Will’s Recovery Process – A note from Angie

Posted by on Dec 3, 2012 in Updates | 6 Comments

We hope your week is off to a great start. Here at #GoTeamGray, we are continuing to rally behind Will and Angie in any way we know possible. Here’s a note that Angie sent out this afternoon regarding Will’s post-operative stay at the hospital thus far.

The past week has been full of ups and downs, major successes and setbacks.  Through it all Will has continued on as he did before surgery, with an incredible calmness and peace.

Wednesday

Will’s heart rate increased so they did a CT Scan.  The results of the scan showed that Will had a small blood clot and small infection in his lung.  He was put on blood thinning medication to break down the clot.

Thursday

Will had a pretty good day.  He was able to get out of bed and eat a bit.  He was still experiencing negative effects of the medication, but his heart rate decreased and it was overall a positive day.

Friday

Will had a great day.  He was able to get out of bed, eat, and took three laps around his floor.  His personality started to come back as well and he was even making jokes about how this old lady kept lapping him on his walks.

Saturday

Will had a pretty good morning, but after his walk he felt a little off.  He rested a good portion of the day, but that evening he began feeling worse.  Later on, Will starting bleeding.  It continued in different ways throughout the night.  It was by far the scariest night of my life.  It was a time that put every other day/night I’ve ever lived in perspective and I was thankful that for the previous 32 years, we had been spared a night like that night.  Will even in his fear, difficulty breathing, and difficulty speaking, was calm and articulate as he tried to communicate to the medical team what he could feel and what he needed.  At about 3am, the on-call ENT was able to come, stop the bleeding and stabilize him.  It was amazing to see her work and put to practice her skills in such an intense situation.

Sunday

Will had a better day.  He was still very weak from the loss of blood, but was able to get out of bed a bit.  He continued to have a couple episodes of blood loss last night, but nothing like Saturday.

Today

Because of the loss of blood that Will experienced over the weekend.  They decided that he needed a blood transfusion, which is happening as I type.  Please pray for this process.

Although this past week / weekend have been some of the most difficult days of our lives, we continue to be surrounded by much love and support from numerous people.  A few friends were able to come out and stay at the hospital with me during the night.  There is no way to express how much we/I needed them and how present and helpful they were.  Thank you all so much for all of your continued love in so many different ways.

This road continues to present new challenges and difficulties, but we’re here and Will is working really hard.  Saturday evening when Will was trying to sleep, which has been a great challenge, he began speaking nonsensically.  It was quite scary as he hadn’t done that for a couple of days and was receiving smaller doses of pain medicine, in the midst it, he said one thing that was clear, “Lord be with us as we patiently wait for you.”  It was a really beautiful moment.

If you would like to pray with us, please pray that…

  • Will would continue to improve each day, gaining his strength back
  • The blood transfusion would go well today
  • For wisdom for the surgeons, pulmonary team, and blood doctors as they are all trying to figure out how to treat the blood clot without causing more bleeding.  They have differing opinions and there are risks for whatever is decided.
  • For no more blood clots and no more bleeding.
  • For him to be able to sleep and to be able to eat enough calories for them to feel comfortable sending him home
  • For strength and patience

Thank you!

Angie

Summed up beautifully. The only thing we would like to add is just how stunningly beautiful it is to watch Angie care for Will. Her love and continued care is without end, as anyone who has had the privilege to spend time with her during this process will heartily agree. As for Will, his fight and determination to continue healing is absolutely humbling. His patient, deliberative, caring demeanor is present even throughout all the curveballs thrown.

Whenever you’re thinking, praying, supporting, loving, or telling the story, know that these two individuals are fantastic reflections of all the capital words: Truth, Beauty, Love, Grace, Strength, etc.

Thank you, as always, for being a part of the #GoTeamGray community.

Allison and the #GoTeamGray Core

6 Comments

  1. Michael Gray
    December 13, 2012

    I love you both

    Reply
  2. Judy Linn
    December 6, 2012

    Thank you for the updates. You and Will are in our prayers every single day. I work for a group of medical oncologists and I was telling one of them about Will’s diagnosis. He was very interested and wanted to know how both of you were doing. He then asked specifically for your name. I looked a little puzzled but then he said that he wanted to be praying for you!
    Multitudes of prayers going your way.

    Love, Judy & Don Linn

    Reply
  3. Detweilers
    December 6, 2012

    We endured a similar, gut wrenching battle with cancer. Every day has its own trials and tests. And that is the only pace you can really confront such a Herculean struggle. Love, prayers, and respect for Will and Angie. Patient and caregiver are both pushed to their limits. Lord, send them enough strength for this hour. And this day.

    Reply
  4. Salena Ortiz
    December 4, 2012

    Will and Angie,
    I have thought about you often this past week. My heart and love go out to you both in this difficult time. I will continue to pray for his healing and Gods peace! Love you bunches!
    Salena

    Reply
  5. Brian Ellsworth
    December 4, 2012

    Will & Angie,

    As I rise to begin the day, I lift you both in prayer. You are a strong couple, with God’s love, your love for each other, and the love of friends supporting your journey.

    “Lord, be with us as we patiently wait for you.” Amen.

    In Him,
    Brian

    Reply
  6. McGraths
    December 3, 2012

    Dear Will & Angie,
    As we read your updates, we’re constantly amazed at your strength and faith. We continue to pray for rest and healing.
    -Craig & Caitlin

    Reply

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