Cary's Updates

2010-12-06T19:41:00.001-06:00

Cary had his redundant colon removed at the end of September in Minnesota. They took out almost five feet. He had been up and down since then also catching any bug in the air it seems. He's also been in hospital for poorly functioning pituitary. His body not regulating water properly and he gets dehydrated. This time he's been in the hospital for really bad cdiff infection. But now he's not. Regulating water again and has abdmomen pain we are suspecting the colon got twisted up possibly after last vomiting spell or maybe torn hernia? We are waiting for gi consult.

2010-10-02T11:12:00.005-05:00

? ng very well. It's almost a year to date from transplant. He's had quite a few bumps in the road but I have a good feeling we may be going uphill soon...

2010-10-02T11:12:00.003-05:00

? Thank you for thinking of us

2010-10-02T11:12:00.001-05:00

? Hopefully this is the last surgery. Cary had almost 5 ft of colon removed. There were lots of sections where the colon was extremely large. He's recoveri

2010-05-12T16:07:00.001-05:00

Cary still in icu. We are waiting to get moved to a regular room. He looks better today. This will make it easier for me to leave him and go back to Texas tomorrow. He says his pain is still high, but despite that he's moved around and taken a couple of walks today. Thank you for thinking of us.

2010-05-11T19:25:00.001-05:00

Cary in icu for no apparent reason. They haven't been able to bring pain below 8. They didn't want to try new med until morning so he's got a rough night ahead. I pray for a really nice night nurse.

2010-05-10T10:59:00.001-05:00

Hi folks. Carys went in or about 8am. Dr just came out almost 3 hours later said they are still working on him but they are not wanting to remove colon. They are worried about excessive complications. He's gonna do the roux
En y only and maybe Cary won't need the colon removal if he does he would do it in about 6 months. I think he probably wants to see if Cary can do without it. I'll post more when I learn more. Thank you for your prayers they are very precious to us.

2010-05-04T23:49:00.001-05:00

Howdy folks!
It's hard to believe I pack tomorrow to leave for Minnesota on Saturday (I work 12 hours thurs, Friday). Yes my children will be motherless on mothers day, which isn't abnormal for our family. Cary will be having surgery Monday, lord willing. I believe he is opting out if the redundant colon removal and just having the R-Y. I don't believe it will be as intense. Most certainly not like what we went thru in October. He has gained enough weight to back in the normal weight category!!! I hope and pray they can take and keep out the feeding tube.

God bless you and keep you. Amanda

2010-04-05T22:24:00.001-05:00

They decided Cary needs another surgery to correct this. They will I think... Reconnect the bile duct further down the intestine using intestine. This is to prevent the backflow of bile into his stomach. He also has redundant colon which they would like to remove a lot of to help with the food retaining back into his stomach. This is scheduled for may 10th. I have taken a pharmacy manager position with my company. This store is located in my hometown. I could not refuse this offer. After struggling with incredible help from others with which we are so grateful, I needed more help. Plus with my moms health I am determined to work with the doctors to push for answers to her ailments. It's been too long with no answers. Cary can't leave Indiana until the house sells and he establishes a doctor down here. This tasks may be more difficult and prayers are always appreciated. He had Timothy in Indiana but was unable to even stay home alone with him so ges currently bringing him down to me in Texas via train. Thank you so much for thinking of us . Our cup overflows. Please pray for our family as we are split up and for upcoming surgery and medical care down here. Carys islet cells were transplanted onto the major vein in the liver and seem to be functioning well so far. He uses very minimal amounts of insulin.

2010-04-05T22:13:00.001-05:00

So much has happened since my last post... The feeding tube went in with complications but carys coped. He has been able to gain weight and is up from 118 pounds to 145!!! This is very exciting. He still has the feeding tube because of the vomiting and bile he needs to drain.

Back From Minnesota

2010-01-08T22:17:00.002-06:00

What a blessing our Minnesota church family is to us. It was a rough week for Cary and still is. Tuesday they ran a hiatus scan, to check and see if his bile duct was backflowing bile into the stomach. This would explain all the nausea and vomiting. The exam confirmed some backflow. He had a gastroenema? sp. They were looking for megacolon, to have documentation for insurance purposes for the recommended intestine surgery. This test also confirmed what the doctors saw when they did the transplant surgery. So, the Dr. recommends doing the surgery int he future to repair both problems. The primary issue is getting some nutrition. While we were there for his follow up to the transplant, they scheduled to place a feeding tube. There were some complications with this, as Cary is vomiting up huge amounts of liquids. It seems his stomach is unable to empty and has to vomit. The strange part is none of the drains out of the G-tube (stomach tube). He has started his nutrition through the J=tube (intestine tube). He has to work up the volume so his intestine adjust accordingly. We left Minnesota today, knowing we would probably be putting him in the hospital when we got home. The family Dr is expecting to see him in the morning, unless he gets dehydrated and we end up in ER tonight. We're hoping it will resolve itself. Thank you for your prayers. We were so blessed the weather was wonderful, bright and sunny the whole way home and roads were great too.

We thank GOD for taking care us and hope to see some improvements in Cary...
God Bless,
Amanda

2010-01-06T08:07:00.001-06:00

After digging around 4 different times they gave up and decided to use ultrasound. I tried to use suttle hints like "must be a roller huh" "Cary you ok? He's been digging in you for a while now" Cary is a much more patient patient than I. They've dug seventeen times before, but not today. They are putting in the feeding tube. The dr expects to send him home. I will posts later on the findings from his exams yesterday. I told Cary he glows in the dark from all the nuclear stuff he had yesterday....God is good, very good to us.

2009-12-24T12:10:00.001-06:00

We are scheduled to return to Minneapolis on the 5th of January. Cary has lost too much weight. He's currently at 121 pounds. They will be putting the feeding tube back in.

If you haven't had a chance and would to help us out with medical expenses the website is:

Medicalfundforcary.com

New Website if you would still like to help

2009-12-12T21:17:00.004-06:00

Here's a website that provides information on Cary and the surgery.
There is a website if you're still interested in helping us out with medical bills that uses Paypal. This is an attempt to give you more detailed information about what Cary's been through and make it easy if you would like to help out.

http://web.me.com/wineingers/Site/MedicalFundforCary.html

Or you may still mail to the address below if you wish.

We do appreciate EVERYTHING so many of you have done to help us.
Cary gains a little more strength so it seems everyday. He's trying to do more things to help around home in attempts to reach for a "normal" life. He still has some complications to get through, as the doctors are still trying to solve problems, such as continued weight loss. I believe he's sitting at 126 pounds right now. We appreciate continued prayers as we all try to recover from this.

God bless.
Amanda

2009-11-12T16:16:00.001-06:00

Most of you know by now, Cary was discharged sunday afternoon and managed to flu home. The change in the boys is amazing. We are so glad to have him home. He's still pretty weak and still vomiting.

2009-11-08T13:40:00.001-06:00

He's been discharged

2009-11-07T18:24:00.001-06:00

Finally he saw a doctor this morning. They ran a few things and got him fixed up well enough that, lord willing he might be discharged in the morning. Which means I'm trying to figure out when I'm going to get him. Maybe wednesday...

2009-11-06T23:48:00.001-06:00

Of course no new because they admitted him Thursday night then they run off for the weekend and just let him sit. I knew they would do that and it makes me angry. Noone has time or money to sit in a hospital and hang out while the doctors have a weekend. If he's admitted it means he must have an immediate need... Granted thru could get him very well hydrated this way.

2009-11-06T02:55:00.001-06:00

Cary is being admitted for a bowel obstruction. I suppose I'll have more details later. I was supposed to be going to get him Saturday.

2009-10-27T12:43:00.001-05:00

Cary has left the building! He's been discharged today! I should be able to go get him next Saturday the 7th!

2009-10-23T00:11:00.001-05:00

Boys gone camping. I miss them already. I just got home and saw the message about them putting ng tube back in. I guess they need to try and drain more bile. My question what's going on with all the bile. I leave for work at630 I gotta get some sleep maybe I'll find out more tomorrow night .

2009-10-20T22:24:00.001-05:00

Cary had procedure done today. He may go home with a drain in. If he does well tonight he may be discharged tomorrow. Timothy and I are back in Indiana. I'm going to bed I leave for work at 6:30am and I'm tired. Our flight was delayed and traffic out of Chicago was still bad.

2009-10-19T22:59:00.001-05:00

Ct done but after talking to mr. Dave I wonder if that was worthless. So we still know nothing but at least he'd feeling better tonight. Which is good cause I met my quota on tears for the day. That resident still isn't my favorite person right now but I'll love him cause god loves him and wants me to love him too. I know god doesn't give us more than we can handle, but sometimes I think were cutting it pretty close. We fly home tomorrow lord willing. It will be hard to leave Cary especially if we don't have answes to this new faucet of his.

2009-10-19T17:32:00.001-05:00

Ct scan done I'm with Tim now

2009-10-19T15:32:00.001-05:00

After he vomited the dr finally came. He had vomited his contrast for the ct scan. He's finally sleeping a little. It's been a miserable afternoon for him. I feel foolish to have gotten excited that he might have gone home. I've been doing this for years. Everytime hopes get up something goes wrong. It's not that I'm being pessimistic, I'm just not naive anymore. I hope he will rest peacefully a little while longer I need see my little guy.

2009-10-19T14:37:00.001-05:00

Can't do a ct scan if he can't swallow the contrast, can swallow the contrast if the can't control the pain and nausea, can't control pain and nausea if they don't come see him or answer pages... We paged again...

2009-10-19T13:45:00.001-05:00

Starting to get aggravated... It almost 2 and no doctors. No answers to pages and now his pain is out of control. He's hurting really bad. Im slightly irritated.

2009-10-18T13:04:00.001-05:00

They were pushing around his wound and now he's sick.

2009-10-17T22:48:00.025-05:00

and apparently any state of consciousness!

Must rest for tomorrow, but god bless you and keep you. All our love and gratitude, Amanda

2009-10-17T22:48:00.023-05:00

told ge dr, no it isn't. I thought thatwas pretty cool to stand out even when your unconscious! That just reminds me we can be useful anytime, anyplace,

2009-10-17T22:48:00.021-05:00

t them. You have to consider most are not fully aware of themselves and probably do it subconciously. He said that must noteven be in your vocabulary. He

2009-10-17T22:48:00.019-05:00

f the head surgical icu doctor. He told Cary that Cary must have been the first pt to come out of recovery to their unit that wasn't cursing or yelling a

2009-10-17T22:48:00.017-05:00

ankful praises to the lord on our behalf for his goodness to us.

I thought you might find this interesting. Cary told me that he caught the attention o

2009-10-17T22:48:00.015-05:00

. If it will look better on it's own they are talking about sending him home Monday... See Im already teary eyed just typing that. Seriously send many th

2009-10-17T22:48:00.013-05:00

nly complication thus far is one of his surgical sites Is not so pretty and they are considering putting him under Monday and going in and cleaning it up

2009-10-17T22:48:00.011-05:00

es and answers to Our prayers, isn't if?

Cary doesn't even have an iv anymore! They took it off tonight. They finally got his pain under control. His o

2009-10-17T22:48:00.009-05:00

oked like a dog chew toy. The eus results everytime did not report the extent of damage that was there in my opinion.
Anyhow... While I'm still trying t

2009-10-17T22:48:00.007-05:00

e more than pleased. We know it's all the prayers so I really should quit acting in shock and disbelief at his great progress. Yes it's Gods tender merci

2009-10-17T22:48:00.005-05:00

o figure out which shoe goes on what foot (yes I'm just that tired ) I'll update you on Cary...

He looks better than I could have hoped for. The drs ar

2009-10-17T22:48:00.003-05:00

ck state still trying to process everything. I finally had a chance to tell Cary the events of the 5 and 6th. He, too was shocked to hear his pancreas lo

2009-10-17T22:48:00.001-05:00

For those still following and praying, we thank you very much. I just don't I have words for what has happened since the 5th actually i'm probably in sho

2009-10-16T16:03:00.001-05:00

Finally back to Minnesota and Cary looks so much better than when I left him. He's off oxygen and they ate taking him off insulin drip and switching over to injections. He starts diabetic classes tomorrow. I'm too tired to type anything else. Good night

2009-10-13T23:52:00.001-05:00

Carys pretty uncomfortable. Since they took the ng tube out he's not draing and he's distended. Pray for the boys. Timothy is having a hard time dealing with this. It's a hard week for them since I work nights they are asleep when I get home. I only see a Peter a couple of hours in the morning.

2009-10-12T23:48:00.001-05:00

Nasogastrictube is out. I'm amazed and hoping it wasn't too soon. Central line in his neck came out today too. The physical therapist took him down the hallways and on stairs!!!??!! His throat is still very sore from the tube. I couldn't talk long work was busy.

2009-10-11T23:05:00.001-05:00

Thanks to Dave and Rick from the new hope congregation I was able to even talk to Cary today!!! He sounds a little louder than a whisper it was great! They said since he requested them to stop the compazine(for nausea) he's been more alert. He does have a urinary tract infection theysaid probably from the catheters (in my opinion). He's on a more mild antibiotic until they can grow a culture and find out what drugs the bacteria are sensitive too. Unfortunately when you get hospital infections sometimes those bugs having been around the block can be more resistant and they said it was mentioned to possibly break out one of the big dogs(vancomycin). Ewwww... I don't like that drug. Can you tell? But.... The doctors seem to be pleased so far and I believe it won't be too long before carys waslking laps around the hallways, he's one tough cookie! Who else would be in ICU asking "when can i walk?". I think they said pain control is stilll the challenge right now. Thank you for continued prayers! I can't even start to tell ALL of you how grateful we are without starting to cry. There just aren't words to describe all the love and selflessness that has been and continues to be shown to us. God is glorified! I'll be working soMe long days so it may be a little quiet, but I'll do my best!

2009-10-10T21:58:00.001-05:00

Sorry got home around. Wow! Cary had1/3 of staples removed.

2009-10-09T23:04:00.001-05:00

If you could remember us tomorrow. On my to the hotel tonight I was trying to hold in crying. I will be really upset tomorrow to leave him behind. I know he'll be in great hands, but it still feels wrong to leave. It will be hard not to be resentful towards work.

2009-10-09T15:05:00.001-05:00

Nevermind she didn't do a foley this time

2009-10-09T14:47:00.001-05:00

Catheter back in... :(

2009-10-09T10:12:00.001-05:00

Catheter is out and the nurse changed him to smaller drain tubes. He's taking so much pain med he's still pretty sedated.

Out of ICU

2009-10-08T17:02:00.004-05:00

Just wanted to let everyone know that Cary has been moved out of ICU!

More Progress

2009-10-08T12:13:00.000-05:00

Cary's continuing to improve. He's had visits from the occupational and physical therapist. He's been a bit surly bits due to the pain and discomfort he's experiencing. He's currently getting a TPN/IV nutrition and his eyes are looking better according to Amanda.

He's unable to ge comfortable and was moved to two different chairs before being moved back to the bed. He'll be on insulin for a full year before the transplanted cells are operating full throttle and it will be3 to 12 months before they start kick in. They'll know if the transplant was a success in about a year.

Continue praying for the family there with Cary supporting him. Though they've not said anything, I sense they may be a little stir crazy. They spend most, if not all, of their day at the hospital and since Cary is in ICU, only his mom and manda are getting to spend any amounts of time with him and those visits are limited.

Manda, Mom, and Dad are headed back to Indiana in a few days. My parents will get to spend some time with the grandkids before returning back to Texas and Manda is currently planning to fly back with Timothy for a few days.

2009-10-07T10:57:00.001-05:00

Good morning! It is here! Cary has been taken off the ventilator. He's now doing breathing exercises every hour. His last one went so well they turned his oxygen down! He asked to sit in chair and he sat for 30 minutes before they had to move him back to the bed. He can say one word sentences right now. Of course my phones off most of the day because of being in icu. This has been very encouraging for us.

Morning update

2009-10-07T10:12:00.003-05:00

Brief update for now -

Cary's stable and was sat in a special chair for 30 minutes. He's enduring alot of pain. Please pray for him in this regard!

Update# 1million and five

2009-10-06T19:05:00.000-05:00

Hi folks - This is Amanda.

I've left for the evening to spend some time on the phone with the boys on the phone.
While I'm waiting for them to get to the computer, I'll update you.

I got to bed around 1:30am to be woken up at 6:45am from the doctor. He was calling to get my consent to take Cary back to surgery.
Cary had been bleeding all night despite the stuffings. I felt bad, cause before he went into surgery I said, now Cary, when they cut you open don't lose your stuffings (play off wizard of oz). well, it was funny then. Anyhow, they undid some of their repair work and undeneath at the very bottom they found a blood vessel that was springing a leak. They have sealed it and stitched him up.

Since then he has been improving. They were watching him close in case he got "compression syndrome" to see if they would have to go back. He's still on the ventilator. they did a 30 minute challenge and he did good for about 10 minutes and then he needed some help. They thought that was very good and will rechallenge tomorrow, with hopes to remove it if he does well enough. I pretty much spent most of the day sitting and staring at his vitals and watching all the meds and accuchecks and every once in a while reassuring him that I was there. I was glad to see him resting, we could tell by his blood pressure and breathing.

Seeing him in the ICU and have flashbacks to when the babies were in the NICUs. Now all my boys have been ICUers. I don't like this trend. :)

Thank you for hanging in there with and for your fervent prayers thus far. We pray always the LORD's will in everything.
God bless you for sharing you God's love, our cup overflows.
Amanda

Update #14 - Sending Messages to Cary and Family

2009-10-06T16:22:00.000-05:00

Cary's condition is stable right now. There's been no change.

We've decided to compile thoughts and notes into one message to send to Amanda.

If you are interested in including your thoughts, messages, scripture verses, or prayers please email them to praying4cary@yahoo.com and include your name, city and state.

I'm going try and compile all the submissions every 12-18 hrs or so and send them!

Thanks
Laura

Update #13

2009-10-06T12:41:00.002-05:00

Spoke with my mom:

Manda is with Cary and will remain with him until 3pm. I believe he's back in ICU where he will remain for the next 5 days. He is also on a ventilator and the concern is now pneumonia and infection. He's currently sedated but once the medication wear off, he will be able to hear amanda. He's still in critical condition and will be monitored very closely for the next few days.

We're working on a way for all of you who have been praying to send your thoughts and messages to Cary and Amanda without inundating Amanda with emails, txt, etc. I know she wants all of you to know what's going on and loves you all dearly! She's much appreciative of your concern and the thoughts and prayers you have offered on behalf of Cary, herself, and her little ones!

We think it might be helpful to get her your thoughts and messages in print so that she can read them to Cary! They've encouraged her to tak to him since he can hear her. Once we figure out the best way to accomplish this, we'll post instructions here! If you have any ideas on how we can do his, please let us know!

Laura

Update #12

2009-10-06T11:52:00.003-05:00

Just spoke with my mom.

Both Manda and Cary's mom, Lois, are with Cary in the recovery room. So glad they've gotten to see him!

Will post another update once we know more!

Not out of the woods yet!

2009-10-06T10:55:00.000-05:00

Just spoke to my mom.

The critical care Dr. has been coming in to give my sister updates and they are waiting for another one shortly.

After talking to my mom, Cary's accumulating alot of liquid and his body is not dispelling it. The concern is that should liquid accumulate in his lungs, Cary could develop pneumonia! We do NOT want this to happen! He's back on a ventilator to ease the stress on his lungs.

There's another situation that i'm not at liberty to discuss. Just pray that Amanda can obtain all the information she needs without interruption so that she can make sound, educated decisions regarding Cary's care.

Pray for peace of mind and clarity in thought as she makes crucial and critical decisions along with the Dr. Pray; that the right things be said at the right time: for all parties involved to remain calm; and, for an atmosphere of peace.

Father, we thank you that You are in control! We praise You for who You are for all You have done and what You are going to do in this situation. We thank You that Cary' knows You and trust You as so does Amanda. We pray for peace and for comfort. We pray for the condition of Cary's body knowing You are more than able to bring healing and hear the cries of Your children. Regardless of what You choose to do Lord, we will praise You, Honor You, and love You!

Amen.

URGENT - Update #11

2009-10-06T10:06:00.002-05:00

Via txt from Amanda:

The critical care dr came in and said he had a major resucitation and he is still not that stable. They will be watching him to see if he has to go back to OR.

Update #10

2009-10-06T09:59:00.002-05:00

Cary is now in the recovery room waiting to be transferred back to ICU. THANK YOU so much for all your prayer support and love.

It means so much to the family and we can see God's hand over Cary and this situation. Continue to pray against infections and for a speedy recovery!

Amanda sounded in good spirit and my mom said "she's a strong lady!" No doubt it's her faith!

Update #9

2009-10-06T08:39:00.000-05:00

Praise God!

Just heard from Amanda.

The surgeon was able to find the blood vessel that was causing Cary's internal bleeding! They were able to repair it and will stitch Cary back up instead of leaving him open on a ventilator!

Thank you for all your prayers! Continue to pray for him!I know the Father hears you!

UPDATE #8 - URGENT

2009-10-06T07:48:00.000-05:00

After being packed with surgical packing night, Cary is still losing too much blood. He's being taken back into surgery now. Will post more details as they become available.

Please keep praying!
The Leyva's and Rasberry's

Update #7

2009-10-06T00:11:00.000-05:00

Just heard from my sister.

Cary's back in ICU. His doctor, Dr. Sutherland, came back up to the hospital and put surgical packing in which is temporary closure. Cary's been sedated and he's now on a ventilator until Wednesday.

Cary will be able to hear the family once he comes out of the sedation. Also, they've stopped the blood thinners.

My sister is feeling better since it was the Dr. Sutherland who came back up to care for Cary! My dad is on his way to pick up my sister and take her back to the hotel to rest per the Dr's orders.

Dr. Sutherland will be leaving out of the country on friday and his colleague will take over Cary's care. Pray for both of these doctor! Pray that Amanda get the rest her body needs!

Those of you who know Cary, know that he's a fighter and a man of resolve! He's not going down without a fight!

Prayer

2009-10-05T23:37:00.001-05:00

Father,

How we love you not on our own, but because you first loved us. You are the Alpha and Omega, beginning and the end. You set the world in motion creating all living things. There is none like you. No who has come, none who exist in the present, and none who will come. You are the Father of Abraham and Isaac! There is nothing you cannot do. You sent your one and only son, Jesus, to die for us. To set us free from the law of sin and death. He came so that we could have a relationship with you. We confess that we do not always do as You ask...we are not always the children You want us to be...but we ask for forgiveness when we fail You. Ask tht you show us Your ways...which are better than any other way. We ask that you give us grace, mercy, compassion, and grow us in you!

Because of Jesus, our great intecessor, we can boldy approach Your throne with confidence. Knowing that what we lay at your feet you will hear and You will respond because of Your love for us because of Your promises that You have given to us in Your word.

You've said to us to us that You are our refuge, our strong tower. You've said that when we seek You with all we have we will find You. Lord we come seeking You. Come seeking Your grace and Your love! God what we need is Your peace, Your comfort, Your Grace, Your Mercy...Cary is Your son known to you through Jesus and through baptism as Your child. Father, He serves you, He loves you and He has sought to honor You in His family.

12"Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and (R)greater works than these he will do; because (S)I go to the Father. 13"(T)Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that (U)the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14"If you ask Me anything (V)in My name, I will do it.
15"(W)If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. John 14:12-15

God I dont come asking for myself, but asking for Cary...asking and pleading for Amanda...for TImothy and for Peter! Lord God...You know ALL things...Your wisdom is beyond anything on this earth and I ask for a supernatural and divine intervention. Through this situation bring HONOR and GLORY to Your name. God nothing happens apart from your knowledge. Father, you are the great physician. You are more than able to do something miraculous in Cary's body. You are able to bring great healing! We call on you as the great Physician as the Great Healer of all wounds! we pray you bind the wound that is causing the loss of blood. In faith God, we believe that you are with Cary and with Amanda. Walking with them....we know and believe in what cannot be seen and though the world may say one thing. We know its not finished until YOU say it is finished!

Father, call upon your saints to intercede. Holy Spirit speak the words we cannot speak. Speak what we know not to speak and ask! I know many are praying around this nation on Cary's behalf Father! many are believing and trusting YOU to be in complete control. Your word says we will lay hands on the sick and they will be healed. Though we are not there physically, God in Spirit we lay our hands upon Cary's body...believing that You will heal him.

For Amanda, Lord I pray for supernatural peace and comfort. Father for my parents who are with her. Give them wisdom, love, compassion, strength, give them words...and above all let them be YOUR hands and feet, an earthly extension of your LOVE. God there is no place better to be than in Your House...in Your presence...and so I pray You fill that waiting room with Your love...you fill the OR where Cary is out with Your love...quicken the mind of the Dr. allow him to see and consider things not considered before to find the spot that is ailing Cary's body.

Father we implore you on behalf of your children, your servants to move in a mighty way...in a way that NO ONE can deny it's Your hand. That Honor, Glory and Your renown would be known on this earth because of what You will do and have already done! Father draw Amanda to you. Bring to her mind the scriptures You have given to her. The promises of Your word. Quicken her in Your spirit and stir up the strong woman inside to fight for her children and husband. I have watched her Honor you through the vows she made with Cary. I have watched her love him selflessly and honor You in how she and Cary and have chosen to raise their children. Father, honor her now with your love...with your peace. Quiet her heart and let her know You are there. Be Father as only You can be! For Timothy and Peter! Father...peace I pray over them that they know how much Cary loves you. For the Tatcher's who have been given charge over them! Give them words and comfort and bless their home!

We praise You Father...we praise You before you move...we praise You regardless the outcome because You are God...You are Father. We walk in You...we walk in faith knowing that what we have laid at Your throne, You will not neglect. There is one who comes to steal, kill, and destroy..as believers we stand against Him in You Father...clothed in the Armor of God! Ready to stand....knowing in You we are more than conquerors an ready to remind death that it has already been beaten and overcome. Jesus died and rose on the third day! our iniquities were brought upon Him and because of His sacrifice...because of His unfailing Love...Your unfailing Love...Father we have been made pure and spotless in Jesus. Hear our cries...and answer them according to Your will.

We love You Father...and we give You what we have...we offer our lives as a living sacrifice to You! There is none like You. Father thank you. Thank you that you are not a man that you should lie and that you will keep us steadfast, held in You! Thank you for your love and your comfort. THank you that you are our strong tower and that you rejoice over us with singing! We love you always and for eternity.

its with humilty and love and deep devotion to you that we ask all of these things knowing You will be God and answer accordingly in the name of Jesus!

Amen....

Update #6 URGENT

2009-10-05T22:48:00.000-05:00

Cary's being taken back into surgery to stop his internal bleeding! please pray that they find the source and are able to stop it. He's lost much blood and his hemogloblins have not come back up!

Pray for my sister for comfort and peace and my parents who are on their way back up to the hospital to be with my sister! PRAY FOR COMPLETE PEACE AND COMFORT! only words of love and hope!

Update #5 9:24 pm

2009-10-05T21:25:00.001-05:00

Just heard from my sister and Cary is being settled in ICU. So far no return to the OR. However, the surgeon will remain on the premises all night should the need arise. Cary's had 2 pints of blood transfused so far.

Please continue to keep him in your prayers!

UPDATE #4 - URGENT!!!

2009-10-05T20:40:00.000-05:00

Just heard from my mom.

Details are sketchy but here's what I have so far. Cary has been bleeding since the surgery and has been given a blood transfusion. The Dr. will make a decision at 9pm about whether or not to take Cary back into the OR.

Please pray for peace for Amanda. Just from talking with my mom, I could hear the concern in my mom's voice for my sister! We are choosing to trust the LORD fully in this. Trusting He will guide the Dr's hands and give him divine wisdom!

Cary is in God's hands, this we know! Pray for God's will and for His hand to move in this situation!

Will update as soon as I have word!
Laura (Amanda's Sister)

Psalm 28:7 (New International Version)

7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.

Psalm 31:14

But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, "You are my God."

Psalm 37:3-5
3 Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. 4 Delight yourself in the LORD
and he will give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this:

Update #3 4:20pm

2009-10-05T16:30:00.000-05:00

We have mixed news.

Just heard from my sister. The Dr. was hoping to harvest 500,000 cells but need 400,000 to complete the transplant. They were able to harvest 450,000! so Praise God for that! My sister saw a picture of his pancreas and it was 2 inches smaller than a normal one because of all the damage done to it. So we are extremely grateful they could harvest what they could from it!

Now we need you to pray and continue praying! They are stitching him up and he'll be in recovery. My sister will see him in a few hours. If he wakes up within those few hours, he'll go to intermediate care if not he'll go to ICU. There's also a chance that he could bleed in the next 48 hrs and if he does he'll go back to surgery. So please join us in praying that number 1 he wakes shortly and number 2 that he does not bleed requiring him to go back into surgery!

Pray for additional strength for my sister, mother-in-law, aunt, my mom and dad, the Thatchers, and the boys - Peter and Timothy. Pray for the medical staff providing Cary's care that their minds be quickened that they be alert and see what needs to be seen to address whatever needs to be addressed promptly! Pray for continued healing for Cary's body and that in all things God would be honored!

Amanda sent me a text that she was playing Phase 10 with my mother. (You have to know my mother to know why this is so hilarious but she couldnt get her cards straight! lol...) God's never ending never failing love continues to amaze me that He knows what we need exactly when we need it: even in the form of a mom who can't organize her cards playing phase 10 that makes you laugh!

We love you all for your continued support and prayers!

Blessings ALWAYS
The Rasberry's and Leyva's

Update #2 - 12:30 pm

2009-10-05T12:29:00.000-05:00

Just got word from my sister!

Cary's pancreas was successfully removed and Cary's doing great! The appendix and spleen have also been removed and he's being stiched up until the islet cells have been harvested. He'll remain sedated while they wait for the islet cells!

His pancreas has been taken to a lab where the cells are being harvested. The process should be completed and the cells re-injected sometime around 3:30pm!

Praise God the Dr's have made good time and were able to remove the pancreas around 10:30 am.

Please keep praying! We're now part way there!

Update #1

2009-10-05T10:08:00.000-05:00

From Amanda via facebook:

He went in about an hour ago. The dr came right before and was pretty awesome. We met about 8 or so people who would be in the or. Only 12 more hours to go! Where's the coffee?

I've just heard from my sis via txt. Cary's been in surgery for about 2 hours now. No word on his condition, but she's in good spirit!

Via my own research, I found out this hospital is one of two in the country that performs this surgery "routinely" and is fully equipped for this type of procedure. By routinely, not as in every day, but as in the most frequent of other hospitals who perform this procedure. A special lab is required to harvest the islet cells for injection to the liver and this hospital has an in-house lab to conduct that part of the process!

Parent's arrival

2009-10-04T14:43:00.000-05:00

I just got off the phone with my mom (this is Laura - Amanda's sister) and the Leyva parents have finally arrived in Minneapolis. I could hear the family chattering in the background and it was a comforting familiar sound!

Cary's mom made it to Minnesota sometime on saturday along with one of Cary's aunties so everyone has arrived safe and sound! The entire family is headed over to the hospital to begin gathering their bearings and scouting some local spots, etc. - in case certain things are needed they'll know where to go!

Cary has not been feeling well in the last few days. Regulating his sugar has been an issue but his surgery is still scheduled for tomorrow morning. He will be admitted at 5:30 am with a scheduled surgery time of 7:30 am.

I talked to my sister briefly and it will take about 4 hrs to remove all the organs that will be removed which include: his pancreas, appendix, and spleen. Then another several hours to harvest healthy islet cells from the pancreas. He should have them injected into his liver within 6 hrs and if all goes well Manda will see him around 8 or 9 pm.

It is going to be a long day for the family. So pray for peace of mind for all involved. Pray that God calm anxious hearts and pray for wisdom and quickened minds for the Dr's involved in the procedure. Pray for my nephews and for the Thatchers who are keeping the boys!

There are so many of you who have been praying diligently and so many of you who have sent your love, hearts, and well wishes to the family. I know that my sister is so truly appreciative as we all are (those of us there in the physical and those of us who have remained in Texas).

We choose today as a family to believe in hope, in faith, in love, and in the plans that God has for us as a family. We believe and walk in faith that Cary's experience will be successfull and that days of better health are in store. We pray that in our actions and our responses, regardless of the situation we'd be a light and testament of who God is and how much He loves us.

Thank you so much for joining with us in your thoughts and prayers; it means more than you could know!

Blessings to you all
The Rasberry and Leyva Family

Prayer Request

2009-10-04T14:34:00.002-05:00

Some of you know that my bro-in-law, Cary, has been battling an illness in his pancreas for a quite a while now. He's been through several rounds of Dr's and treatments, everything from having his gall bladder removed to having feed tubes inserted (recently).

He has not progressed in terms of feeling better and they recently visited a specialist in Minneapolis. I don't have all the details but he was approved (last week) for a particular procedure by a transplant specialist, hospital board, and lastly his medical insurance. He's the first to be covered for this procedure so that in itself is a major God accomplished task.

We have been diligently prayer for God to bring healing to Cary's body. His family needs him. He and my sister have two little boys, Timothy and Peter. We believe this procedure is the answer to that prayer.

Surgery was originally scheduled for Oct 26th but they received a call this morning that the surgery has been moved up to Oct 5th! Cary will be in intensive care for about a week but will be hospitalized for about a month - surgery is taking place in Minneapolis which is where he wil spend the next month.

My parents were scheduled to spend those first two critical weeks with my sister to assist her with what she needs. Plans have been accelerated (season of acceleration for sure!) and my parents will leave to Minneapolis next Sat to meet Cary and Amanda.

Cary's surgery is scheduled for Oct 5th at 5:30 am and is an Auto Islet Cell Transplant and Pancreatectomy. I ask that you join us in prayer. This is a complicated and risky procedure which is a last resort to correct the problems Cary's body has been facing. We are hoping, believing, and trusting that He is going to come out of this surgery WHOLE, COMPLETE, and HEALED.

So please pray for the medical staff - for their wisdom and quickened minds. Pray for my parents and Cary's mom/aunt as they make their way to be with my sis's family. Pray for the Thatchers who will be caring for my two small nephews and are a God sent blessing!

Pray for security and safety for my nephews as they will be displaced for a few weeks while my sister is with Cary. Pray for my sister - for comfort and peace of mind, for time to put their house in order, and for her time with Cary.

Please pray specifically for Cary! There is nothing more precious than life because it is a vapor. So pray for his comfort, peace, and that He'd be a witness and testimony of God's goodness and grace!

Lastly, I ask you to let the Holy Spirit in leading you to pray. May he quicken your hearts and minds to the call to prayer. There is one who comes to steal, kill, and destroy but we know that in Christ Jesus we are more than conquerors. That when we seek Him with all that we have that He hears us and that we can approach His throne with all our requests because of grace knowing He will hear us and respond!

Will post updates as available!

Eternally grateful and with prayers for abundant blessings: it means more than you could know! Laura

Additional Info regarding the procedure:
http://panc-surgeries.blogspot.com/2007/06/total-pancreatectomy-with-auto-islet.html
http://www.uchospitals.edu/specialties/pancreas/pancreatitis/ait.html