out patient surgery

Due to complications Wendy will have out patient surgery tomorrow at 8 am. Please pray that she feels less anxious and scared tonight. Pray for decreased pain and discomfort and a quick recovery from surgery.

Wendy is NPO tonight and tomorrow morning. She can't take Motrin until after her surgery tomorrow. Consequently she is in a lot of pain right now. She has to wake up very early for pre-surgery procedures. She will be sedated with twilight sleep anesthesia, which means she will be awake but not completely conscious. She is anxious about being awake. Pray she doesn't experience fear or anxiety during the surgery. Pray for strength for her remaining lung during surgery.

Pray for healing over her numb leg and large incision site. She is experiencing a lot of setbacks due to the many complications that have occurred this past week.

Micah, Skyler and Jadon were misdiagnosed at the walk-in clinic. They do not have staph infections. All three are on antibiotics for a viral infection.

Pray...

• Protection and peace over Wendy during surgery.

• She heals quickly and moves forward rapidly in the recovery process.

Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. I Peter 5:7

wendy's meals on wheels

Wendy's recovery has been more complicated and intense than anyone could have ever imagined. Meals for Wendy and her family have had to be postponed many times now. Finally, Wendy's Meals on Wheels is ready to start back up! If you are signed up to deliver a meal and need a date reminder please contact Erin Gunstream at egunstream@gmail.com

If you are not signed up to deliver a meal and would like to, please get in touch with Erin through email. Thank you to all that have and are committing to deliver meals. The family is asking that meals be dropped off with Micah in Fresno. He will deliver them to Wendy, where she and the family will enjoy them in Madera. Please, still no visitors at this time. Wendy and her family are so grateful for all of the continued love and support.

better half of the day

Yesterday was a better day for Wendy than the four previous. She was nauseous, in a lot of pain, and had no appetite for the first half of the day. The second half of the day was a little bit better.

She had her Wound V.A.C. changed yesterday. The nurse that changed it is in-training. The process wasn't the most comfortable or very speedy. Wendy is worn out from being learned and practiced on by nurses and medical assistants. She welcomes all veteran medical professionals from here on out.

Wendy enjoyed a wonderful, homemade Mexican food for dinner. She sat in her recliner and her mom and dad joined her, sitting on either side. Her appetite was back in the evening and she was finally able to enjoy a meal.

Her left eye is still causing her a lot of discomfort. Warm compresses are helping. She hopes this stye situation is over soon.

Micah took Skyler to his pediatrician yesterday. It is confirmed that Skyler does have a staph infection. Skyler's pediatrician put him on a less invasive, lower dose of antibiotics. Micah and Jadon both have staph infections now as well.

Pray...

• The stye in Wendy's eye is healed.

• All future medical professionals that help Wendy are extremely experienced.

• Micah, Skyler, and Jadon are healed from staph infections soon.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.
I do not give to you as the world gives.
Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

four brutal days

The last four days have been awful for Wendy. She has been lying down in her bed for four days straight. Her leg is numb again and her incision site is extremely uncomfortable. The incision site feels like a piece of stiff rope wrapped around her body. Lack of movement has made it feel like the site is being tightened and pulled. She is experiencing muscle atrophy in her legs again. She has been in a tremendous amount of pain, and she is exhausted and nauseous. She has experienced some major setbacks. Complications that started in the hospital are getting worse at home. She hopes to have an appointment with a local doctor tomorrow.

Wendy has a stye in her left eye. It is excruciating. She is using a warm compress to help soothe it, but it hasn't helped much.

She hasn't had an appetite for the last four days. She lost five pounds in 48 hours. Wendy is supposed to be eating 1800 calories or more, every day. Severe nausea has made it hard for her to even swallow a small pill. Today was the first time anything has sounded somewhat edible to her in over four days. She was craving spaghetti from Di Cicco's. GB made the run and brought back two sides of spaghetti. Wendy actually ate a healthy serving of spaghetti. Please pray for Wendy's appetite and for feelings of nausea to go away. It is crucial she eat.

Wendy is trying to avoid and block any negative thoughts. At this point she is extremely frustrated. The last four days have really set her back. It's annoying and hard on one's heart and mind to work so hard to get to a certain point and then experience regression so rapidly.

Skyler doesn't have chicken pox. However, after Micah, Skyler, and Jadon experienced a three hour wait at the walk-in clinic the day after Thanksgiving, Skyler was put on antibiotics for a staph infection. Wendy is being quarantined from them for the time being. Skyler has an appointment with his regular pediatrician tomorrow. Being away from them is breaking her heart.

Pray...

• Wendy's appetite returns and the nausea leaves!

• She is able to start visiting her boys again.

• Skyler heals quickly.

• The stye in her eye is healed.

• Strength for Micah.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18

gold canyon candles

A mom of a former student of Wendy's, Melissa Brown is hosting a special event that will benefit Wendy through Gold Canyon candles sales. From now through December 13th, 50% of all Gold Canyon candle sales made through mygoldcanyon or email mel_93704@yahoo.com, or by phone 559-916-1140, and parties (catalog or home) will be donated to help Mrs. Manzo and her family. Candles will arrive before Christmas. Order today and be apart of giving back to Wendy through this special opportunity.

first check-up

Wendy and Micah experienced a lot of holiday traffic on the way to UC Davis Medical Center yesterday. She suffered from nausea and pain on the way there and back.

Her appointment with Dr. Calhoun went well. Pathology reports continue to show that all cancerous tumors were removed. Dr. Calhoun is referring her to a new oncologist. The new oncologist might suggest chemotherapy and/or radiation. At this point Dr. Calhoun doesn't think either are necessary. He truly believes he got ALL of the cancer. She will have scans taken every month for awhile. At this point they aren't worried about the cancer coming back. Her Wound V.A.C. is continuing to do good work and it might be removed as soon as next week. Wendy's main incision site is looking great and her rate is down.

On their ride home Micah held her hand and told her not to worry about the cancer coming back. He said it is important they enjoy this moment, her being healthy.

Wendy's next appointment is next Wednesday at UC Davis Medical Center at 10 am. She is already not looking forward to the long and uncomfortable drive.

thanks today and always

Happy Thanksgiving from the Manzo and Beckett families!

Wendy and her family send an extra special thank you to Uncle Kenny and Aunt Kay for preparing a Thanksgiving meal for the Manzo and Beckett families. They slaved in the kitchen for two days preparing a delicious and extravagant meal. Wade went and picked the meal up and brought it back to the Beckett's house for their little family to enjoy. Wade topped off the meal with his famous mashed potatoes and gravy. It was a beautiful Thanksgiving Day spread.

Unfortunately the day didn't go quite as planned. Wendy was exhausted from the previous day and in bed experiencing a tremendous amount of pain. Another reason she was in her room most of the day was because it is thought Skyler might have the chicken pox. At this point it is best they keep the boys away from Wendy. Despite it all, Wendy has so many things to be thankful for. Too many to list. And even though she had a rough day she is so thankful to have spent Thanksgiving at home and not in the hospital.

Pray...

• Wendy feels less pain today and is not as exhausted.

• Skyler doesn't have the chicken pox.

• Micah doesn't feel too overwhelmed with a healing wife, scheduled boys, illness, and traveling back and forth from Fresno to Madera.

The Lord watches over you. The Lord is your shade at your right hand.

The sun will not harm you by day or the moon by night.

family of four

Wendy was super tired today. Wendy and GB had a rough nights sleep, bad and weird dreams kept both of them up. She is hopeful to get to bed early tonight and to have peaceful dreams. GB is working hard, tending to Wendy's every need. She needs prayers for good rest and strength. Pray for GB.

Micah and the boys came and visited in the afternoon. Their little family of four got to eat lunch around the kitchen table. It had been a long time since they had enjoyed that simple pleasure. Skyler was visibly the happiest of all to be sitting together eating as a family.

Wendy is a strong lady! She switched from the quad cane to a regular cane today! She is really pushing herself physically. She is so anxious to become more independent and regain her strength. She used the walker later in the evening when her body was just too worn out to rely on the cane.

She didn't suffer with nausea today as much as she has the past few days. She actually made it all the way until 7 pm without getting nauseous and needing medicine.

Little surprises and dear gifts have been quietly and without any interruptions left for Wendy over the past few days. FED EX dropped off a special flower delivery this afternoon. These little surprises have brought her so much joy. Wendy's family is so thankful that people are continuing to love and support Wendy from a distance. It is still SO important she not have any visitors.

Wendy and Micah head to UC Davis Medical Center tomorrow for the first check-up of many. It is a long and painful ride for someone who is recovering from such major surgery. Please pray continuously throughout the day for her comfort, peace, and safety.

Micah called Wendy today to share a Jadon quote. In the car, on the way home from The Village, Jadon said, "Dad, I think I need a CAT scan." He hears way more than anyone knows!

Pray...

• Safe travels tomorrow in holiday traffic.

• Minimal incision pain from car ride.

• The x-ray goes quickly and smoothly with little wait time.

• Check-up with Dr. Calhoun goes well, showing no infection or complications.

• Wound V.A.C. change isn't too painful (it hurts!!) and shows much healing and progress.

• Her pain level stays low and no nausea in car or during visit.

Praises...

• Wendy is home for Thanksgiving.

• She has starting using the cane.

• GB...amazing nurse and precious mom.
  

• A meal shared by their little family.

mind over matter

Wendy's discomfort and pain was definitely up today. Her Fentanyl patch expired today and she could definitely feel that its effectiveness had worn off. GB changed the patch and Wendy started to feel more relief as the day went on. She is still experiencing nausea and headaches.

Her home health nurse came today. It was a long visit. Reviewing Wendy's extensive medical history, paperwork, and changing of the Wound V.A.C. made for a busy, exhausting day. The nurse's visit interfered with her time with Micah and the boys. She was pretty sad that she didn't get to see them much. From here on out her nurse will come in the mornings. The afternoon and early evening will be reserved for time with her family.

Tolerating and accepting pain has been tough on Wendy mentally and physically. She has had to learn how to differentiate and accept a level of pain she can tolerate versus a level that leaves her debilitated. Her mental strength was tested yet again yesterday. She had a scary moment around 1 am. She was having difficulty catching her breath and she panicked. She was on the verge of hyperventilating, but thankfully was able to talk her self into a state of calmness and could re-regulate her breathing.

Please continue to pray for Wendy. Her recovery is not easy and she is appreciative of every prayer for healing and strength.

m-o-m

Wendy had a low key, quiet day. She was groomed and pampered from head to toe by her sweet mama-nurse. Her mom washed, dried, and combed her hair, pedicured her feet, and helped her take a bath. She finally got to take a semi-normal bath with the help of a hand held shower nozzle that her Uncle Kenny installed for her. Wendy's entire grooming process took over two hours because she had to break for so many rests, as she is still in a lot of pain.

Wendy had her best and longest sleep yet, last night. Unfortunately, she woke up in a lot of pain this morning because she slept through her pain medicine doses. At this point she is asking for prayer, which is better for her body, sleep consistently or wake up and take pain medicine? She is perplexed over which is the lesser of two evils.

Wendy didn't see the boys today. She was exhausted from the previous busy and emotional day and all three of the Manzo men are now on antibiotics. It was better for everyone to take a day off. Micah was busy cleaning the house and hadn't gotten around to telling the boys that they wouldn't see their mommy today. As Micah cleaned the floors the boys played and scurried around at his feet. Skyler who usually plays well independently was following him around, carrying a letter puzzle. After awhile, Micah noticed he wasn't letting up and was actually trying to communicate something to him. Micah sat down with Skyler. Skyler took the letters from the puzzle and spelled out "M - O - M". As Wendy retold this story tonight she couldn't help but cry. Skyler is truly blossoming! She is excited to get to see them again tomorrow.

Wendy experienced severe hiccups today. She had three bouts of hiccups that lasted almost an hour each time. Please pray the hiccups don't come while she is sleeping and they are gone by tomorrow. By the end of the day her stomach and throat were really starting to hurt.

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2