October 1, 2009

Dear Family and Friends,

Much has happened in the less than two weeks past since I last updated the blog. God has abundantly blessed us again. We are praising him that Everett got the job he interviewed for in August. He will begin as soon as he recovers from his surgery, which should be in three to four weeks. Yesterday he had his robotic prostetectomy, a four-hour surgery, and we are so thankful that the doctor was able to remove all of the cancer. Everett is doing well and will come home tomorrow. He has been up and walking but still feeling a little weak and woozy. A little solid food will go far in resolving some of that as he was on a clear liquid diet for two days before surgery and had nothing except ice chips after surgery yesterday. They finally gave him a soft diet for lunch today and he has begun to perk up.

Everett has created quite a stir at St. Jude Hospital as he was the first patient there, or in Orange County for that matter, to have this surgery with their new Da Vinci SI robot which is the latest model. Doctors, nurses, aids, etc., have all been stopping by his room and saying, "So you're the one!" A couple of the OR nurses who had assisted came by and talked with him for quite awhile and to take pictures with him. Another woman, whose title I believe was VP of marketing or publications, came by and asked if they might use him in their next publication of "Health Connections" as they tout their new robot. We did find out the real reason his surgery had been postponed for a week. The robot was supposed to be up and running by the 23rd but the doctors and the team felt they needed a little more training. And, Everett was specifically selected to be the first for this procedure because of his great overall health and because he is very slim (no body fat, as one nurse put it). We are thankful to God for the wonderful team of doctors, nurses and aids who have been so kind and conscientious in their care of him.

Kevin continues to do well. He did receive a copy of the final report from his primary physician who states that he is 100% disabled. This will hopefully go a long way with Worker's Comp. in getting the settlement he deserves. Kevin went to the Braille Institute on Monday and picked up his white cane and he is meeting with a mobility instructor this afternoon for training. I am so glad this has finally happened as I will certainly feel better when he is out and about and people realize he has a disability. Keith and I took him to the hospital last evening to visit with his dad and he brought his cane to practice with. Afterward he wanted to stop at Sam's Club to pick up something so Keith and I waited in the car for him as we were exhausted after a long day at the hospital. He said he noticed people gave him a wider bearth and, while in line, someone let him go in front of him. I continue to marvel how well he has adjusted and adapted to his circumstances. He seems to take everything in stride and continues to trust and rely on the Lord.

Praise the Lord! For His steadfast love endures forever!

Grace and Peace,
Tami