Monday, May 25, 2009

Surgery Update - (Finally)

Well, a month after entering the hospital, Judi went into back surgery around 12:30 this afternoon. She held up very well, and the team experienced no surprises as they did the procedure. They came up around 5:30 to let us know they were done and that she was fine.

This procedure stabilized the broken thoracic vertebrae with screws and rods. The injured area will grow much stronger over time as the bones fuse together. She should be able to sit up as early as tomorrow, which we are hoping will be accompanied by a huge step forward in her level of awareness.

Thanks for your prayers and support over this last month. I know we are all happy to see her get past this surgery, and are ready to see her take the next steps in her recovery.

18 comments:

  1. Jessica and Steve,
    I'm so happy to hear about the surgery finally being scheduled and completed. It sure is a relief to know this step of recovery will hopefully make her back stronger. I have thought about Judi all weekend and her upcoming surgery. Your entry yesterday "What's Important" really puts life in perspective for each one of us. Life is so short, love each other, you never know what tomorrow will bring.....

    I miss seeing Judi and Steve at Kroger on Sunday mornings! She needs to get better to take advantage of the sales. (Smiles!)

    Love Ronda J. Cheek

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  2. Jessica and Steve I am so glad Judi is on the real road to recovery. She has been in my prayers and will continue to be in them til she is able to come home and back to her old self which I feel will be sooner then we know. God bless you and Judi. Keep the faith. Your Friend Deborah Turner

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  3. Maureen, Rena and RitaMay 25, 2009 at 8:33 PM

    We are delighted to know that the surgery is over and went well. We continue to hold all of you in prayer. Your love and devotion together with God's grace are bound to restore Judi to good health. May you know God's comfort and loving companioning presence in all the days ahead.
    With love and prayers,
    Maureen, Rena and Rita

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  4. I'm so glad she finally got to have surgery! Keep us posted on how tomorrow goes! Love, Erika

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  5. Jessica and Steve,
    I am so happy the surgery went well. I have had Judi on my mind and in my prayers all weekend. This must be a big relief to the both of you. This was a giant step. Tell Judi to keep up the good work and I miss her.
    Kelly Adams

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  6. Judi,
    I know the freedom you feel riding your Harley. I used to have a motorcycle and still yearn for the joy of the ride. There is nothing freer than leaning into the curves on a tree lined road in the country on a lazy Saturday or Sunday afternoon. Like Jessica said in yesterday’s update, we don’t deny ourselves the joys this life has to offer simply because we might be taking a risk.

    Forty years ago I got thrown from a horse, hit my head on the foundation of a barn, and broke my arm. I’ve loved horses all my life, yet fear deprived me of fulfilling my dreams for decades. Now I’m back in the saddle and loving it. That longing in my soul through many apprehensive years was just confirming that I was born to ride. The pleasure I gain from riding horses has taught me that whatever risk I take is well worth it.

    I’m happy to hear your surgery went well. God is answering our prayers. My husband and I believe God for a complete turnaround. You continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.
    God bless you. Jane Jacobson WW

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  7. Steve and Jessica, I am so glad Judi's surgery went well. I know that is one hurdle you are glad to get behind you. I continue to think of you all daily and am keeping you in my prayers. Angie Jones

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  8. Steve and Jessica,
    Know that you are so relieved that the surgery is behind you. I am so glad that everything went according to plan!

    I will continue to pray for full and complete recovery and peace and patience as you go through each day ahead.

    You go Judi!!

    Gayle Crawford (WW)

    Gayle Crawford (WW)

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  9. Sounds like my girl is progressing quite nicely. God is good and prayer is powerful!

    Angela

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  10. Good Morning! It's behind you!!! Now just heal completely! We need you back in your chair at WW to inspire us!
    Mary Ellen Smith
    WW

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  11. Excellent news! So happy to hear that things went well and what a great step forward. I hope to see her soon and hope you guys are doing well.

    Liz Phillips

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  12. Glad to hear the surgery went smoothly. Another step forward. One day at a time is still okay. Go Judi! Julie S.

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  13. Dear Judi,
    My sister Libby and I send our prayers and love. It's just not the same at Augusta Oncology without your smiling face. We wish you a speedy recovery.

    Love In Christ,
    Sandra Jones (Your Chemo Patient)

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  14. Judi,
    Just wanted you to know that I am still continuing to keep you and your family close.
    What great news that the surgery is over and you can continue to heal and get stronger. Miss you and your voice at WW.
    Nancy Redd

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  15. I'm so happy for all of you guys:) This is a big hurdle down and a huge step towards Judi eventually coming home again!

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  16. We are so thankful that another huge hurdle is behind you. You are in our thoughts and prayers everyday and we patiently wait for you to return to your family, your life and your friends at WW. We need you and your amazing story to encourage us in the fights that we have left to fight! Go Judi!!
    Christine Brown

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  17. Judi,
    Yea!My thoughts and prayers are with you girl.Jess and Steve, hang in there.

    Nicki

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  18. Keep thinking positive like you've taught me. Prayer and friends' support will carry you thru this. You are an angel!

    Suzanne Shapiro - patient at Augusta Oncology

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