Wow, it’s Christmas already!!

Wow, time has sure flown since we’ve been back home!   A lot has been going on, but Billy is doing exceptionally well!!  He has been taken off quite a few medications (some that he was on before his accident) and is doing great!!  He was able to come off Coumadin this week and we are so thankful for that (he was freezing!)! 

About a month ago we requested prayer in our Sunday School class as we were both showing symptoms of depression and the Lord has answered in a magnificent way!!  Billy has improved so much over the past few weeks!  He is beginning to look and act more like the old Billy that I fell in love with  years ago!  We will be celebrating our 10th anniversary in a couple of weeks!  Time can really get away from you!  In some ways, it seems like  yesterday when I met him (I was smitten right away) and in others it seems like we have been together forever!!  I feel like my life began when we met! These past 10 years have been the best of my life!  God has truly blessed me with this precious man!!!  I am feeling much better also!  I was trying to hold everything in and not worry anyone!  We really appreciate all the prayers that have gone up for us!  We are seeing God work in every aspect of our lives!! 

 He has been released from physical and speech therapies for good!  They both said he has met and exceeded all their goals!  He is still in Occupational Therapy at this point and is doint remarkably well!  He has improved in every area and we are praying that he will be able to go back to work soon, Lord willing!!  I am amazed every day at how well he is doing!!! 

He is having problems with a lot of noise and activity so we were advised to take it slow!  We went to a high school basketball game to watch his nephew, Cody, play ball and it was too much for Billy!  He sometimes gets very nervous in crowds!  So we may be limiting our attendance at large events for a while.   He was told that earplugs may help so we’ll see!

Well, I guess it’s time to close tonight!  Tomorrow is going to be another busy day!  There is still so much to tell but I am short of time tonight!  We just wanted to wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas and Joyous New Year and to thank you all for remembering us in your prayers! 

May God bless you and keep you in His care until next time!

Love in Christ,

Billy & Gina

Preparing for Rehab

We have been home a week and Billy has been back on his coumadin since October 24th.  We went to the coumadin clinic yesterday and he got the best reading he has had in a long time!  Praise God, his rate was 2.0 (the desired range is 2.0 – 3.0).  Everything seems to be on track right now and we are looking forward to his return to rehab next week.  He goes Tuesday for speech and occupational therapies — the doctors want to wait 1 month post-op to begin physical therapy so that should begin the week of November 17th. 

Billy is doing really well and looks great!!!  Lora, Dr. Boyer’s nurse, removed the staples in Billy’s head Monday and said that everything is going well!  She said that he may be able to go back to work after the first of the year, depending on how his rehab goes.  We know that it will all happen in the Lord’s time and give Him all the glory!!!  He continues to guide us through Billy’s recovery and we pray that we will be obedient to His Will in all areas of our life!

Thank you for your prayers for us and those named in previous posts!  The Lord is still working miracles everyday!  We ask that you continue to remember the Hunt family as Mr. Hunt is still in critical care!  He has made progress but as we have seen, you have good days and bad days in these situations.  We pray that the Lord will continue to strengthen him and that he may be able to go to a room soon!  Also, please remember the Tyler family as Matt is having a few physical concerns and is awaiting test results!  Keep praying for our nation and the upcoming election!  We pray that God’s Will be done!!  Also, pray for our president and all our troops that are still serving in harm’s way!  Revival begins Sunday morning at Madison Avenue and we pray that God prepares our hearts and minds for His service! 

We pray that God blesses each of you and that you feel His presence always!  Have a great weekend!!

Home at Last!

We just arrived home from the hospital and Billy is worn out!  He was not able to get very much rest in the hospital and was really looking forward to his own bed!  Dr. Boyer came by at 8:00am yesterday and removed the lumbar drain and said that if he was able to get up in the afternoon without a headache (which would mean that there was still a lot of drainage) we would probably be able to come home today!  Well, he never once complained of a headache or nausea so they removed the catheter also and let him walk around a little last night.  He did great!!!! 

This morning, Lora, Dr. Boyer’s nurse, came by and said that he would be discharged today!  Praise God!  It is all happening so fast!! (Not necessarily fast enough for Billy…time has been passing fairly slowly for him at times).  We got to leave the hospital at 11am this morning and stopped to get him something to eat before coming home so he could rest! 

We are to go back to the doctor’s office Monday so they can take out the staples and make sure that everything is going as planned.  We ask that you continue to pray for God’s Will in his rehabilitation and recovery! 

We thank God for the most amazing 6 months of our lives!!  We have met so many wonderful people and have become closer to those around us.  The Lord has definitely provided for all our needs during this time and we give Him ALL the glory!!  Thank you again for all your prayers and support during this difficult time!!

Our time at UT this past week allowed us to meet other families going through equally challenging situations and we ask that you remember them in your prayers also.  I can’t remember names except for the Hunts.  Mr. Hunt was injured in a motorcycle accident October 11th and has several injuries/health issues going on (some pre-existing).  He is a wonderful Christian man with a loving wife and two teenage children.  Please be praying that God will strengthen them all for the days/weeks and months ahead!

Before we left this morning we heard from Ray Whitehead.  We spent a lot of time together praying together during our first visit to the hospital (for his wife, Billy & others in the unit).  They have been home for a while and have been very active (enjoying the summer with their young daughter).  Ray and Kimberly came to UT today for a checkup!  She is doing well and we pray that her recovery continues to go well also!  We look forward to getting together with them outside the hospital soon!

Surgery a SUCCESS

10/21/08  8:12 PM

6 months ago the doctors said 18 months before we will know how well Billy will recover!  Just goes to show everyone that doctors can only do so much, and thank God for what they do, but God is the Great Physician.

6 months (not 18) and Billy has recovered much faster than any person might imagine possible. We should pray that he will continue to grow strong and improve in the upcoming days, weeks, even months. 

He is doing fine recovering from his surgery on Friday.  He was giving the nurses a hard time in critical care and told them they were too noisy.  He told them it was a good thing their boss was not around or they would all be fired!  He is now in room 543 and improving every day.  He has a drain in his back for the spinal fluid that was leaking.  He may get it removed tomorrow, if so, they will watch him for another couple of days to be sure all is well.  After that he may get to go home. 

 God is still holding Billy in his healing hands and working a miracle through him.  Please keep praying that God’s Will be done and that Billy will be home soon.  Pray that he and Gina will have strength and understanding about the future,  and knowledge to help them make decisions on uncertainties.

One week to go before surgery

It seems I’m already falling down on my updating job.  It appears that I have once again taken on more than I can really do appropriately.  I am struggling to fit the updates into my schedule as I would like!  I want to keep everyone informed on Billy’s progress so you can see just how your prayers are being answered, but taking care of Billy takes precedence over anything else (that and spending time with our Lord and Father seeking His will in our life).   As was mentioned before I think, we still have a house in Townsend that needs to be sold.  We know that it will be sold in God’s time and that He is taking care of us while we wait, but we sometimes get frustrated and ask that you be praying that God will give us the strength and faith to stand strong during these difficult times!!  We have truly been blessed throughout his accident and recovery and give God all the glory!  We know that we could never have made it through without Him and His wonderful peace! 

We have seen several doctors in the past two weeks, for both of us.  Billy’s primary care doctor has not only taken him off all his additional medication from the accident, except the coumadin, but has removed his medication for acid reflux and lowered his blood pressure medication (Thank God)!  He has been doing great with the reduction so far!  We went yesterday, spent half a day, having his pre-op testing taken care of, so if all goes well, we wait for Friday, October 17th.  Caprice, our pastor’s wife, invited us last week to visit her Sunday School class so that the ladies could annoint Billy with oil and pray over him (and for me, too).  It was awesome!!  Billy and I appreciate it beyond words!  We have felt such a peace and are anxiously awaiting the surgery!  Billy is doing great!!!!  He is getting around much better (without even his cane around the house).  He is anxious to get rid of his helmet, though!  We are looking forward to the day when he can go without it (or his protective baseball cap). 

We do have several prayers requests for others:  my sister-in-law lost her father last week and her mother is not in the best of health either, we lost a dear loved one at church and request prayer for her children and family, I lost a first cousin this week in Georgia, and there are several people from church and our community that are facing surgeries next week as well as several who are recovering from surgeries, remember the sick and especially the lost in our families and community!!  We request prayer for a special little boy, his name is Noah and he was born prematurely last week.  He is struggling and his parents have not been given much hope.  Please remember this young family (his father is in the Navy and they are not home so pray that they have the support they need during this most difficult time).  Please remember our soldiers and their families and our nation and the upcoming election!!

Before I close I would like to wish my dear sister, Vickie, a Happy Birthday tomorrow!!  We love you and pray God’s special blessings on you in the coming year!  Thank you again for your prayers and support and we pray that each of you has a blessed week!

Billy’s progress this week

Thank you to everyone who is praying for us!  Billy is doing really well!  This was a rather slow week as far as doctor’s visits.  We only saw two on Tuesday and one on Wednesday, which in itself is progress!  He was taken off of all the medications that were added after his accident except the coumadin so we were thrilled! Speaking of coumadin, at his visit to the coumadin clinic this week we discovered that his rate is still not where they are wanting it.  They would like to see it between 2 and 3.  He has only had it at that level once since his release from the hospital (just when he was taken off before his scheduled surgery in August).  We stopped the coumadin on August 1st and it has not been back on track since.  This week it was 1.1 (which means that his blood is still clotting more than they would like).  They have increased his dosage again to see if they can get it back up to 2.  The only thing is, he will be taken off of it again by October 10th to let his blood start clotting by the time of his surgery on October 17th!  They are telling him that he is quite a challenge….that’s what my endocrinologist keeps telling me!!  Praise God, we are both doing really well despite the challenges!

Please continue to pray for us as we face the upcoming surgery and hospitalization!  We are confident that all will go well but we still covet your prayers! 

We have several prayer requests for others.  Until I get permission, I am unable to put a name to the requests, but there are several dealing with cancers, serious illnesses, upcoming surgeries, recoveries from surgeries, loss of loved ones, and several friends that have been activated in the military and are serving in Iraq (there are also several that are awaiting activation).  Please remember our nation and the upcoming election in your prayers, our churches, preachers and teachers, and that each of us will be true to the service God has called us to each day!  One of my nieces just got married to a soldier and they are awaiting his orders.  I ask that you remember Vanessa and Jordan Lewandowski in your prayers as they begin their new journey as husband and wife!

Before I close I would like to thank the many wonderful young people who volunteered their time this past summer at Big Creek Missions in Kentucky!  On their last night, July 24th, a couple of dear friends from church (Don & Hazel) drove us up there so we could thank them in person and let them see how their prayers for Billy were answered!  It was such a blessing!!  Billy walked us around and showed us what he had done up until he was going up on the roof!  He still doesn’t know what happened and maybe never will but I think It helped give him some closure, which was great!  I think it also helped them end the summer on a positive note!  We thank Kevin and the whole crew for the wonderful job they are doing up there!  We heard that the whole community was familiar with Billy’s accident and were constantly asking about him. We thank everyone for your concern and prayers!  We give God all the glory for everything He has done in our lives and the seeds that have been planted!!!!

We pray God’s blessings on each of you and thank Him for the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people!!  We love you and pray that all is well with you and your families!  You may share your prayer concerns or praises with us and we will be glad to forward them! 

Love,

Billy & Gina

Back to Work!!

I apologize for the delay in updating the site, but I forgot my password for a while!  I got lucky today when I tried again!  Like the title of this post stated, Praise God, Billy got his release to go back to work!!  He went back on Monday, January 5, 2009, less than 9 months after the accident!!  Here’s more proof that God is not finished working miracles!!!!!!  Billy has adjusted fairly well to working again but still has a way to go with his nerves (which is common with Traumatic Brain Injuries).  We believe that this, too, will continue to improve in God’s time!! 

He was thrilled to be back to work and be, as he put it, “providing for his family again!”  I guess it’s a man thing, but I told him that just by his being here, he was providing what I needed!!  The Lord has truly blessed us more than I could have imagined and we know that He has big plans for Billy and me in the days ahead!  Please help us pray that we will be obedient in all that He calls us to do!!

We want to thank everyone again for all the prayers and support that we have been (and are being) shown during Billy’s recovery!!  It really has been an amazing  journey and we give God all the glory!!!

I promise to update again soon but it is almost time for church so I have to close for now! 

May God bless and keep you in the coming days and strengthen your daily walk with Him!! 

Love in Christ!!

Billy & Gina

Tomorrow’s the big day!!

Well, we are waiting for Billy’s surgery tomorrow!!  We are trying not to get too excited until we know that it’s going to happen but we are hoping and praying for some closure (no pun intended….well, maybe).  Anyway, we just ask that you be praying for a successful surgery and that he will have a healthy recovery!!  Also, please pray that we may be strong in our witness to those around us at the hospital as we will be exposed to many different lifestyles and beliefs during our stay!! 

Again, we thank each for you for your prayers and continued support!!!!  We continue to be amazed at what God is doing through Billy’s accident and cannot praise Him enough!!  There has been so much heartache in our church family recently (so many illnesses and deaths recently) but we believe that God is truly working miracles around us each day (and the devil is doing everything he can to stop it)!  Please continue to remember each of these families in your prayers!  Believe with us that God will prevail!!!!!!!!!! He’s still in the miracle business!!!!!!

I will probably not be updating the site for a few days to a week (I will be without a computer again) but we will get the word out ASAP!  Keep checking!! 

Oh, for the record Brother Don’s surgery went well today.  He looked good and said he had already walked a little this afternoon!  Pray that he continues to improve each day!!  Zach Ash is having surgery on his eye tomorrow, so please be praying that all goes well for him (and his mom and dad)! 

We love you and pray God’s special blessings on each of you!  May we all give Him the praise, honor, and glory He deserves as we face each new day!

Billy and Gina

Our incredible journey

I apologize for the long delay in updating this site but everything has been so hectic since Billy was released from the hospital July 3rd (20 days earlier than the doctor’s had hoped he might be ready)!  My name is Gina, I am Billy’s wife, and I just wanted to let everyone know how much we appreciate all your prayers during this difficult but AMAZING time!  Before I continue we would like to let Joe & Leah know that we appreciate your dedication and hard work in keeping everyone informed for us!  We now better understand a little of the sacrifice that you made to help us when we couldn’t think or act for ourselves!!  We love you both and pray that God showers His blessings on your family!!! 

We have truly experienced an awesome journey with God that we never dreamed possible!  We cannot praise Him enough for all that He has continuously done for us!!  Billy and I have been on the run almost constantly since his release from the hospital.  We have been seeing doctors and therapists almost daily (sometimes 2 or 3 in a day) and I am trying to squeeze in some work here and there!  But the Lord has greatly blessed me through all the sick time I had accumulated!  I am just now beginning to use vacation time!  Billy was supposed to have had surgery on August 8th to replace his skull-flap but as they were shaving his head in preparation of surgery, they discovered a staph infection.  Although we were disappointed in the delay, we thank God that it was discovered  before they made an incision or it could have been very serious!!  His rehabilitation has been stopped until after his surgery because he has gone as far as he can without exposing him to more risk.  He is still having problems with his left hand but they are going to work on it more after surgery….he has a stress ball (and a few exercises) to work with some but they will focus more on it after surgery.  We also found out last month that he is leaking spinal fluid, which delayed us again.  Anyway, we went to see the neurosurgeon this past Wednesday.  After discussing options with the doctor, and since Billy is not having any complications with the leakage, we have prayerfully decided not to have surgery for the leakage but to continue with the flap replacement on October 17th.  They are going to put a catheter in at that time to let the fluid drain and hopefully seal itself!  Billy will have to be flat on his back for about 5 days to let it drain and avoid any complications or infections (to the best of my understanding) so we will be hospitalized longer than we would have been otherwise.  We are excited about the surgery and the rehab to follow so that things will be back to normal!

We also thank our dear friends, Mark and Scott, for organizing and participating in the benefit golf tournament for Billy on September 6th!  We were able to go, for a while, and Billy had a ball!  We were amazed at how many people took the time to participate in this tournament.  There were many people working in different areas and we thank you so much!  It was a humbling experience to see the love of others at work for us!  Billy enjoyed the day (he got to drive a golf cart for a while so we could see everyone in action) but tired well before the tournament ended!   From what I’ve heard we were home and Billy was in bed before everyone finished playing! 

Please continue to pray for us and the work that God has ahead for us!!  We give Him all the glory!!! 

We sincerely thank each of you for your continued prayers, cards and support during this amazing journey and pray that God blesses you as you never dreamed!

Love in Christ!

Billy & Gina

Saturday, 6/14 @7:30

We returned from Joe’s grandmothers funeral this week and we had to catch up at work.  We finally got to see Billy last night and all we could say was Wow!!!  Billy is progressing very well.  He said that he walked about 60 feet yesterday at PT.  Billy is using a walker some and is doing well with occupational therapist as well.  The therapist has Billy doing things such as playing checkers and other games to redevelop his digital dexterity as well as fine motor skills.  After playing checkers with Gina for a while, Billy told the therapist that Gina cheats.  Yep, I would say that he is well on his way to a remarkable recovery.  Billy has been moved to a liquid diet, which is earlier than the therapists thought. (That isn’t new with Billy)  He is still looking forward to getting to eat Lee’s chicken and mashed potatoes, and while the diet he has now (cream of celery soup) isn’t it, he is pushing forward toward that goal. We tried to figure out a way to get some chicken but we could only come up with pureed and he made a face.  I guess that wasn’t quite what he had in mind.

God is at work in all of our lives but we can really see it in the Patty’s.  I praise God every day for the Patty’s example of faith.

Thursday, 6/5 @ Noon

Got this from Leah:

Billy is healing at a remarkable rate, though sometimes not fast enough for Billy. His injuries and recovery have have left his throat muscles weak and thus far he hasn’t be able to swallow foods. St. Marys did a swallow test when Billy arrived and he was given exercises to do to help strengthen those muscles. The therapists had hoped to do another test this week; however, Billy’s progress has not been as quick as they -or he -would like and so the therapists are saying that they won’t do another test for 3 weeks. Please pray that Billy will be able to progress with strengthening these muscles. He is wanting fried chicken and mashed potatoes! Overall Billy is doing well, but his recovery is taking longer than he would like.

The realtor is holding an open house for the Townsend home on the 22nd. Pray that the family that God has chosen will be there and that the sale will go through quickly. The Pattys are also selling their 2005 Class C RV and would like prayer for that to be a quick sale.

Gina asked they we pray for Terry’s (her cousin) girlfirend. She is to have surgery on her knee. She had another request for Judy (she couldn’t remember the last name) who has thyroid cancer.

I’ll forgive anyone that wants to skip this paragraph, but I want to share with you that my Grandmother passed away yesterday, about a month shy of 102 years old. What an amazing woman she was! She was not a deep thinker, and never had any fancy things, but she was always the first one to step forward and do what needed doing. She worked in a bomber plant during WWII, was a 4H leader for an astounding 50 years, served for many years as an election judge, worked at the county fair for 60+ years, and still found time to put up hundreds of jars per year of canned goods. I spent large chunks of my summers with my grandparents, and there was seldom a day we didn’t visit two or three neighbors and NEVER A TIME that we didn’t take along a jar of jelly, green beans, pickled beets, honey (my Grandpa became a beekeeper late in life — a great story in its own right; ask me sometime if you care to hear it), or at least a sack of squash or turnips. I saw in Granny Baker — everyone in the east Tulsa County community of Lynn Lane knew her as “Granny Baker” from the time she was in her 40s, even folks 20 years older than her — what it meant to love not just with the heart, but with both hands as well. She touched countless lives in her lifetime, as far as I know ALL for the better. She “ran the good race”, all the way to the finish line, and is now enjoying her reward. Our sadness at missing her pales compared to our joy at having known her.

Remember, love “always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” 1 Corinthians 13:7-8 Thank you for loving Billy and persevering in your hope and prayer for him. Please pray for us as we drive to Oklahoma.

-Joe

Tuesday, 6/2 @ 8:00 AM

We had a fantastic visit with Billy & Gina last night! We are praising God for the healing Billy is experiencing. If you haven’t been to visit in the last few days, you really should go by. Here’s a couple of highlights of the last few days:

• Saturday, Billy decided he was, as the nurse last night put it, “done with” the trach tube. He just reached up and started pulling it out. The doctor happened to come by just around that time, looked at Billy’s O2 saturation (the amount of oxygen in the blood) and said it looked like Billy was doing fine without it, so the trach is GONE!! No more rasping to say a few words; Billy is “unplugged”, and talking up a pretty fair storm.
• Yesterday, Billy was able to take a few steps (using the parallel bars for support).
• He’s been too swollen to wear his wedding ring, but yesterday while we were there he decided he wanted to try it on again. It wouldn’t fit, but his fine motor control was good enough that he had no trouble at all hitting the finger.

Here’s a picture that was taken Sunday, with Billy & Gina and Gina’s mother:

God continues to work as we continue to pray. May He bless you all for the love you’ve shown to the Patty family.

-joe

Thursday, 5/29 @ 9:40 PM

Billy continues to work with the various therapists.  They did a test of his ability to swallow today; they said he’s swallowing, but weakly.  They’re going to be working with him to improve his swallowing ability.  I think he’s really missing the taste of food.

They’ve moved Billy into a semiprivate room, but with no roommate – which means Gina gets a bed, which is really a good thing.  She’s had some blood sugar problems the last couple of days, and really needs some rest.

More than likely I’ll be disappearing for a few days sometime very soon.  My grandmother — who is 101 years old — appears to be in her last days.  We will miss her, of course; but a person couldn’t ask for a richer, more meaningful life, or to have loved and been loved by more people.  If it’s time for her to move into her mansion, I know she’s ready.

Thanks for continuing to pray for Billy & Gina.  I pray God will bless you all for your faithfulness.

-joe

Tuesday, 5/27 @ 11:30 PM

We went to see Billy & Gina tonight (it was Gina’s birthday, btw).  We had a fantastic visit.  Thanks to God, Billy continues to improve!  He did physical therapy, speech therapy, and some other sort of therapy (the memory fades) today, so he was tired, but he really seems to be improving.  He had much better control of his arms – he was able to move his covers with much better control than I’ve seen him do before, and seemed to have no trouble pointing to people or things in the room when trying to communicate.  His speech is beginning to come around, as well.  On previous trips I haven’t been able to actually understand anything he tried to say, but today I was able to understand several things he said.  The best was when a friend of Billy’s named Zola was leaving.  She said she’d be back in a few days; Billy said “I’ll try to be here!”, which cracked everyone up.

The overall mood was really jovial.  Billy has to wear a helmet a lot because of the missing piece of skull.  When we came in, I asked Billy if he was planning to go skateboarding, which made him smile.  Gina started talking about getting people to sign his helmet like a cast, and I could see this look of horror come over Billy’s face.  I suggested that it didn’t sound any too manly, and Billy nodded agreement.  Then a few minutes later, when they were putting on these padded shoes he is supposed to wear (I’m not sure why) I teased him about wearing smurf shoes.  He didn’t really think that was too funny!

All in all, it was a wonderful visit.  We’re just praising God for the improvement we’re seeing in Billy day by day.  Keep praying for his healing and Gina’s strength; also for her blood sugar which continues to be a problem.

Also, be in prayer for some non-medical needs the Patty’s have.  They have a house in Townsend they’ve been trying to sell for almost a year, and an RV that they’ll soon be trying to sell.  These two unresolved items are very troubling to Gina, and it would do wonders for her stress level if they would both sell soon.  Please pray for these to sell quickly.

Thank you all for your faithfulness in prayer.

-joe

SATURDAY ALREADY!?!? @ 9:20 PM

I seriously don’t know where the last three days went.  I don’t think I was in a Mexican prison or anything, but it seems like I’ve lost the time since we visited Gina at the hospital — Wednesday night!  And what a great visit it was!  In previous visits, we’ve not been fortunate to catch Billy in his better times.  Gina has told us how he’d communicate, and how expressive he could be, but we’d just really not seen it ourselves.  Wednesday, we got a chance to see Billy on a good day.  He clearly understood what was said to him – smiled when jokes were told, frowned when he had to get a shot, puckered up for a kiss when Gina said she was going downstairs with Leah to get something to eat.  Billy and I watched home improvement shows on DIY network.  It was a real blessing, and I really intended to rush home and write about it; but there was choir, and then it was late, and then work, and Leah’s car had to be taken to the shop, and then picked up, and…. BOOM!!!  Saturday!!!

So we called Gina this morning — I had spoken with her Thursday, and everything was going fine — they were still waiting to hear about whether Billy would be going to Fort Sanders — and for the first time since Billy went into the hospital, Gina was really down.  Billy had been moved to St. Mary’s Friday evening, not Fort Sanders; and he had developed some complications.  He had blood clots developing in his legs and his lungs, and had developed pneumonia.  What’s more, as a result of the complications they were talking about sending him BACK to UT!  Leah and I got done a few things that we needed to do this morning, and headed that way after lunch; by the time we got there, things were much better.  The doctor had been in to explain that the blood clots were being treated with blood thinner, and by that time it would have had time to virtually eliminate the problem.  Also, they are NOT moving him back to UT, and are planning to have the physical therapist come Monday for an evaluation.  All-in-all, things are looking much better this evening than they were this morning.

The pneumonia is a real concern, though, and insurance hassles continue as well.  Pray that God will heal the pneumonia give Gina the strength for this trying time.  Also, it would be great if anyone can pay them a visit.  Billy’s in room 470 (go to the Central Elevators, fourth floor, and turn left off the elevators, then ask someone at the desk for further directions).  It’s still a good idea to call before you go, to make sure it’s a good time, if you can.

For those who may have missed it in a previous post, if you’d like to receive updates by email so you don’t have to check back here so often, please send me an email at pattyupdate@yahoo.com, and I’ll add you to the list.

Thank you all for your faithfulness in prayer.

-joe

PS — I want to thank those of you who prayed for us and our difficulty with our “young ‘un”.  The situation is resolving very well at this point.

PPS — If you served our country in the armed forces; or if you waited at home for someone who did; or if you never got to know your father, uncle, grandfather or some other relative who made the ultimate sacrifice: thank you.  There are some people — noisy noisy rascals, at that — who fail to recognize the value of your sacrifice, but most of us recognize it, appreciate it, and feel privileged to have an opportunity to honor it.  Please accept my thanks.

Wednesday, 5/21 @ 10:30 AM

Leah just spoke with Gina:

Billy’s trach was capped (closed so that he is breathing on his own) at about 3 pm yesterday and he is doing okay.  Billy must have his trach out for 48 hours before he can be moved to any facility.  It looks like the insurance won’t pay for Select at Ft. Sanders Regional so Gina is praying that their application at Morning View will go through and he can go there. Morning View is a newer facility and Gina feels like it will be better for Billy and his rehab process.  He must be able to endure 3 hours of rehab before he can move to Patricia Neal Rehab center.  The changes to his next facility will not keep him from being able to go to Pat Neal Rehab.  Gina would like for us to pray for Morning View. Billy is coughing quite a lot, but the mucus buildup in his lungs is very thick and he struggles to get it out. Billy’s trach must be completely out before they can move him.

Gina has been such an inspiration to me.  She continues to minister to the others at the hospital and passed on several requests today.

Mr. Stonefliefer (90 year old in an accident with his wife) was taken off life support yesterday and he died.  Pray for God’s peace on his family

19 month old’s test for cancer showed nothing.  No cancer or leukemia, but the doctors want to recheck in 3 weeks because her blood work is still not right

Kim Schott (Gina’s coworker) has a mom in final stages of Alzheimer’s in California.  Pray for the whole family, but especially for Kim’s peace.  She hates being so far away from her mom at this time.  Her mom does have other grown children nearby that are taking care of her.

Kimberly Whitehead was in the CCU at the same time as Billy and was moved upstairs only to have thyroid complications that forced the physicians’ to bring her back to CCU.  She has a staff infection now, but when the docs can get that cleared up then she will be sent to Pat Neal Rehab

Drew Swaggerty, a young man in a car wreck, isn’t improving and his family is having to look for a nursing home that can take care of him as the docs don’t expect much more improvement.

Jada Wilson  – ATV accident put her in CCU with a similar brain injury as Billy’s, though not as bad.  She celebrated her 15^th birthday in the hospital.

Thanks to all for keeping Billy & his family in your prayers.  I know you will receive blessings for your faithfulness in prayer.

-joe

Monday, 5/19 @1:30 PM

Well, quite a few of you have thanked me for the “great job” I’ve done at keeping this site updated — only to have me take my eye off the ball for a few days.  It was partly due to some personal issues I’ve been handling with one of our grown kids, but it was also me just plain blowing it.  I apologize to those of you who have continued coming here daily for updates, only to find that there’s no news.  I think I’m back in the saddle again; a day or so will tell me for sure.  I’d covet your prayers for my problematic progeny, though I can’t divulge any details without violating confidentiality (I CAN tell you that neither the legal system nor “little feet” are involved, which I know is a blessing not every parent enjoys).

I did speak with Gina a little bit ago.  Billy continues to do well.  They are making plans to move Billy to Fort Sanders ‘Select’, which is – among other things – a “launching pad” to Patricia Neal.  They still need to clear up the insurance, and a few minor details, but it looks like this could happen soon.  Pray for the details to be worked out, and watch this space for updates.

Gina is still getting a good number of people visiting, especially in the evening.  But she has a need that some of you — especially those who know Billy pretty well, but not necessarily JUST them — could meet.  In order for Gina to get away for a couple of hours, whether to visit her mother, check on her dog, or just stuff a little sanity back into her noggin, someone needs to stay at the hospital in the room with Billy (I don’t know if the hospital requires it — it doesn’t really matter, since Gina’s not ABOUT to leave unless someone is there).  If you can be available to visit for, say, 2 1/2 or 3 hours, call Gina and arrange for a time to do so.  If you are a Madison Avenue member, call Hazel Bennett and sign up for a slot so we don’t have two people show up at one time, and no one at another.  This is probably Gina’s greatest need right now.

Actually, it’s her second greatest need.  Her greatest need continues to be for your prayers.  Pray for Billy and Gina, and Theresa and Boo (Theresa’s husband); also, the doctors and nurses.  Start praying now for the people at Ft. Sanders who will care for Billy.  And pray for your humble blogger that I will be true to this commitment.

A couple of other little bookkeeping matters:

1. If anyone would prefer to receive these updates by email, please let me know.  I’ve created a new email address for this list:  pattyupdate@yahoo.com.
2. I could use a partner (or two) in maintaining this blog.  Ideally this would be someone who visits or speaks with Gina regularly, and can either update the blog (which is not hard) or can send me emails that I can just cut & paste to the blog (which is even easier).  It wouldn’t hurt if they’d give me a gentle “nudge” if they see I haven’t updated the site in over a day.
3. People are checking this blog daily when preparing to pray; if you have prayer requests, send them to the email mentioned above, and I’ll pass them along.  One caveat: God can hear the prayers of everyone in the world, but we are limited; this will not work if every person sends their entire list of prayer concerns.  But if you have a special prayer on your heart, let us add our prayers to yours.

Thank you all for your faithfulness in prayer for Billy & Gina.

-joe baker

Thursday, 5/15 @ 1:40 PM

Leah spoke with Gina this morning, and sent me this email:

Gina said that Billy was doing well and that the number of visits is good. The important thing to remember is that while we don’t want to forget the Patty’s, Bill also has a hard time if there is too much noise of if there isn’t a part of the day that is quiet. Bill slept well until 3 this morning and then began what the nurses call “storming”. This is a clinical assessment that is seen in brain injury patients. It is an agitation or restlessness is common in these patients and can be associated with fever, posturing, tachycardia, hypertension, and diaphoresis. The nurses and Gina had to do some suctioning, but Bill calmed down and rested once Gina climbed into bed with him. Gina also asked that we remember Kimberly Whitehead. This lady was in CCU with Bill. She was moved upstairs before Billy and then had some complications that required her return to the critical care unit. The problems were with her thyroid and she is better so she should be able to move back up to the 4th floor. One other request came from a co worker of Gina’s. A 19 month old is being tested for cancer. Pray for guidence of the doctors hands and for peace of God on this child and her family.

Remember to keep Theresa and her family in your prayers as well.

-joe

Tuesday, 5/13 @ 10:30 PM

Leah visited Gina & Billy this evening.  Nothing particularly new with Billy today.  Continue to pray for his recovery.

Leah also dropped by to visit John Churchman, who is also at UT (4th floor — not sure of room number).  He’s been feeling weak and has lost 10 pounds over the last week and a half, and they’re doing tests.  Please keep him and his family in your prayers.

God’s blessings,

-joe

Monday, 5/12 @ 10:45

It’s been a while since I’ve posted; I did something to my back, and haven’t been coping well with it.  It’s been a little better this evening, so I’m hoping the worst is over.

The news about Billy continues to get better: he’s in a room!!  Room 1026, East tower, to be exact.  This is a real answer to prayer, but it will require us to change the way we visit.  Gina will need us to limit to only two or three people at a time; and since Billy will be in the room where we visit, there will also need to be times when no one is visiting, so Billy can rest.  Bottom line: we’ll need to visit less often, and we’ll need to call before we come.  I’m sure you’ll understand I can’t give Gina’s cell phone number here online.  Most of you who visit often already have it; I’ll have to hope others know someone who does.  Also, keep in mind that there may be times when she’ll need to turn down the ringer and not answer.

Gina asked for prayer for a few other patients there:

• Neva Evans – an older lady who fell down.  She was suffering from broken ribs and a collapsed lung, and isn’t doing well.
• Mr. & Mrs. Stonecipher – this couple was in a car crash.  Their daughter told Gina that Mr. Stonecipher is in very bad shape, and they don’t expect him to survive.
• Jada Wilson – 16-year-old girl was in an ATV accident, not wearing a helmet.  She has a head injury — not as bad as Billy’s, Gina said, but we need to pray for her.

One final thing; I spoke with Hazel Bennett a little while ago.  She is suggesting that we all get Gina birthday cards for her birthday, May 27, and bring them to church on Sunday, May 25.  Someone will carry them all to her.

Things are most likely going to be happening a little slower now, and I’m going to drop back to one post per day for the most part, probably in the evening most days.

Take care, all.

-Joe

Saturday, 5/10 @ 12:55 PM

I spoke with Gina a little while ago.  The big news is that Billy is no longer squeezing hands once for ‘yes’ and twice for ‘no’; HE’S NODDING HIS HEAD FOR YES, AND SHAKING IT FOR NO!!!

Gina said Billy is “off the ventilator” — but I realized later that I don’t know if she meant ‘at the moment’ or ‘for good’; I’ll find out later about that.

God continues to bless.  Continue to ask God’s healing for Billy.  Also, keep the Carter family in your prayers.  With everything else that’s been going on, I somehow didn’t stop to think about the fact that Wayne’s step-son Craig is a special-needs man who must be having a very difficult time coping with this tragic loss.  Be in prayer for Sandra and Craig, and the rest of their families.

God bless you all,

-joe

Friday, 5/9 @ 11:20 PM

Have you ever been glad to have your electricity go off? I’m glad ours went out tonight.

The last couple of days have been so mentally and emotionally exhausting — in addition to all of the usual hassles and challenges we face from day to day, our company is reorganizing and we all swapped offices today; my son’s car has been in the shop so we’re sharing two cars for three people; and we attended the funeral of Wayne Carter this evening. I was totally exhausted (in fact, you might say MY power was out).

We had just gotten home from the funeral and grabbed a bite to eat when the lights went out. At first I was so frustrated! I needed to update the Billy Blog and do some reading, and now the power was gone. We lit some candles, and stepped out on our covered porch where it was cool. We sat on the swing to watch the lightning approach. No television, no computer, just Leah and me and the pups enjoying a cool evening breeze. By the time the lights came on a couple of hours later, I was refreshed and relaxed.

It was a reminder to me how sometimes things can happen that we would never plan — things that frighten, or discourage, or infuriate us at first; but in time we may come to understand that blessings can grow out of those situations.

I don’t know what blessings may eventually come from Billy’s injury, or from the shock and agony of Wayne Carter’s family losing him so suddenly. We just have to wait and see what will happen, and lean on God’s promises — that he’ll be with us no matter what, and that all things will work together for the good for those of us who are called according to his name.

In all of my busy-ness, and my subsequent exhaustion, I never got around to calling Gina today. Leah called just about the time the lights came on, though. Billy’s doing fine, but this was one of his “tired days”. He slept through most of his visits; on one occasion he did wake up and smile at Gina.

We plan to get up first thing tomorrow and go to the hospital. I’ll post again when we get back. In the meantime, pray for that time of refreshing, for yourself and for others you know of who are going through challenges today. And consider taking the dogs out on the porch with someone you love, to enjoy the breeze.

-joe

Thursday, 5/8 @ 10:26

Leah spoke to Gina a moment ago. Billy’s condition continues to improve — in fact, Gina spoke today with a doctor who treated Billy the first week, and he told her he never imagined Billy would be doing as well as he is. Either sometime later tonight or early tomorrow, they expect the neurosurgeon to be by. They expect when he comes that he’ll give the order to remove the brain drain; if so, that can be done pretty much right away.

Billy does continue to occasionally run a fever. This is apparently a common occurrence for people with brain injuries, and they’ve been able to keep his temperature from reaching dangerous highs, but I ask you to pray that the fevers subside.

Gina says he is showing more and more recognition of people, and is becoming more and more expressive. Today, when Gina went in Billy was acting restless and agitated. Theresa called Gina to come over where Billy could see her, and he calmed down and smiled. Then, when she went to kiss his cheek, he puckered his lips and, as my 101-year-old grandmother used to say, “there she kissed him, on the spot” (actually, she’d say “there she kissed him, on the spot — so much for education”; I don’t know what Granny meant, but I’ve always liked it ;o).

The glory for Billy’s healing is all to God, but you have all been faithful servants to pray. May God bless each of you.

-joe

Thursday, 5/8 @ 2:45 PM

No news about Billy’s condition, but Gina just called to ask for prayer for them selling the house they own in Townsend (they moved to Maryville somewhere around a year ago — not sure exactly — and have been trying to sell their place in Townsend). Someone is coming to look at it this afternoon around 4:00. It’s been a while since anyone’s been out to see it, and it would be a real answer to prayer if the house would sell.

Thanks
-joe

Thursday, 5/8 @1:00 PM

Improvement continues, bit by bit. They are pretty sure the brain drain and the respirator collar will both be gone in a few days. Billy mostly breathes on his own, and most of the time doesn’t have the respirator even hooked up. He’s getting stronger, but as many of you know healing is very hard, tiring work, so about half the time he’s too tired to do much of anything. One sign that the doctors are starting to be more hopeful: they are beginning to make plans for rehab for Billy. Even a week ago, I don’t think the doctors considered it likely that rehab would be happening. Fortunately, God knows more than doctors!

I mentioned last night that Billy was going to have a CAT scan in the wee hours of this morning. Gina hasn’t yet had an opportunity to speak with the doctors to find out what they learned. She should know more later today, and I’ll post whatever I learn, whenever I learn it.

Keep praying for Billy, Gina, Theresa, and all of the doctors & nurses who are treating Billy. And thank God for His goodness and faithfulness.

For the Mighty One has done great things for me; and holy is His name. AND HIS MERCY IS UPON GENERATION AFTER GENERATION TOWARD THOSE WHO FEAR HIM. Luke 1:19-20

-joe baker

Wednesday, 5/7 @ 11:05 PM

Billy seemed tired today, after having been off the respirator for so long yesterday.  He moved and reacted some, but less than he has some other days.

It is unlikely that many people will see this in time to pray for it, but they are planning to do a CAT scan between 2:30 & 5:00 AM.  If that goes well they’ll remove the “brain drain”, and Billy will be a step closer to moving to a room.

Please pray for Gina’s health.  She didn’t really want to mention it, but she sounded pretty bad.  She’s mostly lost her voice, and also seemed very tired (well, it IS 11:00…)  Pray for her continued physical strength and wellbeing.

For those of you who attend Madison Ave Baptist Church: in case you’ve not yet heard, Wayne Carter passed away today.  His funeral will be Friday evening at 7:00 at the church.  Please be in prayer for his family.  I’m told they have a remarkable attitude, but still we know that they are grieving.

Keep praying.  We’re seeing God work in answer to our prayer!

-joe

Wednesday, 5/7 @ 10:00 AM

I spoke with Gina a moment ago. Billy is having a good morning. He was off of the ventilator for 14 hours yesterday, but they put him back on the ventilator last night just to be sure he’d be able to rest. He still breathed on his own for the most part.  They look forward to removing it altogether in a few days.

Gina was really excited about one thing that happened this morning. She was talking to him, and he started to pucker his lips as though to kiss her. She is still wearing a mask because of her bronchitis, so she couldn’t kiss him, but it was a great blessing to her.

Also, one thing I meant to mention yesterday is that they’ve had some success with using hand squeezes to communicate with Billy — i.e. “squeeze my hand once for ‘yes’ and twice for ‘no’.”  I’m no expert, but that sounds like a really promising development to me — not merely following an instruction (”squeeze my hand”), but evaluating a question, arriving at an answer, and counting — even counting to two — shows a lot of brain function.  We certainly hope for much more in days and months to come, but it sure seems promising to me.

As you all know, I print out emails sent to gina.patty@yahoo.com, and take them to Gina. I got one today from someone who is active in the work of Big Creek Missions. She said that people in the community are concerned about Billy’s welfare, and I know those who are Christians are praying for him. It also reminded me that there will be more people doing work in that community in the months and years to come. We need to keep them and their safekeeping in our prayers.

I also want to be sure that everyone who has sent emails to Gina understands that she’s not able to reply. She doesn’t have a computer at the hospital — I took her a laptop, but we couldn’t get it to connect — so there’s simply no way for her to reply. I just want to be sure no one feels as though their message wasn’t received or wasn’t appreciated; Gina cherishes your words of encouragement.

I want to also ask you to say a little prayer for Leah and me. We are going through some difficulties with one of our grown children, and have some decisions to make. Pray that we will be wise as we deal with the situation.

Thank you all for your continued prayers for Billy and Gina and their families. I know God will honor your loving concern, and pray that he will return it to you in full measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over!

-joe

Tuesday, 5/6 @ 11:15 PM

We visited Gina at the hospital tonight, and I meant to call her after her 9:00 visit before updating this site, but lost track of time; so this info isn’t truly “up-to-date”.  But as of 7:00, when we left, all of the good news was holding.  Gina is feeling better, and Billy’s condition was pretty much as it was earlier today.

I’ll call her tomorrow after her 9:00 AM visit and give an update sometime around 10:00 AM.  For the time being, just keep prayin’!

-joe

Tuesday, 5/6 @ 2:00 PM

Running late with the update; sorry about that, a minor emergency came up.

Billy continues to improve. Gina said at her 11:00 visit his eyes were wide open, and he was following people around the room. He now consistently responds to people asking him to squeeze their hands or wiggle his toes, and he moves his arms quite a bit. He is breathing on his own, and the doctor expects them to remove his “brain drain” and trach tube probably within a week — at which time he’ll get to go to a regular room.

As ICPs and pneumonia fade as concerns, another issue that has lurked in the shadows is now becoming “the main concern”: Billy’s blood pressure. Gina tells me that he normally takes blood pressure medicine, so it’s not too surprising that his BP would be up when they’ve not been treating it; in fact, up until now there have been some advantages to a higher BP (as long as it didn’t blow out), as it brought greater blood flow. Now, though, they are about to put him on his BP meds, which should bring it back down. Pray that this goes well.

We serve a mighty and awesome God, and he has really blessed us by answering our prayers for Billy. He’s still a long way from being well, though, so continue to be faithful in your prayers. Give praise to God, for “He inhabits the praise of His people”.

God bless you all.

-joe

Monday, 5/5 @ 11:00 PM

I called Gina a second ago, and thought Lurch from the Addams family answered. It was Gina, but her voice was a tad on the low side. She explained that the doctor thinks she’s coming down with bronchitis. She’s taking an antibiotic and sucking cough drops, and using a mask when she goes in to see Billy. We need to pray for her rest.

Billy’s condition hasn’t changed much during the day. That’s okay; progress is expected to be slow. It would be easy to get spoiled by the good progress that’s been made over the last couple of days, but unfortunately progress will mostly be slow.

Continue to pray for Billy; for Gina and Theresa (and Theresa’s husband and kids, as they adjust to Mom needing to be away more than they’re accustomed to); the doctors and nurses; and the men who were there in Kentucky working with Billy when the accident occurred.

-joe

Monday, 5/5 @ 12:40 PM

The news continues to improve! Leah spoke with Gina a little while ago; here’s what she emailed me:

Talked to Gina. She said that the doc has cut his meds in half and are giving them less often. He has moved to once every 6 hours instead of 4. He is trying to open his eyes and has gotten them half open. He does respond to voices by squeezing their hands. I don’t know if there is any recognition other than familiar voices. He will wiggle his toes when they ask him to.

Also, someone pointed out to me this morning that I’ve neglected a very important prayer need from this blog. I know many of us are praying for Theresa, Billy’s sister; but I should long ago have asked those who aren’t as close to the situation to join us in those prayers. For those who don’t know her, she is a very sweet lady who loves her brother very much, and is devastated by his injury. She is married and has children, and is having to simultaneously meet her household’s needs and be there for Billy. Pray for her physical, emotional and mental strength during this time, and be sure to love on her when you go to visit Gina. You can send messages to her at Gina’s email, too.

Thanks to all for prayers, kind words, and input to the blog.

-joe

Sunday, 5/4 @ 9:45 PM

The last couple of days have seen some great developments. Billy’s ICPs have stayed down in a normal range as they’ve removed sedation — Gina just now told us his ICP at the 9:00 visit was 8, which is at the low end of normal. As the sedation is removed, he’s breathing mostly on his own, moving his arms and wiggling his toes. I don’t want to mislead anyone — he’s NOT doing these things in response to someone telling him to. But he is moving both sides of his body, which is a good sign. He’s also yawning, which is a more complex reflex, involving brain activity that many reflexes do NOT require. His fever is also down, below 100! For the first time, the doctors are saying they expect him to survive. They are not saying they expect any particular degree of recovery, though.

God has answered a lot of prayers, but we’re not done praying yet — not by a long shot! Continue to pray for Billy’s recovery, physically and mentally. One thing in particular we need to pray about is Billy’s memories. The doctors have told Gina that a loss of “recent” memory is not unusual in a case like Billy’s. “Recent” can mean the last 20 minutes, 20 days or 20 years. This is causing Gina to be afraid that Billy might not remember her. Please pray that God will keep Billy’s memories safe.

Of course we must continue to pray for Gina as she waits for her fella to wake up. She’s been faithful in all things these last two weeks, and I know many of us have been moved and inspired by the faith she’s exhibited. Pray also for all of those who are ministering to her — mowing lawns, helping with her dog, sitting with her by day and staying the night with her as well.

Several people have thanked me for keeping you updated with the website. Please know that doing this has been a great blessing for me. I appreciate those of you who are reading the website and praying, visiting or emailing Gina — speaking of which, don’t forget to drop Gina an email from time to time to encourage her. You can send those messages to gina.patty@yahoo.com.

God’s blessings on you all.

-joe baker

Saturday, May 3 @ 5:30 PM

Please accept my apology for not updating the website yesterday.  This last week held some real challenges for me (unrelated to Billy’s condition or this website) and I hit a wall last night.  I’m now rested and ready to go on.

We went to see Gina a couple of hours ago.  Billy’s intra-cranial pressure continues to improve.  It’s been as low as 8 and is mostly hovering around 12-13.  What’s more, it’s remained in that range even as they’ve been weaning him from the sedation.  That’s really an answer to prayer, but we’ve much still to pray for.  Billy is still running a fever, and they are now pretty sure that he does have pneumonia.  They have taken a culture that will tell them (in a couple of days) what infection, exactly, he has.  In the meantime, they are using a cocktail of various antibiotics to try to be sure they knock out the infection.

Gina’s blood sugar continues to be higher than it should be, but she didn’t seem to be suffering allergy symptoms any more.  For the first time, she seemed tired to me.

Continue to pray for Billy’s total healing.  Pray that his ICPs stay low and that he recovers quickly from the pneumonia.  Give thanks to God for the doctors, and especially for the very caring nurses who have provided Billy with such great care.  And pray for Gina’s continued faith, strength and health as she waits for Billy’s recovery.

I’ll post again later tonight after Gina’s 9:00 visit.  Those of you who don’t actually know Billy, be watching — I’m planning to post a photo Gina has given me of Billy (may not be ’til tomorrow).  Those of you, like me, who have only known Billy since he came to Madison Ave. Baptist Church, you’ll get a kick out of this picture, because in addition to the mustache we’ve all seen he has a full beard!

God’s continued blessings to you all for your prayers and for showering Gina with such love and concern.

-joe

Friday, 5/2 @ 10:10 AM

Leah spoke to Gina a few minutes ago. The news is mixed, but I think mostly good:

Gina said that his numbers through the night were 12 and 13. It is 16 now, but definitely headed in the right direction. His temperature spiked to 102.2 during the night but it is better, the white blood cell count is down and the chest x-ray shows improvement in his lungs. Dr. Boyer will be in this afternoon and make the decision about a lung culture then. Billy is also responding to pain stimulus. Gina hopes that the Dr will also order less sedation. Gina is having some sinus issues, but it seems to been allergies.

Keep on prayin’!

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him {be} the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. Eph 3:20-21

-joe

Thursday, 5/1 @ 9:40 PM

Mostly the same, but Billy’s temperature is higher.  They’re hoping it’ll come down soon.  If not, they may do a culture through his trach tube to determine whether he is getting pneumonia.  We’re praying that if he does have an infection, God will heal it.

They disturbed Billy in some way today (moved his IV or something along those lines; Gina told me exactly what, but my dumb ol’ brain has forgotten) and he moved his arm, which was encouraging (response to stimulus), but of course we can’t read too much into it.  The doctors have told Gina that recovery, should God grant it, will likely take a long time; so pray for patience — both for Gina, and for the rest of us as we pray and minister to her.

Leah and I are going to see Gina tomorrow evening.  If you haven’t sent a message to Gina yet to let her know you’re praying for Billy and her, consider doing so.  If you’ve sent one, she won’t mind you sending another!  I wish you could all see how it uplifts her to read that you are praying for her, or a verse of scripture — whatever God lays on your heart.

Thanks for continuing to be faithful in praying for Billy.

-joe

Thursday, 5/1 @ 12:00 Noon

I spoke with Gina a minute ago. Billy’s ICPs continue to be in the upper teens and occasionally lower twenties — a small improvement, I believe, as a few days ago it was mostly lower twenties and occasional upper teens. We still are praying for Billy to be a perfect “10″ (Gina already thinks he is, of course). There has still been no bowel movement, so continue to pray for that.

Billy’s white blood count is also up a bit. Combined with the low fever, this has the doctors concerned about the possibility of pneumonia. If it doesn’t improve, they’ll be going down through his trach tube to see.

Gina is also having some symptoms that may be only allergies (she hasn’t been as consistent as she should be with her allergy meds), but she’s worried she could be catching something. Pray that she stays healthy, as she can’t go for visits with Billy if she’s not.

I’ll most likely post again at around 9:30 tonight, after Gina has had her 9:00 visit with Billy. ‘Til then, God’s peace on you all.

-joe

Wednesday, 4/30 @ 9:30 PM

I had a nice visit with Gina this evening, and Leah just got off the phone with her.  Billy is hanging in there — no change to speak of during the day today.  His intra-cranial pressure continues to fluctuate between the mid-high teens and the low twenties.  He has a looow fever — 99 degrees — which is probably no real cause for alarm, but they’re watching it, just to be sure.  They’re still needing to see a bowel movement, and have mentioned that they’re considering using an antibiotic (I’m thinking Gina said erythromycin) to get things moving.

Gina said her blood sugar  was 79 this morning (VERY good), but it was 240 by lunchtime.  She thinks it’s the stress of waiting for her 11:00 morning visit.  Pray for her during those mid-morning hours, that her faith would be strong and that God would help her deal with those hours of waiting.

Thanks to those of you who have left words of encouragement for Gina on email.  They are a great blessing, and are very uplifting to her.  You can send those messages to gina.patty@yahoo.com.

-joe

Another prayer need

I just received an email from a lady at our church, Lillian Lancaster.  Her niece’s husband, at 25 years of age, is in need of a miracle.  He has melanoma all over his body, in addition to tumors in his spine and in his brain.  The outlook, apart from God’s intervention, is very grim.  His name is Thomas Bright, and Lillian does not believe he is a Christian.  Please pray:

• For Thomas’ healing;
• For his salvation;
• For his family as they minister to him

Lillian has a website much like this one at:

http://tabright.blogspot.com/

I’ll be heading for the hospital in a few minutes, and will post an update on Billy’s status later this evening (after choir practice, most likely — around 9:30).

-joe

Wednesday, 4/30 @ 9:00 AM

Leah just spoke with Gina a few minutes ago. There’s been some improvement in Billy’s ICP. It was 15 overnight, and as of just a few minutes ago was still only 17, so that’s a great improvement. Continue to pray for it to reach 10. Another request (Billy would be so glad to know we’re praying for this): the doctors are beginning to be concerned that he hasn’t had a bowel movement lately. Yes, pray that “(stuff) happens”.

I’ll be visiting Gina tonight, so I’ll post at least once more this evening (may not have time to post ’til after church, maybe 9:30). If anyone visits or talks with Gina, and has an update, send it to me at joe.baker@twsg.com and I’ll post it here.

We’re all praising God for bringing Billy this far, and trusting him for the future. Take time to thank Him today for his goodness and mercy!

-joe

Tuesday, 4/29 @ 12:00 Noon

Just got this from Leah:

Talked to Gina at 11:39. ICP’s still up (high teens/low twenties). They’re weaning him from paralytic drugs. Docs are keeping him under with meds like valium and morphine, but he is still sedated. They hope to start weening him from the sedation slowly starting in a day or so. Still need prayer for ICP to be around 10.

Keep praying! Don’t forget if you want to leave words of encouragement for Gina, send them to gina.patty@yahoo.com

Monday 4/28 @ 10:58 PM

I was waiting to hear from Gina after her evening visit, but haven’t heard from her.  I went by to visit earlier in the evening, though.  As of about 8:00, Billy’s ICP was still around 21.  Gina told me that we need to be praying for the pressure to get down to 10.  The idea is that if his pressure is 10 WITH the medicine, they should be able to start withdrawing the meds and still keep it below 15.

Gina’s blood sugar is back down this evening, too, to 141.  Still not great, but a whole lot better than it was a few days ago.

Keep praying!

-joe

Have info you’d like added?

If anyone has any info you’d like passed along via this site, please send it to joe.baker@twsg.com. Thanks!

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Thanks to Darrell Smith for prayers (click “comments” below for full message”):

…. Wallace Memorial Baptist Church in Knoxville is praying that God’s will be done….

-joe

Monday, 4/28 @10:45 AM

Leah just spoke with Gina a few minutes ago, and sent me this via email:

Surgery went well.  The doctors reduced the amount of mannitol they were giving to Billy and his ICP (intra cranial pressure) went up into the 20’s.  The docs put Billy back on the mannitol and brought the pressure level back down. The docs are looking for 10 or high teens before they will try to once again ween Billy from the medication.  A normal intra cranial pressure for adults lying down is 7-15.

Gina is doing well and said that Billy is looking good.

Please continue to pray for a lower ICP.  We’re praising God for the improvements we’ve seen so far!

-joe

Sunday, 4/27 @ 10:30 PM

Just heard from Gina a few minutes ago.  Billy had his trach and GI tube put in.  He’s out of surgery and doing well.  His intra-cranial pressure is down to 21 (they really want to see it stay below 20).  His vitals are strong, also.  If they can get the ICP to stay below 20 for a day, they’ll begin weaning him from the sedation.

Keep praying for the pressure to come down and stay down, and that God will restore his full health.  And take a moment to drop Gina a word of encouragement at gina.patty@yahoo.com.

-joe baker

Sunday 4/27 @ 5:20 PM

The last couple of days have seen some improvement in Billy’s intra-cranial pressure. It was below 20 for the better part of a day, which has encouraged the doctors (it’s since gone back up to the mid-20’s). They say his chance of survival has increased considerably, for which we are thanking God!! They still make no estimate as to the extent of brain damage, though, and pressure continues to hamper his odds of making a really good recovery; so continue to pray that the pressure will come down and stay down.

They were just about to take Billy to surgery earlier today (to insert a trach tube — they’ve been planning to do this pretty much all week), when another patient who needed immediate surgery was taken in first. They plan to take him back as soon as they’re done with that surgery.

Remember to leave words of encouragement to Gina at gina.patty@yahoo.com. Leah and I will print them out and carry them to her. She saw the first few emails today, and the hand-written notes many of you wrote at church, and was clearly moved by your love and concern. I asked her if there was anything she wanted to communicate to everyone, and her answer was concise: keep praying!

God’s blessings on you all

-joe baker

Friday, April 25, 10 pm

I’ve just returned from seeing Gina at the hospital.  She told us how much she appreciates all of the visits and expressions of love.

There is no real change in Billy’s condition.  He’s had some fever, but they’ve treated it with Tylenol.  They’ve removed his bandages, and reduced the tubes over his face so that he looks more like himself.  Gina was glad to see him looking more like himself, though without his mustache!

The doctors continue to be concerned about the swelling, especially at the base of the brain.  The pressure caused by this swelling is extremely dangerous, and over time will cause permanent damage, so PRAY that the pressure and swelling are reduced.

Gina asked me to tell everyone that Billy will have surgery on Sunday, during which they will put in a trache tube.  Once this has been done they will be able to begin scaling back some of the sedation he’s been on.  She asked that we pray that the surgery would go smoothly.  They haven’t told her yet what time the surgery will be; I’ll post the time when it’s available.

I took a laptop to Gina so she could read comments at this website, but we weren’t able to get it connected to the hospital’s wireless network; so we’re going with “plan B” – I’ve created an email account for messages of encouragement.  I’ll print them out each day and carry them to her.  It would be great for her to be able to look at those when she is feeling lonely and discouraged.  The email address is:

   gina.patty@yahoo.com

We’ll continue to post updates to Billy’s status at this website.

Continue to pray for Billy and Gina, as well as their families.

- joe baker

Friday, April 25

It is Friday morning, April 25th. Billy is not showing medical improvement, but don’t stop praying for him and the family. We don’t know what God’s will is, but Gina desires for God to be glorified in whatever happens. Many have asked about financial help – you can give through Madison Avenue Baptist Church designated to “Patty Family.” This will be tax deductible if you give this way. If you are not a member, mail it to the church at 1918 Madison Avenue, Maryville, tn 37804 – you will receive a statement from the church for your tax records. It is encouraging as a pastor to see God’s family at work in times of crisis. 

–Bro. Glenn Cummings

Update on Bill Patty

On Friday, April 18th,  Bill Patty suffered a serious head injury while serving on a mission trip at Big Creek Missions in Southeast Kentucky.   He was flown to UT medical center, and is currently in the Surgical Critical Care unit.   Over the past few days, we have seen some “baby-step” improvements in Bill’s condition, but still know the recovery road is still very long.   Pass the word about this webpage and continue to pray for Bill and his family during this difficult time!  

We will update as we receive word from the doctors . . .