Monday, November 5, 2012

Home

In His great mercy, God has given us the answer to our prayers that we had hoped for.  Juan Pablos' surgery was successful, he had a very quick recovery, no complications and no physical or mental deficits.  We were able to bring him home today.  It is hard to imagine that  just four days ago he had the extensive brain surgery that he did and he is now home and essentially the same as he was before the surgery.  He has no deficits - except for probably being a little tired he seems normal.  The swelling in his face is almost gone.  He is eating, playing and conversing  normally.  The incision was quite large - from above his right eye all the way to his left ear. The stitches will remain for at least a couple of weeks and he is sensitive about people seeing him.  Hopefully this will be a good learning experience for him.  He has always been very bad about staring at people who have an obvious physical handicap.  Now, he is on the other side of that situation.  I'm hoping he might gain some insight into how other people feel. 

                                                      Here is a picture of him from today. 

 
 
Juan Pablo and Andrew with a little friend they found today.  They came in and told me they had something to show me.  First, they asked me to close my eyes.  That usually means there is something alive that they want to surprise (try to scare) me with.  Fortunately, I don't usually scream at bugs so it's usually okay.  Although, I have learned to not let them get too close with the unknown thing.  It was a small praying mantis.  After they had pictures taken they were happy to take it back outside and let it go (quit torturing it). :)
 
We appreciate all of your prayers on our behalf.  We don't know how it could have gone any better.  We feel very blessed.
 
Dan and Karen
 
 
 
 
 


Saturday, November 3, 2012

Looking to Monday

Juan Pablo is doing great.  His face is a little more swollen, but he is strong and able to walk around with ease.  We were led to believe he could go home today or tomorrow, but the surgeon said he wanted to keep him around 'til Monday.  Thanks for your prayers.
Dan

Here are a few pictures. 
 Checking out the IV needle before it is put in.  He didn't even flinch when she put it in. 
Ready to head to the OR.
This is today.  Maicol and Andrew came to visit.  They may be annoyed with each other sometimes, but they miss each other.  His face is pretty swollen, but that should begin to go down in the next day or two.  That's his biggest complaint - the swelling in his face and especially the left eye.  It was swollen shut this morning, but improved throughout the day.  All is pretty quiet in the Peds ICU - except for the one crying baby. :)  Juan Pablo is down for the night and I'm about to be too.  Thanks for your prayers - this has gone much better than we ever imagined.

Karen
 

Friday, November 2, 2012

1st night

The night went about as well as could be expected.  They had to wake him up about every hour to check on him, but he seems to be doing pretty well.  A little swelling of the head and eyes - not a pretty sight.  They just told us if he continues to do as well as he is now he may be able to go home over the weekend!  They had said it would be a week, so he must be doing very well.  Thanks for your prayers!  God is good!

Dan

Thursday, November 1, 2012

In his room

Juan Pablo is in his room and resting well when they let him.  He's not in a great mood but I don't suppose I would be either.  He's starting on ice chips and will work his way up to other liquids. All is going well according to everyone we talk to.  Please continue to pray.
Dan

Success!!

Juan Pablo is out of surgery!  It only took 3.5 hrs.  Praise God for His mercies!  He'll be in recovery for a couple of hours and then we'll be able to see him.  Will keep you posted.

Dan and Karen