Dear Friends,
Doug is making
steady progress since his surgery on the 8th to remove his
right kidney. The doctor is amazed at how quickly he is recovering.
In
fact, Doug was discharged from the hospital after only 5 days! I told
the
doctor that thousands of people around the world are praying for Doug
and
that on the day of surgery they were praying for him, too. He smiled.
We
are very thankful for this skilled surgeon who is doing all that he
can do
and is in contact with doctors at other institutes regarding Doug. As
the
nurse practitioner that works for him said to us, "this doctor
will line up
the soldiers needed for your husband."
Lab reports reveal
that Doug's left kidney is functioning very well. My
husband's job now is to stay healthy, rest, slowly build up his stamina,
and
eat well. We are managing his pain - therefore he is groggy much of
the
time. He is weak and moves slowly with his walker (each day he is regaining
a bit more strength and can walk a little bit further in our house.)
Friends have loaned us their electric recliner which lifts Doug to an
almost
standing position. I heard him mumble this morning as the recliner began
its
ascending position, "Geriatric 1 to mission control - preparing
for
take-off."(-: His incision (17 inches long) is healing beautifully.
We go
back to the doctor next week following more lab tests and CT scans.
Perhaps
in about 3 weeks (more or less, depending on Doug's progress) we'll
be
headed down to L.A. for the beginning steps of treatments for his lungs.
We are amazed at
the outpouring of love we are receiving from all of you.
Thank you so much for your e-mails, cards, and prayers. Please pray
for
wisdom for the doctors, and please continue to keep Doug in your prayers
-
that he will continue to heal quickly so that we can get to the next
stage
ahead of us. We are being carried by God's grace.
Love,
Becky
