Just spoke with Dr Ogilvie, Carl is in Recovery Room. It took so long due to scar tissue and small bowel so delicate, touching it caused small tears. (Needed to put in small sutures to repair these) They used midline incision, about 8 “ long ( same incision from 1st surgery )- just not as long this time) they removed that amount of bowel also.   He predicts Carl’s bowel will not wake up for 4-5 days. He will have to be careful what he eats when he does start to do solid foods. He predicts pain will be bad again. We discussed that Dad had cut back on the long acting morphine, he will have pain pump again (12 mg dilaudid in 4 hrs) and they may need to up the long acting Morphine. Praise that the surgery is done and successful! We will keep our same room on 4G16- Blodgett spectrum. Pray for good pain and nausea control, for bowels to heal and wake up, no problem with infection, keep God close to us all. It doesn’t make sense , other than God is protecting me and giving me peace. ...

Good morning, Carl texted me “ surgery is at 1 pm today. Reading Psalm 91 Thanks for praying for the medical team, family and Carl! Jody

Carl’s surgery didn’t happen today due to no opening in the surgery schedule today. We are planning on it tomorrow “sometime”. We are able to "wait and see" only by God's grace and mercy. Many times each day we recall Gods promise and words of hope. Today was quit, we were able to recall many blessing in our past and present. Carl has worked hard all day walking and changing his position. The staff tells us they admire his good attitude, we are able to share with them where  this comes from. We feel your prayers , love and faithfulness. Jody and Carl

It has been a roller coaster ride today, we talked to Dr who did Carl's last surgery(flap and skin graft )who was very positive about us going home in the next 4-5 days, as the flap is looking good. Care  management was working with insurance to try get ok to go home with the TPN, planning to titrate Carl off the long acting morphine, going over things I would need to manage for Carl at home. His left leg dressing  was removed for the 1st time, we were pleasantly surprised how good it looked, red but healed, no pain! About 30 minutes after this we meet a partner of colo rectal group, who wanted to check out Carl's GI status. He looked at the stoma and said "where is it" as it very small. He said we have to go back to surgery, try revise this stoma or make a new one. They will have to make an incision along lower rib area, this will be more painful as they will cut muscle. If we would wait the opening would close, the bowel could rupture,causing sepsis ( infection). W...

They started Carl on IV nutrition (TPN)at 6pm today. He is taking some liquids by mouth, they are counting calories, then adjust the amount of TPN needed. Weight is down 2 # in past 2 days. Has less burning in stomach today. Walked 6x (600 ft each time) and stands at bedside with the bed elevated so he can rest standing up. Flap/wound is showing healing, ostomy is patent - they are “wait and see”on the stoma. He will need more surgery on this, hoping it works good enough for now and have surgery in 5-6 months. The discharge date is unknown at this time. Romans 8:26 “ the Spirit helps us in our weakness, We do not know how to pray at times, the Spirit intercedes for us through wordless groans”. This gives me great peace, I don’t  have to be concerned with not asking or praying the right way, so good to know  God knows our heart and mind! Jody

Carl had a good night,continue on clear liguids to rest his bowels. Walking without walker, he hardly needs my help getting in & out of bed. The Colo rectal team was consulted again, they increased his protonix( for burning in stomach). Food(seen on TV) is sounding good to Carl, but the” thought of supplements makes him feel sick “. Ostomy is working again..... this is good, but we don’t go home until he can meet nutritional goal of 1900 calories each day &  100 Gm of protein . We enjoyed foot ball and church this past weekend on TV. Thankful for all your faithful love, prayers and gifts of friendship, it has been a blessing for me staying at the “Renucci Hospitality “. It is 10 min away and beautiful , we both are grateful that I can be close. I am rested and remain sure that Carl will go home soon. Psalm 121:8 “The Lord will protect you as you come and go, both now & forever”. Thanks be to God our father! Jody

We were hoping to go home tomorrow, but Carl is having problem with his bowels. He ate really good this past Friday, during the night after that was miserable with feeling full & vomited last night. The past 2 days he has only had clear liquids. The X-ray showed the bowel is dilated ( so not working) they are watching to make sure he is not obstructed. He has bloating and pressure. Praises: he is walking a lot with one person stand by. Carl & I  can get him out and back into bed  with out staff helping. His Foley catheter came out yesterday and is passing urine ! The wound with the flap is looking good . Pain is minimal, they keep cutting back on the meds.  Once he can eat good ( 3 days) then we can go home. They plan to remove drains , 1 each day starting tomorrow. We are disappointed with another set back, yet appreciate all the good: great staff, nice room with a great view, no infections , pain is controlled and needing less pain meds. Many faithful people p...

Carl got out of bed 2 times today, is trying to eat more , some nausea the second time he got up. Ostomy continues to work, stoma is very small, pray it keeps working. Dr tried it put a catheter into it but couldn't with out causing Carl pain. They changed his main dressing and are pleased with how the wound base looks. He is off the pain pump, at rest no pain, when he gets up 5/10. Lots of "if's" but now looking toward Monday as discharge date. They have not looked at his left leg yet, where skin was removed for graft, he needs to eat more, needs his foley out( maybe tomorrow), he has 3 drains in place with less drainage. We are hopeful with new date for going home. Thanks for your prayers!  Jody There is no assurance apart from rehearsing the truth that we are His.  “Know that the LORD, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his”  (Psalm 100:3a, ESV).

It was a quite Day, Carl has no pain at rest- 5/10 with turning. The Dr was in late tonight and removed the " vac" dressing ,it went well with very little discomfort. Dr Martin is pleased with how the wound looks, Dr will change the dressing every day.  We still have not seen his leg where the skin came from to cover the flap.( muscle and blood supply from legs). Carl is allowed to have the head of bed up to 25 degrees instead of flat, he also can rest on his back at times. Tomorrow they will get him up and take a few steps , no sitting for 5 weeks. He has 3 drains in place, each day less drainage. Eating continues to be a concern, they are counting calories and trying supplements. No nausea, just feels full and not hungary, will start a medication tomorrow that may stimulate his appetite. To go home he needs to eat, take pain pills by mouth and get rid of his Foley catheter ( urine). So ......lots of praises and prayers ....all you prayer warriors! "Therefore, th...

Dr Martin came to see Carl this morning, the Dr has decided to keep Carl in bed for 2 more days to protect the flap. He plans to remove the dressing Tuesday afternoon. Carl is not able to tolerate much food by mouth, "feels like food is just sitting in his stomach " they will re evaluate the idea of  restarting TPN (IV nutrition). Carl is using less pain meds from pain pump , he is able to roll to side briefly every 2 hours to reposition pillows. Praises ; less pain, skin with out pressure sores, alert, tol bedrest by watching TV or sleeping, no infection. He seems peaceful, staff is kind and caring. Prayers please: his stomach will feel better and he can eat, healing flap and no infection. " In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." Proverbs 16:9 Jody

I am happy to report it is quite boring here, which is good! Carl is resting on his back for 3 days and tolerating it well. He is using the pain pump without prompting,  pain is 6/10 when awake, but sleeps a lot . He is starting to eat so they will stop TPN( IV nutrition) tonight. Same praises as yesterday! Thank you for keeping Carl and our family in your prayers! We will know more on Monday or Tuesday when they change his dressings. I probably wouldn't post again til that occurs. In a devotional from Max Lucado reminds us "it pleases God when we trust Him for every need....  Look at the birds ..... they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly father feeds them.  Are you not of more value than they? Matthew 6:26." Please continue to pray , read His word, look for God's Blessing and know you can trust Him. Love Jody

The song " Praise the Lord, oh my soul,              Praise the Lord with all that is in me,               Praise his Holy Name, for he has done great things,                Praise His Holy name" I am not good at remembering the words exactly but my heart is full! Praises: Pain is controlled with pain pump, 6/10. He sleeep intermittently, but uses pain meds without prompting from me or staff. Carl is very alert and on top of what is going on around him. He is tolerating the limited positioning, in bed on his back for 3 days. Colostomy is working, he is eating small amounts of food with out nausea. Drain from his abdomen removed today , so only 3  left in his legs and bottom. Staff is excellent ,calm and caring. Plan to get out of bed on Sunday, vac removed Monday or Tuesday, then home later in the week if he can eat and no infection. I am so thankful for God, my...

Dad is back in his room , talked with Dr and everything went well. Positioning is different, legs must be together and must be flat , no bending at hips, may bend knees. He will be in bed for 3 days , he may roll like a log, vac on his bottom til Monday. This will protect the skin graft. They gave him Valium in recovery, so he looks relaxed. They are going to restart the pain pump soon. Keep praying! Love you all!

Praises: Today was one of Carl's best day , he is eating, walking a lot, pain is 7/10- he aches all over from being in bed and the " Vac" suction -but can tolerate it with changing his position often. We both had company and enjoyed some fellowship. We have gotten into a routine and it feels some what ok. Ostomy con't to work! We remain hopeful and feel peace, Carl is scared and concerned- which I totally understand, so we will need to hold him up with our prayers and love. Tomorrow- Wednesday Carl is set up for surgery, he is an " add on"" so will be after 6 pm.(4-5 hours long). Please pray for Carl , the medical team and family. May this new surgery work, may the pain be controlled, no infection or complications. Please Lord heal him, that no more procedures will be needed.  He will need to be in bed for 3 days , then be up with assist. If all goes perfect we could be home in 5-7 days from tomorrow!  "So do not fear for I am with you. Do ...

Carl said they can not do surgery on Monday, no openings. So will happen Wednesday  evening. Vac dressing will be changed on Monday, he had French toast and juice for late bkf, pain is controlled, Carl has walked 3x so far today. Sue and kids took me out for supper last night, Don and Mary visited him too. I am sleeping well and have what I need for each day! A devotional by Billy Graham - " whether or not we feel God's presence when our way seems dark, by faith we know he is there. You can stake your life on his promise :  I will never leave you nor for sake you. Hebrews 13 :5" I praise God that I feel his love and peace, praying this same peace for all of you who love and care for Carl. In Jesus name! Jody

They changed the vac dressing in surgery last evening, no healing and increase pain with this. Plan to take him back to surgery for 2nd flap surgery, Monday or Wednesday evening next week. Praying to get on the schedule on Monday, that this 2nd flap and skin graft will successfully fill in we're cancer was removed. For our medical friends- they with use the Gracilis muscle from both thighs, and then skin graft over the muscle placed into the wound. Praise: colostomy working, able to eat, walking, IV working for nutrition, vital signs and lab work stable, no infection. We are waiting to hear from plastic surgeon which day this surgery will take place Carl is discouraged as well as the family. Holy Spirit protect our hearts , mind and soul. Helps us see the good in each day, your protection and love for each of us. In Christ name we ask this! Jody

Carl is having a good day , walked 3 x , with goal of 3 more today. Waiting for Vac dressing change at 4:45pm today, he can not have food or fluids today because of the possible need to sedate him with this dressing change. Praying we see signs of healing in the open wound. Psalm 27 :8 ,14 Seek his face !  Your face, Lord I will seek .... wait for the Lord, be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord . If you read from Jesus Calling , today's devotional is spot on. Here is a little part "except each day exactly  as it comes to you.  Not only the circumstances of your day, but also the condition of your body, your assignment is to trust God absolutely, resting in his sovereignty and faithfulness. " Thank you for your prayers! Jody

Praise - the ostomy is passing stool, so we will cont to "wait and see" if more surgery needed for bowel. Praise the vac has stayed in place and not causing any problems. It allows him to rest in any position for his comfort. They will change this Friday in surgery in case the pain is bad and then they can give some sedation. Praise - Carl has been walking 300- 400 feet with stand by assist of one. If he didn't have all the IV 's , wound drain and urine bag he could get up alone. I usually pray with him and yesterday he was able to pray out loud with me. Pain is controlled. Please praise for clarity and wisdom in planning when to do next "flap" surgery. If the vac dressing doesn't promote some signs of healing he needs to have muscle and blood supply taken from both legs and skin graft to cover this. The Dr feels this will have to happen and isn't feeling to confident the vac dressing will do anything, The vac has been nice because all drainag...

We are struggling to understand why it seems that Carl cannot catch a break. Last night after surgery he struggled to urinate which lead to them needing to put in a foley to collect urine. This morning Carl had a barium enema to decompress his bowels as they were not functioning properly. Prior to this a tube was placed into the stoma to instill contrast for the barium enema. During the barium enema they got an xray that showed that Carl has severe narrowing above his stoma. Somehow the tube that was in the stoma was removed during this study. Due to the narrowing the tube needed to be replaced to prevent complete obstruction of the bowel. Unfortunately this proved to be quite challenging and painful. They were not able to get it back in and Carl has not had any output from his ostomy today. His vac dressing (the special dressing on his bottom where the flap used to be) is intact and draining which is what it is supposed to do. Pain is increased again and is a 7/10 while at r...

Carl is out of surgery and everything went okay. The flap did fail so the surgeon removed it and placed a special dressing on the opening called a wound vac. This consists of a few layers of foam covered by a transparent dressing that is connected to intermittent low suction. This encourages healing and the plan is to change the dressing on Friday and see how the healing is going. The good news is that he should be able to lay however he wants and get out of bed as often as he wants now because we no longer have to worry about the flap. They also do not anticipate any additional pain related to today's procedure. Please pray for miraculous healing of his bottom as well as comfort and guidance over the next few days. Please pray that the Holy Spirit enters Carl's room often to make His presence felt as we wait and see how he heals.

They took Carl into surgery at 5:30, he had a CT scan of his abdomen before to see if there was any other reason for his bowels not moving like they should. Doctor Ogilvie came out and said that dad's ostomy looks good, retracted but connected well. He said that the tissue all looks healthy around the ostomy. The preliminary report on the CT scan is that everything looks okay, just the bowel has slowed down and they are not sure why. They are working on the flap now and the ostomy should be good until his bottom has healed. Dave

Good morning!  We are listening to Music to encourage Carl with Hope, trust in God and his promises. "It is well with my soul", Lord I need you", " I look to you", and many more. Carl con't to sleep and able to get up with very little help. Pain is 5/10 at rest. No nausea, he can not have food today as surgery is scheduled after 5 pm today. Thankful for the TPN ( IV nutrition), that surgery will happen today to see what is under the graft/ flap. Ostomy is working, staff are professional and kind. I am sleeping well, I went home yesterday afternoon to see grands and be home for a little while. Baked some goodies for the nurses, which is good therapy for me. Thankful for my room at Renucci House, they are so nice and it is beautiful, I am only 12 min from Hospital. Please pray for good tissue in flap so they can use a VAC dressing to stimulate healing and collect drainage. Keep Carl free from infection or any other complications, may he have peace as he ...

Carl had a good night.  Pain is minimal at rest, he needs to reposition frequently due to aching in his body. The IV nutrition is running(TPN) took a muffin during the night. The surgery for cleaning up the wound on his bottom is scheduled tomorrow around 5 pm.  "You are my hiding place you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance." Psalm 32:7 Praises , we are sleeping well and feel God's peace and love. Jody

We just got Carl down to Intervential radiology. Dr Varma is going to insert  the PICC. Please pray that this can go perfectly( usually no big deal). Thanks for your prayers! Jody

Carl had a good night again, when I came into his room this morning he was eating an omelette. He has been walking in the hallway, walked 300 ft - 2 x today so far. After lunch had nausea and was given zofran and tums with good relief. The PICC line insertion is suppose to happen this afternoon with some sedation because he has hard time having his head down. Please pray the procedure goes easily and they can start the TPN( IV nutrition)today. His pain is around 4-5/10 at rest. Psalm 91:4 "God will cover you with his feathers and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.you will not fear." Blessings to each of you! Jody

Carl has had a good day. The PICC placement did not happen, not sure why, it is rescheduled for tomorrow. Carl ambulated 150 ft tonight and tolerated this well, pain is controlled today 5-6/10. Taking clear liquids and n nausea . Have a good evening !

Carl had a difficult evening yesterday, nausea, vomiting and pain. Today they are going to place on IV line into larger vein near his heart(PICC)and start total parenteral nutrition(TPN). Carl said he feels much better this morning and had a good night. The nurses got him up and he had a shower, he feels so much better . Praises: slept well, Medication took care of nausea and pain. He gets out of bed easier every day, no signs of infections. The staff is doing a great job, good communications with Dr's. Jody is sleeping well and has perfect peace from God! Pray please: Healing in his "flap" and ostomy. Procedure for PICC line goes with any complications. The TPN gets started for nutrition, will provide for better wound healing. Surround Carl with Gods' perfect peace,that passes all understanding, that he may feel all is well in his soul. To keep hopeful and trust God with all his mind. I ask these same things for our children and grands! Love to all our dear family an...

We are thankful Carl had a good night and day so far. He is getting out of bed with one assist. No nausea & taking more liquids, he will try some ensure by mouth. The Dr talked with him about starting TPN(total parenteral nutrition)today, he is scared to get a PIIC line. In all fairness I get it as every thing he has done so far has not gone as expected. Please pray that he can tolerate oral diet. If he can't that he will be willing to take TPN that would support healing. We appreciate your prayers for : Healing, no infection,Carl and family can process what needs to be done,for wisdom for medical team. Thankful- no nausea, getting stronger, we are sleeping and getting rest.Good medical team. "The Lord will keep you from harm- he will watch over your life;the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore". Psalm 121:7-8 Jody