Day one

Sydney's 1st official day of outpatient rehab went very well! Today she worked on getting out of her chair and standing. She also brought home a walker. So later this afternoon we'll work on that. We'll also continue to do therapy here at home in between visits. Her PT gave her much of the same advice that I have been giving her - prayerfully she'll be more motivated to work hard. Please continue to keep us in your prayers.

To our wonderful "meal ministry" - thank you! It's been a blessing!

Love and prayers......


In Christ,
Sandy

Schedule....

PT 2x/week (Mondays and Thursdays)
OT 1x/week (Mondays) OT will increase therapy after the halo is removed

1st appointment.....

went well! Syd had xrays then met with her neuro and ortho surgeons. They said the xrays "looked good". Sydney was able to wiggle her toes on the right side (very slightly) but something - Praise God! They won't need to see her again until November. They said it was too early to give any estimates on the halo time. Prayerfully she'll be scheduled for rehab next week. Her next follow up appt is with her Rehab docs at  Cincinnati (in October). Quite a change of pace from the last several weeks! I'll take it!Thank you for your continued love and prayers. The care we've received has been amazing. New blessings everyday! For all of you that have brought food,or money, or a kind word this week - thank you so much! Love and prayers to everyone. Please continue to keep Sydney in your prayers, pray that she will be motivated to work hard. Most importantly thank God for everything that He has already done - to Him be the glory!

In Christ,
Sandy

Rehab......

Our 1st day at Cardinal Hill! Sydney had lengthy evaluations/therapy from PT and OT today. We don't have a schedule yet. We hope to hear something in a few days. The therapists will make their recommendations and then we'll be set up with our appt. schedule. In the meantime we have a rehab workbook filled with exercises for home! I'm sure she'll be glad to get back to Cardinal Hill after a few days with Mom;) Sydney has her 1st follow up appt. scheduled for this Thursday. She'll have xrays 1st and then meet with her Ortho and Neuro surgeons. I'm hoping they can give us an estimated time frame for the halo vest. Previously we've been told on average 3-6months but up to 1 year. So you know me...I'm praying for 8 weeks:)  Please pray specifically that Sydney will regain use of her right leg, as of now there is  minimal (barely noticeable) movement and pray also that she will ask for help when she needs it. This was something she struggled with prior to having any complications so now it's VERY important that she tells us what she needs. This will be hard for Sydney.

It's been such a blessing to be home....so very thankful!

Keep praising God!

In Christ,
Sandy

Home Sweet Home!

We are home - and oh how sweet it is!!!!!!! Sydney was greeted by a huge "Welcome Home" sign in the front yard! Thank you!!!!!!! I just can't express how good it is to be here with ALL of my family! Sydney's in the living room sitting in her sweet new bed! She's glad to be here too! We continue to stand in awe of everything that God has done! We are so very thankful. A big thank you to everyone for all of the prayers, kind comments, cards, gifts, phone calls, money.....everything! I might not post for a while as we're all excited to be back together. We're looking forward to some quiet times ...you know, there's only 8 of us:) So don't worry if we don't call or update the blog for a while. We might take a little break for a few days. Syd starts therapy PT and OT on Monday.  I'll let you know how that goes.With much love and prayers......

Oh! I almost forgot....Syd's beat JC at UNO Attack at least twice since she's been home;)

To God be the Glory!
In Christ,
Sandy

2 hours and 25 minutes......

I'm just sayin'........Dad will be here at 12:00! Sydney is at her morning therapy session. And I'm getting ready to take my morning "therapy" walk. We're packed and ready to go. Ready for a "new normal". Sydney's had the giggles since yesterday - she's so excited. I'm so thankful for this day. God brought Sydney safely through a very remarkable and risky surgery - today we are going home! A blessing indeed.....by the hand of God no doubt!

^"proclaiming thanksgiving aloud,and telling all your wondrous deeds."
Psalm 26:7
ESV

In Christ,
Sandy

"God's work done in God's way, will never lack God's supplies."

HudsonTaylor

Praise God!

We are going home tomorrow!!!!!!!Thank you, Jesus! This is a praise indeed! Please take a moment to give thanks to God for this wonderful news. Please keep in mind that Sydney still has a long road of recovery ahead. Please pray especially that her right leg regains function and that the tumors remain stable. For now we rejoice!

With much love and prayers for all that read the blog.


"This is the day that the LORD has made;let us rejoice and be glad in it."
 Psalm 118:24
ESV

In Christ,
Sandy

Ready.....

for another day! Syd is up eating breakfast. Therapy starts at 8:45. Ready.....oh so ready to get home! Today and tomorrow will be busy with discharge planning.

Last night was wonderful! We had dinner together - the whole family! Thanks Daddy for bringing everyone! Just another blessing!

"Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things. Blessed be His glorious name forever;may the whole earth be filled with His glory! Amen and Amen!"

Psalm 72:18-19
ESV

In Christ,
Sandy

Not much......

to talk about today. And that's a good thing! Just more of the same...rehab, rehab, rehab. God continues to bless us everyday! He supplies mercy and grace as needed. We've been blessed beyond measure and we continue to praise and thank God for all that He has done and will continue to do.

"Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say Rejoice."
Philippians 4:4
ESV


In Christ,
Sandy

Maybe......

we'll get to go home by the end of the week! Lord willing of course..........

In Christ,
Sandy

Uno Attack!

Scheduled as part of therapy!!!!!!!!


In Christ,
Sandy

A restful night......

for the most part. A praise indeed! Sydney is up in her chair picking at eating breakfast. She's scheduled for PT at 8:45  and then on to OT, school time, and then recreational therapy. She'll come back for lunch and then do it all over again. And in the middle of all of that she'll see her doctors, nurses, and respiratory therapy. Please pray that she continues to heal and recover well.

JC and Irene,
Tell everyone Mommy loves them sooooooo much!

In Christ,
Sandy

Sunday......

Today was a good day - we were able to go to the cafeteria for lunch - together! Barry, Diana, and the boys came up for a nice visit as well. It was SO good to see them and just have them here with us. Sydney is doing well and getting geared up for a big therapy day tomorrow. We pray that we hear some good news regarding out patient therapy options. We are ready to get home and get into a "new normal" routine. I miss my family soooooo much........and so does Syd. But we know that God has a plan for all of this. I stand in awe of what He has done and the blessings that we've received through and during this time in our lives. It's amazing that I can be a part of it. I want to thank everyone for the wonderful comments. I know that I encouraged them for Sydney(she loves them) but I have been so blessed by the loving and encouraging words that have been sent my way as well. I truly thank God for them.

In Christ,
Sandy

Saturday

Today has been a good day! Only 2 therapy sessions - a lot more time to rest up a bit. She's  had a good day. Dad and the kids got here this afternoon - she loves her "peoples"! She's always so happy to see them. Continue to keep prayers going up. Pray that Sydney will have a restful night  and a productive week. And while you're at it say a prayer for new found friend of ours. With love and prayers......

In Christ,
Sandy

Just to clarify......

Sydney will be staying  here until she goes home. There may have been some confusion that she was going to Lexington but that will be for out patient therapy only. And the quote was from a friend.......Sydney wasn't crying. I just thought it was nice. There have been a few times that I have cried just because I knew I was loved. Of course, it should bring tears to our eyes every time we think of Christ on the Cross.........

In Christ,
Sandy

Working toward home......

Family meeting went well. They would like for Sydney to stay in house for rehab up to 4 weeks........on my! So we're working on some different rehab options to get Sydney home much sooner. And keep in mind 4 weeks is an estimate not an absolute, so we've marked that time frame off. We just need to take it day by day.Living where we do, we have numerous resources available to us(just another blessing). So we should be able to make a relatively smooth transition to home/rehab. Keep praying that Sydney continues to heal and recover well. She's really doing great with all of her therapies but some night time rest would help a lot. And that's just hard to come by in the hospital. We feel like we're on the same page as the rehab team - we all just want what's best for Sydney. And I think we'll get there (by God's grace of course). All in His timing.........

A big, big thank you to everyone for your love and prayers....

In Christ,
Sandy

Family meeting......

coming up soon. We are all SO ready to go home. Pray that this meeting will go well. We're hoping that we can get some in home therapy scheduled or even outpatient therapy arranged soon but we have to see what they recommend today. Pray for us........I'll let you know later this afternoon.

In Christ,
Sandy

Birds and skunks and armadillos......oh, my!

No snakes ........I know that some of you are very relieved. Do you honestly think I would let Syd put a snake on her halo? Okay - don't answer that.......Sydney is doing great today! She's actually working on a regular diet today! Not eating a lot but "real" food! She's at therapy right now. She has 2 sessions everyday with PT and OT. She also has recreational therapy and school time in the afternoon. We are looking forward to our family meeting tomorrow. It will be nice to have a target date in mind. You guys just keep praying that it's sooner rather than later:) Rehab is a BUSY place so don't worry if I haven't updated the blog. Like I said Rehab is a BUSY place. Just not a lot of time for phone calls and blogs. I know you understand:) But keep the comments coming - Syd enjoys them. Mail time is also becoming a big hit as well! Continue to praise God for ALL that He has done and will continue to do!


In Christ,
Sandy

And the award goes to...........

                                                              Lisa!

Unofficially of course. JC will probably call for a recount. Miss Lisa ALWAYS leaves a kind word for Sydney, usually with every post!It means SO much! Thank you, thank you. I think it's a close call between JC and Irene. I REALLY do appreciate all of the comments but most importantly Sydney does:) Now, of course Sydney gets the BIG award for all of her hard work......any prize ideas JC? We've had a tour of the Rehab floor and a visit to the family room. Getting ready to have some lunch and then probably some therapy this afternoon. God is good.....

In Christ,
Sandy

Rehab!

Sydney just got transferred to her Rehab room! Another blessing for sure! Today will be another busy day with therapy. The Zoo will be here today at 2:30 so that will be fun. I've tried to talk Sydney into getting a snake to wrap around the halo but she's just not going for it! Friday we will have a family meeting to discuss therapy plans, progress, and anticipated discharge date. Please pray that Syd continues to improve. We are so very thankful for all that God has done for Sydney. It's also been such a blessing to be at the Ronald McDonald House, it's so good for ALL of us to be together! To God be the glory!

In Christ,
Sandy

A better day!

A much better day.....Praise the Lord! Sydney has been busy, busy, busy! Lots of work to do........She's been drinking more Pediasure today, only 1 more to go for tonight! They've changed her breathing treatments (she's doing "bubble" therapy). Much, much better! She's been up in the chair several times. We are getting ready to go have dinner together in the family dining room!!!!! They have stopped her IV fluids as long as she continues to drink enough. She's also been off of her oxygen since last night. Blessings abound....pray that she continues to be motivated and continues to improve. Rehab mentioned 2-3 weeks inpatient...pray that it's MUCH sooner.

Thank God for EVERYTHING!

In Christ,
Sandy

A rough day......

Sydney had a lot of visitors today! Always a blessing.....she was also able to take a ride in the wheelchair for a few minutes. One of the main concerns for Sydney at this point is getting her to eat. So, we've been pushing the Pediasure all day. Really anything that she wants but she has no appetite.The "brace guy" came in to adjust her halo which was kind of scary and uncomfortable. She's still on oxygen as well and needed a breathing treatment today (pretty traumatic for her), as soon as that was finished .......you guessed it.....she threw up. Where did it go? Under the vest of course...... in case you're wondering, the vest can't be removed. She's still waiting to see Physical Therapy later today. Prayerfully after a few more breathing treatments she can be weaned from her oxygen. She's starting to struggle with depression as well (so it seems), I can see why. Please pray that these issues will resolve and that she becomes more motivated. She has a lot of work to do. She really hasn't started the hard part yet.......Please continue to lift her up in prayer as well as everyone that is trying to help her. A rough day - yes - but we continue to praise God for all that He has already done and will continue to do!

^"Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!"
Psalm 95:2
ESV


In Christ,
Sandy

Waiting.......

for the OR. Sydney's night was okay. She was "turned" at 12M and again at 7A. She was scheduled for the OR at 7:30 but there was an emergency surgery so she is on hold for a  little while. Please continue to keep Sydney in your prayers for today's procedures. Pray also that she will adjust well to her vest application. It will be very different for her but SO much better than this! Please pray for the emergency surgery as well. We often lose sight of others, let's remember how blessed we truly are, especially if we have Christ.

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart,and do not lean on your own understanding."
Proverbs 3:5 ESV

In Christ,
Sandy

"But Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell Him of her."—Mark 1:30.

ERY interesting is this little peep into the house of the Apostolic Fisherman. We see at once that household joys and cares are no hindrance to the full exercise of ministry, nay, that since they furnish an opportunity for personally witnessing the Lord's gracious work upon one's own flesh and blood, they may even instruct the teacher better than any other earthly discipline. Papists and other sectaries may decry marriage, but true Christianity and household life agree well together. Peter's house was probably a poor fisherman's hut, but the Lord of Glory entered it, lodged in it, and wrought a miracle in it. Should our little book be read this morning in some very humble cottage, let this fact encourage the inmates to seek the company of King Jesus. God is oftener in little huts than in rich palaces. Jesus is looking round your room now, and is waiting to be gracious to you. Into Simon's house sickness had entered, fever in a deadly form had prostrated his mother-in-law, and as soon as Jesus came they told Him of the sad affliction, and He hastened to the patient's bed. Have you any sickness in the house this morning? You will find Jesus by far the best physician, go to Him at once and tell Him all about the matter. Immediately lay the case before Him. It concerns one of His people, and therefore will not be trivial to Him. Observe, that at once the Saviour restored the sick woman; none can heal as He does. We may not make sure that the Lord will at once remove all disease from those we love, but we may know that believing prayer for the sick is far more likely to be followed by restoration than anything else in the world; and where this avails not, we must meekly bow to His will by whom life and death are determined. The tender heart of Jesus waits to hear our griefs, let us pour them into His patient ear.

One more day......

of  traction(that's the plan)! That means at least 2 more "turns". Tomorrow she will have her femur pins removed and her halo vest anchored. She'll have this done in the OR and will be sedated. Her turns are going okay considering that she has a very long incision not to mention a newly constructed spine. Please pray that the remaining turns go well and most importantly that alignment isn't altered. Syd is resting right now (face down) watching Enchanted. They are still in the process of adjusting and weaning some meds. She should be able to go to a regular room tomorrow after her halo vest. We have a room at the Ronald McDonald House! It's absolutely amazing. We are so blessed to be able to have the whole family together. It's good for all of us. A praise indeed. Chad met a family yesterday that was just moving in, they plan to be here for 6 months to a year. I don't know their names but keep them in prayer. Remember God IS in control.


"fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God;I will strengthen you, I will help you,  I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Isaiah 41:10 ESV

In Christ,
Sandy

Watching....

Max and Ruby. Relaxing and just waiting for Daddy and the kids.We have a room at the Ronald McDonald house! So we'll get to be together everyday, what a blessing! She'll be "turning" for the 1st time about 4pm.
Thankful for Christ,
Sandy

tube is out.....

doing fine! Thank God!

Praise The Lord!

Sydney is doing fabulous! By the grace of God! I won't go into too many details as I know Dad and Pastor Mike have been keeping everyone updated. But for those that are keeping up with the blog.....Surgery went well!! Both surgeons were pleased with  the outcome yesterday. Sydney is awake and responding beautifully. Her right leg is slowly waking up:) She is resting as comfortable as one can while in halo traction and waiting for her breathing tube to be removed. After that they'll let her rest for a while before her 1st post op "turn". Thanks to everyone for all of your prayers. Sydney's post op x rays are amazing! Maybe someday we'll share some before and after pics.
With love and prayers.

Praising God........

Thankful for Christ,
Sandy