I name this post after the beauty of the city night lights of Baltimore. Our view here at 5C is not as good as it was in 5D, but we’ll take it! Because ya know what? We may not be here much longer!

Dr. Kendra came and spoke with us tonight (did I mention how much we LOVE her-now I know why-she’s a Montana girl!!) and told us that for now, everything is just a wait and see. They did confirm that they believe there is a small hole in one of the fistulas leading into the lung. They believe it may be leaking into the area around the heart. It doesn’t appear to be anything large, or super-concerning, but they’ll just continue to make sure he’s coughing well, and that he’s breathing normally. Kevin is having some difficulty breathing tonight, but that is mostly due to the procedure done today.

As for the clot in the stomach, general and thoracic surgery both agreed that as long as Kevin’s stable, they don’t want to touch it. It is draining right now through a tube out of his stomach, and some is coming out with his regular GI track movements which is a good thing. In a few days, they may consider giving him food through his JG feeding tube, for now they want to make sure things clear out a bit to make room. Until then, he’ll be fine getting his lipids and electrolytes through the IV, as the tube feeding would be higher risk at this time.

Kevin has made HUGE headway from where he was 36 hours ago. HUGE. First off, HIS CATHETER IS OUT. You have no idea how much he dreaded having that, but it was absolutely necessary so they could track his output and make sure it was clear.

The other big, upcoming triumph is that Kevin may be getting his “egg” removed!! This is one of the last drains and it’s not giving much output, which is a very good thing. So, hopefully, that’ll come out tomorrow.

We’re still concerned about the first two mentioned items, but the fact that as long as Kevin stays stable, THEY’RE not too concerned, makes us happy. The heart drops that happened today, are also not of any major concern, and they haven’t happened since, so YEA!

The ultimate goal, is, maybe even within a day or two, to get him back to his solid tumor floor on 5D, where he was before. We’re anxious for this as well. Don’t get me wrong, we LOVE the staff at 5C, but 5D is our happy home-that means progress for us.

Of course, I had one more thing to add, but can I think of it now? No! Darned memory loss 🙂
Or should I say, a senior moment?

Kevin and I had some great talks today-some hard talks too. We both feel like, yes, we get to spend all this time together, but we still feel lonely, because we can’t be together in the ways we want to be. Just not being able to cuddle makes it extremely difficult on each other. It’s amazing how much I come to crave just hugs from complete strangers because that comfort is so uplifting. Kevin feels the same way. We’ll be happy for the day when we can just sit on the couch, and hold each other. That will be one great day.

I had struggled earlier with whether or not to find a job down here, and I’ve come to the conclusion, that with our situation, it just would not work right now. Not only could I not give any commitment to length of employment, I know I would have to call in every other day due to rising incidents here. So, I’m going to focus on the business I’ve had by my side for almost 4 years: Mary Kay. The company philosophy of God first, Family second, Career third, has truly proven a wonderful philosophy for times like this. So-If you need any Mary Kay, or would want to do a book/web party, please let me know!

Praise God for his wonderful blessings today. We still have many, many uncertainties, but who doesn’t? God has provided for us in amazing ways. Oh-Now I remember what I was going to tell you earlier!

Dr. Kendra said that today, about 5 different people stopped her dead in the hall to get the update on Kevin. She said in the time she’s been here, she’s never seen anyone have such an effect on the staff, as He has. I truly believe Kevin has a purpose, and one of His purposes right now is to be here to touch these people’s lives. We need them for their care and support, but they need him for his Faith and optimism. We need each other for love and strength, We need God for our care and support, and he needs us to guide others to him.

We ask a special prayer of blessing upon the staff who have provided so amazingly for us, especially in the past 36 hours. My experiences alone with them, in the quiet time while waiting was tough, but they comforted me when I needed it most. Thank you. You are amazing.

Tonight, continue to pray for strength and continued healing. Pray for a certain plan ahead, and the ability to walk through it. Pray for diminished anxiety and tension, and for a good night’s rest. And most off, Pray a prayer of thanks for God continuing his plan in Us.