12.8.11

Matt:

This morning Matt had his visit to Jefferson and things are looking and going great!  He will continue to have the drainage tube, but is suppose to call the office Tuesday or Wednesday with the amounts that are continuing to come from the drain.  This is a normal process with the pancreatic fluid and though we all have some fluid that are pancreas absorbs, the cc's need to be considerably less and consistent, before the surgeon removes the last tube.  This tube is actually allowing Matt to heal and stay healthy since the fluid is not building up in his body at this time while the pancreas and surrounding area continues to heal.  If the levels are at the range that the surgeon wants, Matt will again go up to Jefferson possibly next Thursday for the removal, but it might not be until the following week. All will depend on the phone "visit" in the middle of next week. 
The traveling to and from Jefferson in Philadelphia was not as hard on Matt this week.  Again, a sign of gaining strength and improvement.  He is resting now. His pain is minimal and that too is a great improvement over last Thursday's visit.
Matt is looking very good as well, his appetite is good, though he eats much smaller portions and a few snacks now between, which is a good "new way of eating".  We are so thankful for how his road to recovery is going.  Keep the prayers coming and pray specifically that the pancreas heals enough that the tube will be able to be removed later next week, but not too soon for any type of setbacks.  He is only allowed to walk for exercise at this time.  He is 3 weeks post-op and doing remarkably well.  GIG

I am thankful and grateful indeed,

~Tina