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