Pneumonia, but Happy

Latest word from the Stinsons:

Dear All,

Overall there is much to be thankful for with Daniel. For example, he walked bunches on Sunday, so much so that the doctor was going to order therapy and changed her mind. Of course he has had to have his entourage to walk since he needs the support of Eddie or Jonathan to walk as well as Sara Ann or me to push his IV pole along. When nurse Bud (that's his real name) saw him walking, he said, "Daniel, you look taller when you're out of bed". (Daniel is 6'3'.) "Good one, Bud!"

Daniel's color is better and his responses to things are more alert. But he has continued to have that pesky fever, especially at night. So today they ordered a chest x-ray and sure enough, as they suspected, he has pneumonia. Dr. Hendrickson says that is not unusual with someone who has had 3 surgeries. The fact that he traveled from a foreign country as he did could have led to pneumonia all by itself. The good news is she consulted with the other doctors and they continue to be pleased with things (thank you Lord) and say that his belly is fine and the antibiotics he is on are doing what they should be doing. So there you go. More good news. No, that is really great news. More surgeries are unlikely.

He got a Wound V.A.C. today. The wound care nurse said that this machine, which he will basically be attached to 24/7 for 2-4 weeks, could make the open wound on his back heal twice as fast. You haven't lived until you have seen an open 3" by 1" wound on your son's back. But it is pink, good skin and the doctors are much encouraged. Why not just sew it up? Due to the infection. So we are thankful for wise doctors and special care products and people.

So please continue to praise the Lord for good progress. Even finding out he has pneumonia is good news since it gives direction --and rules out big problems! Please pray for Daniel's comfort as it is hard for him to breath and be restful. Please pray his lungs will clear and he'll continue to be motivated to walk and he will heal. Please continue to pray God's blessing on the rest of our family as this is a long haul. God told us there would be marathons, didn't he? But to just continue to run the race. So we run.

My sweet sister, Sara, (we call her Aunt Sara so all are not confused) will be here tomorrow. We are overjoyed by that. For as she says, when she gets here, she will be Aunt Sara (the family knows how glorious that is!!!).

Thank you for the cards, emails, and visits. By all this we are much encouraged. And thank you so much for all the prayers. We are so blessed to be lifted up. God has a call on Daniel's life, and you are part of it. Thank you!

To God be the power and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Love,

Eddie, Marilyn, Daniel, Sara Ann, and Jonathan