Tommy is continuing to improve in regards to the pacer. He has been able to sustain breathing with the pacer for up to three hours with some assistance from the vent. However, due to the need for continued work with the pacer, Tommy's return home has been postponed until August 27th. Also, at this time, Robyn is in the process of finding home health care for Tommy when he returns home. Please pray for discretion in finding just the right people to care for Tommy. Also, please pray that God will provide the means for having home care available. It is extremely expensive! And, Robyn and Tommy are also working out the details for transporting Tommy home. Please pray for wisdom and provision. Most of all, praise God for not only sustaining Tommy and Robyn but for giving them such grace and light in the situation! -- "Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you." Isaiah 60:1

More good news...Tommy is responding well to the pacer. He was able to successfully use it three times today. Once for 5 minutes, then 15 and finally 45 minutes. As the diaphragm is a muscle and has been out of use for the past months, it will take time to rebuild the muscle. Everyone is very optimistic that Tommy will eventually be able to breath with the pacer and without the vent for extended periods of time. Praise God for the success Tommy experienced today. Please pray for the strengthening of Tommy's diaphragm in the days ahead. -- "We live by faith, not by sight."
2 Corinthians 5:7

Robyn sent the following update on Tommy's surgery. Tommy is in the recovery room. They were able to find a spot to stimulate the diaphragm. His diaphragm is very weak from atrophy, but over time the pacer will exercise the muscle and he will be able to wean from the ventilator for longer and longer periods of time. There is a patient here that had a similar situation and is now weaning 8-9 hours a day on his pacer. This patient had added anxiety issues that I am not expecting Tommy to have so who knows how long it will take.

Praise God for the success of the surgery! Please pray for Tommy's continued recovery and for extraordinary success with the pacer. -- "...and you will praise the name of the Lord your God, who has worked wonders for you..." Joel 2:26

Good news...Tommy's surgery, to place the pacemaker on his diaphragm, is scheduled for Wednesday morning at 10:00. Also, Tommy is beginning to make longer journeys away from the hospital. Last week, He, Robyn, Mark, Vicki and Ross went to dinner and an outdoor concert. Robyn is very hard at work learning the ends and outs of nursing with the staff at Craig. Praise God for the new advances that will allow Tommy to be free of the ventilator at least some of the time! Please pray for the success of the surgery as well as strength, rest and peace for Robyn as she takes on the overwhelming task of learning so many new skills necessary for Tommy's care. --"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind conceived what God has prepared for those who love him." 1 Corinthians 2:9

Just a quick update on Tommy's surgery scheduled for today...Due to a small infection, the surgery has been postponed. They are currently planning to reschedule the surgery for July 20th or 22nd. Please pray for healing of the infection and patience for Tommy and his family. -- Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face continually. Psalm 105:4