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Maggie is recovering from surgery without any setbacks or complications. She is probably past danger of internal bleeding and is still being monitored with a drain for bile leaks with none being detected. For pain management she was given an epidural immediately after surgery yesterday. Her pain was under control at the expense of all feeling in and ability to move her right leg. This discomfort kept her from resting much yesterday, so she was switched to a morphine pump this morning. Today has been much more comfortable and restful for her. She will start getting up and moving around in the morning.

Maggie has spent numerous nights in the hospital – we’ve lost count to be honest. She knows what she likes when she’s here. She has strong opinions when it comes to hospital bed brands. The luck of the draw yesterday gave her a Stryker. Her preference is the Hill-Rom VersaCare. Today she got her Hill-Rom after a major effort brought about by our Forrest County nurse Nicole. Maggie is still bed-bound due to the presence of a Foley catheter and, well, the pain of moving. Her room is one of those smallish corner types that would not accommodate two beds in order to make the switch. Nicole and two nurse friends wheeled Maggie and Stryker into the hall, gently push/pulled her to VersaCare, then rolled her back into the room with a huge smile of her face. The favored bed allows her more control of her position – she’s already sitting up more. Nurses are amazing!

Speaking of nurses – I could do that for hours – Maggie has had the same OR nurse for every surgical procedure except for one when she was off-duty (and she left instructions for Maggie’s care in her absence). Kristen has been amazingly supportive of her since procedure #1 in April 2014. We suspect she engineered (because she reads Maggie’s updates) the playing of “Mr. Blue Sky” (by ELO) during her port removal procedure. It was played it once again yesterday morning! I’m posting a picture of Kristen and Maggie taken yesterday morning (which I hope is ok!).

I’ve been overwhelmed with the influence of godly people doing the jobs they do – large and small – in taking care of us in our journey. You know some – Nicole, Kristen and many other nurses. Janie (3C night nurse during chemo stays) came down last night to flawlessly access Maggie’s port. Yesterday morning prior to surgery, Dr. Berch came by our pre-op cubicle to pray with us. Our pastor, Daryl Craft, stayed with us throughout surgery yesterday. This morning at the Cabot Lodge, I noticed the security guard sitting under the front drive-through reading his Bible. And I just love the parking attendant who always wishes me a “blessed day” as I drive out. Make no mistake, though our world appears dark, God is firmly in control. And love wins. Thank you for your part in that.

We are praying for improvement each day and release date toward the end of the week. We are also praying for Maggie’s team as they evaluate the pathology report from surgery. It is due to be completed in time for tumor conference tomorrow to allow discussion. These results will have implications for upcoming chemo treatments. I’ll post an update once we know.