Thursday, 01/30

     Today we went to the doctor's office from rehab, which required transporting Caren. Ugh!
Michigan roads are truly dreadful this winter.
     The above picture of a scapula is similar to the 3-D image we saw today of Caren's scapula - except Caren's scapula is broken in four places.  The black space you see in the above image is similar to today's image, only Caren's space is larger because of the severity of the breaks.  The doctors were excited, stating that they rarely see the severity of this injury on a live person.  With this type of damage, there are often torn muscles which further exacerbate the pain.  Good news:  The ball and socket joint are intact, and none of Caren's movements can do any further damage.  Also, we now have an image in our mind - a whole scapula and a shattered one - to visualize healing in the R scapula as whole and well.
     The broken wrist is still broken, and remains in a cast.  Good news:  In about two weeks the cast can be taken off, and weight bearing on the wrist will be "as tolerated."
     We also saw a 3-D image of Caren's ribs.  Boy, howdy!  They are displaced and fractured, for sure.  Good news:  Again we have a visual to meditate on wholly restored ribs. There is greater understanding of the damage, and the time element usually involved in healing these injuries.
     Truly we were encouraged by the doctors' enthusiasm for Caren's progress, by their reassuring words, and by the images they shared.  Today was an amazing day - tiring, painful, exhausting - but filled with hope and heartened by the news we received.
     For the scapula - probably six months before the pain is resolved.  Probably another six months just for range of motion.
     The ribs - probably another 6-8 weeks for healing. The lungs still have diminished capacity/volume.
     Austin's friend's family sent a card. Caren also received a card from Judy, Sandy (our neighbor), Dick and Betty, Dar and Bill,  friends at work, and from Benjamin's class.  Those are the ones I can think of right now.  Thanks ever so much for your love and support.
     Today Caren received red tulips, and a lovely African violet - perfect tokens of her bravery.  (Red Tulips: love, prosperity, belief; Violets: healing, love, family)  
     Thank you for continued prayers.
     Yep, today was an amazing day!  Thank you, Spirit of Heaven!