Wife said...

Just found your blog through another today and want to wish you the very best as you continue this tenuous journey. So thankful to read that the prayer warriors you have enlisted are doing their very best to make sure your prayers are heard.

Thinking of all of you.

Unknown said...

Last night I said a prayer for Rob, you and the girls. Praise the Lord my and everyone's prayers have been answered. I will keep praying but wanted to tell you how inspirational you and your family are; the true meaning of family and Thanksgiving. God bless always.

Anonymous said...

Dena,
After church this morning we held a special prayer service for Rob, for you, for your family. Many of your home church family stayed and participated.
We thank you for allowing all of us to know your innermost feelings. Like someone else wrote, you certainly don't have to do this, but your words are so appreciated. Your courage, faith, and witness are changing lives.
With love and admiration.
Jane and Charles

Anonymous said...

Oh Dena!
We have been a little "busy" lately here in Baghdad and I finally got on to check your blog. Keep following your "gut feelings" and everything will work out. Don't lose that faith and remember, you guys aren't in this alone. We will continue to pray-I think you have 24/7 covered with the time change;-) Hang in there and know there's lots of us over here praying and thinking of you! MAJ P

Unknown said...

You are all in my prayers Dena. May God Bless you all and keep you in His loving Grace.

karen said...

hi,dena i just finished reading about robs crainiotomy i have a whole lot opf people here in ohio praying for him. my granddaughter and daughter check your blog site almost everyday to keep tabs on robs progress, my granddaughteris 15 and my son, her uncle is in cpt. tylers unit. we all will continue to pray for him and your entire family during this most difficult time i can not imagine what you are going through. did you get a new cell phone? i hope you got the best they have, you deserve it. i got an interesting thing off of the computer from a friend and printed it out and will send it to you tomorrow. once again we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. karen in ohio.

Anonymous said...

Dena,
So sorry to hear Rob needed surgery to remove a large clot from his brain. Glad the surgery went well. We are praying for Rob and you. Take good care of you.
Linda Dimond

CI-Roller Dude said...

Get well Cpt... I'll add a story to my blog in a day or so. Prays do help, they helped me through 2 deployments..

D.

Anonymous said...

More hugs and prayers from Arizona.

Anonymous said...

Dena, with your faith and trust in our Lord Jesus Christ, I feel that Rob will pull through. Just know that we will be praying for Rob, you, and your girls. I just learned of this blog and will most definitely stay up. May God give you and Rob comfort and rest! Like you said, God has a plan for your family. You are truly an inspiration to many of us out here.

Michael & Hanna Crowder said...

Dena, it is such a miracle that Rob made it through last night's surgery! God is so good! We continue to pray, pray, pray for all of you, and most especially for Rob to heal. Thank you for being so quick to update, as we're all waiting anxiously to hear how he is. Your family is constantly in our thoughts and prayers!
Love,
Michael and Hanna

Michael & Hanna Crowder said...

Dena, it is such a miracle that Rob made it through last night's surgery! God is so good! We continue to pray, pray, pray for all of you, and most especially for Rob to heal. Thank you for being so quick to update, as we're all waiting anxiously to hear how he is. Your family is constantly in our thoughts and prayers!
Love,
Michael and Hanna

Anonymous said...

Dena & Rob,
God Bless both of you and your children. Please know that we are praying for all of you.
Judi Roach
Sidney, NE

Anonymous said...

Hey I just read the blog. Give his wife and family my best wishes. Looks like he's about out of the woods.
Hang in there CPT!
HOOAH!

Anonymous said...

Rob is an amazing fighter, soldier, son, father, husband, brother and the list goes on....

We continue to pray for God's miracle and trust in his plan for Rob.

I hope you are all taking the time to rest while you keep the vigil on Rob.

May God bless and keep all of you
Love Aunt Julie(Schott)Davidson

Anonymous said...

Hi Dena,
Our whole church is praying for Rob, you and the girls. Hang in there. Call if you need anything. Of course we will keep praying. Love ya, Annaka, Aaron, Aizlynn and Amarae

Anonymous said...

On the cell phone issue, take your old and new phone to Best Buy. They are also Alltel dealers. They have the machine to transfer contacts from one phone to the other. Even if one phone is dead. They just helped my daughter with this on Friday. I hope there is Best Buy in that area.

IACH Cindy

Long-time RN said...

Prayers and more prayers for Rob and your continued strength, Dena.

Anonymous said...

Dena -

Praying for Rob and thinking of you all day. I have everyone I know praying also. So many people are praying for Rob. I feel strongly that you made the right decision giving Rob a chance as you have. He is so lucky that you have his back. Stay strong.

Carol Dzurenko

Anonymous said...

Another hurdle crossed. Several to go. As I briefly described on a prior thread, the sudden need this surgery hit me in the gut hard. Dena, your strength is amazing and unselfish love obvious. Rob's survival is as much a result of that priceless faith you have as anything. If an old heathen soldier's prayers are answerable, let mine be for you and Rob. tonight.

Aridog / 30 Nov 08

Anonymous said...

Dear Dena,
All our prayer family are with you both. God bless you.
Mike Fletcher(Brittneys family)

Nancy said...

Like we talked about yesterday... It's an addiction Dena... Just checkin' in on you guys. Over, and over and over. Ryan's asking- "Did you check on Rob again?" 5 minutes later... "any news on Rob?" ;)

Love you guys-

Anonymous said...

Dena

Thank you for the updates. Prayers are a wonderful thing. Rob and everyone there are in our prayers. Remember to stay strong. You are truly an amazing person. God bless you. God was watching over the doctors as they did the surgery. God watched over me as I was having brain surgery three years ago so I know that he was doing the same for Rob.

Debbie and Caroline Runquist

Anonymous said...

Dena---God's plan for Rob is nowhere near complete---He has not given up on Rob, none of us has given up on Rob, and no matter how many setbacks there are it's so very plain to see that Rob is fighting hard. Our prayers won't stop.

Unknown said...

Our prayers will be with you. Our son returned safely from his 3rd tour in Iraq, and we pray every night for all the men and women who aren't as fortunate. Now we have Rob (also my husband's name) to pray for, as well. Blessings to your whole family, Dena. With you behind him (and he knows it, believe me), he has no choice but to get better, because you are both fighters! God bless, Valerie & Robert Kiesel, Seattle, Washington

Anonymous said...

Dena,
My prayers for you and Rob is that God will heal him and give you both the strength you need. God has counted the hairs on his head. He knit him in his mother's womb. Peace be with you both.
Carol, a 6-4 mother

Anonymous said...

Dena,

SO glad to hear Rob made it through the surgery - we continue to pray for his cognitive abilities as well. Your faith and strength are so encouraging.

James and Julie

Household6 said...

I'm glad we aren't the only ones who are addicted...I keep checking and checking and checking...that "counter" may not be totally accurate between Nancy and I! Praying, hoping and thinking...

Heather

CyberPastor said...

From all of us at Do The Right Thing, we are praying for Rob and all of your family.

God is still in the MIRACLE business!

Pastor Ed Boston

Justin said...

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.