Update (2/28/09 - 9:00pm)

Cindy had a surprise visit today from our son Ryan and his fiance Michelle. They drove all the way down from Vermont.
Cindy is resting well now, but she has been pretty nauseous and has been fighting a headache. I'm spending the night in her room with her to keep a close eye.
-Rick

"My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken." Ps. 62:1-2

Update (2/28/09 - 2:00pm)

Cindy was moved into a private room at noon today. Her pain was kept under control throughout the night. She is heavily sedated, but alert, with a sense of humor when she is awake. She ate some soup for lunch and is drinking plenty of her water (with Shaklee Performance mix of course).
Her nurse, Jen, is a nice and caring young lady. Matt is here with me now. Cindy's sister Debbie just left to return to PA. Bob and Sherry Scheihing, the friends that we're staying with here in Baltimore, are bringing some homemade soup for Cindy's dinner.

Fourth Update (2/27/09) - 5:02 PM

Here's the fourth update!

I just spoke with the surgeons. Cindy has pulled through the surgery very well. Everything went according to plan. They are preparing to close her up. Will take another hour to hour and a half. She will be in ICU overnight. Lots of pain medication over the weekend.
Thank you all for faithfully praying Cindy through today. The Lord was clearly with her and the surgical team.
Now we turn our attention to Monday's surgery. Biggest prayer requests for Monday are for a (1) complete and successful resection of the tumor with clear margins; (2) protection of the kidney, colon, and especially the femoral nerve; (3) successful reconstruction of L2 vertebral section.
Will keep you all posted.
-Rick

"For our present troubles are quite small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever. So we don't look at the troubles we can see right now, rather we look forward to what we have not yet seen. For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever."
II Cor. 4:17-18 (NLT)

Third Update (2/27/09) - 2:54 PM

Here is update number three...

I just spoke with the surgical nurse. Surgery is progressing well. Cindy doing very well.
-Rick

"You will keep in perfect peace him (and her) whose mind is steadfast, because he (she) trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal."
Isa. 26:3-4

Second Update (2/27/09) - 11:26 AM

Here is the second update:

Nurses report: Surgery is going well. Cindy's vitals are all good and stable. Surgery now estimated to go until 5pm.

Thanks for all the prayers and words of encouragement.
-Rick

"Because You are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me."
Ps. 63:7-8

First Update (2/27/09) - 8:39 AM

Here is the first update Dad sent out on Friday, Mom's first day of surgery:

MRI results showed the tumor is still there, but no change and no further damage to vertebrae.

Cindy was taken back for surgery just before 8am. I was able to be with her in the surgery prep room for the 45 minutes before she went back. I read scripture to her the whole time. Her spirits were high. She is in His hands.

The surgery is expected to begin around 9am. I expect an update from the nurse shortly thereafter and then every two hours from there.

I'll keep you posted.

-Rick

First Entry

Here is the first entry for Mom's (Cindy's) blog. From here on out we will be posting all updates here, rather than sending them out via email. So check in periodically to see what is going on!

-Matt