Thursday, April 10, 2008

Joye's Update 4/10/08

Well today, for the most part, was uneventful. Andrew rested and rested and then rested some more. His sedation has been increased and they only take him out of it to do assessments. During the times he was awake, I was able to read him all of the posts to his blog and he was happy to hear from all of you. I could see from his expressions that he was touched by all that was written and he would smile at some of the "private" jokes. He knew exactly what they all meant :) There is still no plan for getting him off the ventilator, the neurosurgeon is not ready to take him off as he does not want to risk taking him off and then soon after possibly having to put him back on which may risk the surgery site area getting damaged. He'd rather wait a while to give it a chance to heal as Andrew had 2 surgeries in 3 days. The assessments didn't bring any new news. He still has feeling down to the same places he had yesterday. I'm really hoping this good day of rest will help with healing and more feeling. He's still hanging in there tough . . . not a glimmer of doubt. We've learned to speak a new language with his eyes. If he squints hard, he needs me to wash his eyes with a damp cloth; if he starts shaking his head "no" (which he can only slightly do with the neck brace on), he's having trouble breathing; if he scrunches his nose up, he's in pain; if he stares up and raises his eye brows he wants the TV channel changed, and my favorite . . . if he blinks 3 times slowly, he's telling me he loves me. Thank you again for all of your posts; he was so happy to hear from you, but most of all thank you so much for your prayers . . . keep that up and we're home free! I'm going to get my shower (the hospital lets me do that here), and get to sleep early tonight . . . Andrew's still sleeping soundly. Good Night and God bless you all! Joye

12 comments:

RavensHalo said...

Joye....once again, thank you for the update. I am staying 'ontop' on the messages you post...and the time in between is spent with him (and you) in my thoughts and prayers. The special language that you wrote about--with blinking eyes and subtle movement--is good to hear. It's also good news to hear that he is enjoying the messages that are being sent by everyone. That being said........Drew, my son (Tom) said you have to get better because you two have to go running again. :) Raven said she wants to give you 'hugs and kisses so your owies (sp?) get better' and Michael said he needs you to help him work out and prepare for his Border Patrol PT test! Personally....I miss seeing the infamous 'peck dance', so you need to get back to work! If for nothing else, then come back to work for that! (Joye, I will explain that one when I meet you) :)
Get better Drew. You have no other options. Dont let any doubt enter your mind. If it does...remember that everyone is praying for you and expecting you to come back '100%'....knowing your stubbornness, you wouldn't want to let us all down, would you??? ;-)
Michael and I hope to see you soon. Focus on getting better, and when you are able to have visitors, we will be there.
Joye....thank you, from the bottom of my heart I thank you.
Goodnight~
Michele and Michael Sundwall

David and Crystal Antonio said...

Drew,

Just said a prayer for you brother. I asked my Pastor and some friends to say a prayer for you also. Remember you are always in our thoughts and if you or your family need anything let us know. Joye I never met you but email me and I will give you our contact number if you ever need anything.
davidantoniosr@yahoo.com

Dave Antonio

nonestop said...

Hi guys...(its Selina) My Mom(Melanie)called me on Saturday and I stopped in my tracks. I automatically thought of Langley having his hands full of vasaline and pulling puppies out of our dog! Yea, I know why did I think of that. I guess its just one of those unforgettable memories! You guys were our rock when Tyrone passed away and really helped us through that period. It was always comforting knowing that you guys were across the street if we needed anything, the same goes for you we are only a phone call away (We live in Phx). We are here if you guys need ANYTHING just like when you were there for my family. I have no doubt that you will make a full recovery. Come on Langley... Bean needs you:) We will be sending positive thoughts your way. I mean the ping-pong champ has to get better so he can beat Moreno a thousand more times!!! I am so glad you made this blog. Such a good idea so you don't keep getting a ton of phone calls. Okay I will let you guys rest but please please don't hesitate to call us if you need anything!!! Stay strong!

Sending tons of love and prayers your way.

~Selina and George Samaniego~

Unknown said...

Joye, this is Jennifer Kohmetscher, I work in the kitchen with your husband. I am so glad to read the postings, we in the kitchen have only one thing on our minds and that is our seargent. We want you to know that it means a lot that you share this information. If you could give Sgt a message for me.... Dear Sgt Langley, this is Kohmetscher, we miss you, and you are in our hearts. We want to see you, but we know it is to much right now. So we will be there when you're better. Just wanted to tell you we were thinking of you, hope to see you soon.

Whisper9191 said...

Joye, I want to thank you for keeping us all updated. As hard as it must be to write about something so painful, it brings us all a lot peace, knowing that one who cares for Drew as much as you is staying by his side through this whole ordeal. Should you guys need anything at all, please, let us know.

Drew, please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. I have no doubt whatsoever that you'll pull through this. A year from now, we'll look back at this and laugh, and in five years, it will be "'member that one time?"... For now, though, relax, get some rest, and enjoy this hard earned sick leave. If I woulda known that this was all it took to get some time off, I'd have been right there with you... :p Take care, and I'll keep in touch...

Your brotha' from anotha' motha',

Chris Pulling

gmac said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
gmac said...

LANGLEY TO INCIDENT COMMANDER!!!
LANGLEY TO INCIDENT COMMANDER!!!
LANGLEY TO INCIDENT COMMANDER!!!!!
(control)Langely, be advised, you are the incident commander.....

You know that was funny!!!

Gloria Mac

wickballard said...

Dear Joy and Langley,
I am so glad to hear some of the progess Langley is making. As a nurse i know the little things can turn into huge things. Please tell Lanley he has the strength of many mules and he'll beat this. I think of you guys on a daily basis and everyday i ask Denise for more updates. Please let me know when an appropriate time would be to come and vist. My thoughts and prayers are with you both!
Bobbi Ballard

Dakota Medical Staff Family said...

Medical staff is glad to hear that you are improving. We were planning to take the drive up there to see you, but we came to the conclusion that we best listen to your wife and doctors so you can recover faster. We really miss you and wish we could be by your side. Joye is doing a great job at that. You have many people praying for you full recovery. We will be there as soon as Joye gives us the ok. See you soon "blackman". Love ya, Carrie and Daniela

Barry/Marie said...

Hi Joye, I hope you have been receiving our comments for Drew. We appreciate you keeping us informed and we are lifting you both in prayer daily. Please let Drew know that we love him and praying for a speedy recovery. We love you guys! God Bless. Nick & Marie

vestrad said...

Just wanted to say you ned to get off your butt and get over to the bat cave to see us. We here at DDU are praying for you and your wife.It's great to hear that you are making progress, Solis says that he will take care of your Mustang until you can pull him from it. Right now Bro just fight the good fight and get off your back here so you can pick on Solis because thats always a great show to start the day.
Take care and I'll wirte later.
Vince Estrada and the DDU Crew.

bnichols said...

Hey Drew,

This is your friend Barry! Brother I’m believing God to come through for you man. Sometimes we go through tough times in life and we can’t (for the life of us) understand why. But know this: The word of God say’s in Romans 8:38-39 “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Nothing can separate us from the (Love of God). Nothing! You know that Marie and I are always praying for you bro. We will ask the rest of the congregation to pray for you this Sunday. Drew, I’ll never forget how you stuck by my side when we were working together on the Marine base. You didn’t know it but I believe the Lord had you there to watch my back, if you know what I mean. I love you bro! Marie and I are going to take a trip up there to see you soon man. Hang in there my brother. May God totally bless you Joye and the rest of your family. Barry.