Bettyjo Update

Bettyjo went to see Dr. Willet yesterday, and while the diagnosis was expected, she got some bad news. He thinks the reason the wound on the neck is opening again is that "something" is trying to work its way out. It could be another stitch, which is most likely, it could be something else he just cannot tell from the exterior. She will begin treating it with silver nitrate, and and keep it covered as before. If it does not heal he may have to open it up a bit to allow what ever is trying to get out a path. We really thought that this part of the recovery was over, and we are all very disappointed that it is not. She will see Dr. Willet again in three weeks.

Bettyjo Update

Sorry that is has been so long since I updated you on Bettyjo's condition. Since my last post there has been little change. She is still on soft food, but continues to expand her diet as she is able, but progress has been slow. One small step back has been that the wound on the exterior of her neck that was healed and closed, has for some reason re-opened. She will be seeing Dr. Willet today for that.

I would like to again thank you for all your prayers and support.

Bettyjo Update and More Vacation Photos

The last two days of our vacation were very nice. The weather finally straightened up and we were able to be out on the beach. The photos I have included are: the slave quaters at the Boone Plantation, the view from our balcony, Brenda and Emily, the Boone Plantation near Charleston, the ocean from our balcony, and lastly our condo complex.

Bettyjo Update - When we got back from vacation a stitch had worked it's way out of the small remaining hole in her neck. After it was out the hole just healed up on it's own. She is still only able to eat soft food, and it may take two years for the esophagus to develop scar tissue, and then soften to the point where the Dr. could possibly stretch it so that she can eat more solid food. However, as with everything else, we just never really can tell what will happen.

Bettyjo Update/Vacation Photos

Bettyjo went to have the minor surgery to her neck on the 31st. We arrived at 5pm, sat until 6pm when an ambulance pulled up and took a patient out of the office for a ride to Riverside and emergency surgery. Consequently, Dr. Williet was not able to do surgery on Bettyjo, as he had to meet up with his other patient at Riverside. The new date is May 1st. Please pray first for the guy that had emergency surgery, then for Bettyjo's operation to go off with out a hitch on May 1st, and that it is success full.

On another note we are on our first vacation in nearly three years as a family. We are currently in Myrtle Beach SC. The weather has not been great and Emily and I are not feeling very well. One unexpected blessing was that we spent the first night in Charlotte NC, and stumbled across the Billy Graham Library. When we got there it was just closing, but the guard offered to take us and a couple of ladies that arrived right before us on a personal tour. I would recommend that anyone who has the time and is going to Charlotte see it. What an amazing life Dr. Graham has lead, and it is the burial site of his wife Ruth. Above are a couple of photos.

Bettyjo Update

On Friday Bettyjo had her feeding tube successfully removed. The external wound has not yet healed, but we are hopeful that it will be closed by the time we leave for Spring Break. Bettyjo will have one, hopefully last procedure on the 31st of this month to close up the hole on the out side of her neck.

Thank you for you prayers for Bettyjo's mom. She came through her surgery well and should be home later this week.

Bettyjo Update

Well.....it looks as if we are meeting another mile stone this Friday 3/13/09. Bettyjo will finally get her feeding tube out after two LONG years. Yeah!!!!

Please be praying for a minor in office procedure she will have March 31st to close up the drain hole that is stubbornly remaining open after 4 months.

Also Bettyjo's mom will be having disk surgery on 3/12/09. Please pray that all goes well.

Good News!!

I took Bettyjo to see Dr Willet this morning and he put a scope down her esophagus , and conducted an external examination. He thinks the blood clot may have been part of a stitch that came out. The best news is that from what he could see the esophagus was in good shape. Praise God!

Thank you for all your prayer and support.

Bettyjo Update

I hate to post this but.......Betytjo brought up a blood clot last night and Dr. Willet wants to see her first thing Friday morning.

Please pray that this is not a serious set back. I will post again after her appointment.

Bettyjo Update

Bettyjo saw Dr. Willet yesterday late afternoon. He was very pleased that she was eating something every day, and has had no leaks! The only minor problem is, that the hole where the primrose drain was, is still not fully healed. We will be treating it for 8 weeks, and if it is still not closed, he will do a minor surgery in his office to close it. She is now allowed to eat ground meat, and other soft foods. She must chew everything very thoroughly.

To celebrate, we went to Texas Roadhouse and Bettyjo was able to eat about 2/3 of a baked sweet potato, and 1/4 piece of salmon. Dr. Willet suggested that she cut back on her liquid diet as she adds calories by mouth. We are praying that the feeding tube will be out by Memorial Day.

To all of you that have been reading this blog and praying for us, THANK YOU!