Prayer Request Update

My dad had brain surgery one week ago to remove his tumor. Good news is surgery was successful in that the surgeon feels he was able to remove the tumor(s). Not so good news is that the there were actually 3 tumors and the main one was much deeper than originally thought. That was all to mean that recovery would be more difficult and boy is that an understatement. My dad was having difficulty speaking (he comprehended but was having problem finding the words to speak) and also difficulty moving his right hand. The doctors were not concerned and said this would continue to improve. He would improve one day and then the next day have a set back. My dad had some significant swelling of his face/head and this caused a huge set back in his speach...to the point where he was unable to even say his name. Again he seemed to get a little better and then the next day got worse again. Jamie (my step-mom) called on Wed and told me that my dad was not doing well. He had just been taken down for a CT scan. About an hour later she called back and said they found a blood clot on the brain and that he was being taken down for emergency surgery. After a few very chaotic/scary/stressful hours for all of us, Corey, myself, Adelyn (who has RSV so had to stay in the lobby), Shelby, and Kolby were on our way down to Chicago to be with my dad. We arrived just as my dad was being taken to his recovery room. It was very difficult to see my dad like that....he was still very swollen and didn't look like himself and was unable to speak more than a word or two. I could tell by the look (and tears) in his eyes he was happy we were there. We stayed the night and the next day started to see some small improvements. By the time we left he was saying a few words and was even up moving around. Last night they found an infection at the incision site and so they changed around some of his antibiotics. Today my dad called and I was thrilled at how well he sounded. He even answered by saying something to effect of hi honey how are you. You have no idea how good that was to hear and what an improvement that was just from a day or two ago. They plan to keep him until tomorrow and then discharge him for therapy. Origianally it was going to be inpatient but b/c he is doing so well it may be outpatient.

It has been a roller coaster of emotions. Thankfully through the ups and downs God is constant and has remained our rock. Thank you for your prayers...they were needed and will continue to be needed.