We met with Dr. Pisters this morning at around 11 am. He said that the incision was near perfect, the blood work was better than his and that I could go home today if I would like to. If I would like to? Initially, he had said I would have to stay in Houston for about 2 weeks following the surgery. The surgery was on Feb.15th and today is Feb.28th. For thirteen days we have been away from home. This is almost too good to be true. We are planning on leaving tomorrow hopefully, but in this life all things are subject to change. That’s where faith comes in I guess.
My incision area is still sore with movement and my shortness of breath he said would both resolve soon. This is where holding the line comes in. We will come back in 4 or 5 weeks for a CT scan.
The post-op reports and oncology/biopsy results we will blog soon. I believe we got it out just in time! To God be the Glory for great things He hath done.
GW/RW

Finally ...

The blessing has over taken me about 6 times today. So I am very ecxited to say the least! Otherwise, it has been a day of naps and walking softly. Eating, but not too much. Trying to back off the pain pills to wean myself off of them. I can see how people could easily become addicted to medications if they were not careful. Recovery mode is just another part of the process we have to endure, but I am trying to live life inspite of how I feel or think. Calling on the name of the Lord as my refuge is the only successful option.
Something interesting happened when Robin and I came the Hospital room the first time. I thought the door number marker looked like it said PS11 and she thought is looked like P 511. Both scriptures contain the word 'refuge'. God has been and will continue to be our refuge.
Bedtime, got to go. Love ya'll. GW/RW

A little humor ...

You might be a Redneck if ...

If after a lengthy hospital stay you bring home your IV pole and use it as a plant hanger,
You might be a Red Neck.

If bring home all of the silverware you used during your hospital stay because you think you ‘paid for it’, you might be a Red Neck.

Just had a little flash of redneck humor the other day in the Hospital. We are now back at the RV awaiting the movement as you all know. Russell, thanks for such discernment and insight as to how I may tap into the flow.
The sun did not come out to any degree during my entire stay at MD Anderson except for 2 times. One was during a prayer involving some friends we met in Texas, the hospital Chaplain and Robin and I - towards the end of the prayer the sun came out for a few minutes and lit up the room. The second was today - by the time we were told we were going to be discharged until sundown it was shining bright and clear. Some call it a coincidence but I just believe God knows how to brighten up His kids world.
While awaiting the discharge orders, I wanted to see if there might be some Sunday morning preaching on TV. Just by 'coincidence' Charles Stanley was on and after listening to about 15 min. he basically quoted every scripture we had been standing on and encapsulated our present situation - this was so weird we called and bought the CD!
We are very thankful this phase of the battle is over. We have about 2 more weeks in Houston or until the Dr. releases us. Prayer is the theme we must manitain since there will always be some challenge or battle somewhere.
Talk to you all tomorrow. GW/RW

Backlog blogging ...

Here are few days to catch everyone up.

Thursday, Feb. 24th, 2006
For those with a weak stomach, you might want to skip a few lines … the only thing partially holding me back from being released from the Hospital is a good, normal bowel movement and also the last IV to be taken out is the Central line in the right jugular vein. In anticipation of me having a normal movement tomorrow the Dr. ordered my Central line to be removed tonight. I asked if we could wait 1 more day and they said yes. The nurse came in and ‘hep-locked’ the lines which means they are still in my neck, just not connected to the IV pole. Now I can move about freely. Here’s the funny part. I felt a little abdominal movement and headed for the restroom hoping this would be the ‘one’ – dragging the IV pole all the way! It was only after I was dragging the pole back out of the bathroom did realize that the IV line was no longer connected.

Robin’s brother and his wife brought our kids to see us this weekend. You talk about a blessing! Of course they look as if they had grown several inches. It was medicine to my soul. They couldn’t stay long since it was so late.

Friday, Feb. 25th, 2006
I did not want to have to receive a blood transfusion following the surgery – but I became severely anemic and had to anyway. Two units of blood infused over 6 hours. I learned something new as a result - you also have to take Benadryl when receiving blood to avoid any possible allergic reactions - even if you are the same type. You talk about a sleepy puppy! It was all I could do to keep my eyes open. As a result of dozing off all throughout the day, I was up all night. That’s the part Robin loved the most since she was in the same room with me. I could tell the transfusion did help me feel a lot better.
Saturday, Feb.26th, 2006
I got an early start on Saturday with a shower, shave and walking around the station a lot. The infusion helped me feel and function much better. One of my surgical Dr.’s came by for a follow-up and also ordered a bilateral leg scan for any potential blood clots in the legs since there is so much swelling in the thighs. The Central line in my right neck was removed today and it did not even hurt! The only problem today was that the leg scan took longer than anticipated so I missed lunch and my lunchtime pain meds – not a good idea. Here came the headache and nausea (two not so friendly things) along with the surgical pain. It took a few hours, but things are back to usual now. All I really need now is a genuine movement.
Spent some more time with the kids today. Robin walked them around the “Hospital’ (which is really an understatement considering the size of these buildings). They are all connected by enclosed above ground transport modules/tubes. There are numerous large sculptures which serve as landmarks to orient people

One step closer home....

We have been released this morning to return to the RV park. We are awaiting our discharge papers and we will be on our way. Randy and Sonya, my brother and sister-in-law, brought up Lauren and Bryan to see us this weekend and we will get to spend more time with them today at the park instead of in the hospital. Bryan has a hard time being quiet and not getting bored while visiting us in the hospital. We will update later once we get settled in at the campground. We love you all so much and thank you for taking this journey with us.

RW

Update....

I wanted to let you all know what is going on and ask for you to pray. The Dr.s have decided to give George some blood (2 units). It will be infused over 6 hours today. They will also be giving him some vitamin K to clot any small blood leaks to see if this blood issue can resolve itself without them having to perform tests and all that to see what is going on. I know that once he receives the blood he is going to feel stronger. He has been on the weak side for days. He has been walking and all but he hasn't felt 100%. There is so much God is showing me through this process and at some point I will sit down and write what He has graciously ministered to me. Our God is sooo good to keep us and keep the things we entrust to Him. Pray specifically for GOOD blood and for George's continues recovery.

thanks and God bless
RW

A day of "unplugging

Hello everyone, I have been gorked out pretty good over the last few days, so I have lost track of time. Slow start this am, but the Dr.'s have decided it was time for me to try some solid food and see how it goes. Grits, eggs and toast never tasted so good. Then I ate a late lunch of chicken, spinach and a few bites of sweet potato. So far everything is doing it's job.
I have had several visitors come to my room and pray for us - people that I don't even know - friends of a friend type thing. That's a blessing.
Today has been a day of "unplugging" - in more ways than one. I no longer have an NG tube or the Foley - every man's fear! And the epidural pump has been removed from my spine. I'm glad I went with the epidural. Now we will be carefully using pills in place of the epidual pump.
I've been between faith and frustration about 1000 x's today. I guess that is the challenge to all of us everyday. Choose life like He said.
Jimmy C. came by for a visit. He is a friend of Robin's from LSU. Several friends of the John's also came by for a visit. Mom, Dad and aunt Eva came by, too. They have been such a comfort and blessing in so many ways."
We continue to pray for those mentioned in previous posts. Thanks for everything ya'll. To God be the Glory. GW/RW.
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind"

What a difference a day makes...

I'm sorry that I didn't post anything yesterday. It was a hard day for George. He was in a significant amount of pain. Late night before last he began going to the bathroom (hallelujah) however he was having horrible abdominal cramps. The pain medication didn't seem to be doing the trick. Well, by 5:00pm he was in almost out of control pain. Finally, the pain team was able to give him enough stuff to make him comfortable so he could sleep. And sleep he did. He had a great night and is continuing to have a good morning. We covet your prayers because we know that they are a difference maker.

Prayer points:
His hemoglobin is low so they are considering giving him some blood--George would rather not have to have blood so please pray the numbers come up

Continue to pray against infection and that as his GI tract begins working that the cramping would be to a minimum.

To God be all the glory. Even in the midst of things we don't understand and pain we may watch a loved one suffer we MUST conclude that God is still on the throne.

Love
RW

Thank God for good medication (when you need it)!!!

A little frustrated over the past few days, but it's still one day at a time and even sometimes one breath at a time. Thank God also for a wife who has been standing by her man even when he gets impatient. This is a test which, when properly perceived, can be won even in the midst of pain and fatigue. Maintain your presence of mind by inputting the Word of God frequently.

Dr. Pisters, whom I have not seen since the surgery, came by for a visit. He was on a medical missions trip. That's good to know. The treatment has been great, but you still need someone with you if you have to be in the hospital. Mistakes can be made. Miscommunication can happen at any level. We walked to the food court tonight so I could at least smell some food - which might trigger an appropriate response.

Please continue to pray for Dr. Michael H. for a healing from cancer.
Jill H. too. We work in the same office. She had surgery the day before I did.
John S. from Hosanna 1st Assembly - he recently began suffering a lot of pain with an unknown cause. The Dr.'s thought it may have been the kidneys, exactly what is causing the pain is yet unknown.
Chrstine W. for breast cancer in California.
And of course, I solicite your prayers also.

Don't let mistakes bring you down. Mistakes are like stones - you can trip over them and curse the stones, pick them up and build a wall to be a separation between people who have hurt you, or you can take the stones and build steps so you can see farther.
If God be for us, who can be against us? Love you all. GW/RW

P.S. Hey to Lauren and Bryan, our two wonderful kids.

Hey ya'll let's get this potty started...

OOPS!!! I meant party. Well we are day five into our recovery and God is continuing to show Himself faithful as always. George has lost a lot of the fluid he was carrying and that has made his breathing much easier. The Drs. have heard a slight rumbling in his intestines so we are believing that things will get to moving. Oh what a glorious day that will be. They removed one of his IV lines and he had a small superficial clot but the Drs. said that will be O.K. We continue to be blessed by all of your prayers, support, and comments. You all are the best group of family and friends anyone could ask for.

Pray also for more divine appointments for me (Robin). I have had many and it has been awesome to share hope with people who seem hopeless.

Oh by the way, George wants you all to know that the part of yesterday's message that was written about the new disease ICDI was written under the influence of a little pain medication. Some of the thoughts may not be consistent but I typed it like he had typed it.

We love you all
RW

This is George speaking....

George sent me to the computer room to type a few things. He says:

I want people to be free throughout the salvation offered by Jesus Christ. Free from the binding power of sin. Not free to be arrogant, self righteous, independent and prideful, but rather free to love, and be loved, to be unselfish, generous and humble; seeking the will of God for their lives- working together for the good of all. I want people to be set free! Free from the prison which sin constructs whether by choice or by being naive and misguided. I know Jesus came for that purpose to "destroy the works of the devil". Check out the evening news and see the works of the devil in living color. Jesus said, "if the Son makes you free you are free indeed". I want to be free and to live like someone who is free. I pray the same for us all.


On a lighter side:

This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it! I believe last night was the best sleep I have had in almost a week. That can make a huge difference in your healing and your attitude--because it is a fact that maintaining a good attitude throughout an illness can significantly improve the rate of healing.

Just out----There have been many case studies explaining all of the brain chemistry involved in this new disease and how it spreads. As with most situations, such as this, you have a left vs. a right-- a black vs. a white and alive vs. dead. In this particular instance we have Psychosomatic healing versus ICDI*. ICDI* is almost identical in its mind to body link but with a totally different shall we say "negative" impact on the one who contracts this disease.

This disease is very subtle and it is believed that it can pass from one generation to the next. In some cases the scientists are telling us the same old remedies our grandmothers gave us can also be used very successfully. This is the remedy given which will help anyone seeking a cure. First you must awake every morning and say out loud " this is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it". You also must say things like "if God be for us , who can be against us, and greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world." We could go on and on for years and never run out of this prescription given to us by our God. This counteracts any attempts of the enemy of our soul to infect us with "ICDI". So let's get ahead of the game and use the given remedy. Let's get ahead of the game and continue to quote the Word of God over our situations. OH, by the way, ICDI stands for "I Can't Do It". God never said you couldn't (other than committing sin) do it. So someone else must have told you you couldn't do it. Because God has always told us if we have a mustard seed, we can do it.

Respiratory therapy and extra fluid...

Just talked to George. A chest x-ray showed some fluid around his lungs. They're adding some fluid-reducing meds, and he will be doing some respiratory therapy. He sounded pretty chipper. Please keep up the prayers. He's still walking laps trying to get his digestive system moving. So far, so good...

Please also keep the following folks in your prayers: Jack (brain cancer), Austin (heart-lung transplant), PawPaw Bob (heart arrythmia, bad cold)

Randy (Robin's brother)

"Lord, after this suffering, let it be said that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, make my Savior clear to all those around me. Because of my suffering and willing perseverance, cause others to be encouraged to speak the Word of God more courageously and fearlessly." Philippians 1:12-14

Prayer request for George...

Please pray for me because I am experiencing a lot of overall swelling which started today. It does not appear to be life-threatening, but it is a complication.

Thank you. We'll be talking to y'all later...

GW

Super Saturday...

Well today has been good. George is still lapping the nurses station. First step in victory...they removed his nasal gastric tube. Now he can swallow without much pain. Here are a couple of prayer points.

Pray that he stays infection free
Pray that there will be no internal leaking
Pray for a good report from the pathology
Pray for God to use us and be glorified

One more thing. I met a lady from New Iberia. Her husband is here because of brain cancer. His name is Jack Hunter. Could you remember him in prayer. I would love to see God minister hope to him and his wife Sandy.

I promise today you will hear from George. I will come back down later and type it in.

RW

George is on the go....

Well George has now lapped the nurses station at least 15 times. Of course, we all know George is the type that if you tell him he needs to do it 1 time he will do 10. But that is good because that determination along with his awesome trust in our Lord is what is going to see him through. The pain is much better today. More, later.

RW

Friday morning update...

Well last night was difficult at times but with God's help and grace we have made it through. George's pain is being managed with an epidural line in his back and during the night it was not working as well as it should have been. However, this morning he seems like a new man. He has already made 5 laps around the nurses station and is sitting up visiting with his mom while I'm down here updating the blog. Just know that your prayers are strong and effective, and we are living on the wings of all of your prayers. Our Father is sooooo faithful, and we continue to stand and watch the deliverance of our LORD.

George will be dictating to me what he wants to put on the next update so yáll can hear from him instead of me. I love you all more than you will ever know.

RW

All is well...

Latest update on George. He is in his own room. He is doing well, considering what he's been through. As of right now, he is sleeping. Earlier today, we had him sitting in a chair. Keep praying for his continued quick recovery. We love you all!!

RW

LATE NIGHT....

Tonight when I was talking to George he asked me to post this song by Keith Green. He is doing well still a little groggy but he seems to be doing well. This song says it all. Be blessed. More tomorrow.

RUSHING WIND - KEITH GREEN

Rushing wind blow through this temple
Blowing out the dust within
Come and breathe your breath upon me
I’ve been born again

Holy Spirit I surrender
Take me where you want to go
Plunge me by your living waters
Plant me deep so I can grow

Jesus you’re the One who set my spirit free
Use me Lord glorify your Holy Name through me


Separate me from this world Lord
Sanctify my life for You
Daily change me to Your image
Help me bear good fruit

Everyday You’re drawing closer
Trials come to test my faith
But when all is said and done Lord
You know its been worth the wait

Jesus you’re the One who set my spirit free
Use me Lord glorify your Holy Name through me

Answer to all our prayers

Well the doctor met with us and let us know that George was out of surgery and in recovery. He is doing so well the doctor said he doesn't anticipate him having to go to ICU at all. He will let George spend the night in recovery and be put in a room tomorrow. He needed no blood transfusions and the doctor said surgery went very, very well. He removed the head of the pancreas, the gall bladder, the bile duct the top of the small intestine and all was reattached without a hitch. God our Father is so faithful and we have truly sensed His presence. We have stood and God has shown Himself faithful. Thanks again to all who have prayed and held us up before the Father. I will see George at 6:00 and can't wait to let him know how much I love him. I'll let him know you all love him too.
RW

2:00 update

The nurse said that the doctor is almost finished removing the mass. All other organs are clear (answer to prayer). The reconnection of the stomach and pancreas etc will take almost another 2 hours. All is going well George is doing fine. Please continue to pray.

By the way I wanted to share with y'all what George said while the sedation was taking affect. His eyes were squinted and he pointed his finger to the anesthesiologist and said, "I'm blessed and everyhwere I go people are blessed because I serve a Big God. I've been looking forward to this surgery." George in rare form, oh wait that's normal form.

More later.....