OK! All sorts of news. At 2130, we went down to recovery to talk with Dr. J and see Minnie. She was awake, and hurting pretty good. Obviously this was a long day for the O.R. staff, and apparently Minnie gave a little scare. They found a lot of fused bone when they got in there, which was seen on the imaging, but I gather the fused bone was more extensive than expected. Much of her rib cage was fused together, which explains why she has been a stomach breather. She can’t expand her chest when she breathes. He cut much of the fusion out, freeing the ribs from one another, and also from the vertebrates, which allowed him to get to the discs and get some correction. During this work, the spinal monitoring went out (stopped reporting that limbs were getting signals from the brain). For the following two hours, he exposed the spine looking for an issue. We’re still not sure what the problem was or why it got better, but monitoring returned and she’s moving all her toes and fingers now. Because we don’t know exactly what was going on during this time, she may take some time to regain strength due to strain on her spinal chord. We could see upwards of three months for her to regain full strength; or as little as one week.
When the doctor started cutting away the grown over bone on the spine and rib cage, the anesthesiologist asked “What are you doing to her lungs? She’s breathing much easier!” Apparently, the new thoracic elasticity allows her to take in a chestful of air, where before she was only able to take a half breath, using her stomach. This is really exciting, but unfortunately will likely not last, since her ribcage is likely to fuse again. We’re hoping that the unlikely will happen and the ribs will stay independent.
Rachel is concerned about the amount of work that has been done, and asked if how she’ll be feeling in the next few days, and was told she’ll feel like a train ran over her, which sounds about right.
So, roughly 11 hours of surgery plus 2 and a half hours of prep and recovery, and she’s back in her room now. Already asking for ice chips, and rather upset that they won’t let her roll over yet. She’s really puffy from all the fluids, but really has her wits about her, which surprises me. I expected her to be in recovery for a really long time due to the amount of time being under. This is the third surgery she’s had at this hospital, and they must do something different here, because she seems to recover from the sleepy juice sooner.
So, we’re in for a long night, but I’m encouraged by what the surgeon reported, and how Minnie is talking.
Thank you so much for all your prayers! Please, don’t stop now. We’re looking forward to getting her home and reconciling our family.
The Lord is amazing! Thank you so much for the update. We will continue to pray for Minnie’s comfort and recovery and that The Lord will continue to meet all your needs.
Lots of Love,
The Duncan Family
Josh…..I haven’t gotten to meet you yet, but my husband and I have been best friends with Greg and Suzie for 28 years! I have had the privilege of meeting Rachel several times and Minnie just recently. Just want to thank you for the wonderful update. We have been praying so hard today….and that includes the group of ladies from our quilt ministry (that made the prayer quilt for Minnie). And we will continue to be praying for the long road to recovery. And BTW, you said you weren’t sure why the feeling came back during surgery to the spine…..WE know! Prayer works miracles. And we will pray that the miracle now will be for the ribs to stay “unfused”.
Hug your precious wife and gently give Minnie our love. Hope to get to meet you soon….Love and prayers, Diane
Thank you for the update Josh. It sounds like this was a successful surgery even with the difficulties! Love you guys, hope you are home soon and Minnie is back to her shining little self.
I think it was successful. Unfortunately, it may be a little too early to be certain though. When she’s able to walk, I think I’ll be certain then.
Hi Son……Seems to me, we have seen Gods touch on this little girl many times in the past, and I am confident that we shall see His healing and His comfort this time too. Your Mother and I continue to pray for you and yours……we love you. Give Rach and Tyler Man hugs for us and maybe a little kiss for Mini…Mema&Papa
Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
Rogers Family, You all are so inspiring! God has used you all and will continue to use through the trials and triumphs. We know how to direct our prayers now. Wish we were there to get you a Starbucks 🙂
I look forward to hearing about Min’s recovery. I know God is busy and worthy of trusting on her behalf. “How precious are Your thoughts unto me…vast…outnumber the sand..” Love to you four.
Awesome. We will be covering her in prayer today as she starts the healing process. Love you guys.
Prayers for easy and miraculous recovery and peace for all of you! We have spent some hours in that same waiting room with Dr. J doing surgery on Caden, so I could picture where you were yesterday when I prayed for you. May God supply ALL your needs, according to His riches in glory! Will continue to pray for your family. Jan Reed (Kara’s mom)
Good Morning there in Texas Praise The Lord he is able to more then we can expect, I’ve got to go now and go Bible Study so I’ll write Later.Gram & Pop
Yay! Minnie is so strong. I wil pray today all goes well.
My husband I have been keeping Minnie in our prayers. Be strong in the Lord.
Great news! Kara was checking the computer all evening last night…right up until she went to bed. She will be thrilled with this news. We are praying for you all. Can’t wait to see the picks of Minnie’s new hospital gown. Wish we were there to play a few games of “Life”. :o) Hugs to you all.
So happy to hear that surgery is over and her recovery can begin. I am so blessed to have met Rachel & Minnie a few weeks ago at the hopsital. The Rogers family has been in my thoughts & prayers ever since. Peace & love to you all!
I am going to be praying for those ribs! God worked a miracle in Caden’s bones through his ribs, he can do the same for Minnie! Josh, it was nice to meet you and Ty yesterday, and I hope to see you again soon. Give Rach a hug for me & let Minnie know that Caden is asking about her lots & praying for her. (he even got in trouble at school because of talking about her) 😉
Thanks so much for the update! The girls at the AWANA class (and their teachers!) are praying for Minnie and her family. I will be so glad when this is over for you. I know as a parent, this is very difficult. Just want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers!! Sending our love and prayers – Deborah, et al….(there are now 9 of us)
So glad God answering our prayers! Aaron always remember to pray for Minnie! We have been praying for her faithfully every night, for months now. Please tell her hello for us and that we wished her a “Happy Healing”!
Just a quick note. Minnie has been resting most of the day. When she’s up, she’s very articulate, and lets us know what she wants. Most of the time, she’s asking for food. Poor thing is starving, and no one wants to feed her yet! We’re hoping to get the NPO order cleared soon. She’s been having some ‘tingling’ feeling in her legs, which as the day has progressed has been less and less of her legs. Also, one of her feet is tapping involuntarily, which is very disconcerting for her. They just gave her an infusion of plasma due to the blood loss coming through the chest tube (they opted for plasma over blood because her blood counts all look really good still). Nursing staff is doing an awesome job making sure she’s shifted regularly.
Day one is almost over, I’m hoping she has a good night tonight.
Kara will be sure to bring a big bag of gummy bears the next time we see Minnie! Keep up the good work Minnie! We are praying!