Thursday

Last night Rex was able to walk 4 laps and get two of his IV lines removed. The doctors are very impressed with his progress. When I arrived today Rex's blood pressure was pretty high and I quickly found that he was having a very hard time with the pain around his incision. The doctors are trying to wean him off of the IV pain medicines and I think they just did too much too soon. The nurse and doctor worked quickly to get him something to help lessen the pain and his blood pressure resumed a safer reading shortly after. As a result of the unbearable pain, the magnitude of all that has transpired in a short period of time, and the side effects of the medicines, Rex is experiencing a roller coaster of emotions. He feels as though he is coming across as a whiner or complainer when he complains about the pain. Everyone (nurses, doctors, Natalie and I) have all told him what trooper he has been and that it is okay and expected that he may need more medicine at times. Please pray that Rex's pain would be managed and that he would not fall into a state of depression. This is a terrible side effect of many of the medicines he is taking, but that doesn't mean he needs to be affected by it.

On the upside, Rex has been doing so well that he has been transferred out of the ICU and into a regular room. He has his own room and is still under incredible care. He was down to only one bag of IV meds and has only two IVs remaining. He is taking all of his other medicines orally and will begin formal training on these meds with the nurses tomorrow. The dietitian dropped off his diet and sat a chatted a while. I must say Rex has made excellent food choices the last few days. As many of you have heard from me in the past, this is not always the case. I am very proud of his positive attitude. At every opportunity Rex is giving all glory to God for his heart change, both physical and spiritual.

My mom is taking care of the kids and doing an amazing job. So well in fact, that Zach didn't even want to talk with me on the phone today! My sister has been an amazing support to me. Just having her here is a comfort. We ran errands today getting the apartment stocked with toiletries and food. She has been struggling with sciatic pain all day (poor thing!). Please keep both my mother and sister lifted in prayer. They have taken over most of my responsibilities which as allowed me to focus all my time and energy on Rex.

Rex and I continue to thank all of you for your many words of encouragement and prayers. We know that God is in control and would not want it any other way. Much love to you all!

"but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life." John 9:3b