Sorry it's been so long...

Hello friends and family!

We apologize for not updating Garrett's blog recently... we have been busy! A few weeks ago Garrett went in for his first appointment since he had been home from surgery. Everything was healing well and they decided to stick to the schedule and admit him for his first post-surgery chemo from tuesday the 16 through friday the 18th. Although it's a bummer he had to head back to the hospital, it's great that everything is still on track and the sooner he'll be done with treatments!

A great report for you all... Garrett's pathology report from the tumor that Dr. Conrad removed was great! The tumor was completely dead when they removed it. Which means... no radiation and no more surgery!!! Such a blessing to hear : ).

Now Garrett is doing 2-3 days a week of physical therapy, watching lots of the Fifa Wold Cup games (sad for the U.S.) and is heading back to the hospital on Wednesday for a 5-day chemo session. His mobility has improved a ton and he's getting much better at using the crutches around the house. Thank you for those who have visited and spent time with Garrett : ).

Hopefully it won't be this long before we update the blog again. Have a great sunday!

Finally home

Garrett and mom FINALLY got to come home yesterday (Thursday)! Recovery is a painful process in very many ways... especially with extra sores from laying in bed without moving for so long. The leg is doing well and Garrett is still on his 2 hours on and 2 hours off of the CPM (Continuos Passive Motion) Machine. Ice, physical therapy, moving positions and continuing to eat high calorie and protein foods are a part of Garrett's daily routines. Garrett is very thankful for the visitors he's had since he's been home and the family that has come to help mom out while Jim is working during the day (Garrett requires a two-person-team to help with his care).

Since climbing stairs is obviously out of the question, we have transformed a room downstairs to comfort Garrett has much as possible. He has a trapeze above his bed that helps allow him to move himself and his loving posters are hung on the wall for him to see. Learning to find comfortable positions in his wheelchair, bed or couch are struggle, but he is patient and willing to try what ever will be best for the recovery and his body.

We have no update on Garrett's friend, Devon, so please just keep him in your prayers.

Thank you for all the support... we all appreciate it SO much. Garrett has no specific prayer requests at this time, so I guess just continuous strength.

-Lindsy

On the mend...

Garrett is continuing to do a fantastic job recovering from surgery. Pain seems to be under control, he has gotten both his epidural and catheter out, and we are currently waiting on physical therapy to see if we can get him up and standing. Special shout out to all who have come to visit Garrett...Grandma Light, Aunt Joanie, Aunt Sandy, Lee family, John Byrne, Kahlen, Powel, Brendan, LJ, Byron and Michelle Rock, and of course Mom, Jim, Lindsy, Megan, and Trish. Now that Garrett's pain is more under control and he is more coherent you are welcome to send him a text.

Below is a picture we took this morning when the doctors came to do a dressing change. The incision continues down towards the ankle.

Please continue to keep Garrett's friend Devon in your prayers. He is in the hospital with a fever and possible infection.

Recovery- day 2

Hello again,

It's friday and Garrett is on his second full day of recovery. Yesterday was a relaxing day full of trying to keep the pain under control. He was pretty sleepy all day and all he wanted to do was rest (which is defiantly appropriate). This morning Garrett and Mom were awoken at 6 AM by doctors to remove the gauze from around the leg (doctors called it his "leg cocoon"). The incision is very large and they took pictures of it. Now he has a thin wrap on because today is the day he started doing passive range of motion.

Garrett still has his epideral in for pain and has had more pain today than yesterday. As a result they have started him on oral pain medications. It has been a very uncomfortable day for Garrett because every two hours he now gets to use this pretty cool machine (a CPM) that bends his leg for him (little bits at a time). Also as a result of being in bed and not able to move these last few days he has developed some sores. Nurses are in the process of getting him moved to a better bed with a trapeze that he can use to take pressure off his back when laying down.

Garrett is a trooper... we all know that. It's hard watching him be uncomfortable but he's dealing with it the best he can. Thankfully we have a great mom that make sure things get done so he is in the best care possible : ).

Take care,

Lindsy (Garrett's sister)

Goodbye right tibia

Hello all,

Garrett is currently awake and in little to no pain. Surgery went very well... they were able to save the knee. He has at least 8 screws and part of a healthy new tibia thanks to a 16-year-old boy. He is pretty numb in both legs and probably will not remember tonight (which is probably a good thing).

Thank you for all of the prayers and support... today was a big day for Garrett!

Dr. Conrad says that the surgery is worth 9 holes of golf... and depending on the recovery.... possibly 18. According to Conrad, it was a tough surgery just because of so many nerves and all that muscle Garrett has. The tumor was not anywhere else in the body besides the bone that they took out, which is great!

Mom's (Robin) sisters and brother in law kept her and Jim company while Garrett was in surgery.

Thanks again and we'll keep you up updated on his recovery : ).

Lindsy (one of Garrett's two sisters)

Getting ready for surgery

Sorry I have not posted for awhile. I have been getting ready for surgery. Last week and weekend consist of my counts getting rock bottom and I had a blood transfusion and just hung out. Yesterday I went to Snowqualmie Falls with the family then had some friends over. This morning I woke up to the sun and feeling great and knew what I had to do. I drove my truck and went to play some golf for the last time until well about this time next year. I then had to go to the hospital to meet with everyone for pre surgery. Tomorrow the plan is for me to go into surgery in the afternoon with the plan to get a bone graph with the surgery lasting about 3 to 4 hours. This is a lot of pain and recovery coming my way and if the doctor doesn't feel he can get all of the tumor when he cuts me open he will take the knee too. But hopefully will won't have to go there. I know this path is not going to be easy at all and I really have no idea what is in store for me. But I have been through soo much already and I know God is going to be guiding those doctors and nurse through the entire surgery. I have a lot of things running through my head at a time like this but I have faith in the Lord and I am ready to take this surgery with everything I have.

Love you all,

Garrett