Andrew Update - November 13, 2018

Thank you for all of the prayers for Andrew!  He is doing well, and we are so very thankful!

Andrew's surgery went well on Wednesday, October 24.  We brought him home on Saturday, October 27!  That is just amazing.

We took Andrew on Tuesday to check in.  He got into a good room for the night.  Our hotel was just across the street, so that was very helpful - to be able to run back and forth and take turns.  His surgery was Wednesday, and he was not done until evening.  Actually, it was faster than we expected - they got started later than we thought.  So when the surgeon came out to talk to us, I hoped nothing was wrong.  He was smiling and had brain pictures on his iPhone.  They got everything they had identified and everything they could around it - without leaving deficits.  He was able to move his arm and leg in recovery, so that was great.  Part of what they took out was not normal brain tissue, so it seemed that it was the likely culprit of the seizures.  They still worked to get everything finished up, and we got to see him later in ICU.  We were so thankful, and we felt a weight lifted off our shoulders, literally.  We really felt the prayers.  I know I teetered on the edge a few times - how could I not?  But I know they pulled me back ~ those prayers.

The hospital stay was uneventful.  Andrew had run in a road race in Charlotte on Saturday, October 13.  He won for the third time in a row.  The people in charge treat him like a celebrity.  They know a lot of his struggles and knew he was going to have brain surgery - after already having two in the summer.  They were so happy to see him and let him know!  We were able to meet a woman from Florida who has a scholarship in her son's name.  Her son died of complications from CVID.  He also had seizures.  Andrew has been the recipient of the scholarship two different times, so it was so wonderful to talk to her in person and for her to meet Andrew and see how much her work has helped.  We also got to talk to Dr. Patel, his immune system doctor (for lack of a better title!), about getting his immune system pumped up before surgery.  He did a two week infusion and then another one week infusion a couple of days before we went to Duke.  He has had no issues with infection.  It was good to have that advice face to face.  Dr. Patel also got him Carolina Panthers tickets for last Sunday.  He and Peter went to the game.  It was a good game to attend with great donated seats!

One day, he threw up a few times, but he was okay after Ginger Ale - probably the pain medication.  He has been able to get by mostly with Tylenol.  Last Friday, he had an episode that he thinks lasted about two minutes that felt like a seizure was coming.  Sam called me, and I flew home.  But it stopped.  The doctors say that is reported a lot and is normal after this surgery.  They gave him valium to put under his tongue if it happens again.  He has not had any other issues.  Pain has been very minimal.  He has been tired, but that was to be expected.  He has been on some good long walks and even a hike.  He just cannot run for six weeks - no bouncing up and down.

This past Friday, Andrew got his sutures out (poor Dr. Zimmerman and one of our sweet nurses).  He could finally wash his hair Sunday and probably feels like a new person!

We are thankful for everyone who has prayed and helped us in so many ways.  We have had everything we need and not had to worry about our hotel or food or medical bills at all this last round.  We are so thankful for what God provides.

Andrew goes back at the end of November and again in December.  He is still taking the two big seizure meds.  If all goes well, they will start taking him off of those in a few months.  The hope is for him to take a low dose of one (without side effects).

His shoulder popped out of place on the way to Duke, so I need to have Dr. Fleming look at him again before the end of the year.  It has not popped out since.  He can ease it back in himself, but it's not something we are familiar with!

I knew this year would be hard.  Just not this hard.  So much loss.  So many family and friends affected by illness and death.  So many things to do to clear out and clean out.  It's been very overwhelming.  But God has been right here.  He has been here on scary days - and there have been many of them.  He has been here on hard days.   He has been with us when we are exhausted.  He has been right there when people pick a terrible time to complain or accuse or hurt.  He has been with us through it all.  I only hope my eyes will stay open to things I have learned - things I need to pay more attention to and things I need to let go and not make issues.  I hope and pray I will remember in those long, dark hours in the night or day that I need to keep turning it all over to Him.  He wants to take all of the burdens.

So we are so thankful for the things we can share - and the things we cannot. 

Sorry this is overdue.  Thanks for checking on Andrew.  Thanks most of all for praying!

We continue to hold to the HOPE that is eternal ~ through Christ Jesus!  One of my NEW favorite songs by Mercy Me!

"Best News Ever"  Mercy Me  (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyBMEDKiKaI)
 

Some say, "Don't give up"
And hope that your good is good enough
Head down, keep on working
If you could earn it, you deserve it
Some say, "Push on through"
After all, it's the least that you can do
But don't buy, what they're selling
It couldn't be further from the truth

What if I were the one to tell you
That the fight's already been won
Well, I think your day's about to get better
What if I were the one to tell you
That the work's already been done
It's not good news
It's the best news ever

Some say, "Don't ask for help"
God helps the ones who help themselves
Press on, get it right
Otherwise, get left behind
Some say, "He's keeping score"
So try hard, then try and lean on God
Hold up, if this weren't true
Explain to me, what the cross is for

What if I were the one to tell you
That the fight's already been won
Well, I think your day's about to get better
What if I were the one to tell you
That the work's already been done
It's not good news
It's the best news ever
Best news ever

So won't you come
Come all you weary and your burdened
You heavy laden and you hurting
For all of you with nothing left
Come and find rest

What if I were the one to tell you
That the fight's already been won
Well, I think your day's about to get better
What if I were the one to tell you
That the work's already been done
It's not good news
It's the best news ever
Best news ever

It's not good news
It's the best news ever
Best news ever
It's not good news
It's the best news ever

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."  Romans 15:13