Update on Susie

There's no substantial change in Susie's condition.  She's still in a lot of pain at the site of the two incisions, in the front and back of her neck, her shoulders, and up and down her back.  I give her massages, very gently, whenever she wants with a special cream she has which doesn't irritate her skin.  A doctor friend we ran into at the Middletown CVS on Washington Street, who is a general surgeon, said that after complex neck surgery, like Susie's, it's advisable to wait at least six to eight weeks from the date of the neck surgery until Susie has her gall bladder out.  He agrees there's a risk that the intubation required for gall bladder surgery could dislodge the fragile fusion performed by Dr. Schwartz, if it's done too soon.

I also need to help Susie take a shower and attend to her personal needs, especially on weekends when her physical and occupational therapists, and home health aide, do not make rounds of their patients.  Last week she went to First Church and received an overwhelming show of support and compassion.  This meant a lot to Susie, and boosted her morale, as do you when you pray for Susie.

Although my fellow brothers and sisters at Fist Zion Black Baptist Church have never met Susie, everyone I greet each Sunday after adult Sunday school and, then, after the regular weekly service, tells me sincerely and insistently that God is with Susie and He will protect us and take care of us, no matter what the outcome of particular medical procedures. I, now, share that faith, which continues to sustain me throughout our difficult ordeal.  Susie, I think, is sustained by the love of her children and gramdson Liam, her strong faith, and her steady nerves and tremendous capacity to endure pain which I believe would overwhelm most other people.

Thanks for continuing to send Susie and me wonderful thoughts, prayerful attitudes, and delicious dinner dishes.  Money cannot buy friends like you.  You are, along with our children, our grandson, and each other, our greatest treasures.