FRIDAY + SATURDAY - POST SURGERY

Dean went into surgery on Fri., 8/1 at 12:35am. The surgeon called me upon completion of his procedures at 5:35am. All went as expected. No surprises. Pressure is released, and rods are in place. It took an add'l 1 1/2 hrs to finish and get him into a recovery room in SICU. Dean was sedated & intubated when I got to his room. He continues to be today. They do lighten his sedation to check his alertness and for any movement. They keep him intubated so his lungs and diaphragm do not peter out. The accident and the surgery were very traumatic. He is still very swollen from the surgery & it will take time for his body to heal from the surgery, so we are not expecting a miraculous and quick change to his condition. Time is our friend in this case.

Mitchell has been my rock since we got to the hospital, by my side. McKenna and Patrick drove through the night (while Dean was in surgery). As soon as I saw Dean in his post-op recovery room, I went home to greet our daughter and fill her in. We spent the day at the hospital watching nurses, respiratory therapists, and doctors come in and out, taking care of Dean's various needs. We occasionally got to see him open his eyes. He seemed to realize we were there when we talked to him by scrunching up his eyebrows.

Today (Sat) was more of the same, but also a bit better. I got to his room by 7 am eager to visit with the neurosurgeon on his rounds. I sat with Dean. I prayed over him the prayers that friends and family had sent. I smothered his forehead with kisses and shared my thoughts of how we were going to tackle what was ahead of us with determination, persistence and faith.

The surgeon came in; explained so much to me about Dean's condition and what it was going to take. The doctors did what they knew to do for Dean. The rest is up to Dean's body to heal.

Dean opened his eyes more today. He opened them every time we talked to him. He tries to talk and respond to us but those darn tubes are in his way. I can see his frustration. He is trying so hard.

Mitchell brought in the Bose speaker today, & we played some 80's hairband music most of the day. (He plays this loudly every day in the shower at home!) I even asked him one time to squeeze his eyes shut hard if he wanted me to play more 80's hairband. He squeezed them!

He has great nurses at Sanford. They are patient with me and my questions and my concerns. They are so kind and gentle. I am so happy with our care, and feel we have the most amazing surgeons and doctors so far.

Mitchell, McKenna, Brett and I are so thankful for the many gifts, food, visits, texts, calls and prayers from so many. We are blessed with so many friends, co-workers and our doting family. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

We will get through this, whatever is in front of us. Dean has more determination and "get up n go" than anyone I know, and as soon as he is off the meds and off the vent, watch out! If anyone can overcome this, Dean will!