Friday, February 29, 2008

Friday, February 29, 2008

On Wednesday, February 20, Becky was moved to HealthSouth Rehabilitation Center of North Houston for continuing rehab and healing. Since then, she has had some very good days and some very difficult ones. This week, we've had quite a scare because of some very significant drainage from her incision and some test results that indicated she may have developed another infection of MRSA. Becky was again placed on Vancomycin, a very powerful and toxic antibiotic to fight off whatever infection may exist while tests were run. Following the tests, we took Becky to her surgeon's office today. He had expected to place her back into Methodist Hospital and begin treating her for the MRSA infection, but when he saw her, he declined to do so, saying he doubts there is an infection. That was good news to us! Further good news came when Becky's Infectious Disease doctor visited Becky this afternoon to tell her that cultures that had been taken early in the week came back showing that while there are two bacterium that are active, neither is a resistant strain and can be treated with oral antibiotics. The PICC (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter) that Becky had inserted on Tuesday will be left in until sometime next week in case any further problems develop, but the Vancomycin will not be administered any more unless something new develops. That is very good news!

Thanks to everyone for your continued prayers. Becky has a lot to go through in physical therapy to attempt to recover the use of her left leg since her most recent surgery. In a couple of months, she will undergo total hip replacement on her right hip and will repeat this process with all the same difficulties. She needs a great deal of physical strength and stamina as well as emotional strength. It's a tough job. She's done well and is constantly telling me how thankful she is to have survived and regained her cognitive abilities. Being able to play in our daughter Adriane's wedding was a special highlight for her.

9 comments:

Regina Orsak said...

Dennis, Thanks for the great update and the wonderful news about no signs of MRSA!

Becky, I admire how strong you've been, always pushing forward even when you do not know what the next requirements are. I know that there is still much work to be done that will take continued efforts on your part. I also know that God is with you helping you with each step. I pray that God continues to encourage you (and Dennis) and will give you complete healing. I will continue to support you - by being your cheerleader! :-) Love you!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the update. We miss you guys. We continually are praying for your complete recovery. We were relieved to find out the results of the MRSA test--what great news! Hope everyone is doing well and hope that we see Juliane soon and would love to see you also. Give Chester love for us. Love, Natalie, Larry, William and Emily-Olivia

Emily Hyde said...

Can I just say "ditto" to what my mom said :-). Just kidding! I miss you Becky and even though I am not able to see you on a frequent basis, I am still thinking of you many times during each day. I continue to pray for God to give you the strength and patience through this very difficult trial. I can't imagine what each day for you must be like. I heard a sermon today at our church on perseverance and I thought of your example to all those around you. You are a wonderful aunt and a good friend and I look forward to seeing you at the end of the month. Much love to you!! Emily and Jason

Anonymous said...

I was so happay to hear that you had a blog spot that I immediately came home and typed something to you but it never showed up! So I'll try it again. Becky and Dennis, I hope that this space gives you encouragement and the realization of just how many people are thinking about you both. I was so happy to hear that you aren't going to go through another round of MRSA!! We're praying for your complete healing!
Kevin and Jeanine Burt

Anonymous said...

Becky,

It is so wonderful to hear the good news about not having to be treated for another round of MRSA. Your will power, strength, and endurance have been an inspiration to all of us. You have overcome many obstacles, and we know you will overcome many more. Keep on fighting...we're right here beside you. You are always in our thoughts and prayers.

We love you,
Philip and Gina Whitley

Anonymous said...

Dear Becky,
I am so glad that you have a blogspot so we can stay tuned in to your progress and pray for you in detail as you continue to tackle the hurdles ahead of you. You have come so far in your recovery and we are praying for your complete restoration. God has truly revealed His love and mercy through healing you and it has been inspiring to see your determination and strength. You have been blest with a wonderful family and I hope that each day with them brings you tremendous joy.

Much love,
De Lynn

Anonymous said...

I am so glad you have a blogspot now. You have continually been in my thoughts and prayers, but now I can keep up with your progress and amazing accomplishments! Watching God's hand at work is such an inspiration, as is your strength and perserverance to keep fighting. Your family's strength, perserverance, and love for you is very inspiring as well. Keep on keepin' on!!

With love,
Erika Whitley

Anonymous said...

Hey Becky,

I love the blogging network. While you have been consistently in our prayers (since day one), it's great to be able to get more specific with prayer when you have all the details. I'm glad to see you moving forward. We will continue to pray for your hip replacements to be a total success, as well as keeping that nasty old MRSA gone.

You are a true inspiration! I don't think I've ever known anyone as determined as you are. I believe that, as well as your faith in God, have brought you to be the miracle you are today.

We love you dearly!
Sharon V

Adriane said...

Hey Momma! I'm glad you & Dad decided to start posting your progress & such...I think it's great :)

Last night it snowed sooo much! My Medical Ethics presentation is today, so my group members came over last night to put our slides together. One guy had a lab to finish, so he ran all the way across campus in the sleet to finish it, and then all the way back! The other guy was in my Pathophysiology class last year, and until last night he thought I was pre-med lol.

Then while Benjamin & I were watching TV, it started snowing! People were out there having snowball fights, but I didn't cause I had started getting an ear ache :( This morning there was about 2 inches of snow on my front & back windows, and a couple of full-sized snowmen in a field!

I, however, did not find any of this fun. Instead I had to go back inside to get new clothes, as mine were getting wet from all the snow-scraping. I was half an hour late to work, and decided to myself that snow & I were just not cut out to be friends. That's probably why I live in Texas. I did take pictures, though, so you can laugh at my misery if you so choose.

I hope you're having a good day! Love you!