Bob McQueen - MO - Friday, 9/21 Update

Locker Room, Lori McQueen called last night to give me an update on Bob... BOB IS AWAKE!  He's still very groggy but is awake and that folks is progress!  He's unable to speak clearly but is able to write.  He's so weak that he has difficulty doing so, but Lori said they were able to read a few things he had written.  She said that he mouthed the words..."How long have I been here?".  When they told him a month - he broke down and cried.  As heart-wrenching as that is, it's good to know that he is aware of what's going on around him now. This week Bob has some leakage of bile from his lower intestine and a fistula has developed. fis·tu·la (fĭs'chə-lə) n., pl. -las or -lae (-lē').

An abnormal duct or passage resulting from injury, disease, or a congenital disorder that connects an abscess, cavity, or hollow organ to the body surface or to another hollow organ.

The fistula runs from the leak to his main incision (upward)...the leakage for unknown reasons is not following the path of his drains.  The leakage as far as where it is specifically coming from and why is unknown to the surgeons.  However, they are not overly concerned about the fistula at this point and are optimistic that it can heal without intervention.  Plus at this this point in time, surgery to address the issue is out of the question as Bob is to weak to endure another surgery.  So, keep your fingers crossed that this will heal on its own. Bob is still on the ventilator.  Medical staff reports that he is initiating breathing on his own, but it's not yet strong enough to blow open the bronchioles.  Likely the doctors will try removing the ventilator for an hour at a time and monitor his blood oxygen levels.  The next time they will let him breath on his own for a longer period of time and keep doing so until he's able to fully and productively breathe on his own.  This process will take a week to two weeks. Since Bob has gained consciousness, nurses have asked him on multiple occasions if he's in any pain and each time he has said no.  It's possible his pain meds can be reduced which should help him get his wits about him a bit more and allow him to work more on things like sitting up and focusing on breathing. Lori is going to stay in Columbia with Bob through the weekend as she feels she is able to push him along better and wants to avoid him losing ground with the progress he's made. This is definitely the best news we've received so far in over a month.  While he's making progress, the reality is Bob's trials are just beginning.  He's got a long road to get rehabilitated and fully functioning.  Well wishes, support and prayers are now more important than ever. Here is the URL again to send patient email directly to Bob: https://secure.muhealth.org/getwell/email.shtml Here is the address to the hospital for cards/flowers, etc: University Hospital One Hospital Drive Columbia, MO 65212 Thanks all! Cards Fan Springfield, MO loseSMART!  loseSTRONG!

# Little Words....BOB IS AWAKE!!!!!!!! Thats CF... OK Guys..Lets redouble the good thought s pointed at Bob Russ

EXCELLENT NEWS!!!!!  GOD IS GOOD!!!!!             

PRAISE GOD!............God is good . That is great news, He (God) is not done with brother Bob yet!
I well keep the prayers going for a full recovery!

WELL, I THINK THIS A RED LETTER DAY THEN.  I, FOR ONE HAVE BEEN WORRIED!  I CAN ONLY IMAGINE THE PRESSURE THAT THIS HAS PUT ON ALL YOU GUYS THAT HAVE UPCOMING SURGURIES.  BOB IS A GREAT GUY, AND THIS REALLY MADE MY DAY.  I WAS IN A PRETTY BAD MOOD!  NOW MY SPIRITS ARE UPLIFTED. FOR ME THE SURGURY WAS THE BEST DECISION OF MY LIFE.  I HAD A GREAT SURGEON, WHOM I DID A TON OF RESEARCH ON BEFORE HAND.  I HAD THE SUPPORT OF MY WIFE AND FAMILY, AND THOSE AT WORK.  I WISH EVERYONE COULD HAVE THE EXPERIENCE THAT I HAD. HERES TO YOU BOB KEVIN HODGES

Thanks CF, this is a great first step to recovery.  We will certainly continue to pray.  Thanks for your diligence. Greg

 

GREAT NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Made my day.  I know he's got a ways to go but this is tremendous.  Thanks CF for the update.  Prayers and good thoughts continue.  Can't wait to see him back here posting away. 

Brian

Yeehaw! Come on Bob! Thanks, CF for the great news and for keeping up with Bob's condition.

Dave 

Thanks for the News! It’s a Great start. Long road ahead, but it’s beginning. Thank you for keeping in touch up there. Best Wishes- Dx

That’s great news, my wife and I think and talk about Bob almost every day hoping that he is doing better. We will continue to sent positive thoughts to him and his family, and pray that this is just the start of more good news. Thanks for keeping us posted my friend. Alan