Final Report From Mayo

This will be our final post from Mayo this trip. In 4 days we completed 13 appointments and 1 surgery. I am continually amazed at the efficiency, professionalism, and wisdom found at this place.

In my last post I asked prayer for the continuing function of the new feeding tube and gastric tube. In the last two days we have been able to advance from a trickle feed of 20mL per hour to an 80mL per hour infusion without any complications. The opening in my abdomen where they removed the non-functioning feeding tube has almost completely healed close despite the doctor's fears that surgery would be needed. I have a band-aid over it! This also means the end of wearing an ostomy bag over the tube that was there to collect the overflow of intestinal bile. Did I say a band-aid?? Yay! Yay! In 2 days of using the feeding tube for nutrition instead of using IV nutrition I have already gained stamina missing since May's marathon hospital stay. The other issue I mentioned was an exhaustion that sleep didn't seem to fix. I asked your prayers. I want to thank you for those prayers. I have awakened the last two mornings early and to a renewed sense of energy - especially what I needed for the 5 appointments that took place yesterday.

So yesterday ... I shared my heart in the last post that I really, really, really wanted to have the tear in my abdominal wall caused by previous surgery to be repaired by the surgeon here at Mayo. On Monday he was essentially against the idea because of complications possible from my faulty connective tissue and even dictated that in his physician note. The tear is painful as it is in the muscle and we use our core muscles for everything it seems. I made the choice to pray boldly that the surgeon would change his mind. I asked you to pray as well. The time was upon us to meet with the surgeon. We thanked him for the opportunity to meet again and go over the case. The surgeon agreed the abdominal tear will only get bigger and he said as he has thought about it, he has come up with a surgery plan that takes

into account the challenges of my connective tissue disease. However, he explained it was

going to be a pretty big surgery and he wants me stronger and healthier now that I can go back to getting more efficient nutrition from my feeding tube. He said a couple of months would work. He would have his PA email me a surgery date. Sit down for this or maybe cry tears of joy for how awesome our God is - the date is Friday, November 12th. We were going to be in Phoenix that week anyway for the Western Fire Chiefs' Conference. The conference ends on Wednesday and I have pre-op testing on Thursday and then the surgery on Friday! I'll spend a few days in the hospital to give healing and observation time. Don't you just love it when God not only gives us what we have asked for but gives us more than we could ever even think to ask??

"Now to him who is able to do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us - to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all

generations, forever and ever. Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21

As I was pondering this post, I opened a text from my brother-in-law Mark.

It was of a beautiful song by Anne Wilson titled "My Jesus". The lyrics described the last 5 months of my life:

"Are you past the point of weary? Is it all too much to carry? Are you desperate for some healing? Let me tell you about my Jesus. He makes a way when there is no way. His love is strong and his grace is free. Let my Jesus change you the way He has changed me."

I wept as I listened to the song several times. The last 5 months have been exceptionally challenging and wearisome but through it all, my Jesus has never given me more to handle than the grace and strength he has given me to make it through. As my pastor so rightly proclaimed to me last night, "Only God can do things like this Lee."

Thank you for your prayers and notes of encouragement. My prayer would be that you are encouraged and blessed as you read this note.

In His grasp,

Lee and Steve

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Comments

Frank Kirkbride:

What wonderful news. Always hoping and praying for the best for you and Steve.

Steve Braden:

God is good. Praise His name for answered prayers. Love you guys

Bruce Ensign:

Fanastic news, Lee! Thank you for sharing (again) how awesome God is!

Eunice Goodwin:

Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Love to you both!

James Broman:

Thanks be to our God!

sandra henry:

God is good! It's wonderful to feel your joy through your words and to know that you're already stronger. I love the way God works. Continued blessings to you and Steve! ❤

Wanda Royal:

God us so very good to us! And yes, I love that song also!! Praying for you both 🙏 ❤

Jane Levin:

We are so encouraged by your update both for you as you continue on this journey and for us as we fight our current situation. We love you both and lift you up to our Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith!!

Mark Colavecchio:

I so love your courage and perspective, Lee. It will be nice to get you home. I'm so encouraged by God's faithfulness in such challenging times.

Elizabeth Holmes:

You are such a courageous and inspiring lady. Continued prayers for you and your husband and medical team.

Rebecca M Doty:

This is great news. Our God is awesome!

Sandy Temple:

This makes me so happy! Continued prayers for you all! Much love!❤