Update

Thanks pam!! We love you guys!! ~ Deidre

Tell Joel i am praying for him to get better soon. After my surgery I guestioned myself too. But it will get better. love Jennifer

Thanks Jennifer for the prayers...I will tell him!

~ Deidre

THANK GOD!  I was really worried! Leaks are serious and Joel should truly feel blessed that God delivered him through it!

I dont know about regretting it... cause I havent had surgery... but after every major decision I think we ask ourselves if we did the right thing.... BUT I believe that since Joel is on the path to recovery... that speaks VOLUMES as to what GOD has in store for him!  If ya think hes starting to forget that... remind him that he is ALIVE... which is something of a miracle in itself and that there are FAR TOO MANY people who lost the battle...  I have heard time and time again how healing is 30% physical and 70% mental... so help him keep his eye on the PRIZE and he will be home in NO TIME!!!!! GOD BLESS YOU BOTH!  I really hope you BOTH get to enjoy the 3 day weekend at home!  HAVE A GREAT DAY!!!!

Amen to that Crystal...I have been telling him that (he knows that too)!!  God bless you too...thanks for everything!

I hope you have a great weekend too!!  ~ Deidre

I am so happy that Joel is feeling better. It looks like a lot of us have been praying for him!! If it will make him feel any better I had a really tough time with my phase 1 clear liquids too. I ended up creating what I call my "super drink" to be able to get it all in. I would get nauseated every sip I took.  Now I am on the phase 2 full liquids and it is a lot better. Even the protein has a better taste. I am having to push myself to get the protein, 6 meals and other liquids in - I stay so full (which is a really weird feeling knowing it is only 3 oz!!) I have yet to be able to get everything in. Oh yes, and we can't forget adding the vitamins! I can only take 2 (I am taking the Optisource) at a time because I feel full.  Every time I even START to think about questioning why I had the surgery there are 4 things I can look at that takes that feeling away - First, the day I prayed to God asking Him if it was his will that I have the surgery and I had a warm/peace come over me and my 3 grandchildren, ages 5 mths, 5 and 7. Besides a little bit of pain the only thing I am experiencing problems with is knowing how big a sip it is ok to take! {{hugs}} Karen P.S. The family is having a BBQ at our house tomorrow so my will power will really be tested. I am trying to tell them it is ok to eat around me!!

Thanks Karen...I am glad that you are doing well, it is funny Joel has been telling us too-"its ok for you to eat with me in here!!"  I just read him your reply (we came home on sat!) and he says "hey"... Thanks for your prayers and encouragment!!  Hope to see you soon!!   Deidre