Day 3

I'll keep this one fairly short because not too much changed today, which is not a bad thing! Lee rested well again last night and had a good appetite throughout the day. We did some more walking along with some specific "exercises" as directed by her surgeon this morning to further evaluate Lee's bladder symptoms. She continues to have signs and symptoms that indicate the "tethering" may need to be addressed, so we anticipate getting definitive word tomorrow on how this will be addressed. You can be praying for both wisdom and schedule alignment for the surgeons and other staff needed to bring the plan together. Lee's mom, my parents, and I took an opportunity this afternoon to ride the train into Manhattan and see a few of the siights while the city is decorated up for Christmas. Lee and her dad got the chance to just "hang out" for a while and enjoy some qualtiy time and hospital food.

For today's photo addition, I've added the x-ray of Lee's new "hardware" so you can see what the 9 hours on Thursday accomplished. If you're not used to looking at such scans, it may be difficult to get oriented but the longest screws

are into the base of her skull and the lower two sets go into her 1st and 2nd cervical vertebrae (all from the back). Her jaw is partially visible on the left side of the film as a landmark.

I'll let you know tomorrow evening what the surgeons decide and thanks in advance for your prayers as the decisions on next steps are made.

Steve

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Messages

Rae Jean Bettmeng

December 16, 2013, 2:38 AM

You are such an incredible husband Steve! May you be blessed as you care for Lee. She remains on our heart. Please give your parents our love as well! What a blessing to have them there with you. We will be praying for clear direction and wisdom. We love you so very much!

Norma Eaton

December 16, 2013, 2:42 AM

what a miracle I can't relate the joy I feel with each of your updates.

Sandy Temple

December 16, 2013, 2:53 AM

Still praying:)

Sandi Henry

December 16, 2013, 3:02 AM

Glad Lee and her dad had some quality time while the rest of you had some fun. I bet it was good to get outside. Praying that the bladder symptoms disappear so Lee doesn't have to have more surgery. Trusting God. Love from TN to all of you! Eunice Goodwin December 16, 2013, 3:23 AM Thanks so much for the daily updates. Will pray that all things work together for good this week. Eunice and Dan

Debby Swecker

December 16, 2013, 3:27 AM

So happy you got to go see the Christmas sights with your parents Steve. Thank you for loving Lee so faithfully and deeply. Thank you also for allowing us to be part of this adventure!

Nola von Neudegg

December 16, 2013, 3:36 AM

I agree that sometimes "uneventful" is good. Thanks for the update and keep the faith. Kimball & Elizabeth Parker December 16, 2013, 3:47 AM Please keep good notes...some of the rest of us may need those exercises in the future. Still praying!

Ruth Warner

December 16, 2013, 4:12 AM

So sweet! Daddy and daughter date. That is sweet. Praying for Lee, family and medical personnel.

Carter & Deanna Barnes

December 16, 2013, 4:17 AM

Happy to hear the update. Still praying! Glad you are all getting some rest.

Kelly Wahle

December 16, 2013, 5:14 AM

Praying for guidance and wisdom for decisions on direction of treatment of teathering. Wow, that is a lot of hardware! What miraculous things the surgeons and team did and so happy for Lee that the symptoms prior to surgery have abated. Thank you, God for today!. What

a good day to have had. How nice some of the family got to see NYC lights too. Still praying for pain control management. Grace and peace

Carolyn Hamby

December 16, 2013, 10:23 AM

Thank you for the update! Praising God for the wisdom He has given the doctors! Continuing to pray!

Lee Anne Giurintano

December 16, 2013, 1:01 PM

Steve, you picked the best time of year to see "the city". I grew up 15 minutes outside the city on the Jersey side of the river. Always love the city at Christmas! Glad to hear Lee is getting rest and has a good appetite! For someone who was in surgery as long as she was, WOW, she looks great!

My continued prayers for the medical teams wisdom and schedules to all work out in Lee's favor. Keep the Faith guys!! Hugs and prayers from Paducah, Kentucky, Lee

Terry Puckett

December 16, 2013, 1:43 PM

So glad to hear that Lee is able to rest and to eat. God is Good. Continued prayer for you both. Love to you all.

Shirley Keith

December 16, 2013, 3:44 PM

Welcome good news! I'm looking forward to hearing that the side effects have been addressed and controlled. Wondering if there is snow and ice in the city...if so it should be pretty decorated for Christmas. you're still in my thoughts and prayers and pleased that we have had many "answered prayers" so far.