Hi, Just wanted to let you all know that Seth and I will travel out to Iowa City again next Tuesday, June 17th for his 1st Post Op check up since we left the hospital on May 6. He is doing great and I can't wait for his doctors to see him. They will be very pleased I'm sure. We'll let you know how it went.

I'm not posting much here anymore...

to check out Seth and his family go to theeubankfamilylive.blogspot.com

The Ring

Okay guys. Here it is. Isn't it beautiful? The diamonds on both sides go almost all the way around and are all emerald and princess cut. the clarity and color are at the highest rating, and the total carat weight with the matching wedding band (emerald and princess cut diamonds all the way around) is almost 3 carats!!!!! Wow, Wow, wow! Nicholas you are something else. We all love you very much.

I have started a new blog

Check us out at a new blog address...theEubankFamilyLive.blogspot.com
I have some VERY exciting news to share. See ya there. Love, Vickie

Hi, I'm back

Hi everyone. I have had the hardest time trying to post on my own blog. I kept getting some bogus message that my email address wasn't valid and neither was my password. I really don't know what the deal was. I am trying now from work and it obviously is working fine.
I wanted to give you an update on Seth and our lives.
Seth is doing better than anyone ever thought, (at this point) (it's truly answered prayer). His body is operating at a point the drs. hoped for in 6 months. He feels great (get tired more easily than before his two surgeries). He is going to school everyday. He is in finals now. Please pray for him. He has missed a lot of school this semester, I think about 8-9 weeks all together. He gets an A+ in my book for effort. He has worked very hard to try and keep up. Anyway he is in finals today (Tues., Honors Chemistry) and tomorrow (Wednesday will be 20th Century History and Bible verse test). He will have to make up the Math final and Spanish later. He plans to do the Math final next week. He will be tutored for missing the semester of Spanish over the next three weeks. His teacher says he will have a lot of work but should be able to cover the entire month is three weeks. She, Mrs. Doades will come to the house 3 days a week for 1 hour, for 3 weeks and it's done! Amazing! At that point Seth will officially be a Junior at PCS. Wow.
I realized the other day that he will be 18 in 1 year, 4 months and 14 days! How could this have happened???? Everyone always says, "they grow up sooo fast". I used to just smile and agree. Really thinking, yeah right we have 4 games this week, an athletic banquet and spring concert, and 40 loads of laundry to do. I don't think it happens that quickly." Well it seriously does. I love them at every age. Nick is 27, Noah 25 and Seth quickly approaching 18. Now I am having these yearnings to adopt from China and my husband is doing everything in his power to discourage THAT. He says, just wait we'll have grandchildren soon. That is a whole other emotion thing I have stirring inside me!
OK, so all of that just to say, we are doing GREAT!
I do want to add that we have the best, most wonderful, most generous friends in the entire world. We have had soooo many delicious meals prepared for us over the course of the past 6 months. These people have been "Jesus in the flesh" to us. We love you all VERY much. We have prayed for each of you individually and asked a special blessing be poured upon you. I want recipes from all of you!
Until next time. Have a great week and holiday weekend.
Love, Vickie and Family

Hi, we (I) had a great Mother's Day. It started with coffee this morning and ended with dinner tonight at home with Jeff, Seth, Nick and Aubrey and my friend Carla. Noah had to leave early to run the sound system for College and Career Church (every Sunday night). we miss him, but he got to come over today around 1 (right after church) and stayed until 4:30 and then Nick and Aubrey came at about 4:35. they just missed each other. Jeff parents, brothers and wives and all but one nephew (that lives locally we have a nephew in FL.) came along with my sis, Mary. It was a full house and a lot of fun. I was blessed. Here is a picture taken just before Noah had to leave today. Hope your day was great too. Love, Vickie

Seth before his went on his first "day out" after surgery!!!!! Yeahhh!!!

oops, it came out sicdeways. Sorry. Anyway... how Seth looks now!!!!! Praise God!!!!!

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all the Mom's out there. The Eubank Family wishes you a Perfect Day. Relax and enjoy your family.
Everything is going great here. Seth has taken the car, picked up a couple of close friends and has driven to another great friends home (Cassie) to hang out for the evening. Yep, you read it right. He is "out". What a difference from last Saturday night when we were celebrating getting our own room in the hospital, and Seth was barely eating! I will especially be celebrating tomorrow!!!
I will have all three of my boys here. We will all be together at church, then Nick and Aubrey will go to her parents home to grill steaks and then here at 3:00 for dessert. Along with all my guys will be Jeff's parents, and his two brothers, their wives and families, and my sister Mary. Almost 25 if everyone can make it.
Until we meet here again, May God bless you and keep you safe. Love, Vickie
PS To all the kids reading this blog. Be especially thankful for your Mom's tomorrow and really love up on them OK. Love, Vic

Hi Everyone ~ If there still is an everyone. There really isn't much traffic on the blog since we came home. Yesterday was a good day for Seth. I think he was tired. He hasn't napped at all since we came home. He is doing good though, everyday he seems a little stronger. Hi appetite is getting much better too. Physically he is healing at a much faster rate than the doctors had predicted. We are very thankful for that. I may post later. I have errands to run this morning. Bye, Vickie

An end to a great day.

Seth had a great first day home. He relaxed. Actually had an appetite. Played a little XBox Guitar Hero, and just chilled.
Our friend Peggy brought us the most delicious dinner of Roast Pork Tenderloin (fantastic and Peggy is a vegetarian??), smashed red potatoes, a beautiful salad and brownies! Is that incredible? Seth along with Jeff and I really enjoyed it.
Seth watched some TV after dinner and Jeff and I walked. I really got my walking in today. I did 8 miles this morning and 7 miles tonight. My hip sockets are BURNIN' baby.
Then my friend Carla came by with lots of goodies, Popsicle, sherbet, cheesecake from a local bakery, sweet bread for breakfast, a beautiful picture frame with one of my favorite pictures of her family. It was great.
Now Seth has had his evening meds and I'M ready to hit the sack.
I thoroughly enjoyed my day, and I know Seth did too. Thanks to all of you for everything. Love to all, The Eubank Family.

Here are the pictures. #1 was taken the morning or the surgery. He was ready to be taken to pre-op where they would start the IV' etc.. #2 Seth on Day #2 and Day#3 and Day #4. #3 and #4 Seth's first food after 6 days! Oh and he really enjoyed it too. The post below is Seth suffering through one of many of our little 4 yr. old room mates bad times. He had they several times a day. He really wanted to go home! Seth spent many hours trying to sleep like this. Note the morphine pump still very close by. This was Very difficult to say the least. When they got Seth and Jeff a different room, it was such a blessing!!! And the last picture is Seth's kidnapping. This area was just outside Seth's room window and 3 floors down. If you scroll down the below the WALK pictures you will see where I attempted this morning to put the pictures on and realized I had to upload in reverse order. Oh well ya live and learn. I am a total embarrassment to my techie kids.

Photo Journal of the past week.

I thought that since it is such a beautiful day today that I would take all of you along with me for my walk this morning. These are a few of the sights we got to see. The trees are budding and some are in full bloom. The sights and smells overwhelmed my senses. Our God is so extremely incredibly awesome, is He not? Look what He has done for us. Jeff and I are so very blessed to have all that we have. I am not in anyway referring to material things. I am talking about God things. Words can not describe how full we feel. Thanks for being on this journey with us through the very difficult, heart wrenching walks to the beautiful walk we took together today. I will try to keep the blog up over the next few weeks. Please stay on the journey with us. The best is yet to come. We love you all. Vickie

I will be putting on some of the pictures we took while we were out there. Obviously I have to start with the most recent and get to the oldest. For now, the 3, should have been two pictures will wet your whistle for what's to come. Bye. I'm going out on my walk now. I'll be back in a couple of hours. Oh yeah!

Monday At 6:30 AM Ticketed Passenger ready to board the ship! See below.


Front Entrance of Iowa City Children's Hospital aka The UICH Cruise ship. Good for 8 to 9 day cruises. Food available for ticketed passengers simply by dialing 1-2-3, for those who can eat! The activity directors are pleasant enough, but most of them specialize in needles, tubes and measuring equipment. And the captain of the ship carries a big knife. Anyone intrested in a cruise?

We Are Home

We got home right at 9P as predicted. We unloaded the car, Jeff went to CVS to fill some prescriptions and I unpacked everything. Seth was hungry, so I fixed him a Grilled Cheese on Wheat and a big glass of White Grape/Cherry Juice. He seems to be very content.
As the three of us walked through the door of our home tonight we all gave the biggest shy of relief. All at the same time said "It is sooooo gooood to be home".
Seth has again temporarily moved into the guest room. No stairs for a couple of weeks. No P.E or sports for4 weeks, no lifting for 4 weeks, then only 10 pounds. He has some restrictions, but nothing we can't live with for a little while. I know as soon as he feels up to it he's gonna want to hit the Vball courts at Riverplex again. I am already in my jamies and kicked back as is Seth and Jeff. I'm going to sign off for tonight. see you again in the morning, probably after my walk. I am sooo looking forward to getting about seven or eight miles in! Yeah I'm home!!!! Love Vic

The next post will be made from home! Sorry we won't be able to meet you Laura P. in person. We will be back out in a couple of weeks for post-op in the clinic. Keep posting on the blog and emailing everyone. Love ya all. V

YAHOOOO!!

WE ARE GOING HOME. DR. S. CAME IN A SAW SETH AND SAID IF WE ARE UP TO IT. WE CAN GO FOR IT. SO WE ARE GOING HOME. I CALLED JEFF AND HE WILL WRAP THINGS UP AT WORK AND HEAD WEST. I EXPECT WE WILL BE LEAVING THE HOSPITAL AROUND 6p AND GET HOME AROUND 9p. OUR NEXT BLOG WILL BE FROM HOME. I WILL CONTINUE TO BLOG AT HOME SO YOU CAN TRACK SETH'S PROGRESS THERE. WE WILL COME BACK OUT TO UICH FOR A POST OP IN THE PED'S CLINIC. TALK TO YOU FROM HOME. LOVE, SETH AND VICKIE

Hi Guys I Am Asking For "Right Now" Prayer

...this time it's not for Seth and it's good! It is for Noah. A few weeks ago Noah was 1 of 2 selected out of over 100 people to interview for a new position with Cat where he works. The interview went very well, but Noah was told he was "Overly Qualified" for the position but they still wanted him in the group. Noah walked away very discouraged, and not very hopeful they would contact him again any time soon. Well they were in touch with Noah about a week ago and he is on his way now to meet with them about another newly created position. The meeting is today, Monday from 1-2. Please pray right now that THIS is the one. This is the job Noah has worked so hard for. It will means so much to his family and him if you will pray. Again we come to you with grateful hearts for loving us so much. Vickie

Good Morning Day #8

We have come a long way in a week. Last week at this time Seth was in surgery and they had just opened. Wow.
Nurse Mary Ann said last night late that if they didn't start him back on IV's then they will probably send us home. So far no IV's. The only doctor that has been in so far is the Dr. Shilyanski's fellow doctor, Dr. H. He said they may try to get us out of here today. We'll let you know after Dr. S and Dr. B. come in. Talk to you later. V

Good Night

Just wanted to tell you all good night. Seth perked up around 5:30. He ate dinner 2 slices of pizza and a snickerdoodle cookie for dinner, went for 2 walls in the unit (by order of Nurse Mary Ann), had a shower and is done for the day. He is 300cc ahead on intake fluids and output. Pray he can hold his own through the night. Last night he got really behind. If he can't hold his own they may put him back on IV fluids. OK, sleep well. Love Vic and Seth

OK Here's the skinny on the outing...

we pretty much kidnapped Seth and took him on a walk outside. He really wasn't a willing participant. I took his gown so he had to put the hoodie and gym pants on and put his socks on and Jeff got the getaway car (wheelchair) and we were off. We took him down to the Activity Area outside. It has Basketball courts, tennis courts for the over 16 area, and another area for El Ed and Middle School aged kids. Seth really could care less. The walkway around the hospital and then to this park area was all cobblestone paved and every bump was felt in the chair. Seth was hurting by the time we got back. He thanked us for the thought, but asked not to do it again. OK, so we tried. He said he's really not too worried about his "emotional state", but is trying to focus on his "physical state", "AND IT HURTS RIGHT NOW", to quote Seth.
He is all over the Best Buy pass thing but not today. Aunt Laura and Uncle Greg even volunteered to fund the outing. Uh oh.
Jeff just left for home at 6P. He had to get home and do a little laundry before bed. We miss him already. We don't do anything while he's here, but he's here. You know what I mean.
I expect we'll be home by mid week, hope so anyway.
Well Sethsaid he was HUNGRY about half an hour ago, so I told him to order whatever sounded good to him. He ordered a personal pan pizza and fried rice!!!! Whatever. At this point if he'll eat it, fine. We pray over everything anyway. Besides thanking God for the food we add please make it safe to eat and not let it hurt him in anyway. Amen
That's all for now. Love, The Eubanks'
Oh yes, a PS prayer. Nick left for Playa del Carmen this morning for a little getaway. He and his friend Brian will be there until Friday evening. Pray for safety and a relaxed time. Thanks. V

Doesn't look like a Go.

It is looking unlikely that we will get out today. Seth is too tired and too weak to make the trip. If things change I'll let you know. Pray.
On a lighter note. Seth, Jeff and I were totally blown away when our good friends and my boss (may of you may remember from my step dad and my mom's funeral a few months ago) Harry and his wife Tammi came to see us. They left their home in Pekin IL. and were on there way to LePeep's for a delicious breakfast and just kept heading west. About 3 hours later they walked into our hospital room. I am always so happy to see when people are obedient to God's leading. Anyway, we had a great visit in Seth's room. Harry prayed for Seth and then invited Jeff and I to have lunch with he and Tam. Harry's treat. That was sooo nice. We ate and visited and laughed and just had a great time with them. I think they were here 3-4 hours. Thanks Ellison's for lovin' on us.
Now back to Seth. He really has no appetite. He took one bit of a sandwich at lunch and pushed the tray away. Jeff is on his way to get Gatorade. He is really weak and tired. He had a smile on his face while the Ellison's were here, but I think it was to make them feel more at ease than anything. He really doesn't feel like getting out today and that's fine. Perhaps if we get a visitor tomorrow, he can get a pass. Jeff will leave about 6 tonight, and we will be without a vehicle. My friend Carla had mentioned perhaps coming sometime and so did my friend Karen. We'll see what happens. I am fully trusting God to give Seth what he needs and when he needs it. I think emotionally an outing is exactly what Seth needs, but physically, his body isn't cooperating yet. Please continue to pray about this and for his appetite and that he will tolerate the food he eats.
Until next time. We love ya. Keep posting and emailing. jeff_eubank1@hotmail.com there is and underscore between jeff and eubank in the email address.

This is the Day...

...that the Lord has made. We will be glad and rejoice in it! Happy Sunday everybody.
I actually soaked in the hot bath and slept in a real bed last night. I breathed in the fresh air outside and felt the sun beat on my face. It is a great day. Funny what all of that can do for ones attitude and well being.
I got back here to Seth's NEW room this morning about 9. Seth had only been awake a short time, and Jeff had been up since 7:30.
Dr. Shabaan (Dr. S's partner, only met him yesterday) came and talked with Seth. Great guy, was kidding around with him and they shared Cub stories. With him was the side kick. Man I have to find out that guys name again. He is the one that comes in everyday and every time I scream! Behind those two came Dr. Bishop and she resident. They may have to hook Seth back up to the IV. He is at risk of dehydration. It is complicated. They are going to get him to drink electrolyte drinks ie. Pediacare (not likely) or Gatorade (we will go to WalMart and buy for him). He is to try and push all fluids besides the above named. On the food department, it's not going too well. Seth has no appetite now. Last thing he ate was the 1/2 grilled cheese at 6 last night and is still not hungry at all. We will not be going home tomorrow. Maybe Tuesday.
BUT Dr. Bishop and Dr. Shabaan both agreed that Seth needs to get out of here for a little bit. Dr. Bishop is especially good about this type of thing. He treats the patient as a whole person. They are going to give Seth a pass to the mall and has prescribed something nice be purchased for Seth at perhaps BEST BUY. Seth is all for getting that prescription filled. I'm sure I can probably find something I need at the MALL too. (Jeff is thrilled) just kidding, he doesn't care.
So we are going to try and get some fluids and maybe a little food in Seth. REST. Take a shower. REST. Then get a wheelchair and take Seth down to the entrance. REST. Walk him to the car in the Valet area, then off to Best Buy. I have no doubt that it will be the shortest shopping trip we've ever taken. Then we'll head back to UICH and REST. I truly believe this will be good for Seth to get out and actually enjoy a day. It's been a long time. If you remember even before the surgery Seth was feeling really bad (stress) from Wednesday April 23rd on. It's been a long time coming! We'll give you guys the full report when we get back. Love to all of you, May God make His face to shine upon you today. Enjoy. Seth, Vic and Jeff

Guess What?

Hi Folks. It is Aunt Laura again. Vickie asked me to blog again. Jeff is with Seth and Vic is at Ronald McDonald house. She decided that 6 days without a shower or bath was a little too long...she gets to have a bath and a good nights rest. She just got in and got a call from Seth. He finally got a private room. Wonderful nurse Mary Ann gives Seth whatever he wants. They have been asking for a private room all week. Now that Mary Ann is on the job, Seth just asked and she gave it to him! So now, they have a new phone number.

The new number is (319)353-9458 and his new room number is #3323.

Have a good night- there will be an update in the morning.
Aunt Laura

We're Back

We were only gone for an hour. Felt good to get out. Seth did fine. He ordered some dinner. Only ate 1/2 a grilled cheese on wheat. This is going VERY slow. I guess that's OK. Too fast and we'll be in trouble.

Hospital Number

Some have emailed me and said they couldn't find the nuber for the hospital. I went out to the desk to get it 319/353-9416 rm. 3322

Jeff is going to take me out to dinner. Wow real food. Seth is doing good and willl be fine for about an hour and a half.

I am not really ared meat eater, but a steak sounds marvelous.

No I have not made it to the hot bath and nap, but dinner and fresh air will ber just as good. Well maybe that's a strecth. It'll be nice. I haven't been outside for 6 days!

They are saying mayber home Monday. Seth is really going slow on eating and drinking. I want him to. He at about a cup of pasta and 4 oz. applesauce for lunch and nothing since. He is trying to drink water.

I'll post when we get back from dinner. Love Vic

It's morning. We had a short night. When we slept, we slept. Daybreak comes before the sun actually comes up when you have a 4 yr. old sharing your room. Little Matthew really wants to go home to his 3 brothers. He is one of triplets (all boys) and has a 20 month old little brother too. We would love for Matthew to be well enough to go home.
OK are you ready for this? Seth just ate his first solid food in almost 7 days. It seems to be agreeing with him so far. He had a banana (ate it very slowly) and then a warm blueberry muffing, and is sipping on some milk. His nurse this morning said she could hardly hear his heartbeat because of the noises in his tummy. Seth said the only pain he was having was hunger pains.
Jeff just made it in. He came without a jacket or long sleeved shirts. It is cold and rainy here, and has been all week. Jeff has already been shopping at Kohl's and came in sporting a very nice Nike pullover. He will be much more comfortable now.
I had orders from our fav. nurse Mary Ann, for me to go to the RM house today and take a long soaking hot bath and about a 4 hour nap. Ohhh does that sound grand. I really doubt that it happens, but you never know.
Our phones (for Seth's friends, his is on and ready for texting) will be on over the weekend and now that Seth is feeling better you can probably call the room. I don't have the hospital's number but you can surely access it online. I know it is necessary to place your call through the hospital and they will connect you. Seth's room number is JCW 3322.
Well gotta go. The nurse wants Seth to go for a walk so that she can change the sheets. Bye for now. Vic, Jeff and Seth

Hey you guys guess what? We are really having a Banner Day. Seth's favorite nurse from our last stay. Mary Ann, is working tonight and we did get her. Everyone is all smiles now. She is fantastic! Seth just looks different. So happy and content. No NG, no Catheter and no Epidural!!! Life is GOOD. It's the little things in life..... Have a great night. We'll be back in the morning. Love ya, Jeff, Vic and Seth

Something Funny

Seth and I were talking and I told him that Jeff Seth and I were going to take a vacation when this whole thing was over and he was feeling up to it. He said great book it. I told him I had a great idea. Maybe his aunts and uncles would forfiet their inheritance they are about to receive from my parents estate and we could go on a great vacation. Seth said "you mean we have to drive somewhere?"
OK so you may not find this funny. I have a weird sense of humor I know. But if you only knew...you could laugh too.
By the way Jeff is on his way out here. He should be here by 7P. We really missed him. :)

Noon Day Report

I had a great visit with Pastor John and Steve Carr. They stayed for 3 hours. It did my heart good. We laughed and talked. That was the longest I have ever been away from Seth except the day of surgery. I needed the break. They prayed over Seth and that was SWEET.
I came back to Seth's room after having lunch with the guys, and the nurse met me with the news that they had done a contrast study on Seth while I was having lunch and now he was scheduled for an upper GI contrast study.
My reaction was "Why and WAIT". Some doctor I'd never seen before (cocky little guy) started with some medical crap (sorry been around Seth to much). I wanted doctors I know and I want them now, thank you very much. It's a good thing Pastor John and Steve had already gone, I may have ruined my "pleasant disposition" image. Who does that stinkin' devil think he is messin' with. I had just spent 3 hours with the "King" (John King) and I think that some of his authority rubbed off. I feel rejuvinated! I am claiming this area while I'm here in it, and Seth is mine and I am taking back what has been stolen from him in Jesus name.
Within minutes I had Dr. Shilyanski and Dr. Ellison (from his gastrointerology office) in Seth's room. The upper GI Contrast had been cancelled and the NG tube removed, and Seth just finished EATING yes I said EATING a RED POPSICLE. He thoroughly enjoyed it and ate the entire thing. I took pictures, but I forgot the cord thing I need to download from the camera to the blog. Sorry. When I get home I'll post them all.
I believe that we have just turned the corner to the rest of Seth's life. It is all new and good from here on out!!! Amen.
Now that we are dancin' the jig here, it certainly does not mean that we can drop our guard and stop praying, oh no, we have to keep it at the same pace until we come back for his post op visit in a few weeks. Are ya with me on this?
Seth still has the IV and the morphine pump. We will squeal when they pull those. Listen for it you may hear it all the way back to Illinois.
This has been a GREAT DAY. Thank you JESUS. You have blessed both of us here, and I know everyone that has been blogging.
I'll keep you posted. Pray he tolerates all of the foods he eats. Love you all, Vickie

Good Morning and It is...

...a good morning. Seth slept well.
Before bed last night the surgeon, not Dr, S. but his sidekick, came in and looked at Seth. They ordered labs, xrays, and ordered more fluids through IV to replace the output in the NG tank.
This morning they were in at 7A and said Seth has STRESS GASTRITIS. I use to be pretty common, but never happens these days, (yeah right), because they give meds to prevent it. Seth had the meds but didn't respond.
His blood levels have dropped, but are holding stead now and the volume from the NG has decreased. Thanks again for praying us through this thing.
I believe the enemy is working overtime on us. I don't understand how. As I told Pastor John, I am praying and trying to focus on Seth, Jeff is praying, but has to be home to work, so we need the AUTHORITY to walk into this room and take over...so Pastor John is on his way out here right now. We love him so much. He said he would have come last night if I wanted, and we told him no.
So anyway, the solution to the SG is to remove the NG tube. Go figure, that's what I have said all along! So pray, pray, pray that Seth's stomach will cooperate and they will pull the tube and start to give something by mouth, it's been 6 days so that will be in it's own prayer bracket!
I'll update when I know something. Love you all. Vickie and Seth

Update: Seth isn't doing well

Hi Folks. This is Seth's Aunt Laura. Vickie called and asked me to blog for her because of the most recent setback for Seth. She has mentioned several times that she was very concerned about Seth's ng tube, the pain that it is causing him as well as the output. The doctor told them earlier today that he believes the tube has caused an injury as a result of it bumping into the lining of his stomach. Well, now the output of the tube has doubled and it is all blood. The doctor hasn't been back yet and they aren't sure what is going to happen. Seth needs the ng tube to pump his stomach, but if it is causing bleeding they don't know what will happen. They are very distressed about this development and are asking for prayer specifically for this issue. Thanks, Everyone. Please pass the word as there doesn't seem to be much activity on the blog with surgery #2. They are feeling vulnerable and really need the back up. We'll keep you posted.
Laura

We have had a pretty good afternoon.
My sister Laura from Santa Maria California called a church here in Iowa and asked someone to come and pray with us. A very nice man, Pastor Don McGarvey from First Assembly in Cedar Rapids came and prayed for Seth and me and over this hospital room. He is spiritually sensitive and confirmed what I had been feeling yesterday. He said he would probably be back and perhaps one of the pastoral care pastors and the youth pastor may come and check in on us while we are here. Thanks Laura, we enjoyed him being here, and FEEL a lot better.
The Pain management doctors came at noon and took out the epidural and now in about an hour the foley will be removed. PLEASE pray for the bleeding in Seth's stomach is is worse. We need to get that NG tube out and the sore in his stomach HEALED. This has all happened because of the suction tuber in Seth's stomach that keeps hitting against the lining and thus causing the sore. The med's have slowed or stopped the area from clotting. Same thing with the catheter.
If they take the NG and Seth gets nauseated or starts to vomit, they would have to put it back in. That would be HORRIBLE to have it done with Seth conscience.
He says his stomach is hurting, I'm sure it is from the NG.
Well all for now. See ya, Vic

Noon Day Report

So far, so good this morning.
I took a walk to the cafe here in the hospital this morning and ran into Seth's surgeon, Dr. Shilyanski. He was glad to see that I was smiling this morning, because when he saw me last night at 8P I had swollen eyes and a red nose and was exhausted.
He asked about Seth upstairs and we talked. This is the most progress we've made so far.
Last night when I ran into him coming back onto the Peds unit we talked too. He came in to see Seth and talked with him, held his hand, stroked his forehead and was very understanding and compassionate.
After our talk at the diner he decided to pull the epidural, then 6 hrs later the catheter, and then if he does ok and there is no nausea they will take the NG tube. That will probably be tomorrow. I want it out as soon as safely possible. One of the meds for the nausea can cause a problem with blood platelets (a clotting problem). Seth has blood in the NG tube and tank from his stomach now and blood in the catheter as well. We are coming against any complications that would like to creep into this room. Amen.
Seth seems to be much more at peace today. He received a balloon with chocolates (for later on) from the Coats family and then a balloon bouquet from the Adams family and 13 email greeting (thanks to the link from Nardin) this morning too. They all made him smile. Thanks everyone for the love that you are pouring out on Seth and the rest of us too.
Seth still has had nothing by mouth. It's been since Saturday! I am asking everyone to start praying NOW for the transition Seth will make to food. We need to go before him, before the situation so that it will all be smooth and not wait for something to happen and then ask Jesus to quick fix it.
My sister Laura in Santa Maria California called a Healing Room in Cedar Rapids and put Seth on their prayer list. They have suggested an AG church in Cedar Rapids to come and pray over Seth and this room. As it turns out their Pastoral Care is tied up today because of the Nat'l Day of Prayer and so an AG church in Iowa City will come today and pray with us. Thanks so much Laura. God really has us covered!!
Keep posting you guys. We love it. 'til next time. V

Good Morning Day #4

Hi Everyone ~ We had a very busy night. Seth was up ALL night. I expect he will sleep most of the day today after the day and night he had. He has a student nurse again today along with her instructor and his regular nurse Jan. We have had Jan for 3 days now and may have her tomorrow as well. We like how they assign the nurses here. She really knows Seth and what he needs at this point. She has followed him all along.
We have requested Seth's favorite nurse from last time ( next time she is scheduled to work). Her name is Mary Ann. You may remember her from the blog in Feb. I think he will like to have her. It may cheer him up.
Two teams of doctors have been in to see Seth this morning and they are rather perplexed over his problems. Please pray for wisdom, guidance and clear direction for the doctors, nurses and anyone else that passes over the threshold of this room. We want answers to the problems and clear solutions. Also pray for Seth to rest comfortably, and for the healing process to progress without complication. Thanks. I'll be back later. Vic
PS> The atmosphere feels much better today. Prayer language is a wonderful gift. V

Thanks Troops

Things seem to be getting "lighter" around here. In all seriousness, it felt like a heavy dark cloak had been thrown over this room, and Seth and myself today. The morning, mid-day and evening were REALLY bad. Seth had been VERY sick. He was vomiting (violently) and has the NG tube in. For those who may not know what and NG tube is..it is a tube that is in his stomach and comes up through his throat and out through his nose and pumps stomach fluids from his stomach. Even with the suction running he was vomiting (and stuff was coming out). How can that be? The pain was intense from the pressure and then his lower (new surgery) stomach kicked in. It was really a bad situation. The doctors were called in several times and they don't understand what is going on. Pain management doctors have been in also and are coming back in soon.
The med's have been changed around and steroid taper slowed.
The night nurse came on and said he was running a fever of about 101+
I just asked her to take it again and she said it went down on its own. Now it is 99+
Seth's normal temp is around 97. We run low in this family.
Anyway. I believe the atmosphere changed due to the prayers that went up.
Seth is asking for specific prayer from everyone who logs on. His throat is REALLY REALLY hurting him from the breathing tube (in surgery) and the NG tube. The vomiting has added to the pain in there too. Please pray right now that his throat STOPS hurting. He has complained since he came out of surgery and he says it is getting worse. HE CAN'T SWALLOW with out it hurting. We have asked several times for help and all they give us are lozenges that make him swallow and that makes it HURT worse. Thanks I know that between me, you and Jesus we can get this thing under control. So thanks in advance. We'll keep you posted. Love Vic & Seth

HELP, something is wrong! Seth is in my opinion depressed at this point. I can't stop crying and something is very wrong. The atmosphere in this room is strangling and overwhelming and we need help. Please pray for this to lift and please pray for the Spirit of life and not Death to be here. This may sound crazy to some of you, but I am 100% serious. Please Help.

Seth's Noon Day Report

Hi. Seth has slept off and on throughout the morning. He did take a short walk. He couldn't stay up, he was too sick to his stomach. He is very weak too. He did have a sponge bath this AM.

In Seth's words he says, "I fell like I've taken a step backwards." He is really not feeling well today and is very tired. His throat is VERY sore from the breathing tube and the NG tube. They offer him lozenges. Seth says they only cause him to swallow more and swallowing is what make it hurt so badly. It has only been 48 hours since his surgery. I suppose we were hoping for too much too quickly. Your prayer are appreciated.

Personally, I am feeling kinda low today too. I think we are all really tired and have been reflecting over the past two years. Maybe a better word is "overwhelmed" at this point.
I'll post again tonight. Vickie

Good Morning. Things were very quiet through the night. Seth rested well and so did I. The cot made all the difference, along with having the room to ourselves. The only times we were awake was when the nurse came in and that was only3 times I think.
The surgical team (minus the Big Dog) were in about 1/2 an hour ago. They say there are no noises in the belly yet and that it isn't waking up. The nurse we had Monday evening said she heard something. I guess she was wrong. Still nothing by mouth! Seth hasn't had food since Saturday afternoon. He is still putting out through the NG tube too.
He'll probably drop the 20 pound thing again like he did with the first surgery. Man I hope not!
He will have to walk more today. Maybe that will get things going.
He says he is still itchy so they gave him more meds through IV for that last night.
Basically what he gets through IV are antibiotics, Potassium Chloride, Steroids (tapering), and pain med.
Jan (same day nurse he had yesterday and a few times last stay) was just in and said Seth looks so much better today just through the face. His color looks better. She says that in a years time we will look back and just marvel at how well Seth is. She says we are leaving this nightmare behind and that we are definitely coming out of it. I will claim that! Seth will have a Student nurse today until 2 along with her instructor and Jan. Days like these tend to be very busy.
Karen, Jan lived in Steamboat for 10 years. Her husband was a Dentist there and in Boulder. She just moved back here last summer. Her husband is originally from Iowa City and she's from Chicago area. We talked quite a long time this morning about Steamboat. It was fun.
OK, the next wave of doctors should be coming in soon. I sit here with wet hair still, so better find my blow dryer and curling iron. We'll talk later. Vic and Seth

Last Post for today

This will be the last post for today, it's 10:35P and we are ready to turn in.
Seth went for two more walks tonight, 4 for the day! He is doing great.
Still sleeping all the time.
Still nothing by mouth. Did take a Tylenol tonight by mouth and did ok. He drank a couple sips of water with it.
Hopefully we will both get a good nights sleep tonight.
Our little room mate did get to go home after all.
One of the nurses got me a cot to sleep on. It has to be better than the chair.
Till morning then. Good Night All. Vickie & Seth

Hi Everyone,
Nardin was gracious enough to send me the email she tried to post earlier today. It is a link that allows anyone who would like to send Seth a greeting can, and it will be delivered to him here at the hopital. Here's the link:
http://www.healthcare.uiowa.edu/Programs/Volunteerservices/emailpatient.asp
Just click and send.
Thanks, Love Vic

Hi NARIN, thanks for the tip about sending Seth a greeting. n We aren't able to do it. My sister tried too. Can youb send the full address to my email jeff_eubank1@hotmail.com thanks.

Good Afternoon. "In the hospital, the mighty hospital, the Seth sleeps tonight"! That is the only tune that is playing here in Iowa City. Seth has literally slept the day away. The nurse says it is good. When the patients do this they don't remember very much of the experience. God knew that. Going into this surgery seemed to be so much worse emotionally for us. He has taken care of everything, even the small stuff (Martha 1).

Day #2 Off To A Good Start

Seth is awake and getting a bath from student nurse Jenna. We had her the last time. She is really cute, she washed Seth's hair and completely flooded the bathroom. Water literally was coming out into the hall. We laughed as we remembered the experience. No floods today.
Seth will have to take baby steps today in his recovery process. He is to sit on the side of the bed later on and then try to walk from his bed to the chair in the room.
The nurse said his gut is starting the "wake up" process. It will probably take a few days to fully get there.
He is still very agitated. NO SENSE of HUMOR at ALL. I try to stay quiet most of the time.
He has had the TV on already. Actually last night. It took 4 days to even turn it on the last time.
At this rate we will probably be home on Saturday or Sunday. I don't really like to be a complainer, but that chair/bed really stinks! Deb, Dianne, Carla and Karen I will really need Gerald!!!!! What do you say. Are you guys up for a road trip??? Maybe there is a Gerald in Peoria!!
Thanks for posting you guys. Keep it up please. Big thanks to Cassie, Lid, Adam, Hannah and everyone at PCS and Riverside, Aunt Laura too. Love youb all, The Eubank's

Good Morning Everyone ~Seth is resting. The first wave of Doctors came in a little before 7A. We were up and down ALL night. With two post-op patients in the same room, the nurses did vitals all night. Seth had a reaction to something in the epidural early one. I think it was around 8P. I was standing at the end o f his bed and his face was covered in large red blotches. His entire eye and eyebrow area very red. He was itchy on the face neck legs and groin. They checked to make sure his breathing was OK. It was. His throat was very sore from the breathing tube so to was had to discern if the throat was swollen from the surgery or from the medication. The nurses gave his a medication to help. It did some, the symptoms have not completely go away. His face is still blotchy and itchy. His pain level is low. The pain management team are really on that this time. He has the epidural, morphine and Tylenol around the clock. He is still nauseated. Any movement and it sets him off. Pray about that because they want him to walk today of course. He seems less alert this time around, and more agitated.
Jeff hasn't made it down here yet this morning. He is probably cleaning the room at the RM House. That's part of the deal.
I am going to head down to the cafeteria for a cup of decaf. Be back in a bit.
Thanks for praying everyone and have a blessed day. Love ya, Vic

Miss Lydia you are one very special young lady. Thanks for the verses. You're right I have heard them many times, but I never grow tired of His word. Scripture is like a fresh drink of water in a dry land everytime I hear it. You have blessed us for sure.
The doctors all (7) of them were just in. The pain management team wanted to make sure Seth was comfortable and would stay like that through the night. The surgical team checked the incision and the epideral sight. All is good.
Seth is resting so I think I'll slip out and get a bite to eat.
This posting clock is about 2 hours slow. It is really 6:20 PM
Talk to ya later. Vic

I was told that sharing specific prayer requests really helped you guys out there...so here we go.
The nurse decide to give Seth some Tylenol by mouth. Go figure, since she had just said earlier that he couldn't even have ice chips for 2 days! She turned the ng suction off and gave him two Tylenol with about 3-4 drinks of water to make sure they went down (throat is so sore he couldn't tell). Within two minutes Seth was sitting straight up, hard dry heaves and said that where his ostomy had been was fluttering quickly and killing him.
She got cold compresses for his head and neck and alcohol patches to inhale. She administered more morphine for the pain and compusine for the nausea.
We are back to NO mistakes or carelessness is allowed to even come near the doorway of Seth's room. Prayer request #1
And Seth's neck and shoulders are hurting badly. I think it is from surgery. Prayer #2 No pain or discomfort. Our God can do that.
And #3 for now is that Seth will be at peace.
Jeff and I have gotten several emails asking how we are doing. We are hanging in there. Our total attention is on Seth, honestly Can't tell you how we are. Fine I guess. You guys must really be doing your job. Thanks.
The little boy was brought in about an hour ago. He looks to be about 11 or 12. His mom said it was his 3rd surgery. I don't know for what. She said they should be able to go home tomorrow. They like the room very cold. They have the AIR on. You guys know us. I'm cold at 75. Seth was cold too. We are piling on the blankets and I am covered up sitting in this chair. It's gonna be a long night.
The

Seth is resting comfortably now. His only complaint was the ng tube, his nose itches where it is taped in and that his throat is really sore from the breathing tube. They just brought him some lozenges to suck on. That should help. I think the combo of the morophine and the epideral are just what Seth needed. Nausea seems to be under control too.

Jeff & I are waitingin Seth's room now. The recovery nurse just called and said it will be another 1/2 hour before they bring Seth down, he is vomitting.
We are unfortunately in a shared room. I requested a private and we will be moved when one is available. They are at capacity now and all of the private rooms are used for kids who are infectious for obvious reasons.
Seth's room mate is a teenage boy that is in surgery right now appartently.
His surgery is not as extensive so we have been told. The nurse assures me the two guys will probably sleep most of today and tonight. I certainly hope so. With Seth's epideral, he may sleep right through since he won't be in pain like the last time. I hope. I don't have a couch to sleep on this time only a chair. We (the roommates parents,the Eubanks' and the patients) will all share the same bathroom too, unless they have another one for the parents somewhere. That should be sweet after a shower and blow dryer, and in the middle of the night. I can adjust!
Seth likes the room to be dark and quiet, pray the family of the roommate complies. If not it could get ugly, mamma bear syndrome and sleep deprivation are not a good combination. Ok, here is where "pray without ceasing" comes into play. I'm counting on you guys. Remember last time with the Resident. Ok. I'm gonna sign off. I'll keep ya posted. Vickie
Oh here he is, bye.

this is really taking longer than they had originally said. we were told 2 hours, then 2-4 and it's been 5. As soon as we see him and I can blog I will. We have been here at the hospital for 6 1/2. I'm getting tired can you tell????

We just got a call from OR. They have closed on Seth and said the the doctor was on his way up to talk with us. I turned around and there he was. We all 3 went into the conference room.
Dr. Shilyanski told us that Seth was fine. He could breathe on his own but they couldn't get him to wake up so they are leaving the breathing tube in for now. they will keep him in OR until he is somewhat conscience and then take him to recovery.
They found a considerable amount of scar tissue in there and the intesting had loooped itself around and then around again and was laying on the pelvis. That is what had caused Seth so much pain. the dr. said he was probably uncomfortable all the time and just didn't tell us. We only knew it when he was in ALOT of pain. There are no guarentees that this won't happen again, so please pray right now that the intestine will NO LOOP. If it does, it will mean another surgery! Dr. Shilyanski said if he had known this before Seth would have been in surgery then.
Peoria didn't give a good report after Seth's visit to ER.
They had to make a large opening and did some reworking where the Ostomy was. (VERY HIGH RISK of infections in this area.) It is considered a contaminated area due to the output of the Ostomy (bowel). He will have a consideratble amount of scarring now, but will shink with time.
Dr. Shilyanski said they manipulated the intestine alot and will slow down the recovery some.
I will sign off for now and wait for them to come and get us. We'll let you know something when we know it. He has an uphill battle from here.

We just got an update on Seth. The nurse that is in OR with Seth right now called. She said he is doing fine. They have done exploritory on the upper part of the small intestine to check for adhesions and blockage. The doctors are doing a run through of the sm. intestine now and have already put the two sections back together and have done the pull through. They said they will start to close and it should be about another hour in OR and then he will go to recovery. As we had expected it should be noon or after before we see him. Keep praying. Love V&J

Hi. They took Seth down from PACU to OR about 45 minutes ago. He was verbally scared and nervous. I told Seth to tell John (Anest) to give him something to calm him down. Things are a little different this time. They are going to give Seth an Epideral this tme. They will open with this surgery and last time they went Lapriscopically until the end and then did a small open. The Epideral will help with the pain contraol with a total open this time. Seth was nervous about the Epideral. When I had Seth I had my first and last Epideral. The doctor put the Epideral in the wrong space in my back and put my heart and lungs to sleep. I coded and woke up in Cardiac Intensive Care. I tried to comfort and reassure Seth that he would be ok. (Actually trying to reassure myself at the same time.) We could have gone with a Moriphine pump again, but that is less effective.
We are asking everyone to pray for perfection in performance by everyone who comes into contact with Seth from 6AM today until God sees us through this entire ordeal. There is NO room for mistakes or errors. We pray God will direct Everything that pertains to Seth in any way.
We are expecting to be able to see Seth in Post Op Recovery a little after 12:00 noon. We will try to keep you guys posted as we are informed.
Keep Prayin' Love, Vic

Hi Everyone. We are in Iowa City. We checked into our room here at the Ronald McDonald House around 6 o'clock. This is a very nice facility. There are no televisions in the rooms which is a little boring for Seth. He brought a book to read. He is hoping the reading will make him tired so he can sleep.
He hasn't had food since Saturday at 4:30 PM. He is on clear liquids. He is very hungry, very sick of Jello and Gatorade, and very stressed out. Jeff and I hope he reads and goes to sleep too! There are 2 other nice TV's in lounge areas, but Seth wants to stay in the room.
Please continue to pray for all of us. The tension is mounting as we watch the clock and know what's ahead.
As many of you know, we have said that this surgery is much worse on all of us Eubank's this time. We aren't exactly sure why, but we are all very stressed and I tend to cry at the drop of a hat. I am scared of what Seth has to face this time. He was so brave last time, and I know he will be again. I just wish that he didn't have to be brave. That he could just be Seth, a normal 16 year old kid. This whole thing is so unfair. That comes from a mother's heart. I just wish it could be different. I have to look past the next few weeks and months and on to how God will use this very brave young man for the rest of his days.
We all know Seth will be ok. We just want it to come quickly.
We will be in the surgical check in area at the hospital at 6 AM. Seth is scheduled for surgery at 8 AM. I will post again once they have taken him down. (This time will be VERY difficult for Jeff, Seth and I). Please pray for us to be strong and trusting. It is so hard.
We love you all. Vickie
PS. our phones will be shut off. The only way to reach us is through this blog and by our email jeff_eubank1@hotmail.com We would love to hear from you. Love V

Good Morning. It looks like today won't be Seth's last day at school. He missed school yesterday because of stomach cramping and nausea. I spoke with the Pediatric Surgery Nurse and the Surgeon has changed some prep orders. Seth is still feeling bad this morning. He got up and completely got ready to leave the house, but couldn't. He is laying down. The surgeon says "It's a good thing we are going to close."
I'll keep you posted.

Well can you believe it, we are back. As many of you know, Seth's next surgery is scheduled for Monday April 28th at 8 AM. We are only 3 1/2 days away. We are starting to feel the pressure. The hospital has called several times to make sure we are ready and getting ready.
Tomorrow will be Seth's last day at school for at least 3 weeks. The last day of school for the year at PCS is May 21st I think. He may finish the year at home. The teachers and administrators will see to it that he finishes his sophomore year.
Today was my last day at work until May 13. I work with the most amazing people. The women I have bible study, with at work on Thursday's over the noon hour, took the time to lay hands on me and pray for Seth, and our family. That meant SO much to me. As different ones left for the day their final words as they went out the door was, "We'll be praying". You know the neat thing is, I know they will. God has got us covered.
Jeff will work tomorrow and not have to go back in until Wednesday April 30th. He will come back from Iowa on Tuesday afternoon or evening.
Please share the news with everyone to check the blog. It really is my only connection to the outside world. My cell phone doesn't work in the hospital and I won't give out the room phone number until I feel Seth will be able to handle the disturbances and noise from it. (He likes the room to be rather dark and quiet all the time). Remember how the noise from the monitors really bothered him? And please post back. we love to read the comments. I read all of them to Seth. Actually I read and re-read them to myself. They give me great comfort and a lot of joy.
I'll sign off for now. Thanks for caring about us so much. We love you all. Vickie

Hi Everyone and Happy Easter.
We spent all day Thursday in Iowa City at the hospital. We left the house at 4:45A and got home at 5:00P. It was a long day. Seth had a contrast study on his lower GI and test in the afternoon on the upper GI. In the middle we met with the surgeon and his nurses and residents. Seth's resection/pull down surgery is scheduled for Monday, April 28th. We don't have a time yet. We'll let you know. If all goes well we may be able to come home on Saturday, May 3. It all depends on when his "gut" wakes up and can tolerate food. It will have been asleep for 12+ weeks. They won't send us home too early, the doctors say. It is too hared to get back out there if something were to go wrong.
So all is good here. We heard from Noah today. He sounds great. He is having a lot of fun seeing family, shopping and dining out in California.
We don't see Nick very much. He is very busy with his new friend. Jeff and Seth got a glimpse of him at church last night. They (Aubrey) and he will be with us for Easter. We are excited about that.
I have been very busy along with my sis Mary getting ready to have an Estate sale at my mom's house on Friday April 4 and Saturday April 5. It is in Bradford from 10-4 both days. we are hopeful everything sells! If you need anything or just want to stop by, please do.
Love to all of you and again have a great Easter. Vic

Good Morning

Hi Everyone, the guys made it back from Bristol at 3:30 this morning. I hadn't expected them back until this afternoon. Jeff got the bug to just drive, so they drove all the way home. They are both exhausted. but had a great time.
Noah leaves today at 11:30 for CA. Please pray he gets tofeeling better and that all his flights are good.
I gotta get ready for work now. I just wanted to give you a quick update. Love, Vic

I've Not Forgotten You

Hi, so it has been a long time since I blogged. Sorry. things are truly going great here. Jeff and Seth are in Bristol Tennessee for the Nascar Races. I talked to them a couple of times today. the first time was at 8:15 this morning. They were already at the track. the race is at 3PM. They went last night too and got some souvenirs and watched some test racing or something. Anyway Seth said this morning it was clear sky but they were calling for rain this afternoon. I guess it poured and they (Jeff & Seth) got rained out. They watched the race from their hotel room. :( Seth sounded disappointed. I am sorry for them. They are looking forward to tomorrow's BIG race. I told them to layer up for the weather (snow flurries) and have a great time.
Noah is sick with a bad cold and sore throat. He leaves for California for 8 days on Monday. He is going to spend time with his two aunts and go to San Fran.
Nick is doing GREAT. He is dating a wonderful woman and they both seem VERY happy.
I have had a great time while the guys have been gone. I painted the den, I went over to Rick & Susan's Friday night and to church and dinner with Carla tonight and Carla is spending the night with me and we are staying up half the night watching Chick Flick's. I'm lovin' it.
Seth is on Spring Break all next week and we go back to Iowa city on Thursday ( leave at 5A) for the contrast study. I'll let you know the surgery date. Love to all. Vickie

Hi! We are up and at it again. Thank you, thank you. Seth went to school today ALL day long. It is the first time since January 28th. Now he and Jeff have gone to play a little Vball. Jeff is just going to watch (yea right). But our man Seth is goin' for the court. God love him.
Jeff went back to work today, he looked pretty tired when he got home. We all ate some of A. Mary's homemade soup and jello salad for dinner and we are feelin' good! It was delicious Mary, thanks. Hey Laura it was good to talk to you last night too. So Noah is coming for a visit. That's nice.. First I've heard of it. When is he coming? You guys will have fun together. How long is he staying?
I am going to work tomorrow, I really am feeling better. Just to prove it, I'm going in to take a hot bath and wash my hair, first time in a week. How's that sound!!!!?? Gross huh. How did they ever do it in the olden days?
Tomorrow is our good friend Ruthi's birthday. Happy B.day! We love ya lots. I'll think of you this weekend. I know it will be hard. We plan to have Mom's sale in a couple of weeks.
Please remember to pray for Seth's friends in Russia, and we have more little friends, Keenan and Kourtney are leaving for a missions trip to Oklahoma tomorrow. Brave kids. Be safe all.
My bathe is calling me. Love, Vic

Hi. The prayers are great. we are stating to feel better. Jeff even left the house today. He along with Seth and Noah went to the Verizon store. Seth is doing great too.
I have only been able to eat toast (4 pcs.) and drink tea for the past 5 days. I knew I needed my nutrition than that but I just couldn't eat (nausea). All 3 of the prescriptions can cause nausea and apparently are! I finally got up enough energy to get myself to the kitchen and I made some homemade Potato Soup just like my Mom used to made. We all three ate it for dinner and it really tasted good. I think of my mom so often and I miss her terribly. It really tasted just like hers, it was kinda comforting, kinda like she'd helped me make it to help me feel better. Enough of that. I start missing her so bad it hurts, it's really hard to type and cry at the same time. I have a hard enough time typing as it is. All for tonight. again thanks for your prayer. Love, Vickie
P.S.
Thanks to Dawn and Dave and Kenny and Mary for coming down today and praying!! We Love You.
P.S.S.
Please pray for all the kids on their way to Russia. Some of Seth's friends by name are Justin, Adam, Sarah and Evan.
Love to all, Vic

What Happened??

I had an entire page written and it only posted the last word??? Well here goes again. It will no doubt be shorter this time as I am already worn out and have to get back to bed.
Seth is much better. Actually his father and I at the suggestion of his A. Mary kicked his out of the house for the weekend. Seriously we are concerned for his health. We don't want him to catch this terrible flu! He went to his older brothers, Noah and Nick's home just 2 miles away. He must be having fun over there, it's 2:45 PM and we haven't heard a word from him. I love it when the guys hang out together.
As for the two old people left here at home, well that's a different story. Jeff said he is feeling some better, the doctor gave him a presc. for Tamiflu. It is effective on people who are just coming down with the flu virus. Jeff's started in the night Thursday and got the med's yesterday at noon. It is to shorten the duration and the severity of the symptoms. He had a rough night last night but says he is feeling some better today. It must work, I'm on day 5! I have the flu and Bronchitis. The doctor gave me antibiotics, pills for the cough and an inhaler. So far my cough has improved some. I just can't eat. I tried C/N soup last night and it made my very sick (all night). Then I tried a half of a piece of toast this morning and that made me sick. I guess I'll stay on the hot tea. I have been doing them a couple of times a day.
For those of you who really know me, you know that I usually go like "A House On Fire" most of the time. I like that speed. This laying in the bed is terrible!!! I am missing some really fun things. I missed the Women's Fellowship Breakfast at RCC this morning. My good friend Susan was the speaker and I wanted to be there in the worst way. Maybe she can share it with me over a smoothie one day soon. I also missed the Mom's Night Out at Chili's last night with the PCS/RCC gals. I can't stay down much longer, my social life will 0.
Before I sign off I want to tell all of Seth's good friends who are boarding a plane for Russia in the morning, that we love you all and that we will pray everyday for you. You are making difference for the Kingdom. God has opened this door for you to share Him to those who are lost. What a huge responsibility! God never makes mistakes so be sure, that you are each hand picked to do this assignment for Him. We are very proud of you. We will pray daily until your return! I ask those who read this blog to pray for these brave teenagers as well. Some of you remember the pictures of the kids who visited Seth in the hospital. Adam is one who is going, and Sarah who is faithful to pray for Seth and to post is another one going. Please pray for the whole team!
All for now, I going back to bed. Love, Vic

Seth Is Doing Much better

all.

I'm Back

Hi everyone ~ We are so thankful for your prayers. Seth is feeling better, but very weak. As Laura said he has lost 9 pounds since Tuesday afternoon when he saw his dr. Seth truly experienced the worst pain he has ever had in his life on Tuesday night. They gave him Fentenol through IV (that is the same pain killer they gave my mom at home with hospice when she was dying of cancer). Once the blockage passed he was relieved of the pain, but very weak, and the ostomy filled with blood tinged fluid. We are watching him closely. He has to eat very small amounts and chew his food very well. All he ate the day of the problem was French toast for breakfast. I know what some at my office would say "well it's FRENCH"! I know and that won't happen again.
Seth does have a partial blockage due to surgical complications and we are praying he can hold off until his resection to have everything corrected then. The last thing we want is an additional surgery thrown in. Seth is scheduled to see his surgeon in Iowa City on the 20 for a contrast study and to schedule the Resection, if he has any problems between now and Tuesday then they want him in the clinic on Tuesday in Iowa.
If Seth has another episode like Tuesday night we are to take him to ER, the doctors there will put an NG tube in his stomach and transport his out to Iowa City hospital by ambulance.
PRAY PLEASE!
To ad insult to injury here, I have come down with the flu! I came home Wed. morning from the ER got into bed at 4AM and have only set up in bed twice and had 2 cups of tea and 1 piece of toast since. I think I have to get better to die! My fever has been 101-102 most of the time. Once it breaks I'm sure I'll start feeling better.
Now Jeff started running a fever during the night but had to go into work. He has been in special training all week and has a big test for a certification today. Please pray for him.
Other than all that we are good! Praise be to God that Nick and Noah are fine. Nick is going to be traveling for work Sun-Wed. to Louisiana, please remember him in your prayers as well. We love you all. Vickie

Update on Seth and Vickie

Hi Folks,
This is Laura again. Sorry to keep all of you hanging. I finally just spoke to Vickie myself. She is really sick. When she got home from the hospital she crawled into bed and has just emerged for the first time for a cup of tea. She discovered numerous unreturned phone messages (10 of them were from me!) and called to give me the facts and ask me to update the blog so everyone knew what was going on. Seth's recent bout was due to a blockage. They believe that he has adhesions caused by scar tissue that formed as a result of the surgery. The adhesions will have to be removed surgically, however, the hope is that it can wait until the next already required surgery. In order for that to occur, Seth needs to be very careful about what he eats. Seth needs to eat soft foods and, probably, small amounts. He has lost 9 lbs since Monday. Seth said that he had the worst pain he has ever experienced Monday night. He actually blacked out. Now Vickie is very sick and she is concerned about Seth getting it. Vickie will return to blogging when she is better and my little stint will be over. Again, sorry for keeping all of you hanging. It wasn't intentional. Let's pray Seth through this so that he will not have to have an extra surgery. Thank you for all of your love and support. Vickie tells me all the time that your support has made a world of difference during this challenging time. Your prayers and friendships are treasured.

SETH IS AT HOME!!!

This is Seth's Aunt Laura again. Vickie is likely too exhausted to blog as she and Seth got home from the hospital about 3:00 AM. Noah says that he doesn't think it was what the doctors were worried about - he believes that it was another food blockage. I'm sure that Vickie will provide the details when she can. This might be a good time to pull out our "Pray for Seth" bracelets. We can't get comfortable. Seth is in jeopardy ALL of the time and we can't let up until he is totally healthy. It has been and will continue to be a long haul and he needs prayer covering 24/7. Please pass the word. Thanks for being wonderful friends and faithful prayer warriors!!

Seth at OSF Emergency Room

This is Seth's Aunt Laura again. Vickie just called to say that Seth is in x-ray. He is in a great deal of pain and is vomiting violently. He says that this is the worst thing that he has experienced so far and we all know that he has gone throuhg a great deal of pain and suffering due to the surgery. The doctors suspect that either his intestines are twisted or he has developed scar tissue in his intestines that is causing a blockage. He needs serious prayer and we are concerned that the word won't go out due to the late hour and the lack of traffic on the website. Please pass the word and pray!! Another update will be posted when we have more information. Thanks and God Bless!!

Seth is on his way to OSF Emergencyin Peoria!

Hello Everyone,
This is Seth's Aunt Laura. Vickie just called me on their way to the emergency room. She asked me to post so everyone would know what was going on. Seth has been in bad shape all day. He has had abdominal pain followed by nausea. He saw a new doctor today that advised they go to emergency in the event that the pain worsened or if Seth started vomiting. Both occurred. There is a possibility that Seth's intestines are twisted - if this is the case, surgery would be required to correct the situation. We need all the prayer we can get! Traffic has really died off the site so please pass the word however you can. Thanks! There will be an update when we have more information.

Oh NO!

Good Morning Everyone,
Seth woke up this morning SICK. Nothing to do with his stomach, but sore throat, cough and rattling and heaviness in his chest. He was up getting ready for school and I've sent him back to bed. He is to see a new doctor tomorrow at 1:30, so if it is anything we will know then.
This is one of the draw backs of being back to normal..he is around a lot of people and some of them must have a bug! Seth has a very weak immune system and is very vulnerable.
Thanks for prying for Noah, he is feeling some better. Love, Vickie
Thomas ~ It was so great to hear from you!!!

Evening out

Seth is getting back to NORMAL finally. He went to school today until almost 11, then back down to my office and spent some time with the pastors and then home to rest for a bit before he went out on the town. He drove to the Rave Theater where he met with friends Cassie, Tarry and Ron. They watched a show and then had dinner together. He got home around 9:00. Wow it's great to have some normality to our lives. It's been a long time. We are thankful.
Please pray for Noah. He came home from work early with the flu. He is feeling terrible, running a fever etc. Please pray he will feel better tomorrow, and back to 100% very soon. Thanks, Love to all of you. Vic

Another Great Day!

Seth did school again today and then came down to my office and worked on some homework and hung out with some of the pastors. They even had him playing Scrabble at lunchtime. He actually had a FUN day. He hasn't had one of those in a LONG time. I think we are getting there. We are seeing a new area doctor on Tuesday and the in home nursing care ends tomorrow.

Banner Day!!!

Hi Everyone~ It has been a banner day for us. Seth went to school today for the first time!!! He got pretty tired, but blamed it on standing in line for 30 minutes holding his book bag to order his class ring. First of all he isn't suppose to even carry his bookbag (nothing over 5#'s). It is hard for him to get his books to school without it I suppose. Anyway he met with his Chemistry teacher 1st hour (her prep) and was tutored in Chemistry and second hour he met with the Math head and worked on his Adv. Alg. II. He came home 3rd hour. Tomorrow he said he will try to stay at school longer. They will have Chapel first thing in the morning and then have shortened periods. He amy make it until noon, we'll see. Thanks for the prayers always! Love Vic

Hi there all, I bet you thought we'd forgotten about you. that's not the case at all. We have been busy over the past few days. Seth went to church with us on Saturday night. It was great. He was definitly ready to go home afterwards though. In had hopes of stopping at the mall to pick up a few things for him since he's changed in weight so much. But no such luck. He wanted to go straight home. He had a quiet day at home on Sunday and planned to go to school this morning for 2 hours. Well that didn't happen. He woke and felt pretty lousy. Pain and sick to his stomach again. I was on the phone! We got him settled down and feeling pretty good by 10:00 he took an anti-nausea medication and I headed off to work. I just called to check on him and he is feeling bad again. I called the nurse and left a message. Hopefully she is going to see him today. He would like to try to go to school tomorrow now. Lets all pray he feels better! Please pray too for his energy level. He is still VERY fatigued. He should be doing better by now. It seemed like he was until last week when he had that Stoma obstruction issue. I know a lot of people who were praying has dropped off due to the low number of hits on this sight. So if you know someone who was and maybe has stopped please ask them to continue to pray for Seth. He is definity not out of the woods yet. And we have another surgery coming up. He has to be in good shape to do it. Thanks so much. Love to All, Vickie

Another day over and it was a good one for Seth. He has been feeling great. We did have a disappointment though. The 2 teachers we were told that were going to come over and help Seth with 2 of his classes, just didn't show. We aren't sure what happened. We were told they would come after 11:30 and I called from work this afternoon to check on how things were going, and Seth said that they never came. ????? Maybe he can get some help from his friends over the weekend. We did have an offer from an older friend to help with his Chemistry. We'll see how the weekend goes. Well all for today. Good Night and until tomorrow "May God Bless You Abundantly". Love Vic

Hi All ~ Seth is doing great tonight. He ate Chicken Stir Fry for dinner and played a little Rock Band with his older brother Noah. Jeff played the last night of their Club Ball tonight and their team (Jeff & "Seth's) finished third in the league. They say it hasn't been the same without Seth the past month. I'm sure he will be back on the courts as soon as he can.
Seth is looking forward to tomorrow. He is going to get a little help with his Honors Chemistry class and his Adv. Algebra II. He is still thinking about trying to go back to class on Monday for a couple of hours. Hopefully the extra help will get him closer to his goal. It will still be quite a while before he can go for a full day. He still doesn't quite have the energy level he once did. Again thanks to everyone who prayed for Seth. He made a quick recovery just like we asked. Love to All, Vickie

Thanks Nardin~ I'll check into it. Is it a University of Iowa Hospital site?

Hey Nardin~ You have me intrigued. How did you find our blog. This is something that you have the same Dr. and hospital. Seth is better but dehydrated. He is drinking a lot. What is a Carepage? Thanks, Vickie

Hi, well it's a new day! Seth finally settled down and slept from around 12:30 A until 12:00 noon today. I checked on him often. At 5:00A he said his pain was at about a 3 and now it is at o. I seriously believe he had an obstruction. Our prayers were totally answered. Thanks Warriors.
His nurse Nancy just left, and said she'll be back on Friday. Seth weighed in at 137.5 yesterday and after the day and night he had, he is coming in at 127.5! Seriously I don't know how this is possible. We weighed him 4 times and it read the same. We definitely have a hydration problem here. It's ok we're on it. He just took more meds, and is drinking OJ and water. I'll push them all day. May have to run out and get a little Powerade or Gatorade. He said he feels fine, just a little shaky. I'll keep you posted. Thanks again, Vickie

Hi All, We're here and asking for prayer. Seth went out for a post op at Iowa City today. He saw Dr. Bishop (GI) and Dr. Shilyanski (surgeon). He got a good report. All went great and we went to Chili's for some lunch and headed home. Seth started not feeling well in the car and by the time we got home he was really sick! He is suffering with a lot of pain in his stomach. I asked him on a scale of 0-10 and he says it is an 8. He started vomiting this evening and can't quit. I called Iowa and talked with Dr. Chad Laurich (Sr. Surgical Peds Resident) He took care of Seth while in the hospital. He has called in an anti nausea med at CVS and I picked it up and gave it to Seth at 10:30 tonight. If it doesn't stay down we have been directed to go to OSF for an evaluation, IV's for nausea and hydration and xrays to check for an obstruction. Please pray that the pain will stop the meds will work and he will get some rest and be totally fine in the morning. I'm worried and I don't usually say that. I'll keep you all posted. Please spread the word because most people have stopped checking the blog. Thanks, love you all. Vic
Ps. Hi to nardin!

Hi There, Well we had another banner day. Today was the first day Seth had gotten out to go anyplace since he went into the hospital 15 days ago. It was a pretty day and I had made a hair appointment for him at a salon in Peoria Heights at 11:15, (he hadn't had a hair cut in almost 3 months, yikes). He got his cut, it looks fantastic, then stopped by the school to get some more of his books from his locker. We saw Mrs. Bachman (always a pleasure) and Adam in the hallway. We got the books and then Seth wanted to talk to Mr. Varner for a minute about Scholastic Bowl, and on the way out we waved at Mrs. Lyon and Mr. Baker. It did Seth good to see everyone. :) Our nest stop was the Middle School to return some dishes to Maria Bosma. Maria and her family prepared dinner for us on Monday, it was great. We then stopped at the Dream Center so I could get some addresses from Ashley at Riverside. We saw a lot of friends and staff there and we weren't done yet, no, we went to lunch together for Valentines Day. It was Seth's choice, and we went to Ming's in East Peoria. 3 1/2 hours later and we were home where Seth went straight to his room to rest and read a book. He did great and enjoyed his time out but was very tired. Seth's nurse came today for the last time. She said he's doing fine and it will take a long time to get back to normal.
We will go back out to Iowa City very early Tuesday morning and will spend the entire day at the hospital seeing doctors, surgeons and having tests done. Next Wednesday will definitely be another rest day. Seth had talked about trying to go to school next Thursday and Friday but we looked at the calendar and realized there is no school those days. He will try to go for a few hours in the morning the next Monday. It will only have been 3 1/2 weeks since his surgery, and the doctors wrote the request for a tutor for 6-8 weeks. We'll see what the doctors say when we go out on the 19th.
I want to say to those of you who have been preparing meals for us, YOU ARE FANTASTIC! Our entire family has been ministered to in ways you will never know. We come together over these meals with such thankfulness for you. You are incredible! Our son Noah has been joining us, and he is loving it. He is a single guy and can cook, but he says nothing like these ladies...you're tops!. Happy Valentines Day to everyone. Please keep posting comments, we are checking them several times a day. Love, Vickie