November 28

Seems these updates are turning into a daily business for me, but I find it helpful to be able to pour these things out and know that SO MANY are praying.

Good news first. Barbara’s blood pressure has gone up enough that they now have her sedated. This is great because it means she won’t be struggling against the respirator now. It will allow her heart and lungs to be at rest. Also, her temperature has improved.

Now the not so good part is that thanks to over 20 years on arthritis medicine, she is very immuno-suppressed. That is making it very difficult for her body to fight the pneumonia and the ensuing infections that accompany severe respiratory illnesses. Her kidneys are slowing down, and they’re consulting with both a renal and infectious disease doctor. She is in critical condition, but at this time, she’s stable.

Her surgeon, who is one of the best in the area, assures me that he is bringing the best doctors onto her team that he can. He is a very caring and compassionate man, and we are blessed to have him. The nurses here have been fantastic as well.

Pray today that the pneumonia will break and that the infections will be quickly resolved with the antibiotics.

Your continued cards and emails and visits have been a blessing directed by God. You have been of great encouragement to me, especially knowing that when I run out of words to pray, you are praying as well.

Greg