family fun...

There's just nothing in the world like spending the day with the girls when they're feeling a bit slap happy. Laura had never been to Fargo's, a local pizza parlour, so we headed there for lunch. It's a fun place with a lot of atmosphere (including a player piano in the background.) We decided to splurge and sample their famous desserts...hot fudge sundaes with homemade ice cream for most of us and a chocolate fudge cake sundae for Bethany and grandma to share. They were massive, but we managed to get them down. (Actually there was more whipped cream than anything else which made them look so much bigger than they were.) Afterward the girls and I made a Target run. They scurried around the store like little ants. I'd send them to find something and their laughter was heard aisles away!! It's music to my ears when they're having fun like that. Having never had sisters of my own, this is how I always imagined it could be. We have a great time together and they're wonderful about including me in their silliness. (If I close my eyes I can pretend just for a short time that I'm a teenager again.) Tonight I'm smiling as I listen to them playing music, sharing secrets, and laughing. And I'm reminded once again why Brian and I prayed for daughters so many years ago.

Happy Anniversary, BA!!!

Hard to believe Brian and I have been married 24 years today! We took the girls out to dinner tonight to celebrate and we reminisced about how we gathered all the change we could find to be able to afford ice cream sundaes on our first anniversary. Amy said if that's all we could afford then but tonight we had a nice dinner, just think what we'll be able to do when we hit 50 years! (We gently let them know that our 50th was on them!) It's been a good 24 years. I wouldn't trade my guy for anyone else in the world. Here's to many, many more good years ahead. Love you, BA!

Happy Birthday Jesus!!!!

What a wonderous thing to behold-this Christ child who was born for ME (and for you, too!)

Prayers answered...

After reviewing Amy's charts and looking at her foot, the first thing this new Dr said was, "You're so lucky you were able to avoid amputation!" We, of course, know luck had nothing to do with it! God was in perfect control the whole time we were dealing with wound issues; we're so thankful for so many prayer warriors who have been with us along the way. This Dr isn't convinced Amy has RSD after all. He'll do a lumbar injection procedure in January. The length of time between the procedure and when the pain returns will tell him what he's actually dealing with and how to proceed with treatment. He put her on two new prescriptions also. One of them should have immediate, positive results and if we don't see them within 5 days, she's to discontinue taking it. That's ok with her; she hates taking medication! But if it helps, I imagine she'll be thankful for it. Dr Brewer said his goal is to help her find her way back to the things she wants to do such as culinary school. He's conservative with treatment yet confident that he can help her find a positive quality of life. He wants her to have the chance to live a more normal life than the one she's had for the past 19 months. So now we take it one step at a time, again! Bear with us and check back for updates as we know more. Thanks!

happy 56th anniversary mom & dad!!!

Fifty six years...wow! Most of us can't even begin to fathom a 56th anniversary. Brian and I are blessed that both of our sets of parents have passed the golden anniversary mark, and what an amazing thing that is in this day and age. Today we went to church with my mom & dad and then out to eat afterward. I was so proud to tell people of the significance of this day. What a great example they've set for us. Way to go, seniors! May we all be so blessed. I love you!

wound free...

It might not look like it, but this is a wound free ankle. We're now dealing with just a scab/scar instead of an open wound. Amy was thrilled to shower with no bag over her foot! Now we can start smearing it with lotion and getting the skin around the area healthy again. Progress is being made!

YES!!!

Although we have a follow-up appointment scheduled in January just in case we need it, we've been officially released from the wound healing center. When Dr Jain cleaned out the area there was skin underneath and no actual open wound! We have to keep it covered for a couple more weeks as a precaution, but for the first time in almost 5 months she can shower without a bag on her foot. To a 17 year old, that's huge!! The most fun part of the visit was when Dr Jain wore the "rock star scrubs" that his office gave him last year as a gag for Christmas. Amy had been giving him a hard time for weeks about wanting to see them, so just before he came into the room today he changed into them. Talk about bling...what a riot! He was a great sport. We'll miss everyone at the wound center, but it feels really, really good to know the worst is over. Now if we can only get some relief with the RSD when we see the Dr in Denver next Tuesday. To our many diligent prayer warriors, thanks for sticking with us for so long. You're awesome!

finally!

Finally it seems we're all healthy. Laura woke up with energy to burn, Bethany went back to school and is already making up missed finals, and the rest of us are still going strong. Now let's keep it that way!

here we go again...

Just as Laura is beginning to feel a tiny bit human again, Bethany is now down for the count. Finals start tomorrow and she's pretty upset that she'll miss them, so we're praying for a snow day. Don't laugh...this is Colorado. It could happen!

there's no place like home...

Nothing like having your daughter come home after a grueling semester and finals only to get the flu. Laura has been really sick today...ALL day! Because she rarely gets this sick, it's been pitiful and she seems rather clueless about how to deal with things. The silver lining? At lease she isn't still at school where she'd have to get down from the top bunk and run 2 doors down to the bathroom. She never would have made it! I'm sure tomorrow will be a better day. She sure can't take another one like this!

the end is in sight...

Today Dr Jain decided that next week will probably be our last visit at the wound healing center. He was really pleased with how things looked. He did scrape some of the dead tissue out which Amy tolerated well, but other than that there wasn't much he could do. New this visit was substantial swelling to the right of the wound which is extremely painful to the touch. Unfortunately this is probably a symptom of the RSD that we still need to see the Dr in Denver for on the 23rd. So while we're conquering one medical issue, we still have a tough one ahead. I'm not sure Amy feels like we're making a lot of progress since we still have issues to figure out, but to the rest of us it's just amazing to think of how far we've come. Please continue to pray for Amy and for all of the medical personnel involved in her care. We couldn't do it without their skill and love for what they do. And while we don't necessarily understand why Amy is having to go thru this, perhaps someday as we look back it will all make sense. And if we never know the answers this side of Heaven, that's ok, too. God's perfect plan is unfolding as it should.

in the nest...

Once again, my chicks are all in the nest. Laura arrived home from school today for her Christmas break. She has a rather uncomfortable cold, but at least she's home. A few of mom & dad's hugs, some much needed sleep, and some home cooking ought to do the trick. Welcome home, sweetie! ily

it's not supposed to be this way...

Honestly, we never imagined when we first began treatments at the wound healing center that the staff working there would become friends. But after 2-3 trips a week for several months, how could it be otherwise? We adore the staff and as we near the end of treatment it's starting to sink in that we won't be seeing them much anymore, if at all. And we miss them already. Thanks to these incredibly talented and awesome people. We love you and are so very thankful for each and every one of you!!!!

one step closer

Our last mist therapy treatment went well today. There was a slight scab covering the wound, but after the mist it was soft and came off easily. Amy's glad it did, because if it hadn't the Dr probably would have done some digging when we see him on Thursday. Hopefully that won't be the case now. We're so close to the end of wound treatment. Perhaps a nice Christmas present?! When we look back and compare where we are now to where we were just a month ago, it's astonishing. The power of prayer is a beautiful thing! Thanks to our many prayer warriors.

footnotes...

Wow...as you can tell by looking at the picture, the wound is looking so much better. We're almost down to just a sliver! The different type of dressing they want us to use till Monday wasn't too comfortable to peel off. We doused it with saline and that helped. Amy said several people asked about her vac today when she was working at the hospital. She loved telling them that she was done with it! I think we're finally in the home stretch with wound care. I'll be glad when she can get it wet in the shower and we can smother the skin around her scar with lotion. It's so raw and dry. I looked back at the records and realized she'd worn the wound vac almost continually for 7 1/2 weeks, 24 hours a day. That's one determined girl!

and they're off!

Our Bethany just left with her good friend, Brandon, for the JrROTC military ball at the high school. I'm not sure we were ready for this! She's growing up so fast. Thankfully, they're really good friends and we've known Brandon a long time and think he's a great guy. But both of them sure look different dressed up than they did in their track uniforms in middle school!

words can't describe...

Last night Brian and I were thrilled to attend the Trans-Siberian Orchestra show at the World Arena. It was his company's Christmas party complete with a catered dinner and box seats high above the general audience. What an amazing show! We were able to get a different perspective than most of the people attending and it couldn't have been better. Flames changing color to the tempo of the music, lasers, and fireworks were just breathtaking. From where we were seated we could watch the roadies running around backstage, yet we still had a birds eye view of the onstage show. I have to say it was unlike anything I've ever seen before and I plan to make it a Christmas tradition! The musicians were amazing and put on a breathtaking show...a full 3 hours of bliss. We're both dragging a bit today, but it was well worth it and I'd do it again in a heartbeat!

Celebrate!!!

Great news today at Amy's visit with Dr Jain. No more wound vac!!! The wound looks awesome and everyone was thrilled that we're finally nearing the end of treatment. They used a different type of dressing which we'll continue for a couple more weeks, but tomorrow I get to call the wound vac company to schedule pick-up of the supplies we still have on hand. We still have one more mist therapy on Monday. We'd hoped we were done with that as well, but we can live with just one more. I think the Dr anticipates we'll be home free by Christmas. Unfortunately, that's when we'll just be getting started with the new pain management Dr in Denver. Our prayer now is that there's an easy, painless, quick way to deal with her RSD and that we won't have to make a lot of trips to Denver. The good news is that the semester is almost over and even if we have lots of appointments ahead she won't miss much school since she'll have a lighter load beginning in January. It's been a long haul since our journey began with the first surgery in June of 2007. Brian jokes that I should have an RN degree by now with all Amy and I have been thru together. But I know that if I weren't taking care of my own child, I could never do what the nurses do on a daily basis. The whole staff at the wound healing center has been amazing and we're blessed to know them. In the picture above is Bill, the wonder nurse, Dr Jain, and Amy. Lots of laughs when they're all in the same room!

I have bling!

I just got home from the oral surgeon's office where Bethany had some work done. She has a tooth that has been ready to pop thru the gum for months now but has stubbornly refused to do so. The orthodontist finally sent us to have it exposed and a bracket attached so he could begin to pull it into place. They also attached a gold chain that will be used in the process over the next few visits. Bethany's first words after surgery..."I have bling!" She's going to a dance Friday night and decided to have fun with the idea of a gold chain. Think anyone will notice?!

onward we go...

We checked the wound today and the macerated tissue was much better, so we were able to put the wound vac back on. There was enough skin growth over the original wound that the actual area to dress was much smaller. The skin around the wound is still in miserable condition...very dry and raw. I'm not sure how much more her skin can take. But we're so very close to the end and Amy just wants to be done. She's willing to endure whatever it takes to make it thru. On Thursday we see the Dr again and we're supposed to give Amy hefty pain meds beforehand so he can clean out the wound again. Ouch! Please keep praying for our girl. We're so thankful for each and every prayer lifted up on her behalf.

Thanks, Bill!

We just came from another mist therapy treatment...probably Amy's last one. The skin around her wound is a bit macerated (think "water-logged" i.e. after a long bath when the skin is white), so we're leaving the wound vac off for at least one more day. If it's better tomorrow we can put it back on. If not, we'll see what the Dr says on Thursday at our next appointment. Meanwhile, we wanted you to meet one of the world's most awesome nurses, our sweet friend, Bill. He's been with Amy every step of the way since she began treatments at the wound healing center. He cares so much for Amy and always makes sure she's getting the very best care. He's gone the extra mile for her many times, and we appreciate him (and all of the nurses there) so very much.

a long, long, long day...

We left this morning for what is normally a routine 3 hour round trip when we took Laura back to school. Seven hours later we finally made it back. Those blizzard conditions and that 5 mph traffic didn't stop Brian as he braved the icy roads. Several times we were at a dead stop for 15-30 minutes for no apparent reason, but still we made it home. Honestly, we were quite surprised that I-25 wasn't closed. A word to the wise...pay attention to traffic conditions in Colorado! A winter storm advisory is nothing to laugh about around here!!!

the good and the bad

Today was a dressing change day, and we found both good and bad results. The wound itself looks better, thankfully. But I just couldn't bear to put the wound vac back on once I got a look at the skin around her wound. The drape used to protect her skin while the vac was doing its job caused major irritation and it was practically raw. We're not due to go back to the wound healing center till Monday, so we made an executive decision to apply the type of dressing she used previously until then. For two whole days she gets to be untethered...no wound vac to haul around. (Have I ever mentioned that she named her wound vac "Bennie", short for Ben Dover?!!) She's pretty happy about being unencumbered. You'd think she'd want to go dancing or something. Instead she and her sister are curled up on the sofa watching an old Esther Williams movie! Laura leaves tomorrow to head back and face finals at the CO School of Mines, so a mindless evening is just what she needs right now.

Happy Turkey Day!

God has been amazing and generous with our family this year. We have so many reasons to be thankful, beginning with the remarkable progress we're seeing daily in Amy's wound healing. It's been a long, long haul for Amy, but when we stop to consider the trials others are facing, we know things could be so much worse. From the beginning Amy has kept things in the proper perspective as she reminds me that Christ suffered with wounds so much more horrible--just so He could save us from our sins and cleanse us white as snow. We can never fully comprehend what He went thru for us, and the amazing part is that not only did we not deserve it, but He would have done it if we'd been the only one on earth. So very humbling. So yes, Amy has had to deal with a lot but in comparison, it's just a "mere flesh wound!"
We're thankful for Dr's and nurses and other medical personnel who have been so tender-hearted and loving. We're thankful to have food on the table and a warm home where we can gather this holiday. We're thankful for the many, many prayer warriors who have kept us close in heart--many whom we don't even know! And we're thankful for friends and family, both near and far, who make our lives complete. May God richly bless you this day.

bliss...

The family is all under one roof again, and it's pure sweet bliss.

chicks in the nest

In just a few minutes Laura will be home for Thanksgiving, and I can hardly wait. Callen and Holly are staying the night and then continuing on to Oklahoma, so they still have a long drive ahead of them. But all of my chicks will be in the nest tonight. These are the only times I turn off my cell phone at night. It's a good feeling to not keep one ear tuned at all times to that thing. Brian and Amy just took off to pick up a pizza for the crew. It's 10:30 at night! Oh, to be young again. If I ate spicy food at this hour I'd be up all night, but at their age I guess I could eat anything, anytime and still sleep like a baby. I don't feel old, but I guess I am!

Progress...

Another mist treatment down. and again I'm amazed at how much better the wound looks just since we changed the dressing on Saturday. It was a bit trickier to put the drape around the edges today since they're uneven as they close in. I hate to put it over the tender new skin, but if I don't and the sponge dressing touches it that's not good, either. The original area (bottom right) is almost completely covered over, which just amazes me. We prayed for miracles, and we're seeing them daily. We won't see the Dr this week since he's normally only in the wound healing center on Thursdays and that's "turkey day" this week. I'll be eager to hear what he thinks next week for sure.
Amy is fairly certain she's going to go to CSU next year and defer her enrollment at Johnson & Wales for a year. I'll let her sleep on that decision before we start the ball rolling. The admissions office at J & W has been wonderful at trying to accommodate the uncertainties we're dealing with. This has been a hard decision for Amy as culinary arts has been her dream and passion for awhile now. But God is making a different path clear to her for now. Perhaps it's just a detour, perhaps not. Only time will tell. She seems to be at peace with her decision.
On a good note, we now have an appointment with the specialist in Denver on 23 December. I was thankful to get things scheduled when she'd be out of school so she wouldn't have to miss anymore classes. By then she'll be done with this semester and beginning in January she'll only take one class a day. We're praying that as she allows more healing time, things will happen even quicker and soon this will all be just a fading memory. It can happen!

Light at the end of the tunnel

We just changed the wound vac dressing, and even though this one has only been on for 48 hours, it's amazing what a difference there is. Yes, there's still an open wound. But it's so much smaller and the granulated tissue looks so much better. Amy said she won't feel like progress is made till the wound is closed, but her dad and I are hopeful that the end is finally in sight. For a long time it seemed like we were getting nowhere, and now there's visible progress with each dressing change. It'll happen, Amy! Her admissions packet came from Johnson & Wales today and we found out she was accepted into the honors program. Bittersweet.

A warped sense of humor...

So, God has a sense of humor and He thinks we do, too. In the past 48 hours our sweet little beagle, Annie, has been making her presence known all over the carpet--even right after she's been outside. We thought she was being defiant, and I have to say that we were NOT amused! Turns out she's been sensing our concerns over Amy's medical issues and the result was a bladder infection. The vet said it was her way of coping with our issues. Wow, do I feel bad for being irritated with her last night. Sorry, Annie pup. I really do love you! I'd love you even more if you would clean the carpet for us.

celebrate!!!

Praise God, it's been an awesome afternoon! Amy and I just returned from the Dr visit where he cleaned out her wound. If you'll recall, we had to dope her up beforehand because it was expected to be excruciatingly painful. And if you ask Amy, she'll tell you that was no lie. It was rough for sure, but she made it! No surgery #7 for now! The Dr was thrilled with how things look and admitted that at one time he'd been rather frustrated because it wasn't healing as it should. But today he was very optimistic and doesn't think she'll even need a skin graft. The wound is smaller and almost flush with the edges. The wound vac is definitely doing what it's supposed to. Finally we can see light at the end of the tunnel. Now we just need for things to happen with her RSD so she can begin to live without pain and swelling. To top it off, Amy received her acceptance today to Johnson & Wales along with a hefty scholarship offer. While culinary school is probably no longer an option, unfortunately, it was still nice to receive the acceptance. Our girl is smiling tonight. Granted, the Vicodin plays a part in that. But at least she's smiling. A special thank you to Andrew for going with us to the Dr appt. He and God made a great team today when Amy was in pain.
Thanks for your prayers and love. More updates to follow.

Momma's helper...

So much attention has been focused on Amy and her medical issues for the past 18 months. I thought it was time to thank Bethany publicly for her support along the way. She's taken over much of the responsibility for Annie and is great about helping me out when things are overwhelming. She runs errands, stays on top of things that need to be done, and gives awesome hugs. She had to grow up faster than her peers as she picks up some of the slack around here. Thanks Bethany!

A Long Anticipated Day Arrives!

It's been a long 3 1/2 years for Amy, but well worth it. Today she finally got her braces off! She said she was one of the last seniors still wearing them, so I know she's quite relieved this day finally arrived. On the way home she chewed gum and then ate tootsie rolls at the Seniors house. Tonight she's anticipating lots of popcorn! It's so nice to see her have something fun to smile about after all she's been thru. Keep smiling, Sunny! You look awesome!

Happy Birthday, my sweet Laura!

I wish you didn't have to take a Statics test this evening. Today is a day for celebration! I'm loving you across the miles and wishing you lots of laughter.

prayers please!

Amy and I just returned from the wound healing center where she had another mist treatment. The original wound area is looking so much better and skin is forming rapidly there. The part of the wound that was opened up and cleaned out during her last surgery has a lot of protein build up and it's keeping the healthy granulated tissue from rising up where we need it to be. This Thursday we have to give Amy a hefty dose of Vicodin a couple of hours before she sees the Dr. His plan is to scrape and clean as much of the wound as he can in the office. If the pain gets to be too much for Amy, however, we'll have to go back to the hospital for another outpatient surgery. This would be her 7th surgery since June of 2007. Our prayer is that Amy will be able to tolerate the procedure in the office. If only her determination were enough! The Dr said it will be a quick procedure. Amy's response was "all I have to do is keep breathing!" She's one tough girl. We know that God never gives us more than we can handle, but sometimes I wish He didn't think so highly of her!
I called the Dr in Denver today about having her seen for the RSD. There are a few dominoes that have to fall before we can make that happen, but we're hopeful things will fall in place soon. It would be great if she could be seen over the Christmas break so she won't miss more school. But at this point we'll do whatever it takes to get the help she needs. Keep checking back for updates as we find out more. Thanks again for your love and prayers.

one tough cookie

Amy is now getting by with no meds at all...not even Tylenol.  She's just so tired of taking things and is rebelling.  I can tell by watching her walk that she hurts, but she doesn't complain.  We have a lead on a pain managment Dr in Denver, so I'll give them a call tomorrow and see how quickly we can get her in.  Amy realizes her dreams of culinary school need to be put on hold for now.  She just can't be on her feet as much as that would have required.  She's working on "Plan B."  She said to me the other day, "I can glorify God no matter where I decide to go to college." She said even if her foot is miraculously healed, she's not going to second guess God's plan for her life and switch back to culinary arts.  She knows His plan is unfolding as it should.  I'm not sure I was ever so mature in my walk with Christ at such a young age (or at any age, for that matter.)  She's wise beyond her years. Thanks to everyone who is lifting her up in prayer.  We're so thankful for you!

bittersweet

It's a much quieter house this morning after all of the commotion last night.  Laura is packing up to head back to school and is already "in the zone."  It was wonderful to have her home.  There's just something about seeing with my own eyes that things are ok when they've been away.  Last year she was constantly stressed, and her healthy was often affected.  Yet she's learned to deal with that stress more effectively this year and it's amazing to see how well she's handling it (or she's just really good at faking it!)  She turns 20 on Tuesday.  No more will I be able to say I have 3 teenage daughters.  Something tells me in the blink of an eye they'll all be gone.  I need to remember to cherish these days.

Music to my ears...

Today we changed the wound vac dressing and were blown away at the changes we could see in just 2 days.  It's amazing and exciting!  Amy is now getting by on minimal Tylenol and is happy to be off of Vicodin so she can drive again;  she's a happy girl.  Her Uncle Andy is here from San Diego for the weekend and we've been laughing practically nonstop.  Laura came home, too, so I have all of my chicks in the nest for a short time, and it feels really great.  When Laura, Amy, & Bethany get together there's never a dull moment!  

Doctor's Visit

This afternoon we saw Dr Jain for the first time since surgery 2 weeks ago, and thankfully, it was a good visit.  He's extremely pleased with how her wound looks compared to what it was not long ago.  She's beginning to get some closure in areas that have a lot of granulated tissue.  The wound itself is larger than a month ago due to the surgery, but the original area is considerably smaller and that's where the skin is beginning to form.  The wound vac has been a blessing for sure.  We talked with Dr Jain about the idea of taking Amy to Children's Hospital in Denver to see someone about her RSD.  It's a totally separate issue from the wound and isn't something he specializes in.  He was very supportive and said if we want her to also be seen for her wound there in order to get comprehensive care, he'd wholeheartedly support that decision as well.  At this time we feel really good about how the wound is progressing and plan to stay the course here.  But it's nice to know he wants what's best for Amy and will back us up in whatever we decide.  Honestly, we've had awesome doctors all around.  While her body's reaction to things hasn't been normal in many ways, it's not a reflection of the care she's received.  Each and every doctor has been wonderful, and they have all adored her and loved  her way above anything we could have ever imagined.  As you continue to pray for Amy's healing, please pray for her doctors as well.  Believe it or not, they ache to think of all she's going thru, too.  All three have become friends to us along the way and we're blessed to know them. Emotionally, this has been a roller coaster week for our family.  We hit low points a couple of times, but now we're ready to pick ourselves up and get moving in the right 
direction.  Amy only has 6 more weeks in the semester.  She plans to take only 2 AP English courses next semester so she can concentrate on resting and healing.  She'll also take an online math course to "keep her finger on the pulse."  Our prayer is that God's will be abundantly clear regarding Amy's future.  I know she's tired, but she has a great 
attitude considering all she's had to deal with in the past 18 months.  Please keep lifting her up!
Our thanks to each of you.

~Patty

What's Gone On Before...

Rather than send out e-mail updates every time we have news of Amy’s progress, Laura set up this blog so you can just check it whenever you have a moment.  For those who don’t what’s going on, here’s a summary of what’s been consuming our world for almost 18 months.  In June of 2007, Amy had surgery on both feet to correct some development issues that were causing her pain.  She spent 10 weeks in casts and started her junior year in a wheelchair.  It was an exciting day when the casts came off and we thought the worst was behind her.  Unfortunately, several weeks later she still had pain and swelling in both feet.  We were sent to a pain management Dr who began nerve block injections.  While these helped short term, it soon became obvious that she needed something more.  A different drug was injected that the Dr hoped would last much longer.  Her left foot responded well, but her right foot reacted adversely to the medication and she was left with a gaping wound.  We were sent to a new Dr, this time at a wound healing center.  The thick scab that had formed was cut off in hopes healthy new tissue would begin to form.  Just a week later she had a bulging vein that required surgery before it burst and sent her to the ER.  The Dr cut it out and tied off the ends.  Unfortunately, we ended up in the ER anyway when she hemorrhaged while on a quick errand with her Dad.  It wasn’t pretty!  With that taken care of, we soon began twice weekly mist therapy treatments with occasional debridement.  All of this has been extremely painful for Amy.  She certainly never expected to have foot trouble well into her senior year, yet she was again on crutches and occasionally in a wheelchair.  Currently she’s wearing a device called a “wound vac” which creates negative pressure and pulls the unhealthy “junk” out of the wound and into a portable canister which she carries 24/7.  We’re still going to appointments at least three times a week and she’s missed a lot of class time.  Two weeks ago she had her 6th surgery, this time to open up a tunnel which had formed under her skin.  It needed to be cleaned out before infection set in.  The original wound is now much larger...about 5 cm.  But we had to take two steps back in order to move forward.  With the wound vac back on, things are finally looking much better and we’re hopeful she’s well on her way to total recovery in that area.  Unfortunately, we’re still searching for relief from the RSD (reflexive sympathetic dystrophy a.k.a complex regional pain syndrome) which developed after the initial surgery.  In other words, she still has pain and swelling issues and walking with pain has become her new “normal.”  Whew!  Now that you know what’s been going on in her world, you can check back periodically for updates if you’re interested.  Amy’s optimism in dealing with adversity has been truly inspirational.  We lift her up daily to Christ and are so thankful for each and every prayer spoken on her behalf.  Thanks for loving on her; she’s my hero!