Saturday, November 8, 2008

Surgery Update

Rob's surgery went really well yesterday. The doctors said that they didn't have to do the mini dialysis because his sodium level had dropped down to where they wanted it on it's own. The surgery was about 8 1/2 hours but most of that was due to them finally being able to pin his hip. I'm glad they were able to do that. We'll see how it does but in time he may need a hip replacement. He will be having another surgery tomorrow for some more washings and they are hoping to close his abdomen. Today he was on sedation medicine all day. They did this because of the long surgery yesterday. It was frustrating not seeing him grab hands or do any reactions since he had been doing so well yesterday, but I also knew it was good because he needed to get some good rest. However, something I didn't know when I wrote last yesterday was the doctor told me when he suctioned his trach yesterday, Rob opened his eyes!!! That's so great. So, although today it feels like it was one baby step forward and 3 big ones back, he's still progressing positively. I just got back from dinner with some friends of ours from Ft. Riley, the Spencers. He was one of Rob's old company commanders. It was good seeing them again and talking about the good times with Rob. Hopefully the next time I go out to eat with them, Rob will be with us. I also wanted to mention another website. Yesterday my mom was searching sites under Rob's name and came across a site for a soldier named Hunter. He was injured in Baghdad in May. He experienced a lot of facial trauma and may be blind. He will be turning 21 in a few days. He is alert but very depressed. Please visit his site and give him encouraging words. It absolutely breaks my heart. He needs to feel God's presence. His website his www.heartsforhunter.com I am going to see Rob again this evening. I will update again tomorrow. Please keep the prayers coming.

14 comments:

Justin said...

Excellent news Dena. Thank you for the update.

Anonymous said...

I am glad to hear surgery went well and he is progressing. You and Rob are in our thoughts and prayers

Dave, Kim (Carlson) Morgan and Makenzie Merrill

Anonymous said...

When I read that he opened his eyes, my heart stopped. I can't wait to read about the first time he looks into your eyes. All of our prayers are working. I look forward to your updates. I find myself checking a lot during the day and night, just to see if anything new happened. Thank you for taking the time to do this. And, your just so amazing to be thinking about someone else(hunter) right now. I wrote him a comment, but would have never known about him if it weren't for you. You have a truly beautiful soul. And i'm glad that Rob has you on and by his side. Take care.
lacey carroll

Household6 said...

We had a great time taking you to dinner. Can't wait to do it again soon!

Love,

The Spencers

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the detailed update, Dena. I know it must be such long days for you, so we really appreciate the time you are taking to keep us all involved and directing our prayers! That is such great news that the doctors were able pin his hip. And is one more step closer on his road to recovery that is now behind him! And you, of course too!

We are all praying for the day we will all be able to visit and go out to dinner with your entire family!

Much love and prayers coming your way,
Karen, Craig, Logan, and Zach

Anonymous said...

Hi Rob and Dena,
It's so great to read about all of Rob's fantastic progress! I am so thrilled to hear that Rob opened his eyes. Thank you so much for keeping such a wonderful blog and keeping everyone updated. I've been checking every day to see if anything new has happened. If you need anything from us here in Texas, please don't hesitate to ask.

Rosie said...

DENA: WONDERFUL NEWS AGAIN TODAY! I am anxious to read your updates daily. Everyone at Fisher House @ AAFB is pulling for you guys. IF you get this message, please call Janet. HUGS TO YOU ALL TELL YOUR MOM I SAID HI.
Rose

Maggie Goff said...

Dena, so wonderful to hear such good news and that you had a respite with your friends.

I will ask for prayers from my very large Bible Study groups on Tuesday and Wednesday. They're a pretty powerful group. And I'm still praying several times a day for you all.

Anonymous said...

Rob & Dena--Awesome great news again! We're praying for a positive MRI--I'll be checking all day tomorrow! Love & Prayers to all of you! Jackie & Joe

Anonymous said...

Dena,

More answer to prayer -- Rob opened his eyes! Praise God!!! Everyone posting comments for Rob should also post comments for Hunter. Wouldn't that be awesome! Bless you for thinking about another soldier and requesting supportive comments for Hunter. We hope you are able to get some restful sleep.

Much love,
Aunt Joyce and Uncle Doug

Anonymous said...

Dena,
I know you must be exhausted both emotionally and physically but hang in there and thanks for the updates. Get some rest and take care of yourself.

sassyntxus said...

Thank you Dena for mentioning Hunter. He is one of a few young men I have been following. He actually isn't that far from me here in Texas. A friend of mine is helping me with a lap blanket/wall hanging for Hunter. If plans work out, we are hoping to personally deliver it to him after Thanksgiving, as He is home for the holidays.

I am enclosing another link, http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/matthewwheeler This young man has made such tremendous progress since I first started watching his site. He is such a testimony to God's power. Many of us have compared his progress to that of a "roller coaster" ride, with all its ups and downs. We are so thankful to see that he is coming to the end of his ride, with it being nothing but forward steps from here. I KNOW with all the prayers going up for your dear Rob, that he to will be healed. Till then may the Angels keep you close and lifted up.

Carla Gamblin, A Soldiers Angel/Patriot Guard Rider/Welcome Home Soldiers

Anonymous said...

my heart goes out to you. my husband was injured too and appreciated the comfort of a Therapy Dog Visit to remind him of home while he was stuck at the hospital. You can look for authorized therapy dog handlers in your area that often go to hospitals.

Anonymous said...

DENA AND ROB OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. AUNT JEANNE'
TOLD US ABOUT ROB, SO VERY SAD TO HEAR. I HAVE ASKED PEOPLE THAT I WORK WITH TO REMEMBER BOTH OF YOU AND YOUR GIRLS IN THERE PRAYERS. I TRULY BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF PRAYER. I HOPE EACH DAY BRINGS SOME IMPROVEMENT I WILL KEEP CHECKING AND PRAYING. JEANNE'S SISTER MARY SANLEY AND FAMILY