Becky's surgery yesterday went well. Even in the recovery room, Becky was alert and in good spirits. Before surgery, Becky continued a tradition she started when she contracted a MRSA infection in late November; a tradition that has created a positive bond between herself and her surgeon, Dr. Terry Clyburn. Dr. Clyburn, who calls Becky his "humpty dumpty," has been amused by Becky's placing small rubber animals at various places on her for him to find in surgery. The first time Becky did so, Dr. Clyburn was amused but discarded the "critters" in surgery. The second time, one critter survived the surgery by being hidden in a gown pocket. This time, Dr. Cyburn taped the critters to Becky's arm for her to wear back from surgery. He comments that Becky has a great sense of humor and that is good for her recovery. The critters, a gift from Ryan Hendee, have really become a symbol of independence and imagination for Becky as well as a way to express her wonderful sense of humor. They've kept her beautiful smile on her face for many hours.
Becky has had remarkably little pain since coming out of surgery. As with most of her surgeries, Becky's pain level has been much lower than expected. Both Dr. Clyburn and Becky's former surgeon explained Becky's lack of pain by telling Becky, "You're just weird." As the initial medications wear off, Becky may feel greater pain, but so far the aftermath of the surgery has been very positive.
This morning, Physical Therapy came and helped Becky get out bed and take a few steps, after which Becky's blood pressure dropped and she had a bout of nausea, but felt much better after getting back in bed. Based on blood work done this morning, Becky was given a blood transfusion (receiving her own unit of blood) this afternoon. She's tired and sleeping now after her afternoon session with Physical Therapy.
Current plans are for Becky to return to Health South Rehabilitation Hospital north of The Woodlands, TX when she leaves Methodist Hospital. Dr. Clyburn expects her discharge from Methodist to happen later this week. After a week or so of recovery and good physical therapy at Health South, it will be time to return home and begin really intense home exercises and outpatient physical therapy to "reach for the stars" of full recovery.
Becky has commented how much she loves reading posts that several people have put here on her blog. Thanks to everyone for the encouraging and uplifting and humorous posts. The outpouring of love from friends is touching and encouraging for her and for our family.
We'll post more as things progress!
Love to all,
Dennis & Becky
Becky & Chester
Becky & Chester
7 comments:
Dear Becky,
We have been praying for you and thinking about you all day on Monday and Tuesday. It is good to hear that you are safely out of surgery and on the road to recovery. God's presence has been so evident in your life...I feel confident that you will enjoy a complete recovery. You will have to work hard these next few months, but I have never known you to shy away from hard work. You always have that "bring it on!" attitude when it comes to challenges. You are truly a remarkable woman!
Take care and know that you remain in the forefront of our daily thoughts.
With love,
De Lynn
PS...I love the story about the rubber animals... Your humor is priceless!
Becky,
I am overjoyed to hear about your surgery success! That is amazing they already had you up and walking too. Keep up the good work combined with your positive attitude. Remember you have a cheering squad behind you!
Love, Jeanine
Wow Becky,
Up and walking, that is just amazing. :) I am so glad that your surgery went well, we have all been praying for smooth sailing. I look forward to the updates and hearing about your progress. Love to all, Judith
You go girl! So glad to hear the surgery is over and that all went well. Dennis, sit on her when you need to. I know how "determined" Becky can be. Take good care of each other, and Becky with each "reach for the stars" attempt, know that we're all lifting you up in every way that we can. God will help you get the rest of the way.
You're in our daily thoughts and prayers. Keep us posted on your progress.
Much love,
Sharon V and the guys
Becky,
We are all very relieved that your surgery went very well! Your continued strength, determination, and fighting attitude is going to get you through this.
You are constantly in our prayers and thoughts. Hang in there and stay tough! Can't wait to see your smiling face again.
Love you,
Gina Whitley
Dear Becky,
I am so proud of the way you have renewed your faith, your hope, and your love since the accident. I have seen many changes in your family and the drawing together you have all done in every possible way to give life the value it deserves and the love and respect earned not only through hard work, but by the fruits of the spirit. God sees your works and knows your trials. Dennis said it best. The Glory of God is made manifest and the love of God shown openly due to the prayers of everyone who is praying for you. I spent a wonderful week with your family. I haven't been able to do that ever before, but I thank God for that opportunity and hope to be able to do it again some day. I thank you and each member for accepting me and showing me how your family operates. Dennis and I grew up together as brothers, but time and our daily lives separated us for a long time. It was really great to see the oneness there. These are the things you now have the ability to get back to and God is 100% for you and with you. You keep up the hard work and I know He will do the rest. All my prayers for you, Dennis and the kids. I love you all. Ken Bounds
Becky,
What kind of spectacle of tranquility is this? This whole progression is all in step already. I actually feel like I just stepped into Becky's Thanksgiving Day Parade; some of us are on floats, some are in convertibles and, it looks to me like Sharon V. is over there tossing confetti.
We know this celebration is only temporal though, b/c of all the work you have left to do. We have work too, but obviously you're going to bear the largest burden here (save the support of Christ).
In all your work though, try and remember that all those marching in any parade first took baby steps before they could be part of the grand procession (this is symbolic in so many ways).
You're loved and respected by many Becky. The Holy Spirit has shined upon your face. And I'd like to be at your service as well. I don't live far at all from you, so just let me know if you or Dennis need anything.
(Plus, even though Dennis probably knows this already, the demands of a beautiful woman aren't casually disregarded).
Josh, Melissa & Emma
PS: Shall I bring your ladyship supper one evening?
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