Many many things have happened in the last week. My mom has been doing great in the ICU. She has her ups and downs, but, overall, she's beginning to get her strength back. A few days back she had a chest tube inserted to drain fluid. They first drained 1200cc and then another 1200cc the next day. Suction was then added to remove the air that had gathered around her left lung. Thursday night her pulmonologist did a pleurodesis on her lung at her bedside. It was similar to what was done on her right lung, but without the need to be in the operating room. Also, she had a port placed in her chest to receive meds and, eventually, to receive chemotherapy.

Today I visited with her and she was in great spirits. She was even weaned off the oxygen! Amazing turnaround. She's been doing physical therapy in the ICU as well! Soon she may return to the Rehab facility, which she prefers to the hospital. The oncologist would like to begin treatment on the cancer as soon as my mom's strong enough. It was also mentioned that the source of the cancer may be pointing to the pancreas and not to the breast as originally thought.

We continue to pray for her recovery and hope she continues to get stronger. Thanks again for the wonderful outreach and concern for her. Keep praying!

Ryan

P.S. All the boys are doing well. Colds are almost gone. Charlie has a huge shiner on his forehead. Ambrose is trying to crawl. Josef is afraid of the Chick-fil-A cow. John Paul continues to be the inquisitive one with all the questions. He'll be five next month! The two big boys can really make those little boys laugh!