Update (3/13/2009) 4:30pm

It's now been 11 days since Cindy's second surgery, 14 days since her first surgery, 15th day at Johns Hopkins. It's been amazing to see how much Cindy has progressed in her recovery in the last three days.
Nothing but praises to report today: Cindy's tube was removed this morning and she is much more comfortable; her pain is much better controlled; her bowels are still working properly; the pathology report has come back indicating that the tumor was removed completely intact with negative margins (meaning there were no cancer cells within an acceptable margin from the edges of what was removed) all around; for the first time, we discussed with the nurse today the timing of Cindy's release.
Cindy is taking ice chips and will move on to broth and liquids tomorrow morning. As long as her bowels continue to perform, they will progress her diet as fast as she can handle it.
We set a goal 10 days ago for Cindy to leave the hospital before all of her flowers died. She is down to her last vase of flowers and I am hopeful the goal will be achieved. I believe that a Monday release is achievable - Cindy is hoping for a Sunday release.
Thank you all for your faithful prayers.
-Rick

"Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare."
Ps. 40:5