NANCY THOMPSON BAKER's husband Jake is still hospitalized in San Angelo in critical condition with sepsis. The blood infection has spread throughout his body, and among his many symptoms is hallucinating. This makes it very difficult for NANCY, as when she leaves the room he sometimes thinks she is "lost", and he wants to go look for her. He struggles hard with nurses, who of course need him to stay hooked up to his IV and monitors. NANCY said he will have to be on IV antibiotics for at least six (6) weeks. The doctors prepared her for the possibility that the infection might get on the connections to his pacemaker. If that happens, they may have to remove it. That surgery is more difficult than implanting one, and it would have to be done here in Austin.
I caught NANCY at home this morning. She is already exhausted from going over every day.. sometimes spending the night there. She is also suffering from bone spurs on her feet. She told me that Jake's infection is extremely contagious, so they must "gown up" and wash their hands every time they enter and leave his room. Her children are trying to talk her into bringing him home and putting deadbolts on the doors so he would not wander off. Jake doesn't think he is sick, and pulls out tubes from time to time. NANCY told the nurses that he was a WWP. When asked what that was, she said he is the "World's Worst Patient". I was happy to hear a bit of humor in her voice during such a terrible time. Please hold her in your prayers as well as Jake. She asked that we please don't call her. She has enough family to keep informed that just talking wears her down. Cards would be in order. I told her to let me know if there is a drastic change for the better or worse.
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My favorite prayer warrior, JUNE HASH CURRY, is due for some heavy duty prayers herself. Next Monday, March 28th, JUNE is going to have knee replacement surgery. She still has difficulty with her back, which she has had surgery on as well. This may complicate her rehabilitation from the knee surgery. Let's send her strength and healing prayers that all goes well both with the surgery and rehab.
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Now for a little good news. JIMMY COWLISHAW sent news that his daughter, Kristi, who was Senior Master and Second in Command of the Medical Unit on Hurlburt Air Force Base in Okaloosa County, Florida, has received another advancement and will move to the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado. There she will be the "Anatomical & Clinical Laboratory Flight Chief and Squadron Superintendent" over autopsies, and reading biopsy exams. Her husband and daughter Paris will join her. He finished his medical training in Orlando, and is now a registered nurse in Cardiac I.C.U. Granddaughter Paris, age 14, now has an opportunity to get Olympic training to put her swimming talents to use.
JIM and Betty also have three sons.. Their oldest one travels a lot with an insurance company, working with disputed claims. Their middle son works from home, but JIM said he is not certain what he does. (Probably similar to a lot of my younger son's work from home..Today's technology gives opportunities to have your own business at home - with no overhead!) He said their youngest son heads up an oil company somewhere in the San Antonio vicinity.
A funny note.. JIM said his daughter called him several months ago and said, "Guess who I met today? PRESIDENT OBAMA!" He said she was really excited, but "I won't say anything more here." I took that to mean he's not a big fan of our President! Oh, well, different strokes for different folks.
May all of you and your loved ones be healthy and happy. Spring is here, and the bluebonnets are already blooming!
Peace and love,
Marilyn
