As has been the case with the past few updates, we have both praises and prayer requests to share with everyone. We praise God that Jacob has received permission to take short rides in a wagon (about 30 minutes each time). Basically, we remove the traction, pick him up and place him on some pillows inside of a big, plastic wagon. He has to stay on his back, but at least he can get out of his bed and see some different surroundings. His mommy and I took him on his first ride yesterday around the hospital. We stopped and checked out his picture that is on one of the hospital info boards (we let the pain management folks use his photo in one of their displays). Next, we took him by the large statue of Jesus that resides in the Dome (I think this was one of the original hospital buildings from over 100 years ago). Then, we rolled him outside the main entrance to the hospital, just far enough so he could get some fresh air. He seemed to be both happy and shocked at the same time. He seemed to really enjoy it, though, because he nodded "yes" when we asked him if he liked going for a ride. His Gran, who is staying with him tonight, has also taken him out for a short ride as well today.
We also need your prayers, though, because Jacob has developed a cough and sore throat, and also has spiked a pretty high fever. He has been placed back on IV fluids again because he still has not wanted to drink much. The doctors are running some blood tests to see what may be causing these things. Please pray that Jacob will recover quickly and that these things will not delay his overall recovery, which has progressed very well to this point.
On a similar note, we have received some information regarding the "next steps." Jacob is scheduled to have an X-Ray on 10/1 to evaluate his pelvic bones and see how well they are healing. We had thought it might be sooner, but the Orthopedic folks want him to keep all of his "metal" on for a full six weeks after the last surgery. So, if things look good, he may be able to get his pins and fixator out on 10/7. In addition, he will also have some of the bladder stints removed, although I don't know exactly when this will occur in relation to the above mentioned dates. He will then have his lower body wrapped up so as to limit his movement and allow for complete healing. We may be able to return to Chattanooga within a week or so after all of this take place. He will keep this wrap on for about a month or so. We imagine that after that, he will begin physical therapy to help him with his legs (and Lord willing, to be able to crawl and walk again).
We really hope to get some pictures out for everyone as soon as possible.
We cannot adequately express how thankful we are for the faithful prayers of so many.
Holy God to whom all praise is due, we stand in awe of you.
Daddy BA
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Sunday, September 14, 2008
A Sunday Update
Jacob has been quite active today, especially considering that he hasn't had much in the way of naps over the past couple of days. His appetite is pretty well back (he tore down some pasta w/meat and tomato sauce for lunch today). I was especially proud to see him eat this well since this happens to be one of my favorite activities, too. He is still struggling a little with his fluid intake, but so far, we've not had to go back on the IV fluids.
In speaking with his doctors, they have decided to schedule his post-op x-ray for the 23rd of this month. We would love for it to be sooner, and had thought it might be, but the docs want to wait until right at four weeks after the bladder surgery. We hope to know more about this by tomorrow. Thank you for all of your prayers regarding his pin sites. They all look quite good and appear to be healing nicely. All in all, Jacob has been doing very well, to the point where several of his nurses have commented on how quickly he has recovered. We know that this is only because of God's grace and mercy, demonstrated through the faithful prayers of so many. To Him be the glory.
On a separate note, we had some visitors yesterday. James and Jacob's Papa Frere has a twin brother that looks exactly like him. He and part of his family came up to visit yesterday to celebrate cousin Joshua's birthday, visit Jacob and to show off their new grandson. James, who absolutely adores his Papa, became immediately attached to Papa's twin brother, Robert. It was almost as if there were now two identical Papa's and James loved it. He was calling him Poppy. After a wonderful visit, Poppy and his family left to return to their home last night and then Papa Frere left this morning to travel back to Knoxville. James was quite sad and said something to the effect of, "Now I've lost both Papa and Poppy at the same time."
Please pray for Courtney today, though, as she is having some stomach issues. She had been sick this past week and was starting to feel better until today.
To our Lord and Savior, Jesus, who sustains us by His power,
Daddy BA
In speaking with his doctors, they have decided to schedule his post-op x-ray for the 23rd of this month. We would love for it to be sooner, and had thought it might be, but the docs want to wait until right at four weeks after the bladder surgery. We hope to know more about this by tomorrow. Thank you for all of your prayers regarding his pin sites. They all look quite good and appear to be healing nicely. All in all, Jacob has been doing very well, to the point where several of his nurses have commented on how quickly he has recovered. We know that this is only because of God's grace and mercy, demonstrated through the faithful prayers of so many. To Him be the glory.
On a separate note, we had some visitors yesterday. James and Jacob's Papa Frere has a twin brother that looks exactly like him. He and part of his family came up to visit yesterday to celebrate cousin Joshua's birthday, visit Jacob and to show off their new grandson. James, who absolutely adores his Papa, became immediately attached to Papa's twin brother, Robert. It was almost as if there were now two identical Papa's and James loved it. He was calling him Poppy. After a wonderful visit, Poppy and his family left to return to their home last night and then Papa Frere left this morning to travel back to Knoxville. James was quite sad and said something to the effect of, "Now I've lost both Papa and Poppy at the same time."
Please pray for Courtney today, though, as she is having some stomach issues. She had been sick this past week and was starting to feel better until today.
To our Lord and Savior, Jesus, who sustains us by His power,
Daddy BA
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Update - a couple of praises and requests
We praise the Lord that Jacob is recovering well from what potentially could have been a bad bacterial infection. We were concerned that he might have to be moved out of his room and placed in "isolation" of sorts, depending on some lab results. But everything improved greatly today and all of the additional precautions that were put in place (having to wear gloves and masks in the room) were removed. Jacob has been eating well today and is particularly fond of one of his nurses, Ashley. He calls her "Shay, Shay". Please continue to pray that he will take in more fluids, though, as he still has not wanted to drink very much juice or Pediasure.
I arrived safely in Baltimore this afternoon and I appreciate all of the prayers for safe travel. I broke the trip up into two days this time and that certainly made the journey easier (but I was definitely ready to be here). Please pray for Courtney as she continues to battle a cold and cough and also a sore tooth. Pray that she will heal quickly and that the meds we've gotten for her tooth will do their thing.
To the One who leads us by His hand,
Daddy BA
I arrived safely in Baltimore this afternoon and I appreciate all of the prayers for safe travel. I broke the trip up into two days this time and that certainly made the journey easier (but I was definitely ready to be here). Please pray for Courtney as she continues to battle a cold and cough and also a sore tooth. Pray that she will heal quickly and that the meds we've gotten for her tooth will do their thing.
To the One who leads us by His hand,
Daddy BA
Monday, September 8, 2008
Praise and Prayer Request
We praise the Lord that Jacob has been able to come off most of his pain meds and is not having to rely on IV fluids anymore. Also, he may be able to have an X-Ray this week to see about the possibility of removing his pins, fixator and traction (possibly as early as next week).
In the meantime, though, we also ask that you pray for Jacob as he has not wanted to eat or drink today and has had loose stool. When these symptoms appear, it is typically a viral infection of some kind, which clears up over time. Sometimes these symptoms appear when he is teething as well. Please pray that whatever is bothering him will clear up soon and that it will not lead to anything more serious. Also pray (especially) that he will start drinking fluids again and not have to be placed back on the IV.
May the Lord work through these circumstances that which pleases Him.
Daddy BA
In the meantime, though, we also ask that you pray for Jacob as he has not wanted to eat or drink today and has had loose stool. When these symptoms appear, it is typically a viral infection of some kind, which clears up over time. Sometimes these symptoms appear when he is teething as well. Please pray that whatever is bothering him will clear up soon and that it will not lead to anything more serious. Also pray (especially) that he will start drinking fluids again and not have to be placed back on the IV.
May the Lord work through these circumstances that which pleases Him.
Daddy BA
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Moving "up" and down the hall - an update
We rejoice that Jacob has been doing well this past week, so much so that he has been moved (as of yesterday) from the Intermediate Care Unit back into a regular room. The Lord has been so gracious to us in allowing Jacob to continue to make good progress and we know that He has used the thoughts and prayers of so many to glorify His name.
The doctors tell us that if his progress continues as it has, they may be able to do the post-op X-ray (to see how well everything has healed and to possibly remove the pins) in about three weeks. If this happens then, it will be about two weeks sooner that we originally expected.
We ask for your continued prayers for Jacob while he recovers. We also ask for your prayers for Mommy CA. While we rejoice that Jacob is now in a regular room, we also know that this requires that she be at the hospital most of the time, including nights, which can quickly drain you. Please pray that God will grant her strength and encourage her and lift her spirits during this time. Please pray for Melanie (Gran), Uncle Ron and Aunt RoRo, (and his Papa this week) also, as they continue to minister to us by taking care of Jacob's older brother, James. Pray that God will grant them strength and that He might bless them for the sacrifice they've made to help us with his care. Please pray for James, too, as this is no doubt difficult for him in many ways as well.
And lastly, I ask for your prayers for me as well. While back at home in Chattanooga, I have been blessed by so many, especially from our church. I've been given more food than even I can eat (some will find that hard to believe) and been so encouraged by their phone calls, dinner invitations, and drop-by visits. But it is tough being 650 miles away from my wife and two boys. I definitely look forward to being with them again next week. I plan to travel back up to Baltimore on Wednesday of next week.
Blessed be the Lord, God Almighty, who was and is, and is to come,
Daddy BA
The doctors tell us that if his progress continues as it has, they may be able to do the post-op X-ray (to see how well everything has healed and to possibly remove the pins) in about three weeks. If this happens then, it will be about two weeks sooner that we originally expected.
We ask for your continued prayers for Jacob while he recovers. We also ask for your prayers for Mommy CA. While we rejoice that Jacob is now in a regular room, we also know that this requires that she be at the hospital most of the time, including nights, which can quickly drain you. Please pray that God will grant her strength and encourage her and lift her spirits during this time. Please pray for Melanie (Gran), Uncle Ron and Aunt RoRo, (and his Papa this week) also, as they continue to minister to us by taking care of Jacob's older brother, James. Pray that God will grant them strength and that He might bless them for the sacrifice they've made to help us with his care. Please pray for James, too, as this is no doubt difficult for him in many ways as well.
And lastly, I ask for your prayers for me as well. While back at home in Chattanooga, I have been blessed by so many, especially from our church. I've been given more food than even I can eat (some will find that hard to believe) and been so encouraged by their phone calls, dinner invitations, and drop-by visits. But it is tough being 650 miles away from my wife and two boys. I definitely look forward to being with them again next week. I plan to travel back up to Baltimore on Wednesday of next week.
Blessed be the Lord, God Almighty, who was and is, and is to come,
Daddy BA
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Mommy's Update
Can you believe I haven't written in a month? Daddy BA always writes to everyone and he's back home in TN. I miss him soooooo much and wish our family could be back together soon. I know James misses him too. He just breaks down and cries so hard when daddy leaves and it breaks my heart. I hold him in my arms and we watch daddy's car drive away until we can't see him anymore. Then we go back in the home and I hold him a little longer until he stops crying we say a prayer and then we do something that's distracting. As for Jacob, he knows daddy had to go to work, but he hasn't reacted like James, yet. Thank goodness, I don't know how much my heart can handle. So far so good, your prayers are working. I meet so many people here and I get to share our story with them and they always say "I would have never guessed that you are going through this difficult time, you have such a wonderful spirit." I always tell them I couldn't look or be this way if I didn't have God with me and everyone praying. I don't quite know what they are seeing, because when I look in the mirror I see dark circles and nappy hair.
Jacob keeps me very busy when I am at his bedside. I have tried many times to sit down at the computer and add new pictures, but he is right there saying "Mama" "Maaaaamaaaaa" the whole time. And of course he comes first :) He is doing so well. The nurses and doctors absolutely love him because he smiles and blows them kisses. Now what lady wouldn't want that. And the men, they love to get his high fives. Jacob has learned to say "Kiki" for nurse Karen, "Ashshe" for nurse Ashley, "doe" for go, "pay" for play, he has said purple, stop, potty, and so many others. He helps all the nurses out with the medical supplies they have to use on him. I'm so glad to see he still wants to learn. I heard some children regress when they go through something like this. The one thing he does hate, is taking his medicine by mouth.
I wish I could keep writing and tell you more, but it's 11:00pm and I need to get up to the house. Too bad I can't get Internet there or you would be getting tons of pictures.
With much love,
Mommy CA
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