Surgery Behind, Healing Ahead

Surgery lasted much longer than I had thought...Tom went into surgery at 10 a.m. and was out by 3 p.m.  My sister-in-love kept telling me that it is better if it takes longer and they are thorough in cleaning and eradicating all the infection, I hung onto that during the long hours of waiting.  When we met with Dr. Elder after the surgery I felt that we had much to praise the Lord about.  The infection was in the area of the tumor bed where the Gliadel wafers were placed and he was able to remove the wafer cases, the bone flap was not infected (he removed the bone flap & ran it through the autoclave!), he was able to put the bone flap back in place, the incision closed up nicely and he didn't see any tumor regrowth!  Much to praise the Lord for.  They took several biopsies/cultures of different areas that we'll need to wait 48+ hours for the results before we'll know the full extent of what Tom's dealing with.  Tom is on three "heavy duty" broad spectrum IV antibiotics to cover whatever infections he's dealing with.  Once the biopsies/cultures come back, they will be more specific in his antibiotics.  Sarah and I were able to see Tom shortly after he was settled in SICU (Surgical Intensive Care Unit).  The visiting hours are very different here and very strictly enforced with only two visitors at a time.  We are very pleased with the care and attention Tom is getting. 

Cheryl, Granny, Papa & Kelly

Not only are we thankful for the physical support of family here, but we are thankful for our family of prayer support.  I am so appreciative of my family hanging tight with me through this long battle here at the hospital making the time sweeter, the food tastier and the fellowship more pleasant.  Tom and I both realize that his family would be here in a heartbeat if they could and know that they are fighting the real battle on their knees in prayer for not only Tom, but myself as well and we count it an amazing privilege to be interceded for.  We love you all so much.  Last night before we all left the hospital, my niece, Aubrey, took the spiritual lead in having a time of prayer!  What a precious privilege to know our families know Who Tom's Great Physician is.

O-H-I-O

Tim, Lauren, Aubrey & Sarah

Family Support at OSU Medical Center



Not only do we have the prayer support of our immediate families but our church families too.  We are blessed by our church's care team and especially Pastor Tim Waggoner who has been so faithful to care, pray and visit us through this journey.

Pastor Tim Waggoner

Last night after arriving home from a long day we were greeted with a host of Christmas cards, letters, pictures and another package!  A unique gift of breakfast treats.

English Muffins, Crumpets & Jam

Thank You, Spayde Family!



This morning when we arrived to see Tom, I was so sad to see his left eye swollen shut from the trauma of such a surgery yesterday.  He was sitting up in bed and eating some real food which was a pleasant sight.  He is scheduled for a step-down room in the James Cancer Hospital, however the beds are full now, so Tom may stay here in SICU longer than the estimated 24 hour period even though he is cleared to go.  They assure me he will receive the best of care here and not to worry that he hasn't left this floor.  Our prayer is that he will be at his earthly home for Christmas.

Amanda, Julie & Tyler Mitchell 

This morning we had the privilege of visiting with two very special RN's:  Julie & Amanda Mitchell.  Not only are they OSU RN's, they are sister's in the Lord, fellow Grace worshipers, neighbors and a mother/daughter team!  What a joy to have them stop in, share hugs and let the staff know what a special patient Tom is.

The team of doctor's just rounded and we were updated on Tom's condition.  Tom has already had gram positive cultures back and the antibiotics he's receiving are covering that.  We still have to wait the allotted 48+ hours for all the cultures to grow...praying that nothing more serious would show up.  Our biggest battle is the infection.  We trust and wait on God to work His hand along with the antibiotics.

"The LORD will sustain him upon his sickbed; In his illness, You restore him to health."

Psalm 41:3