Success!

Today's procedure resulted in the successful removal of the stuck stent. A new drain was put in, which will handle the jobs of both the previous drain and the stent. This is good news - hopefully long term good news. In the short term, however, Sandy has some recovering to do. The procedure was more invasive, more rough, and will require more healing than her previous exchanges. She had to stay overnight at the hospital, which really disappoints her, largely because of missing classes and observations with students on Friday. She is thankful for colleagues who cover for her and for flexibility of those affected by this change. She is also very thankful for her medical team, including one doctor who checked in on her just because he cares, even though he did not have hands-on involvement with today's procedure. And of course she is thankful for all of the prayers and kind words from each of you. We're a community of people who take turns holding each other up in times of need and rejoicing with each other in times of joy. God is good...all the time!

Stubborn Stent Still Stuck

Many of you have talked to Sandy in the past several days or even weeks, and know that her latest stent exchange did not go well. Basically, it didn't happen because the doctor was unable to remove the stent in order to replace it. A second attempt, made last week, was also unsuccessful. The current plan is for her to have a third attempt to dislodge the stent next week. There is talk of switching to a more permanent metal stent during her next trip to MD Anderson. Please pray for wisdom for all involved, for physical comfort and rest for Sandy, and for the stent to be removed safely and easily, well before any problems or infections could set in.

Her first week of school went well, though she is ready for a weekend of rest...but we all know resting is not her strength! She is thankful for the ability to continue the vast majority of her activities and is slowly becoming better at accepting her limitations and setting boundaries. She wants things to be as normal as possible, and appreciates opportunities to bless others especially in their times of need. Sometimes being allowed to help others is wonderful medicine!