May 16, 2010

We did return for another test, an ultrasound, but it was inconclusive so week before last we returned for an MRA. This test shows all the arterial flow and we were contacted by MUSC this week and met with the head of interventional radiology. This dr. will be performing the surgery on Jon. They plan to place a plug in his artery leading to his spleen by going through his femoral artery, then turn him over and go into his back to try to draw out the fluid at his pancreas. This surgery is scheduled for Tuesday, the 18th at 1:30pm. It will take about three hours altogether and we are hopeful they can do it all. This is the least invasive as they will go into his femoral artery with a sheath and into his back with a needle and a tube.
We are so thankful they are not planning to cut his belly open so this not only reduces the risk of infection but the hospital stay should be a couple days shorter and his recovery time a little shorter as well. There are risks, of course, but we have weathered them so far and with God’s help and all the prayers being sent for Jon, we are optimistic that all will go well.
As we were wrapping up our visit Thursday morning, Jon began to have severe chest pains again and was doubled over. We went directly to the ER and they ran tests but could find nothing out of the ordinary. We were able to come home around 3pm.
Since this surgery is taking place next week, we are having to forgo the maintenance schedule until he is back on his feet. I am not sure if this will delay the end date but we won’t know that for awhile
Jon is almost finished with all of his courses except for Algebra and Spanish. The Spanish course online will run through mid August and we plan to have homebound instruction for Algebra resume in June and hopefully be completed by the end of June.
Arielle was able to get her schedule from CSU yesterday and she is taking 18 hours the first semester. She will really have to cut back on some hours from all four of her part time jobs in order to keep up with her studies. She is very excited about going in the fall and is still planning to get her degree in nursing. She graduates on the 30th and we are hopeful that Jon will be able to attend.
Thank you for caring about all of us and I will keep you posted on his surgery by the end of next week.