Such good news for Bud! And I'm with Tally... these days many procedures that were once difficult, have become so routine. Andrew - I am so sorry that even after your surgery that you continue to have problems. Maybe your Dr. will choose to remove all the rods and such and that will make all the difference. Even when I don't see you post regularly, you are still on my mind from time to time. Hopefully the day isn't too far off when you can say how great you are doing. You certainly aren't alone with having a slow bloom season. The weather has been so weird this summer. Really, I shouldn't complain because it has made working at the plant farm so much more pleasant, yet.......... well, ya know! :) Oh yeah... please don't feel like you should carry any responsibility for some of the "debates" around here. Someone could post that the sky is blue and it would turn into a discussion on why you are wrong about that. Or maybe be asked to post evidence that it is true. Whatever, right? Don't let that kind of stuff keep you away. We need you here! :)

Mellisa is at home. The surgery went well. She was in a lot of pain and had a difficult time breathing. They did keep her on oxygen until, I think it was Saturday. They also left the drainage tube in until Saturday, and altogether (surgery and post op) about 1000 cc of fluid was drained. Lab was done and no infection or bacteria found. She was discharged yesterday, and her husband and two of the kids (teen age daughter and step daughter) made the trip home with her. Thank you so much for all the prayers and good wishes. They help more than anything! Next hurdle is to find out if this will be successful long term.

I say prayers for everyone in that situation whenever I am reminded of them. Like I said, I was only at the blood center and the families and friends all touched my life. It was scary at times, especially when he had a fungal infection that was not responding to antibiotics. His flesh was coming off and they didn't know what it was until the culture came back. Once they got the right stuff treating it, everything turned around. That was the infection that delayed his transplant, but as I said, he is nearly ready to return home now and was able to drive out for the day on Thanksgiving. It was great. I wish I could be there in person so you could see and feel the hope. I'll send all I can by angel wings.

It is troubling to be facing major challenges, happy2b...gw. I hope that you find the wisdom, courage and strength, possibly including looking at things from a somewhat different perspective, if such may be useful, that you need to come to the best possible resolution. Glad that you have some good news, at the moment. Sending good thoughts and hopes for your future, and offering some prayers on behalf of all involved. ole joyful