Update on Debbie.....August 31.......by Charlie

Debbie had a good yesterday and last night. She sat in a chair for over an hour yesterday and had quite a bit of speech and physical therapy. She was alert for a little while last night but slept most of the early evening and night because of fatigue. However, she was alert this morning at 5:00. I think her Dad is going to take her on another wheelchair trip today and I hope she enjoys it...........Another antibiotic is to be stopped today....that leaves only one and so far no side effects.................."Show me a person who is extremely generous in the giving of her time and love to other people, and I'll show you a person who always has people "there" for her in times of her need." Thank each of you who continue to be "there" for Debbie. We love and cherish you!

Debbie's update.....August 30..............by Charlie

Debbie got to go outside yesterday for a brief time shortened due to outside temp and humidity but seemed to enjoy the ride and looked so beautiful...........She is still weak and tired quickly from the ride and visiting with everyone on the way out. One more antibiotic will be withdrawn tomorrow leaving only one and we pray for no side effects. Last night one of the patient care techs brought her a beautiful blanket she had made. When she spread it across the bed, Debbie's eyes lit up and what a smile! She had a restful and talkative night and she and Herb were having breakfast when I left at 8:00 this morning. May our Lord Jesus bless all the "angels" he has placed in our path. Have a blessed Tuesday.

Debbie's update....August 29.....by Charlie

Debbie had a very alert Sunday afternoon and evening and even watched New Orleans play Oakland last night. When I asked if her team was winning, she answered "I don't know", but she seemed to enjoy the action. Deb has a wheelchair ride scheduled this morning for a trip outside in the park......her first time outside since June 4. She has had a restful night after 11:00 so I hope she enjoys the outdoors. Thank God for all. We wish you all a blessed Monday.....

Sunday, August 28 update......by Charlie

Debbie has had a peaceful night. Looked at lots of pictures last evening and slept well. We wish you all a blessed worshipful Sunday.

Debbie's Update for August 27 by Charlie

As stated in the previous message, Debbie underwent emergency surgery yesterday for shunt revision. The line to the shunt became blocked by tissue and had to be replaced with a longer one. She came through the surgery well and other than 11:00 pm x-ray and 2:00 am ct scan and all other night interruptions, she rested as well as could be expected overnight. Dr Turner said this morning that the ct scan and x-ray showed the shunt was now working as it should. Deb was still sleeping when I left earlier, but looked great. Again, thanks so much for all your prayers and love. And have a blessed week-end and Lord's day.

Debbie's Update for August 26, 2011........by Charlie

Debbie took a wheelchair ride to the waiting room area yesterday with her dad but did not get to go outside because of the type chair. Weather permitting, will try again today. She is having some tests this morning including a CT scan. I will edit this post when we have some results. Please continue to pray that these results are good. God bless you all.

Debbie's ct scan this morning showed increased swelling and pressure and further tests showed a blockage in the inlet tube to the shunt drain. Debbie just returned from emergency surgery and is resting in her room. So far all went well and we are praying that this is the LAST surgery she will need. Thank you for your prayers. We love you and knowing you are there helps us make it through these ups and downs.

Debbie's Update......August 25........by Charlie

Deb's trachea was removed yesterday as planned and one antibiotic discontinued. No side effects so far and three more to go. Physical therapy sat her in a chair for over an hour again and voice therapy worked with her. Herb said she was very alert and talkative. Last evening she was somewhat tired but after a good night's sleep (for both of us) she was smiling and talking this morning and enjoying a cup of coffee. I know you are as thankful as we are for our Lord's blessings. We may be coming home to Tennessee in a week to 10 days.....May you all have a great day!

A special thanks!.....

Can't say thank you enough to Jack and Helen Heron of Mt Pleasant, SC!..... very special people...your kindness will never be forgotten...(from the Haynes and Hesson family)

August 24 By Herb and Charlie

Debbie had a good day and a good night. Today the trachea will come out getting her closer to moving out to rehab center. The Doctors have made the decision to discontinue the two most potent antibiotics today and see how she responds to this. Things are looking better for Debbie and it is about time, but God knows best and we except that. Love to all and our thanks again to each of you for your outpouring of prayer and other wonderful acts of love and friendship and support during Debbie's illness and always praises to our Lord Jesus for his healing power and mercies.

Debbie's Update.....August 23.......by Charlie

As previously mentioned by Herb that Deb was up in a chair yesterday as part of her physical therapy, the work-out exhausted her and she slept from about 2:30 p.m until 11:30 p.m last night which made for dinner at midnight. It's been a long time since I had dinner at midnight but Deb can even make that enjoyable. After dinner and some talk and music, we were settled in at about 2:30 a.m. And she is still resting. Drs are supposed to cap the trachea today. If she handles this well, it should be removed tomorrow. They are also taking away one antibiotic at a time. ..........And, we have happy doctors and nurses this morning, or I should say full happy doctors and nurses. Betty, Deb's mother, graciously provided a catered breakfast at 6:30 for the night and day shifts in gratitude for their kind, professional, expert and loving care given to Debbie and for keeping Herb and I out of trouble. THANKS BETTY! Also, we have an unwanted visitor headed our way. Hurricane Irene in bearing down on the eastern U.S. coastline. Pray she passes us by...... May you all have a blessed day!

August 22nd By Herb

Additional note to Charlie's post Debbie sat up in a chair for 3 hours and 30 minutes today which exhausted her but was glad to see she can stay up that long.They will be takings some tubes out today which will give her some more freedom to move about.Things are looking up for her. God bless all

August 22.....Debbie's update......by Charlie

Just a note to let you know Debbie's progress is still going well. She had a good Sunday day and night with a nice full hair shampoo yesterday afternoon followed by a good nap and dinner. She then listened to gospel music on Pandora.com internet radio for over an hour and a half. This was new to her and she seemed to really enjoy it as she sang along with some of the songs and the laptop on her bed really captivated her attention. Drs will decide today about the trachea. We are wishing each of you a beautiful blessed Monday.

Sunday, August 21 update by Charlie

Praise the Lord, our Debbie continues on the recovery road. She ate a good dinner last night and talked and talked. We talked, I think, at 10, 2, and 4, but slept in between. She is still somewhat confused but she seemed to enjoy every minute of our conversations....I know I did! Dr Varma will be back tomorrow and Dr Alex says they will probably cap the trachea Tuesday and possibly remove it Wednesday. Drs are very pleased with Deb's progress since surgery and we are praying it continues. We wish you all a blessed Sunday and again thank you for all your prayers.
P.S. I asked one of the nurses how to spell trachea.

August 20 update by Herb

I think Debbie is doing great talking with a lot of wit about her. She makes us all laugh and enjoy talking with her. If all goes well they will cap her trak next week and later remove it. Finely things are looking up for her and its about time with all the bad luck she had in the past, but God knows best. We love her very much.GOD BLESS ALL

August 20 .........Debbie's Update.......by Charlie

Debbie continues to do well after her surgery. She talked quite a bit yesterday and physical therapy and respiratory therapy worked with her so she has slept all night. Quite a day for the first day after surgery. Dr Varma is very pleased with her progress. We wish each of you a happy and blessed week-end with a worshipful Sunday. We are praising our Lord Jesus here.

August 19.......Post surgery update from Debbie....by Charlie

Debbie had a very good night. She was talking last evening before settling in for a good night's sleep (for her and me). When she returned from an early CT scan this morning, I asked "how was the ride?" She replied "it was a blast"......so I see her wit has returned. Her vitals are strong and temp is normal. The Dr team came in and said in looking at the scan the shunt implant is working. We pray that it continues. Thank you so much for your constant tireless praying. We can see our Lord Jesus is in the miracle business. Have a great day with our love.

Debbie's surgery.......Aug 18......by Charlie

Debbie's surgery went well according to Dr Varma and she was awake and talking in her room at 2 p.m. and looking great. Praises to our Lord......Keep her in your prayers that no infections occur and our thanks to all of you for your love and support.

Deb's surgery update.....Aug. 17....by Charlie

Debbie's surgery is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Thursday Aug. 18. We know she will be in your prayers and thank you so much.

Beautiful Day in Charleston.....August 17 Update by Charlie

Debbie has had a blessed night....alert, restful, happy and with good news. Dr Varma spoke with her early last evening (Tues) and told her she is doing exceptionally well and her shunt surgery will be done early Thursday morning, the 18th. She was happy and talkative with him and also had great phone conversations with our "sister" Jenny Yeary in TN and also her Dad. In the middle of her late dinner, Deb's door opened and our pastor, Bro. Scott Johnson and wife, Kelly were standing there. What a blessing for them to visit and pray with Debbie before this long awaited last surgery. Debbie really enjoyed their visit and slept very well after wearing herself out talking with them. Deb's surgery is planned for early tomorrow so thank you for all your prayers that it is a complete success with a speedy recovery. The trach will be removed next and we will soon be looking northward for our return to Tennessee. Praises to our Lord Jesus!

August 16...........Update...........by Charlie

Not much to report today except that Deb continues to improve...White blood count down to 33. She rested well and was alert and having breakfast with her Dad this morning when I left them. Also, she received a special gift from Laura, one of the nurses in training, who brought her a memory foam neck and head support pillow this morning. After laying on it for about an hour Debbie replied that her neck felt "wonderful". How thoughtful and loving these professionals are at MUSC. Many not only care for their patients as required, they show their love for them! Praises to our Lord for putting them in our path.

FLASH!!! Surgery Update........by Charlie August 15......

NO SURGERY TODAY.......Debbie's surgery has been postponed for at least two days. White blood count is slightly up so Dr Varma elected to postpone the surgery for safety. Deb is doing fine and is ready for a late breakfast. Thanks for the prayers and will keep you posted.

Surgery Update.......Aug 14.............by Charlie

Dr Vandergrif is planning to do Debbie's surgery to implant the shunt spinal fluid drain tomorrow, Monday the 15th. Don't know the time yet but probably afternoon. Please pray this is a complete success. I've talked with Deb about it tonight and she says it'll be ok. She is resting as I write this and she looks so wonderful. I pray for the Lord to keep his healing hands on her and wrapped in the Holy Spirit. Amen.

August 14---By Herb

Debbie is doing great, no fever, talking to everyone,eating her meals and enjoying them. She is almost herself again.There is a outside chance she may have surgery this week to install the shunt.We are hoping and praying it goes better this time. Please keep her in your prayers.

August 13, 2011...........Debbie's Update..........by Charlie

After her exciting day yesterday,another great night and morning for Debbie. The nurses are all so happy with her improvement and come by regularly for a visit. Deb always has a big smile for them and talks with them. She was awake and alert this morning at 4 after a malfunctioning alarm kept she and I awake half the night but was ready for conversation and even sang a couple of songs. The antibiotic Drs are giving again has stopped the elevated temp but they still have to find the cause. Another culture will be done today and one blood culture already taken will have no results for a couple of days. When I left the hospital at 8 Debbie was having breakfast with her dad and talking with everyone. Pray for her continued health return and that Drs will find the cause of elevated temp and stop it so the antibiotic isn't necessary so she can have her final necessary surgery. May you all have a blessed week-end.

It's a beautiful day!.....

just to let everyone know....I had a wonderful conversation with my sister on the phone this am....I said "how are you doing?"...and she said "Fine!...how are you?"....
I about fell over (actually, almost ran out of the road).....then I said "I heard Brian (her son) came to see you"...and she said "Yeah, I think so"......I said "I just took Zach to school, do you remember Zach?" she said "yes, I remember Zach"....I said "I hope you have a great day, I love you so much"....and she said "I love you too!"....

Is that not AWESOME!!!!!!!.....made my day!.....hence it's a beautiful day!......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=co6WMzDOh1o

Our Debbie's Update......August 12......by Charlie

Other than the low-grade temp, Debbie has had an outstanding night. She is eating real food well and is now talking out loud where all can here. What a blessing. When I left her earlier, she and Herb were having breakfast and talking. It's great that he is here for her during the day in order for me to have some rest. Drs are doing more tests and have added one antibiotic trying to find and stop whatever is causing the temp increase. Surgery is once again on hold until ??. But, for now, she is feeling and doing great. All the wonderful MUSC Hospital staff who know Debbie are in love with her and we thank them so much for their expert care.

Update by Brian L.

I am so elated with Mom's progress over the past couple of months since I saw her on my last visit. It is truly a blessing. I would like to share a few words about my grandfather (Herb, Duck, Grandaddy, Dad, or whatever you call him). I have seen some strong, motivating, and nurturing people in my life, but none like my grandaddy. What I saw in the two days on my visit are truly amazing and a strong example of what family is all about. I saw my Grandfather do things that my Mother did to me when I was young, which is a hard thing for a man to do. The attention and devotion he gives is nothing like I have ever seen, and may never see again. His faith and compassion for my Mom is so deep and he expects nothing in return but a hope for a speedy recovery. In my mind, he is the greatest man on the earth and a wonderful role model for myself and my family. I hope one day I grow up to be just like him. Thanks for your hard work, friendship, and unconditional love for your family! You are the nucleus...

Debbie's Update.......August 11........by Charlie

Debbie's afternoon yesterday was not the best. Going from tube feed to soft food by mouth allowed her sugar to drop. She also ran an elevated temp overnight which gives us concern. But she woke up last evening and ate a good dinner and sugar is back to normal this morning and she is feeling much better, smiling and talking. She did have to take tylenol last night for her temp and Drs are doing some tests today for any signs of infection. Surgery is planned for Monday and no infection can be present if it is to proceed. She slept well after midnight and was bright-eyed this morning at 6. Deb's son Brian drove down from Knoxville yesterday and we, especially Debbie, were glad to see him. He and Herb are with her today so if she makes them behave she should have a good day. Her cousins Donnie and Janet left yesterday to go back to Gainesville and we all certainly enjoyed their visit. Please keep, as I know you will, Debbie in your prayers that she will be strong and infection free for a successful surgery next week. Thank each of you so much for all you do and thank our Father in heaven for His love.

Debbie's good news update......Aug 9.....by Charlie

Just thought all Debbie's friends and family would want to know she passed her eating test today and I just had the privilege of giving her the first meal tonight. She had mashed potatoes, mashed green beans, soft chicken, peaches and sweet tea. She ate some of each said everything tasted good except the peaches. She also had two cousins from Gainesville, GA visit this evening and really enjoyed them. Ronald and Janet will be back tomorrow so she will have another good day. It was a blessing to see them. Dr Varma came by tonight and said Deb will probably have the shunt surgery the first of next week if she continues to improve. God bless each of you for your continued prayer. Our Lord hears and is working here.

Debbie's Update for August 9 by Charlie

Debbie's yesterday {Monday} and last night have been, as she would say, "awesome". Physical therapy had her sitting up on the side of her bed and when asked how she felt, "awesome" was her answer. Her vitals remain normal and Drs are slowly taking her off the antibiotics. They dropped one last night. She is going on a field trip today for an eating test and chest x-ray to make sure she is swallowing properly. Therapy has already been giving her applesauce and the nurses expect her to pass the eating test. Although she is napping at the moment, she was awake at 5 this morning and she and I have had a name spelling and counting class. Sad part is, I think she is better at it than I am. So Deb's day and mine is starting out great as we hope yours is. May each of you have a blessed day. We love you!

Update August 8--By Herb

To add to Charlie's post the Doctor told him that they will start weining her off antibiotices since she is doing so good. Also in a couple of day start reducing her trak so we can here her talk. We have some trouble reading her lips when she puts several words together.Her surgery date has not been set but if she keeps progressing it will be soon.Her son Brian is coming Wednesday to stay a few days and she is looking forward to that.    Have a nice day.

Debbie's Update....Aug 8..........by Charlie

Debbie's condition remains improved Sunday day and overnight.  She seems more alert even this morning, although she is napping at the moment, she has been very responsive and "happy" earlier today.  Antibiotics are still working and her condition is stable and strong.  Shouting praises today for her continued improvement.  Love and miss you all.       HAPPY MONDAY!

Sunday, Aug 7 ........Deb's update....by Charlie

As you worship today please give praises to our Lord for His love and mercies.  Deb still continues to improve and we are praising Him here in Charleston.  We miss all of you and long to be with you in person, but for the time being, will be with you in our hearts.  Have a blessed Sunday.

August 6.....Update on Debbie...........by Charlie

Our Debbie had an exceptional day yesterday and night last night.  Her temp remains normal with the new antibiotic and her responsiveness is  wonderful.  She makes sentences and speaks aloud with the valve on her tract.  She even told me, Betty, Herb and Brian this morning that  we were being too loud and smiled about it.   She looks so wonderful and alert to her surroundings.  The Lord  Jesus' Hands at work!                        Dr said she will remain on this antibiotic a few days while they try to find where the infection was coming from.  Another spinal fluid sample is to be taken today.   Thanks so much for all your prayers, love, calls, gifts, cards, e-mails, visits and for just being there.  We cherish each of you and hope you know how much you are loved back by us.  May God bless you.

Deb's update.....Aug 4 late night........by Charlie

A quick note to let you all know Deb has had a good day.  She is answering more questions, taking small amounts of ice, water and pasty food by mouth, and increasing her arm and leg movements.  Her temp remains normal to slightly low without tylenol.   Prayer and antibiotics are working. Tonight she has been talking with me, looking at pictures, reading some of your cards and listening to her cds.  Nurses say they are going to give her a pedicure and manicure later tonight as she is very alert and not very sleepy yet at 11:20 pm.  Just wanted to pass along some good news.  All praises to our  Lord!               ...........................................................................................................................................NOTE: It's now 7:30 a.m. and Deb has had a very good night.............Great way to start Aug 5.  Deb and I hope you all have a great and blessed day too.

August 4 am Update on Debbie.........by Charlie

Debbie had a restful night on her new air mattress.  Drs would not stop antibiotics for fear of complications but did begin a new one yesterday.  So far, no temp increase to speak of since early yesterday morning.  She has not had meds to keep it down so we are praying this is the antibiotic needed to heal the infection.          Also dear friends and family visited from Tennessee yesterday.  Always a great blessing to see them and Deb's mother Betty, and brother Brian, will be with her for a few days.  Thanks to all for continued prayer.       NOTE:  It has been two months today since Debbie became ill on June 4.

Debbie's update.....August 3 a.m........by Charlie

Debbie has had a very restful night with temp up and down with meds to control it.  She responded mouthing words last night and we watched America's Got Talent together. (she always liked that show)  She was able to tell me she was comfortable at 11:15 last night and went to sleep.  When temp and heart rate are down, she is more responsive as this morning when whe was answering some questions and is beginning to move, especially her left side more and more.  As Herb wrote previously, Dr Varma said he intends to speak with the infectious disease drs about holding all antibiotics for 24 hours and then take more blood and fluid samples to see is a fungus or infection is being hidden by them.  There will be no surgery until all infection is gone.  Keep her in your prayers that the drs will find the problem and again thanks for everything you all are doing.  All of you are so amazing as is our Lord. 

August 3-- By Herb

Debbie is about the same maybe a little more responce to comands. They think maybe the medication she is getting may be masking the infection so they are taking off all med for 24 hours to see if infection will show up and treat that infection. We are hoping this will rid her body of all  infection so she can have the surgery to instal the shunt. Keep praying.

Debbie's Aug 1 pm update........by Charlie

To all Debbie's wonderful family and friends.........Debbie has IMPROVED today!!!  Praises to our Lord for his goodness and mercy!!!  When I arrived back at the hospital this afternoon, Herb gave me the great news.....a good day......Deb is responding with answers and comments to questions and requests and beginning to move slightly and even a yes nod.                                                                                   Temp is still elevated and another spinal sample was taken minutes ago for a 48 hour culture.  Drs still trying to find infection site and type.  Thank all of you for your prayers and thank our Lord for answered prayer.  God bless each of you.

August 1.......Debbie's update............by Charlie

Debbie's condition remains virtually the same as last reported.  Non-responsive and increased temp.  All infection tests so far negative with the last from the drain tube to come tonight.  Even the Drs are puzzled by this and surgery is on hold until temp problem is explained.  Thanks for all each of you has done and are continuing to do on Deb's behalf.  Don't know what we would do without you. Love to  all.