He went into the operating room at 9 o'clock this morning and 12 hours later, it was finished. Prayers and hopes were heard and that wonderful, blessed man lived. He made it! He was on the table for the fourth time and his heart is still pumping! Even Dr. Dory acknowledged how miraculous this was. Apparently the tissue around the aorta was so weak, if they had waited even one more day, the pseudo aneurysm would have burst and started bleeding into his right atrium. They also didn't find any active infection, and while that means we can't ID the bacteria, it also means that whole month on antibiotics and hanging out in the hospital was worth it. However, Dr. Doty did mention that his lungs looked "angry" because they had been overcompensating for so long. We were happy and hoped to see him tonight, but were soon informed that his lungs were worn out from all the extra work they'd done and that they're saturated with a bunch of extra liquid from the operation. They were working so poorly that they actually had to reopen his chest to hook him up to a heart and lung machine. His heart is pumping and repaired and working well, but his lungs just aren't getting enough oxygen to him, so they're using this machine to oxygenate his blood and give him a break. As soon as they got that all set up, his oxygen levels shot up and his blood pressure stabilized. Dr. Doty wants him on the machine for 48-72 hours to let the lungs recover. In the meantime, he's unconscious in the ICU and his chest is opened but covered. Lots of tubes. Kind of crazy.
Getting to see him tonight was humbling...as we left last night he said he would see us tonight, but touching him and talking to him tonight without having his outreach in response was a little sad, even though he's stable and being looked over by very competent staff. Mostly though, we are so so grateful for the absolute miracles accomplished by modern medicine, for the doctors and nurses working so diligently for him, and especially for all of you. For the fasting and the prayers and the outreach and the hugs and the good company and for every every kind action we have been the recipient of. We love you! We pray that like us, your burdens are a little less heavy today than they were yesterday. We are excited and hopeful for what's to come with Tony and trust the hands of the doctors and the Lord that are keeping him well. We'll keep you updated ☺️
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