Hi

When I went to visit with Sherman today I found out that he has been selected as resident of the month for Janurary at the Red Oak Health and Rehab. I don't think he understands yet but he will get his picture and a write up in the monthly newsletter. I had about 5 people tell me before I even got to his room. This is an honor because the resident is nominated by the residents themselves.

He is doing so much better since his surgery. He is smiling more and even picking at people. Still no words but everyone seems to understand him. He came home yesterday to celebrate Christmas with the kids. He enjoyed being here and seeing everyone but got tired in a hurry. He was ready to go back and go to bed. He did enjoy opening his gifts however. He is doing much more for himself but is still impatient with me because I want to do to much for him and when he does want me to do something I don't seem to do that fast enough. We will be bringing him here for Christmas Day with the family. We just won't make it last as long. It takes to long to recover from being overtired.

There is still no strength in the right side. When he is in therapy they put a leg brace on his right leg so it won't buckle on him. That helps. Please keep praying for his continued improvement and for my patience.

Merry Christmas to you all,
Dolores

Sherman Update

Well, we got him out of the hospital today. He is back at Red Oak and ruling the roost. After I had come home this afternoon and they called for me to come back. Since the kidney stone was on the right side and the small incision is on the right side he really doesn't have much sensation of pain so when they ask do you need pain meds he says no but he is squirmy and uncooperative and in general a pain. After he got some pain medication this afternoon he was fine and resting. We got his bandage changed and he promised to be sweet.

I ask the doctor about the stone today and he told me it was the size and shape of a pecan. (I didn't ask if that was native pecan or hybrid pecan.) I now understand why the surgery took over three hours. They did it all through the scope. I thought from the amount of bandage on his back that they had to open but after all the unwrapping there was only the hole with a tube (for drainage) in it. I hope and pray it won't take long before he is up and at it again. He is on antibiotics because of the piece of stent that had collected all sorts of "yucky stuff". Dr. description not mine. :)

I will keep you posted on his improvements. Hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

Love,
Dolores

surgery update

Sherman had his surgery this morning. It lasted from 8:30 AM until around 12:30/12:45. All went well, the stone did not come out with the stent. The doctor said it was a really large kidney stone. No telling how long he had been growing it. When Sheryl and I left the hospital he was resting comfortably and sleeping. I gave him some sips of water and that helped his dry mouth.

He will be at Charlton hospital until Wednesday or Thursday. He has a drain at the incision site and may go back to the rehab hospital with it. I will keep you posted. I figure tomorrow he will be hurting and not resting as well so I wanted to spend more time there tomorrow. I still have to leave about 4:30 because of driving after dark. So far all is well with me. The cold is still lingering and the deep coughing is still there but better. I thank the Lord Sherman did not catch the cold or the 24 hour thing from me.

He really did enjoy Thanksgiving with the family. We will probally start bringing him for more short visits as he gets stronger.

More tomorrow.
Love to All,
Dolores

A prayer request

As some of you know this coming Monday (Dec. 8) Sherman is scheduled for surgery to remove the portion of the stent that is left and the kidney stone. As of the last X-Ray the stone was lodged in the end of the stent. Please pray that it is still stuck there and that the doctor can remove the stent and stone all in one motion. That would be the easiest on Sherman (and me). Otherwise they will have to blast the stone and all of that will take longer and he will be under anes. much longer. We have been practicing his breathing and coughing so when he wakes up it will be easier for him.

I have another cold and have had to stay away for the most part because I sure don't want him to catch it. I do have to pop in and check on him.

I covet all of your prayers and well wishes as I am concerned about the surgery. I have put it in God's hands and pray that his will will be done. At this point that is all I can do. Thank all of you for standing with us during this trial in our life. I don't know what is around the next corner but I know God does and he will take care of us.

Much love to all of you,
Dolores