Update (3/6/09 - 8:30pm)

Cindy's xrays and CT scan came back clear. No blockages and normal levels of fluid left over from the surgeries. Thank you Lord.
The problem is that Cindy's abdomen is filled up with air. The cure for that is getting up and moving around. Cindy didn't feel up to that today, but I don't think she'll be given a choice tomorrow. As painful as it is, she has to get up and move. I'll let you know how that goes with the updates tomorrow. Thank you for your prayers.
-Rick

Update (3/6/09 - 12:00pm)

Cindy's stomach has continued to swell and fill with fluid. It is causing a lot of discomfort and pain. As a result, she has not been able to get out of bed today. They took xrays about an hour ago, but it didn't shed any light on the cause. Cindy is now scheduled for a CT scan at around 2pm. Please pray that there is no developing complication. This probably sets her back a day for leaving the hospital. All in the Lord's time.
-Rick

Update (3/6/09 - 8:30am)

Cindy had a pretty good night last night. The new pain medication seems to be working better for her.
Today is a big day. They removed Cindy's oxygen line and IV during the night. They remove her chest tube and catheter today. Once done, she will be completely freed from all tubes and mechanical support lines. I expect they will try to get Cindy to walk the hall a bit. She will also have to walk to the bathroom when she needs to use it. So many things we take for granted but will be major accomplishments in Cindy's recovery.
Lord, help me not to take so much for granted, but to be thankful in all things and for all things.
-Rick

"Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Eph. 5:19b-20

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." I Thes. 5:16-18

"Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done.
Ps. 105:1