more pain, more movement

Lots to celebrate and still lots to endure! Luke reports that yesterday, the physical therapist who worked with Jimmy before his third surgery came in to work his legs while he is recuperating in bed. She was blown away by the increased movement she is seeing in the right leg (he can now pick up that leg from the hip and knee and elevate it) and by the increased strength and response in the left leg (his movement is increasing every day and the muscles are firing). Luke stated that the improvement now from day to day is getting more dramatic and noticeable and he is looking forward to "tomorrow" knowing that each day will be better now.

In the middle of all this, Jimmy's level of pain is excruciating. The pain he is experiencing stems from the surgery itself - the muscles between his ribs where they opened his chest cavity, his lat muscles, his shoulder and neck - pretty much his entire chest cavity aches from the surgery. The dilemma is finding that good combination of pain medicine and muscle relaxer to allow him relief while still enabling him to work his muscles. The courage he is showing to everyone and the determination he has in the middle of his suffering is really inspiring. I wish you all could be there to witness it.

We appreciate your continued prayers - both Jim and Janelle get by each day relying on God's strength. While we are so encouraged by Jim's physical and mental progress, there are still many concerns for what lies ahead as they figure out day-to-day needs. Pray that they would be able to take each day as it comes and that they would find what they need for that moment in that moment.