four walks

Wendy's physical therapy assignment today was to go on four walks. Wendy went on four walks! She doesn't qualify for physical rehabilitation while at the hospital because she has full use of her arms and can take a few steps with a walker. She will most likely qualify for out-patient rehabilitation when she gets home.

Her right leg is still numb. They did an ultrasound of both legs today, looking for blood clots or any other potential problems.

Wendy's PCA Infusion Pump will be removed tomorrow. She will no longer be able to give herself pain medicine. She started on a Fentanyl patch today. The pain medicine from the patch will be absorbed by the skin and transferred throughout her body via her fat cells. They are hopeful the patch will work well for Wendy because it moves through the body in an even and continuous manner.

The Wound V.A.C. is working well! The incision site is shrinking, looking less red, and is successfully being healed from the inside out. Nurses continue to be Betadine, a broad spectrum topical microbicide on Wendy's large incision site to protect it from infection.

One of Wendy's favorite ICU nurses, Nurse Stacie stopped by to wish her well and to say goodbye before her two week vacation time started. Nurse Stacie put together an extremely thoughtful gift for Wendy while she was still in the ICU. Wendy was told she couldn't wear makeup, deodorant, lotion, etc., during her surgery. Wendy misunderstood and thought she couldn't have personal necessities during surgery AND while she was in the ICU. After it was quite clear that Wendy would be in the ICU for awhile, Nurse Stacie brought Wendy a little purple purse filled with travel size toiletries, lotions, and nail polish. An incredibly generous and thoughtful gesture from a very special nurse. Wendy and her family wish Nurse Stacie and her family a fun trip to Disneyland.

Wendy is feeling less anxious today. Her family's presence today after a long, sleepless, frightening night brought her much needed security and relief.

Wendy is being weaned off of her TPN line and will continually receive less calories and nutrients from it. She needs to start eating more food. She will now receive 6 ounce health shakes that are packed with calories and nutrients at every meal.

GB met and prayed with yet another mother today. Letha from Modesto has three grown sons that all have a genetic disease called Polycystic kidney disease. All three men have suffered with severe health issues as a result their entire lives. Letha's oldest son Keith is waiting for a kidney and liver transplant at a hospital in San Francisco. Her youngest son is at UC Davis Medical Center in the ICU, recovering after having both of his kidneys removed last Saturday. GB said she'd have Wendy's prayer warriors add Letha and her sons to their prayers. Letha said she would call her church and have Wendy's name added to the prayer list. The power of relationships, prayer, and God's love continues to spread.

Pray...

• The ultrasound shows no blood clots and her legs look good.

• Her right leg continues to regain feeling and movement.

• The Fentanyl patch works and she is able to cope with the pain.

• She eats enough and sleeps well.

Praises...

• Amazing nurses like Nurse Stacie that love on Wendy and give her comfort through thoughtful gestures.
  

• The Wound V.A.C. is helping her incision site heal.

• She went on four walks.

• Wendy is less anxious thanks to the physical presence of her husband and parents and the constant presence of our Heavenly Father.

Oh Lord, be gracious to us; we long for you. Be our strength every morning, our
salvation in time of distress. Isaiah 33:2