"To live by faith means to have a quiet reliance upon God to provide a solution, a firm assurance that God planned this for me and that he could stop it at any time, a constant surrender to God even when everything looks bad, waiting for God to act, without saying, 'How long?' "
A dear friend emailed us the above quote that Dad shared with her many years ago. How fitting that she was able to encourage him with the same words. God is good.
By all accounts, today was a good day. Dad's neurosurgeon even used the word "good" when talking about his progress. On that note, he ordered up an angiogram (http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/Angiogram) for tomorrow. We are interested to see the results...whether they can find the anuersym, a different source of the bleed, or anything. It is starting to seem like spontaneous combustion of some kind (our editorial thoughts) and we are learning that every answer to any question about the brain is "There's a lot about the brain we don't know." Luckily, Dad refrained from asking the doctor why he went to medical school.
The headaches still come and go (more coming than going) but it seems like the doctors are figuring out a good pain medication regimen. Nothing eases them completely, but dad has more good moments than he's had in days. It's dad's third spasm-free day...much praise to God!!
Before we arrived this morning, the speech pathologist came in to perform the cognitive testing. After Dad whizzed through the first few questions, he hijacked the test by insisting they discuss her favorite Chicago restaurants (I guess she was a native). From what I understand, he navigated her all through Little Italy and Greektown...with a stop by Morton's. She got the picture and decided he didn't have to explain how to make change from a dollar. Kidding aside, we completely realize that Dad seemingly has lost none of his mental capacity (insert joke.) Statistically, this is unheard of and we can only point to God's goodness and grace as the source of this blessing.
The brain catheter is officially clamped, meaning that he is now regulating cerebral pressure on his own. His numbers have looked very normal so far...yea!!! If the angiogram comes back without anything alarming, it's possible that the brain drain could be removed sometime later this week.
Dad is sleeping okay...not great, but it is the Trauma ICU unit after all...not exactly sleep conducive conditions. He is cared for by the most amazing team of doctors and nurses whom we've come to adore. (Kari is giving them all Easter baskets, which we're hoping helps continue his excellent quality of care.)
I cannot say it enough times...each email & post bring Dad joy beyond what you can imagine. As I hope you can tell, his sense of humor is intact and he is hanging tough. God is using each of you in the blogosphere to lift his spirits, remind him of his Savior's promises, and provide him with a tangible source of love. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts and may God richly bless you.
As you lift up Dad before the Lord, please pray:
*no complications with the angiogram
*doctor's wisdom in reading the angiogram
*good rest
"When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet." Proverbs 3:24
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7 comments:
Hey Brother - you cannot imagine how hard it is to not be with you. Carla & Coley called me on their way home tonight to give me the update. When Carla told me you were spasm free again I was amazed. Why are we amazed when God answers our prayers? Is there anything bigger than God? Absolutely not!
I am committing the angiogram to prayer as well as 'tube removal' and a private room. I'm hoping to do an 'in' and 'out' to Dallas in the next week.
The greatest way we can stand for God is on our knees. I am on my knees tonight.
I love you
Dear Chris and Nicole and Carla and all,
Nicole, I laughed that I had to be in the "certain age group" as I consider myself quite computer literate but had not yet moved into blogs. I am now proud to be a blogger and thank you for your direction. In trying to setup, I accidently setup a blog site using my real email account which I didn't want to use. But then I figured it out and now have my new gmail account, Annette5000, do you like it? So this is my first blog and now I can track my kid's activity better when blogging begins for them, so thanks again for giving me new parental tools for potential future necessity for my 12 and 14 year old who are still currently so good, knock on wood!
Did you say that these could be long?
Dear Chris, I am thrilled to follow your progress and my prayers are so with you! I won't even begin to try and quote you some good scripture as you are married to the best one! Anytime I have questions, I just remember Carla's 97% biblical knowledge and go straight to her as my source. I can only say that your family is a tremendous inspirational example of faith, love and prayer. Way to be the father and husbnad of such a great family! May God keep you from complications, give the doctors wisdom and give you rest. God bless you abundantly! (I have also wondered through experience what doctors do learn in school! Not that I don't then have immediate appreciation for them)
Dear Carla, I am blessed to know you. My prayers for you are God's comfort, strength and perseverance. Can we have Dr. Pentecost pray for Chris in our class? I look forward to seeing you Wed and in case you don't make it, I will type away as fast as I can.
May God's healing hands continue resting on Chris.
Much love in Christ,
Annette
(I tried to make "annettethelettietherottenspaghetti"
my gamil account but it said it was too long. That is what my brother used to taunt me with. And now our dog is named Lettie. AnNette rhymes with Lettie to make it work.)
Chris and family-
We are praying for the specific requests today and know, with confidence, that we "who trust Him wholly will find Him wholly true." Another hymn text that has gone through my mind for you these past days is from "Jesus Lover of My Soul." "Other refuge have I none; hangs my helpless soul on Thee; Leave, ah! leave me not alone, Still support and comfort me. All my trust on Thee is stayed, All my help from Thee I bring; Cover my defenseless head with the shadow of Thy wing." The defenseless head part seems very appropriate!
We love reading the blog updates...I'm assuming Nicole is writing them. She has a wonderful gift for writing. If she ever wants to publish a book, I have connections!
Constantly praying,
Susan Jahns
Dear Team Galanos...Seems impossible that it is "fun" to read your medical report/blog..but Nicole, you make it sound like fun. Just an indication of the grace we are praying for for each of you.
This morning I read this verse..."If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." I couldn't help but focus on the "fellowship with one another" even on this blog as we march day by day on this new journey.
You all are such examples of God's children...and know that we are praying for today's angiagram ..both for the test and the Doctor's diagnosis; as well as NO SPASMS, the mystery ailments.
Will miss seeing your smiling faces today...think about another picture once we get that brain drain out...
Love to each of you...Gwynne and Don
Hi Galanos family,
Deana forwarded me Brad's e-mail. It has been a long time since we've seen you, but you always have such a special place in our hearts.
We were surprised to hear about your hospitalization. It sounds as if you are doing well, and we wish you a speedy recovery.
Chris, as I have read this blog and seen the postings from Nicole and the comments back to you, I feel that I have received such a blessing! I want to send you words of comfort and encouragement, yet I am the one comforted and encouraged just by reading your daughter's words. Even in this time of trial, you all are such a testimony! it is such a blessing to see the love and faith and strength of your family.
Ray and I will continue to read about your progress and we will pray for you and your family.
Love,
Owana Been
Well sounds like we're moving right along! It's 11:19 and reading about those restaurants made me hungry. I wish I could pass some of my appetite to you, Chris! Ha ha... I pray for all of yall (doctors and nurses included) every time you cross my mind which is a lot. Soooo much love for the Galanos (Rowell) family!!!!!!!!! Shack
Dear Chris,
Numbers 6:25-26 is my prayer for you daily. I print off the blog and take it to Mother in rehab. Thanks to Nicole for providing the updates and scriptures. She does have a gift for documentary non-fiction and editorial commentary. You are all precious, Niesha
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