Update (3/9/09 - 2:00 pm)

A couple items worth mentioning at this time.
We learned our nurse Anna is a fighter - she fights for her patients. At one point this morning, Cindy had gone for her longest walk yet and was resting in a chair in the hallway when another nurse came down the hall wheeling a patient on a bed and was a bit impatient and loud about the fact that Cindy was in the hallway. Well, Anna took charge immediately and went toe to toe to let the nurse know, in no uncertain terms, how inappropriate her behavior was. Anna didn't throw and punches, but I there was a moment that I thought she was going to put the lady's lights out. Anna has been Cindy's nurse more than any other on the floor over the last week and has experienced Cindy's entire battle since the second surgery. We thank the Lord for Anna and for her care and protection of Cindy. Anna joined us today for my reading of blog updates and emails to Cindy. She enjoyed the break from her routine.
The other item worth noting is that Cindy made a "joyful noise" on the commode today. Clearly an answer to prayer. It didn't quite stink up the room, but we'll take it, and we pray for more.
It looks like Cindy will go down for her intravenous catheter in a couple of hours. They have to give her a "twilight" anesthesia for the procedure. The anesthesia is not expected to affect her bowel situation, but please pray that it doesn't cause another bowel setback.
-Rick

"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise". Ps. 98:4

Update (3/9/09 - 9:00 am)

Cindy had a rougher time sleeping last night. She hurts all over - back pain from both surgeries, side pain from the cracked rib, and gas pains from her abdomen. The gas pains were the primary source of discomfort last night. A lot of rumbling but nothing productive. Cindy had a great nurse last night, but she accidentally forgot to turn the suction back on in Cindy's tube after getting her back to bed at one point. That means that the tube was useless for most of the night. A frustrating and disappointing discovery, but a reminder that no matter how good the intentions, we are imperfect people dealing with imperfect people, within an imperfect medical system, in an imperfect world. But we can be thankful that we have a perfect Lord who controls it all. We continue to trust Him.
Our friend Michelle mentioned in an email how self-conscious women can be about passing gas, but she is praying that Cindy passes lots of gas. I agree. So I'm praying that Cindy stinks up the room today. Cindy may wince at my crudeness, but feel free to join me in that prayer.
-Rick

"As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him." Ps. 18:30