We are happy to report that we brought Audra Lea home from the hospital on Wednesday. She had spent 22 days in the hospital. She had 3 major operations, countless scans and x-rays, enough iv’s and pin pricks to make her stubborn veins call out “no mas, no mas,” and a week of rehab with each day bringing her more hope. The final hurdle to her release was a spot on the lung that was collapsed for one of the operation. The doctor was sure the lesion was a result of the operation but he needed to see her pre-op x-rays to make sure. I was asked to be the courier to get the job done that Wed. so she could be released. It was great to be part of the process as I picked up the cd’s from St Josephs and delivered them to the offices of the releasing doctor.

Coming home that Wednesday was very comforting. She made the drive home with minimal pain. I went to church that night as Joan stayed with Audra just in case she were to fall. While in prayer I realized how little time I had been able to devote to prayer. What I mean is that over the last 3 weeks my life seemed to be filled with prayer thoughts as I walked the corridors, and rode the elevators of the hospitals. I realized how much (as I recently have heard from others) we were being carried and supported by others who were praying for us. Thanks again as we look to Audra’s continued healing and recovery.

We were supposed to move Audra to rehab on Wednesday January 31. We have come a long way since our first doctor visit on Jan. 2^nd. Our nurse had been concerned about Audra’s low blood count. When the time came for her to get moved they checked her blood pressure and pulse. The blood pressure was low but Ok. Her pulse was around 70 but jumped to 140 when she stood up so they postponed the move. They pumped her up with fluids and proteins. We talked about it that evening. She had only had 3 partial meals over 10 days so it was probably normal for her to be a little behind the curve.

She got moved late Thursday and is now in Good Samaritan. Dr. Sontag had come in that morning to check on her. He had her walk without the brace. She walked across the room and back he was very pleased. He said that she should be back to normal walking within a month, but not to hold him to it. Audra’s fear is that the damage to the spinal column that inhibited her walking ability will not repair itself and she will have a future of struggling with walking. My guilt is that if I would have taken action earlier I could have saved her ability to walk. Both of us will be trusting God.

The move from St. Joseph’s to Good Samaritan took its toll on Audra. She went from a brand new wing of the Barrow’s center to an older hospital. She went from being a special patient who had just went through 3 surgeries to a regular patient coming for rehab. She went from one set of surroundings to another. She was greeted by a doctor who says she will be out of there in less than a week. This is after we have been told she will be in rehab for et least 2 to 3 weeks. She was depressed. The food was better but her low blood pressure brought one more training nurse in to fix an IV to her stubborn veins.

Audra has commented on how her body seems to match part of her personality. She has stubborn veins that go with a similar character trait. She has a unique tumor that goes along with her desire to be unique. On the positives she has a high tolerance for pain that matches her ability to tolerate difficulties. Her new surroundings and her confusion along with dealing with all of the thoughts she is having to digest made for a tough day Friday. When I called to come and see her, she just wanted company because she was feeling sorry for herself. We made it through the night. She is eating all of her protein and the meals are better tasting.

Saturday she saw her doctor again at 5 in the morning. He told her she should be out by Wed. even though her rehab won’t really begin until Monday. When Joan and I showed up we were all confused as to what would happen. I called my sister Laurie who is a nurse and she cautioned me to be Audra’s advocate in making sure she got proper rehab. As we talked I described Audra’s walking ability. At this point Laurie said that Audra is far enough along to learn some exercises and rehab at home. She didn’t expect her to be walking that fast after going through what she has gone through. So that would be great to take her home Wed.

I can hardly describe the thoughts and feelings that I have in my moments of reflection. Even then I wonder how Audra is handling all of this. I told Joan that I felt trapped and restrained and I needed to bust out. If that is what I feel I can only guess what Audra feels. “Cast your cares upon Him for He cares for you”. Thanks for your prayers.