UPDATE 4/18

I had a good time fishing with Tommy and mentally preparing for the coming week. In my absence, Cindy took care of Michele, helped her with physical therapy, giving her positive thoughts and getting her ready for the upcoming shunt surgery. She made some great strides over the last couple of days, and is now moving both of her legs. While she’s not moving her knees all the way up by herself, the movement is on her own and very deliberate. She also pushed on the nurse’s hand with each of her feet. It was a very good sign! She got a chance to talk to Billy, Tana, and Alyssa today, and after she listened to each of them, she waved to them. She was very responsive over the last couple of days. Her eyes were wide open in between her times of rest, and she was taking an active part in the movement of her legs and arms. She is a fighter.

Michele is scheduled for the shunt operation tomorrow (Monday) at 1:00 p.m. It is not a long procedure, but it will be a significant one for Michele. A valve (shunt) will be placed in her back, and a tube will run to the front of her torso to allow for the drainage. This will remain in her body for the rest of her life. Normally, the valve is placed above the ear, but the doctor doesn’t want to introduce anything new to Michele’s head area. In addition to adding the shunt, they will be taking a 3mm section of her muscle from her back to test for any issues that would point to her decreased muscle movement.

I believe that this operation is absolutely crucial to her recovery and I am hopeful for a great outcome. We’ve been waiting for this for over a month but due to her infections, we’ve been unable to move forward. Now, she is ready.

I’m asking that at 1:00 Florida time you lift up prayers for Michele so that we have everyone praying together for a successful surgery, and an even more successful outcome.

Thank you, and I’ll give you an update tomorrow.
John