Baby Steps

Hi Friends,

We remain grateful for the steady, sweet, and supportive community we have around us (near and far). Thank you for the reminders that you love us, you’re praying for us, and you’re pulling for Adam. We haven’t had a lot of time or emotional space to respond to most messages, but when we have quiet moments, we cherish opening mail treats and reading encouraging messages.

We are 8 days post-surgery #5. Adam is light years ahead of where he was last Tuesday and he is light years from where he wants to be. It’s hard to see progress when you’re in the midst of continual intense pain. It’s hard to watch. But each day, there are glimmers of healing. Adam is making baby steps toward healing (yes, this is another What About Bob Reference – but really, can you have too many of those?)

 Here are a few glimmers:

·      Adam is sleeping much better than he did in the ICU, and rest is making a difference.

·      Adam’s heart rate is still elevated, but it’s not nearly as elevated as it was. His heartbeat has come down about 30 beats per minute. We’d love to see it come down another 30 beats per minute, but while we wait, we’re grateful to see progress.

·      Adam is breathing on his own at night; he doesn’t need oxygen assistance anymore.

·      Adam is getting up and down and moving ever so slowly with a walker. Every movement remains incredibly painful because of his incision, but he is mustering strength and moving anyway.

·      The pathology reports came back from the 4 tumors they removed last Tuesday and they were all benign!  All 8 tumors that have been removed so far have been benign! We are so grateful for continued signs that Adam’s body remains free of active cancer! (This isn’t a glimmer, this is HUGE!)

Adam still has a long road ahead of him. We don’t have any details about discharge planning yet. We’re trying to be patient, but some moments, that is a challenge. The mental part of healing is just as grueling as the physical part.

Here are a few prayer requests:

·      For Adam’s organs: Some of Adam’s organs are still asleep. Because of the length, extent, and reorganization of his organs, some of them aren’t fully functioning yet. Until his organs function fully, he can’t leave the hospital.

·      For Adam’s diet: Because of the above bullet point, Adam is still on IV fluids and an ice chip diet. Until his organs are awake and he’s eating solid food, he can’t leave the hospital so please be praying he can soon make the move to solid, actual foods.

·      For Adam’s mobility: Adam is getting Physical Therapy (PT) and Occupational Therapy (OT) most days so he can re-learn how to use the muscles and nerves that were cut, moved… etc. It’s HARD, PAINFUL work. Please pray for his endurance.

·      For Adam’s pain: The doctors are still trying to figure out what medicine cocktail will help with pain while allowing for his organs to function. There’s a reason doctors have to take so many science classes, this is a puzzle. Pray for Adam while they figure all this out and he’s in pain in the meantime.

·      For Adam’s spirits: Chronic, intense pain takes a toll emotionally and physically. Please pray for endurance, for hope, and for encouragement.

Even though the road remains uphill, we are reminded that we have so much to be grateful for in the midst of this.  We are grateful that Adam is ALIVE and that he is PROGRESSING. We are grateful that Adam’s parents have been able to be with us in Nashville during the hardest parts of this battle. We are grateful for our doctors, nurses, and medical team who are compassionately and competently caring for Adam.  And we are grateful for your love and encouragement.

#TeamAdam,

Allison