There have been many ups and downs for Karl over the past few days. Thankfully, they’ve been mostly ups lately. After a week of having a kink in his small intestine that caused him significant pain and slowed his digestive process to a near stand-still, it has finally worked out -- we think. While he is still on IV feedings, he is now drinking juice. This time they will take it much more slowly. He complains of being hungry and his stomach is making a lot of noise, which are both good signs.
The occupational and physical therapists have been putting Karl through the paces. Yesterday he sat in a chair for nearly an hour, which was a bit painful because of his incisions and the fact that he’s “restructured.” He is moving his legs and exercising his arms. Karl is feeling stronger. He still has an infection in one of his incisions, but antibiotics and frequent dressing changes have it in check.
His buddy Rodney Partridge also made a surprise visit this weekend which lifted Karl’s spirits tremendously. His visit coupled with the fact that the kink is gone made Karl feel much, MUCH better. He has two drains left in and when those are removed, Karl will probably be moved to a rehab floor and will begin chemotherapy again (He's dreading this, but it's a necessary evil to make sure any lingering cancer cells are decimated). We still do not know how long he will be in the hospital, but each day brings Karl a bit closer to coming home…we keep reminding him of that. The bouquet of balloons from Adrian Steel and all of the cards, photos and gifts (including the slobbered-on ball from Rasta Neidermier, Karl’s favorite German shorthair) also help to keep Karl smiling and remembering that people are thinking about him.
On the home front, Karl’s A-Team buddies showed up at his house again this weekend to help move the contents of his home to a storage unit. I can’t thank them all enough for their hard work. And after all was tolled, the Bad Hair Day? Spa-athon brought in about $4100. Incredible!
Thank you again for your continuous thoughts and prayers. Below is a prayer I found in one of the pamphlets the chaplain brought by one day. I think it sums up what Karl is feeling at times. He is so overwhelmed by your generosity.
Love and blessings,
Kerry
If I Could But Touch
O Lord
I thought
if I could but touch
the hem of your garment
I could be healed.
But where do I find you these days?
What hem should I try to touch?
Then one day
some of your friends
with hearts less complicated than mine
laid their hands upon me
and I felt new.
I give you praise, O Lord
for those hems of garments
that are still around
for touching – Amen
(Season of Your Heart)
3 comments:
Kerry, I am glad that things are better for Karl. I was getting a little anxious to hear how things were going. Karl has gone through so much and the healing process is lengthy sometimes. I always think of Karl and hes always in my prayers. Love to all, Becky
Hey there Karl, Kerry and Susie Q, I'm glad to here Karl is is on the uphill climb. I pray that it continues. Just wanted to say HI, and let you all know the prayers continue. Love to all, Teri
Karl, Kerry and Susie,
Looking for new updates and decided to read comments. What a surprise my two sisters have left their ink, so I thought that I should also add a thought or two, I was going to say, leave the best for last, but I thought I'd leave that out.
As always, Karl is in my thoughts and of course prayers. Don't ever think that your not in people's thoughts and that your forgotten Karl. You have made so much love circulate, it has become infectious.
Love you, Marcy
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