Dad's progress

Thanks to everyone whose kept Austin's dad in their prayers... here's a brief update on his health.

He had surgery today, very last minute and last resort. He's been in the hospital with pancreatitis for the last three weeks and during treatment he got a blood infection, was septic, found a mass on top of the pancreas that was increasing in size, developed high fevers (103 and 104), became anemic and his blood got "too thin" (they had to give him platelets to thicken it up before surgery), developed internal bleeding, and some other smaller things.

The surgery went well... they had to remove his gall bladder, appendix (who needs that anyway?) and part of the pancreas that was already "dead." They also removed the pseudo-cyst that was developing on top of the pancreas, that was filling with blood and growing in size. They also removed part of his intestines and bowels (isn't that the same thing?). The infection spread to basically every organ that's anywhere near the pancreas. There's a possibility of future surgeries, but he's awake now and seems to be recovering ok. It's still early, and he'll be in ICU for a few more days, and in a regular room for 1 to 2 more weeks, but we're optimistic. The gall bladder is what actually caused the pancreatitis in the first place, they discovered 5 gall stones that weren't seen on any of his x-rays.

The kids said really sweet prayers for grandpa today after school, before the actual surgery, and then again at bedtime to thank Heavenly Father for answering their first prayers. Children have such pure and simple faith, and it strengthens mine.

Dad, we're glad you're on the road to recovery. We love you!

Mom & Dad, September 2008