Day 2 Updates

Day 2 Updates December 15, 2013, 2:37 AM

Quite a lot transpired today, so I will attempt to summarize the highlights. The day got off to a great start when Lee was awakened by my parent's arrival this morning and her realization that she had slept all night for the first time in recent memory. She was able to have her first "full" meal and is still keeping everything down with NO vomiting. They were also able to remove the drain from her incision site and have discontinued her IV pain medications and changed her over to oral medications with reasonable pain control thus far.

As we mentioned prior to Lee's fusion surgery; there was the known possibility that the "stretching" of her spinal cord created by the fusion could possibly cause some side effects/complications assoicated with her secondary diagnosis of having a tethered lowered spinal cord. Without going into too many details, the primary problems the neurosurgeoon anticipated would be associated with bladder control. As Lee was able to get up and around more today, she has begun to experience some of the side effects she was warned could occur. While we were certainly hopeful that this might not happen, we have also been praying that IF there are going to be any complications, they would occur while we are still
here and under the watchful eye of her team of physicians. After hearing of the problem today, her surgeon, Dr. B., ventured out in the snow and ice that has blanketed the greater N.Y. City area to come in and talk with Lee. He was very reassuring and has outlined a plan to further evaluate her status over the next two days before making a final determination on whether a secondary procedure is needed to release the "tethering" of her lower spinal cord. If that is the most appropriate course of treatment then he indicated he can perform the procedure on either Tuesday or Wednesday of the coming week. The surgery is considerablly less involved than the fusion procedure and should only take 2 to 3 hours followed by an average of 2 to 3 additional days of hospitalization for further recovery.

As you might imagine, this latest development brought about some mixed emotions for Lee. She was a bit discouraged that the new symptoms appeared but is certainly thankful the changes didn't occur weeks or months after we left N.Y. and then needed to return. We would appreciate your prayers over the next two days as her doctors continue their evaluations and determine the best next steps for her care and recovery.

Finally, for those of you who have known Lee for many years you will understand and appreciate how much her faithful companion, Jasper, meant to her as she battled some of the most difficult years of her illness. It's hard to believe, but today marks 5 years since Jasper died at age 14 (she was a very spirited Minature Pinscher for those of you who never met her). A special bright spot in Lee's day today was a surprise visit from "Abbey", who was making her weakly rounds as a companion/therapy dog, just as Lee was returning from her walk where she experienced some of her bladder problems. God's timing was once again perfect and I've added a picture with Abbey to the photo album here.

I will update you with any new developments or decisions tomorrow. Once again, thanks for your continued prayers, support, love, and concern!

Steve

Messages

Krista Maggard December 15, 2013, 2:50 AM

Anniversaries of that nature can be so hard. .. but our Great God has sweet surprises to help us smile on those days. I pray you enjoyed God's hug through your special guest :) Continuing prayers your way.

Shirley Keith December 15, 2013, 2:54 AM

So glad your excellent team of doctors are so dedicated and "on the case". Surely God is guiding them and Lee will continue to recover rapidly. Maybe the weather will improve too but there are those who enjoy a white Christmas. Meanwhile you're still in

my thoughts and prayers.

Lisa Currall
December 15, 2013, 2:55 AM

I'm sorry for the set backs but thankful as you said that they are now and not when you got back. I hope pain control is working for Lee and she is as comfortable as possible with so much going on especially the new symptoms. This must be very hard emotionally on her. Recovering from this surgery is a real mountain to climb without something new to discover that must now be climbed. Tears have to be falling. I won't even attempt to say happy~go~lucky positive things because even though you know God is in control and all will be well in the end, it just stinks and is very hard when you're sitting in that hospital feeling pitiful wanting to be better right NOW. Please give her a Kleenex and a big hug from me.

Blessings~

Eunice Goodwin December 15, 2013, 3:15 AM

Such a journey of ups and downs! So thankful for all the good things that are occuring and so thankful that Lee is where she needs to be to get the proper care, if necessary, for the tethering - not a word I would ever associate with you, Lee, as you are a free spirit who knows no bounds!!

Love and prayers to all, Eunice and Dan

Jason Benjamin December 15, 2013, 3:20 AM

Thanks for the updates, Steve. We're sending lots of love and positive thoughts your way!

Ruth Warner December 15, 2013, 3:21 AM

Praising God for good progress and prayer for the side effects that they can be corrected or heal without surgery.

Sandi Henry December 15, 2013, 3:25 AM

God works in such amazing ways. Lee looks wonderful. I hope and pray that the bladder problem is a temporary setback. Dr. B. sounds like a super doctor who will do
what is best for Lee. Hope both of you have a good night's rest. {{hugs}}

Wendy Sternshein December 15, 2013, 4:09 AM

What a beautiful picture. Lee, you look marvelous. So glad your are where you need to be and no matter what comes you will be in good hands. I'm smiling with you.

Alex Christiansen December 15, 2013, 4:50 AM

We'll keep praying for you both Chief. Lee looks great and we hope you're out of the hospital soon!

Di Cieslak
December 15, 2013, 5:07 AM

Thanks for continuing to update, Steve! My family has been asking me how Lee is doing and it's so great to be able to let them know. Yay for good sleep!!!!!! We'll be praying that these complications will be resolved, for wisdom for Lee's awesome doctors, and for peace and encouragement for you both. Love you guys!

Bruce Ensign December 15, 2013, 5:11 AM

Thank you, Steve. You, Lee, and Abbey look great! Prayers will continue on your behalf...

sue ensign
December 15, 2013, 5:11 AM

Still praying, still thanking God.

Bill Terhune
December 15, 2013, 6:20 AM

Sounds like God has blessed you with very capable surgical staff. Truly a blessing to deal with issues while you're there. Will continue to pray for God's guidance of surgical interventions to provide Lee relief. Thanks for updates.

carver lovely
December 15, 2013, 12:32 PM
Prayers

Sandy Temple December 15, 2013, 2:09 PM

Will pray about the possible new surgery.....

Patricia Maddi December 15, 2013, 6:56 PM

I have followed Lees journey for quite some time. I'm not much of a writer and so don't usually post but I just wanted to pass my experience along. I had surgery for removal of a spinal tumor ensuing bladder issues. After going through so much I was upset and devastated as my surgeon had not forewarned me. But the good news is tht medical/surgical interventions can do so so much. Please tell Lee to keep her spirits up there are many of us who know and understand what she is going through. I hope that this will be a temporary issue and I'll pray tht the tethering surgery will restore normal function very soon. I believe it will!

Warmest regards,

Patricia Maddi NYC

Brenda Lansdell December 18, 2013, 9:45 PM

Lee, Still am praying for you. God is in everything that you are experiencing and is taking each step with you. Isn't it an awesome feeling to know that at no time, no matter how dark and discouraging that He is there.

Day 3...
December 16, 2013, 2:34 AM

I'll keep this one fairly short because not too much changed today, which is not a bad thing! Lee rested well again last night and had a good appetite throughout the day. We did some more walking along with some specific "exercises" as directed by her surgeon this morning to further evaluate Lee's bladder symptoms. She continues to have signs and symptoms that indicate the "tethering" may need to be addressed, so we anticipate getting definitive word tomorrow on how this will be addressed. You can be praying for both wisdom and schedule alignment for the surgeons and other staff needed to bring the plan together.
Lee's mom, my parents, and I took an opportunity this afternoon to ride the train into
Manhattan and see a few of the siights while the city is decorated up for Christmas. Lee and her dad got the chance to just "hang out" for a while and enjoy some qualtiy time and hospital food.

For today's photo addition, I've added the x-ray of Lee's new "hardware" so you can see what the 9 hours on Thursday accomplished. If you're not used to looking at such scans, it may be difficult to get oriented but the longest screws are into the base of her skull and the lower two sets go into her 1st and 2nd cervical vertebrae (all from the back). Her jaw is partially visible on the left side of the film as a landmark.

I'll let you know tomorrow evening what the surgeons decide and thanks in advance for your prayers as the decisions on next steps are made.

Steve

Messages

Rae Jean Bettmeng December 16, 2013, 2:38 AM

You are such an incredible husband Steve! May you be blessed as you care for Lee. She remains on our heart. Please give your parents our love as well! What a blessing to have them there with you. We will be praying for clear direction and wisdom. We love you so very much!

Norma Eaton December 16, 2013, 2:42 AM

what a miracle I can't relate the joy I feel with each of your updates.

Sandy Temple December 16, 2013, 2:53 AM

Still praying:)

Sandi Henry December 16, 2013, 3:02 AM

Glad Lee and her dad had some quality time while the rest of you had some fun. I bet it was good to get outside. Praying that the bladder symptoms disappear so Lee doesn't have to have more surgery. Trusting God. Love from TN to all of you!

Eunice Goodwin December 16, 2013, 3:23 AM

Thanks so much for the daily updates. Will pray that all things work together for good this week.
Eunice and Dan

Debby Swecker December 16, 2013, 3:27 AM

So happy you got to go see the Christmas sights with your parents Steve. Thank you for loving Lee so faithfully and deeply. Thank you also for allowing us to be part of this adventure!

Nola von Neudegg December 16, 2013, 3:36 AM

I agree that sometimes "uneventful" is good. Thanks for the update and keep the faith.

Kimball & Elizabeth Parker December 16, 2013, 3:47 AM

Please keep good notes...some of the rest of us may need those exercises in the future. Still praying!

Ruth Warner December 16, 2013, 4:12 AM

So sweet! Daddy and daughter date. That is sweet. Praying for Lee, family and medical personnel.

Carter & Deanna Barnes December 16, 2013, 4:17 AM

Happy to hear the update. Still praying! Glad you are all getting some rest.

Kelly Wahle
December 16, 2013, 5:14 AM

Praying for guidance and wisdom for decisions on direction of treatment of teathering. Wow, that is a lot of hardware! What miraculous things the surgeons and team did and so happy for Lee that the symptoms prior to surgery have abated. Thank you, God for today!. What a good day to have had. How nice some of the family got to see NYC lights too.

Still praying for pain control management. Grace and peace

Carolyn Hamby December 16, 2013, 10:23 AM

Thank you for the update! Praising God for the wisdom He has given the doctors! Continuing to pray!

Lee Anne Giurintano December 16, 2013, 1:01 PM

Steve, you picked the best time of year to see "the city". I grew up 15 minutes outside the city on the Jersey side of the river. Always love the city at Christmas! Glad to hear Lee is getting rest and has a good appetite! For someone who was in surgery as long as she was, WOW, she looks great! My continued prayers for the medical teams wisdom and schedules to all work out in Lee's favor. Keep the Faith guys!!

Hugs and prayers from Paducah, Kentucky, Lee

Terry Puckett December 16, 2013, 1:43 PM

So glad to hear that Lee is able to rest and to eat. God is Good. Continued prayer for you both. Love to you all.

Shirley Keith December 16, 2013, 3:44 PM

Welcome good news! I'm looking forward to hearing that the side effects have been addressed and controlled. Wondering if there is snow and ice in the city...if so it should be pretty decorated for Christmas. you're still in my thoughts and prayers and pleased that we have had many "answered prayers" so far.