SPIKE AND FAMILY

[morningstar]

Spike,

We all understand the fact you have had much on your mind and you are not as talkie as we are use too but that is ok. Just wanted to tell you hear in open forum you are in my thoughts and prayers. And whatever way you and your wife choose to go it will be the right choice. Sending prayers your way.

Rosemarie

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

Spike....I don't know what to say....I can't even relate to your situation. All I know is that when you have a child you want the best for them and you hurt when they hurt. As parents we always worry don't we? It doesn't matter the situation.

This is a place (in your mind) where you have to be right now.

Stay strong, and rested (as best you can) ....my love and prayers to you and your family.

Jackie

[cheryl]

Spike,

Our children are so very special. Sending lots and lots of prayers to you and your family. May all go well.

[John]

Spike ; Heres some angels to watch over your family

[bobbioh]

Spike good luck with your sons surgery. And you are all in my thoughts and prayers. I wish you and your wife streangth and courage for your days ahead . Please keep us informed we all truly care. bobbioh

[muffin]

Spike, I know this is a rough time for your family and I am very sorry you have to go through this, I will keep you on my mind and in my prayers. You have been such an inspiration, God has great plans for you!!! Be well & God bless you & family

[cocojax]

Spike take care and I will certainly be thinking positive for you and your son. It is very hard when our children are involved, but it will work out.
Rest easy my friend because whatever decision you make will be the right decision because you are making it out of love...

[Deleted]

Spike,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Hope all goes well
Take care and God bless
Tom

[kygal]

Spike,

I add my own condolences to this place you've been put in but know that you have many thoughts, prayers and even intercessors for you here in this great community. I can't imagine facing that with a child, we do everything in our power to protect our kids from these types of things but I'm sure you and your wife will make the right decision. Big hugs for you and your entire family!

Mary

[spike99]

.

Thanks for everyone's prayers, postive hope and good luck wishes. Yes, it is scary sitting down with 2 spine specialists to chat about a family member's mandatory back surgery. Especially when one's family member is a disabled child. A kid who already has enough problems to deal with in life.

Our 45 minute chat went well today. Due to his other disabilities, they are going to operate from the "back side" of his back. Going in the front of his body is too risky. Target for his mandatory surgery is late Sept to late Nov. Optiminal target is Oct, when the weather is cold/damp and kids don't mind staying indoors. Much better then having it done in great summer weather. In all, they are going to operate for up to 8 hours, to "fuse" approx 8"-10" of my son's middle to upper back. Yes, it has to be done. In a positive tone, we are in a great country (one that can do such a risky operation) and being a child, this medical procedure is free. And, my boss is very supportive. She has allowed me to take up to 4 week off - as combination of VAC and personal sick days. Thus, allowing my wife and I to be at his hospital bedside 24/7 - for his initial 2-3 weeks recovery. And, I get week or so off as well - when he's at home. The hospital will assign us a special move-able bed for our living room (which will be his temp bedroom for 4 months). Thus, he can look out our bay window while recovering at home. Afterwards, he'll have NO sports or other sudden movements for up to 6 months. We're hoping a late fall to sping period is a good 6 month period to recover.

For now until his operation, we'll enjoy the summer months, enjoy our future family time together and when required, monitor his back. But based on current stats and pain levels, Oct is when they plan to "fit him in".

Thanks again for all your support. It is appreciated!!!!!

.

[spike99]

.

As a current home repair person and in my "old days", I used to fix lots of mechanical things. Stuff from wood working, to welding (still weld today) to auto body work to other mechanical repairs. As the doctors showed us my son's spine X-Rays and they explained about inserting bars here, fusing these bones there, keeping any eye on the flex gap in the remaining vertibras, I could relate. Yes, that is the proper way to fix a bent flag pole, or a warped fence post or some other bent vertical support object - just like his warped spine. Yes, that's the proper way to secure its base, secure its top and secure its middle parts to the steel rods (so it won't bow outwards afterwards). As the doctors explained how they are going to fix his back, it all made sence to me. Then, I looked over and seen the tears rolling down my wife's face. That's when I realized, I had tears rolling down my face as well. Yes, it is the right thing the doctors are currently doing (and must do in the future). It must be done. But it sure is hard on one's emotions... Many thanks for your support. It is appreciated.

.

[cheryl]

Spike - How ya doing? Still have you and your family in my thoughts.

[spike99]

I'm fine. Thanks for asking...

For the last few days, I've been sanding down boards and staining them. I do this task at home, then take the boards to our seasonal camp site - to be screwed in place. During the last few days, I've gotten too much stuff in my right eye. Its now infected and it's really hard to see out of. Thus, I really haven't been typing too much - during the last few days...

Thanks for asking about me... And thanks for sending your prayers. It is appreciated.

.

[cheryl]

Oh boy -- Take care of that eye - you only get one set. I've got one word for ya - goggles - -- You take care!

[morningstar]

Spike,

While you are putting on the goggles Cheryl spoke of don't forget the mask. Sawdust isn't good for bad breathing either. Slow down just a little Spike take care of that eye and if you get down who will take care of your family. Stop and smell the roses my friend.
Many prayers coming your way.

[Blossom/Jackie W.]

You're right Spike.....enjoy the summer and we'll all be here cheering you and your family on come October....O.K.?

For now; look after that eye. It probably wouldn't hurt to have it looked at before it gets worse.

[spike99]

.

This afternoon, we got "the phone call". The phone call we wanted to recieve but on the opposite side of the coin (sort of speaking), we didn't wanty to recieve. No parent should ever need to hear the final news. My son's spinal surgery (to fuse the top 8"-10" of his upper spine) is set for Tuesday Oct 30. Lots of tests from now until then. Bone density, MRIs, blood matching, etc. etc. We're going to be very busy with many pre-surgery tests - from now until then. Thus, explaining why I won't be online for a few consecutive days.

Wish us (and my son) well with this surgery!!!!!

Thanks

.

[LindaNY]

Spike, my thoughts and prayers will be with you, your son and your family.

((((hugs)))))

[Joyce7]

Spike---I know you and your wife are scared and happy all at the same time right now. I will be praying that time will fly through the next few days of tests, and my prayers will be with the surgeons as they proceed step by step...Joyce

[lindab]

Spike--prayers are with you and your family as you go through these trying times.