Although Jude's surgery was successful, there have since been many complications. Many of those complications seemed to show up today.
Jude's aorta is narrrowed again. The purpose of his surgery was to remove a very narrow part of his aorta. That part was successful, but the suture (stitch) line has swollen now. And so the aorta has narrowed again...only this time he doesn't have the ductus anymore. This is concerning. It is hopefully temporary as it could just be inflammation as a result of surgery. Please pray for that part of his aorta to heal and to widen as it should. If not, he could have to go back into surgery.
He is having blood pressure issues. It has been low, and they had to put him on dopamine again. He has stabilized some tonight. Please pray that his heart would pump blood effectively in spite of everything.
His left lung collapsed again after surgery. They had to move it out of the way for the surgery, and it is now having problems. Please pray for his lung to inflate as it should...and for him to be able to get off the ventilator soon.
He has seemed too sedated today. They would like to see Jude more awake than he has been. We would too. Please pray for guidance for the doctors as they seek to keep him comfortable...yet with reasonable amount of awake time. It is a difficult balance.
His kidneys are struggling to function well. This was expected, which is in part why he is on peritoneal dialysis. He hasn't been peeing at all. Please pray for his kidneys to heal and function well.
There is some fear of infection still. Tonight, we found that the dressing around his femoral line (the line going into his bloodstream near his groin) was covered in some mystery black stuff. There was question as to whether it was poop (though it wasn't the color of his poop) or something else...possibly a leak. Poop would be very dangerous as far as infection is concerned. Please pray for his body to be infection free.
His head leaked a lot today. We have been told multiple times that it might not be CSF. It is hard not to believe it though. Please pray for his skin and dura to heal. His body should heal better now that he is off the PGE.
So, Jude is still really sick. It was expected that he would get more sick after he had his surgery. He seems to be even more sick, however, than what they were expecting. Please continue to pray for our little man's body as he recovers.
Please keep praying for us as well. With three nights in a row spent at the hospital, my sleep has been limited in both quality and quantity. The events of Friday and Saturday caught up with us today, and we started what turned out to be a difficult day on empty tanks. We need perspective and strength and perseverance. And, we need truth. If you have a Bible verse, quote or song you'd like to share with us, we would love it.
Thank you so much.
28 comments:
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths."
Love you guys.
I have been reading your journey and praying along with you for several weeks. My heart goes out to you. Please know that people all around the world are not only praying for little Jude, but for you as well.
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
Praying for you. I can't even begin to imagine God's goodness in this, but its there somewhere. Praying you would feel him!
These lyrics came to mind while thinking of you tonight, Pelton's. We're praying for you!!
In His time, In His time
He makes all things beautiful, in His time
Lord, please show me everyday
As you're teaching me your way
And I'll do just what You say
In Your time.
In Your time, In Your time
You make all things beautiful, in Your time
Lord my life to you I bring
May each song I have to sing
Be to You a lovely thing
In Your time.
The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, And His sovereignty rules over all! Ps. 103:19
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore, let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16
Mandy ... when I feel like everything is closing in, this song always reminds me that He has me in His hands ... Love, Adrienne:
To the one who's dreams are falling all apart ... And all you're left with is a tired and broken heart, I can tell by your eyes you think your on your own
but you're not all alone
Have you heard of the One who can calm the raging seas ... Give sight to the blind, pull the lame up to their feet ... With a love so strong he'll never let you go
oh you're not alone
You will be safe in His arms
You will be safe in His arms
'Cause the hands that hold the world are holding your heart
This is the promise He made
He will be with You always
When everything is falling apart
You will be safe in His arms
Did you know that the voice that brings the dead to life ... Is the very same voice that calls you to rise ... So hear Him now He's calling you home. You will never be alone.
These are the hands that built the mountains. The hands that calm the seas. These are the arms that hold the heavens they are holding you and me.
These are hands that healed the leper. Pulled the lame up to their feet. These are the arms that were nailed to a cross ... to break our chains and set us free
You will be safe in His arms
You will be safe in His arms
'Cause the hands that hold the world are holding your heart
This is the promise He made
He will be with You always
When everything is falling apart
You will be safe in His arms
the 23 psalm and the lords prayer,are great comfort in times like these.. Much love to you
Uncle Russ
The 23psalm and the lords prayer as always are a great comfort.. Much love.. Uncle Russ
I am not as versed as you or your friends but the one that gets me through everything is , "He does not give us more than we can handle". This covers a multitude of situations as well as the one you are in right now. I have had my doubts in the past but as usual he is always right. Love you Aunt Jenny
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.
Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in all the earth! The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress." Psalm 46:1-3,10-11
Praying for sweet Jude today!
Jana (friends in Illinois)
Verse I (Mary) opened up to while praying for your family this morning:
"The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in time of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you." Psalm 9: 9-10
Here is my prayer for you: That a few years down the road, when your cute little man, Jude, is stubbornly hanging on to some thought or plan he has that differs from yours, and frustration is all around, you'll remember, "Oh Yeah, this same strong will is part of what God used to get him through that tricky early time. I'd almost totally forgotten! That seems so long ago!" And you'll go about your day that day praising God and having fun as a family!
Hi! This is Dotti Ambis, Christy Lopez' mom. I met Mandy and Caleb at Christy and Lucas' garage sale. All my prayer warrior sisters and myself have our prayer chains working on your behalf. I have learned so much from what you have shared that you learned--consistently getting more than you can handle,"cease striving". I use these truths new to me every day. We have significant financial issues, and I want to share the verse that through my tears of discouragement, I speak aloud over and over before I get out of bed to face the new day: Isa 26:3 "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you because he trusts you." ESV Many versions say "will keep", but the Hebrew is actually present tense. I am learning trust in the King of Kings. I wish it was a light switch experience--BAM, I trust! But it is a dimmer switch experience, and the light is slowly but definitely coming on, and my trust grows stonger every day, and my peace grows every day. Speak the word aloud; there is so much power in the spoken Word.
God bless.....
Hi Mandy/Brandon:
I read this just a moment ago as part of my study/prayer time. "I rise before the dawn qnd cry for help; I have put my hope in your word. My eyes stay open through the watches fo the night, that I may meditate on your promises. Hear my voice in accordance with your love; preseve my (Jude's) life, O LORD, according to your laws." Psalm 119:147-149
Lord Jesus, we trust in you and know that your love for Jude is great. His life is in your hands Almighty and loving Savior. Please care for Jude as You know best. We praise you Lord because You are the creator and giver of life. Amen
I'm going to string together a few quotes from my favorite author, Madeliene L'Engle:
"It's a good thing to have all the props pulled out from under us occasionally. It gives us some sense of what is rock under our feet, and what is sand."
"Just because we don't understand doesn't mean that the explanation doesn't exist."
"The unending paradox is that we do learn through pain."
"Maybe you have to know the darkness before you can appreciate the light."
Now... I have to admit fully that I still don't even understand the peace and joy I saw in both of you when I visited last week. Your faith amazes and baffles me at the same time, and I am in awe of it. I can only hope that, were I to find myself in a situation like you have with precious Jude, I would find similar meaning. These quotes from L'Engle help point me in the direction I think you've already found.
But I'm certain that going through this is still unimaginably difficult.
Hang in there. Know you both and Jude are surrounded by love.
Mandy, I used to pray this verse over and over again when my dad was in hospice. Praying for you dear friend. Love you so much! Laura
When I said, “My foot is slipping,”
your unfailing love, LORD, supported me.
When anxiety was great within me,
your consolation brought me joy.
But the LORD has become my fortress,
and my God the rock in whom I take refuge. Psalm 94:18-19, 22
Mandy, I can't begin to imagine how exhausted you must be. I pray that our Lord will refresh with his blessings to strengthen you today. Two psalms that have been very meaningful to me in difficult times, are Psalm 91: "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty...." (may you find shelter there today), and Psalm 121: "I lift up my eyes to the hills, from where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord who made heavens and earth. He will not let your foot be moved, He who keeps you will not slumber...." (The Lord is with you, may you feel His presence today). Jeannette
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
my hope comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
My salvation and my honor depend on God;
he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your heart to him,
for God is our refuge.
Galatians 6:9
Do not grow weary in doing good, for in due season you will reap a reward if you do not give up.
The reward may come now or not until heaven, but God promises it WILL come. Keep loving that beautiful little guy!
Praying in Wisconsin,
Mandi (Myers) Vander Galien
Ocean City 99
Isaiah 41:10
Fear not, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Things can be repaced! I praise Gd that all of you and Millie are safe.
I always enjoy this chorus:
I cast all of my cares upon you. I lay all of my burdens down at your feet. And anytime I don't know what to do I will cast all of my cares upon you.
I am currently working on a music tape and would love to get it to you guys when it's a good time. It should be ready in October 2011.
I always like Ps 121. Psalm 4:8 and Psalm 5:3. Stay close to God and know that my family and I are praying for you!
The song "Psalms 18" by Cory Asbury comes to mind. Here are the lyrics:
"I will love you, Oh Lord the strength of my life
You’re my Rock and my Fortress, My Deliverer
When I call on Your name You answer me
So shall I be saved from my enemies
You called me out from the darkness and shined Your light
You raised me up from death and gave me life
Now I love You, Yeah I love You forever
I will worship You, Lord with all of my heart
You are worthy of all that I am
When I call on Your name You answer me
So shall I be saved from my enemies
You called me out from the darkness and shined Your light
You raised me up from death and gave me life
Now I love You, Yeah I love You forever
In the end all I have is You
You are my great reward
Through it all I will not lose heart
'Cause You’re the glory and the lifter of my head
You deliver me for You delight in me
I am Your beloved One
Now I give my life, I surrender
Come and take me, I am Yours
You called me out from the darkness and shined Your light
You raised me up from death and gave me life
Now I love You, Yeah I love You forever."
"Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary." - Isaiah 40:31
May God bless you and give all of you strength.
Hi Mandy,
I heard about Jude from Denise Riggs. I've been reading your blog and praying for your family for several weeks now.
A verse that I have been clinging to lately is this - "The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped." Psalm 28:7
I'm praying peace and rest for you tonight.
Katie Neff
Hi dear friends! How our hearts are so aching to be with you. You are in our prayers and minds regularly. So praying for little man and asking God for a complete healing with no more complications. Praying for you both to allow God's power to continue to be at work in you and through you. And for His love to be your comfort and strength. Praying for rest and sleep. Here's the verses that came to mind right away.
We love you !!!!
Eph 3:17-21
And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be FILLED TO THE MEASURE of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
One of my favorite old hymns is When We See Christ. Here are the lyrics to the chorus:
It will be worth it all
when we see Jesus!
Life’s trials will seem so small
when we see Christ.
One glimpse of his dear face,
all sorrow will erase.
So, bravely run the race
till we see Christ.
Praying for you all.
Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 2 Cor. 4:16-17.
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18.
Mandy and Brandon, we're praying that by God's grace you could look to the future that you and Jude have, and that the whole fallen world around us has: an eternity where things will be restored forever to the way they should be. Think about eternity. Meditate on how Jesus will make all things new, including Jude and his broken body, including us and our struggles with sin... and the day when He accomplishes this the glory that is coming will "far outweigh" these trials, even though now they feel so heavy.
Your future joy and glory will increase in infinite measure of this time of trial, so much more than if you and Jude had never suffered. That is the reality that is coming.
I pray for you to be able to fix your eyes on that hope, and that we could too as we love Jude from afar.
"The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
Ps 34:18
"Rejoice in Hope, patient in tribulation, continue steadfast in prayer"
Romans 12:12
Kara
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