Welcome to Shelby's Blog

Shelby, Vicky, the kids and our whole family want to express our SINCERE gratitude to each and every one of you for your love, concern, support and prayers !! Tremendous strength is being drawn from YOUR love !

We have set up this blog to ensure that you all stay up to date on Shelby's progress, and I'm sure that once he's better, he'll be checking in on here too !

In the meantime, we have included links for you to share these updates with more of Shelby's friends, and we encourage you to please check back often for updates, we promise to keep it as current as we can !!

We've also included a guest book ( just click LEAVE A RESPONSE under the guest book title), which Shelby will read when he's better, so that you can leave him some messages, and you too can share some....Love For Shelby !!!

Lastly, there is also a group page on FACEBOOK....just search LOVE FOR SHELBY in group pages, and you can leave messages, upload a pic of you and Shelby together, share stories, etc. !!!

Know that each of you are loved and appreciated !!!
God bless you !!!

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Praise God in the highest

I just wanted to pass the word on that I just got permission and approval from the doctor to return to work in full status on Monday March 15, 2010.

Vicky and I went by the office today and spoke with the chief. I asked the chief for his blessing to return to work. As the very caring man he is he asked me a series of questions to make sure that I was ready to return safely.

I feel AWESOME and I am looking forward to getting back in the streets. So if you know some criminals tell them to turn themselves in (LOL), because I will be on the trail of bad guys. Can you imagine over two months of policing built up in a man and ready to come out (whoo hoo makes your head pop off).

On a serious note. I know you all have been praying so hard for me and my family during this time. I know some of you have been praying for the police department and the leaders of the department. I want you all to know with out God my Father and Creature, Jesus my Saviour and Lord, and the Holy Spirit for spiritual daily guidance, and all of your prayers this time of my life would have been so much harder. Everyone that has sent encouraging messages of love, get well cards, phone calls, visits, etc. You all will have a special place in my heart that will never be replaced. I ask for your continued prayers as I go back to work.

Pray that:

My eyes to be opened to what God wants me to see as if I'm looking at things through His eyes.
My ears open to what God tells me to do and that I hear Him clearly.
My heart is open to show the LOVE of God to all.
My arms reach out to those in need and that I am able to keep them safe from harm.
My feet are guided by God and I allow God to show me the path that He has in store for me.
Most of all everything I say and do is all for God and He be given all the PRAISE, HONOR, and GLORY of all that has been done and all that we all have gone through and what we all will go through in the future GOOD or BAD it all belongs to God.

I love you all. Again, thanks for all that you've all done. It's really great to know how loved you really are. So, with that said don't ever miss a chance to tell or show people that you love them.

God Bless you all.

Shelby

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Doctor's Visit

Hey guys,

I hope all is well with everybody. I went to the doctor today for my results from the CT SCAN last Thursday. Doctor stated he hasn't looked at them personally, but the radiologist wrote in his notes everything appears to be clear and there doesn't seem to be anything questionable in the scan. The doctor did say the mass obviously didn't grow over night so he wants to keep a watch on it and maybe check things every 6 months or so just to keep me healthy.

The doctor checked my incision area making sure there wasn't any tenderness. I showed him the one place that hasn't closed up completely. He said it looks fine and seems to be healing slower. He noticed that a little piece of tissue was sticking out pass the skin keeping the skin from closing over the top. He used a long match like thing (I think he called it silver chloride or something)to wipe on the wound after wetting it with water and burned the piece of tissue so he could take the tissue out making the hole deeper so the skin would close over the top. This stuff burned like a small fire for a while, but if it helps to heal it faster I'm all for it. He said he was very happy how everything is going and doesn't anticipate any problems.

He said I need to keep my weight in check. He noticed I have gained a little since the last doctor's appointment. The scale (that lying thing..lol) showed that I weighed 269 pounds which is not to high, but he wants me to stay about 235-250 in that range. I agreed. He asked if I had been working out. I said cooking, cleaning, washing dishes, washing clothes, etc. He said no a workout. I'm like it's a workout (LOL). I told him he told me not to pick up over 20 pounds until I was instructed by him. He said everything seems to be healing fine to start walking more briskly, jogging, bicycling, treadmill, or something and began lifting weights more.

I said, "I'm ready to go back to work". He said we need to get your strength and energy levels back up before you can go back to work. He don't want me to go to work and hurt myself doing something my body wasn't ready to do. He said then just get in the gym or something to get active and it shouldn't take long. I'm there....lol anything to help me get back to work. I really miss being on the streets.

Again, I wanna thank EVERYONE for all of their LOVE, PRAYERS, and SUPPORT through all of the different things that my family and I have been through.

All of this would not have been possible without God. I want you to know He is and always will be #1 and deserves all the PRAISE, HONOR, and GLORY.

The best thing about all of this is the devil lost another battle. I don't know why he keeps trying, God is ALWAYS gonna WIN!

Thanks again to all with most love,

Shelby

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

I know I haven't updated you guys lately and I'm very sorry for that. God gave me several opportunities to get out and about. God allowed me the opportunity to attended church services at First Baptist Church of SunnySide. God allowed me to opportunity go visit some of you. I know I said this before and it may sound like a broken record (for those of you that are not sure what a record is, a cd with a scratch in it is the closes thing I can thing of to describe it....LOL). I want to thank you all for your continued support.

I am doing alot better strength is getting better each day. I can actually pick up a 15 pound dumbbell without being in pain. I can do little things around the house even though I do still get tired in a short amount of time. I don't sleep as much as the cats do (LOL). God does give me enough strength each day to do the task he has set for me to do that day and I'm very grateful and give Him all the Glory. Last Sunday was my first Sunday God allowed me to sing with the praise team since I've been sick. It was AWESOME.

On February 11, 2010 Vicky and myself had out 20th Anniversary. We went to a class together at the Henry County Sheriff's Department for training and then we went to Joe's Crab Shack (neither of us has ever been there before.) The food and service was awesome and we had a wonderful time. I took her to Southlake Mall to pick up her cookie cake for our anniversary. Then she had to go home to rest because she had to go to work that night. Vicky your the best and I LOVE YOU MOSTEST.

On February 18, 2010 I have a CAT scan set up at Atlanta Medical Center to check everything to make sure things are going well inside. There is not a problem the Dr Burrowes wants to do CAT scans every so often just to keep a check on things. Several of you have asked about the mass found. It was call FIBROMATOSIS. I have checked the Internet for information and didn't do well finding much. I did find two websites that might help you understand it some. One of the sites has letters from people that had the mass growing in them and some of the things they had to go through. If you want surf those sight for information that would be great. If you can find a site that has good information or at lease better information please share with me that would be AWESOME.

http://whippetrun_bc.tripod.com/the_fibromatosis_page/

http://www.thedoctorsdoctor.com/diseases/fibromatosis.htm

My next doctor's appointment is February 25, 2010. I will let you all know how things go.

You guys have been and are so awesome and I'm so glad God has allowed you all to be part of my life.

May God continue to bless you as he has me.

Love in Christ
Shelby

ps I tried to post this the other day and it didn't work for me so I had to connect the IT DEPARTMENT for help (VICKY & GINA). With a prayer and their help it should post correctly.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Don't count me out yet

Hello to all my family and friends. I know it's been a minute since you've guys heard from me. Just wanted to send an update on what has taken place lately.

I've had the great opportunity to get to go to church (First Baptist Church of Sunny Side)and enjoyed some real life preaching from my Pastor Joel Stewart. I got to see lots of my family and friends there and had a wonderful time (even though it did wear me out). Layne, you were correct as usual I should have waited and not tried to rush back so fast. It was great getting out of the house and moving though.

Vicky took me to my doctor (DR CELIO BURROWES) yesterday (Wednesday Jan 27, 2010) to have my check up. The doctor did remove my staples and I do have a couple of places that haven't closed up completely. He said to keep the area dry with bandages and they should close fine. I told him in my lower belly I felt something that felt like a small pound cake. (knowing I haven't eaten no pound cake, I told him it couldn't be that.) He checked it and said it feels like scar tissue to him. He said he will look at it closer when he does my next CT SCAN in a month to make sure things are doing as they are supposed too. He is very happy the way things are going.

Before we left to go to the doctor Vicky pulled up Kip's EMT test results for his National Registry and he passed. I'm so PROUD of him for all the extra hard work he has put in to get through the class (I know the class is not easy and the National test is even harder). Now he has to complete his practicals in Macon. Then he can get his certification numbers.

Today Vicky went to do some errands and I took it upon myself to try and clean the house a little so i could move around and you all know me I over did it a little (scratch that - a lot). I just wanted to help her cause shes been doing so much keeping up with things and trying to get it all done. How she got it all done with out going crazy, i don't know. Well guys I guess thats one of those many special things that God gives to women to keep us men in order.

A lot of you have asked me about the kids.

Kip's working at Fun Bowl and still doing internship with Henry County Fire Department. I want to thank all the men and women that have helped Kip along with his EMT and FIRE training. I want you all to know it is paying off.

Amber's doing lots of school things and drama practices. I see her in passing a lot, but she does tell me she loves me before she leaves. Keep up the great work Amber.

Chase has been working with his mom on doing some kind of 3D map project on Stone Mountian. As I watch them and listen to them work on it I'm thinking if this goes on much longer this project is going to out grow them. Well Chase had to turn it in this morning and hasn't got a grade yet. I know it will be good. Lots of time was spent stressing over the project, because it had to be just right. Good luck son.

I want to again THANK EVERYBODY for all their LOVE, PRAYERS, and SUPPORT during my down time. As most of you know I'm bitting at the bit to get back to work. I have promised lots of you that I wouldn't go back to soon. I am working very hard to keep that promise. All of you have been awesome during this time, bringing by food, sending cards, flowers, phone calls, visits, etc. I couldn't attempt to name each person cause with my mind I would forget somebody and wouldn't want to do that.

Well I'm gonna run Vicky said I've been typing to much and I need to go eat something and relax. I miss you ALL and can't wait to see you ALL soon.

Love you guys
Shelby

Thursday, January 21, 2010

01.21.2010

Well, Shelb is not going to the dr. today. why, you ask? well, we had to make a trip yesterday instead.

The day before yesterday Shelb had a lot of drainage that poured out of his incision. He freaked out, called me, I was doing some errands, and needed me to come home "right now!" I got home and his gauze(that had been pretty much dry, every time we would change it) was covered and some extra gauze that he had opened was covered and a towel that he had layed across his lap had some on it. He was sitting in the recliner and sat up and more poured out between two of the staples. So I called the doctors office and talked to the nurse.

She said she was gonna call the doctor and wanted to know Shelb's temp. It was normal. Later, she called back and said Dr. Burrowes wanted to see Shelb yesterday morning. So we went to the doctor yesterday instead of today.

Yesterday, he removed like 7 or 8 of his staples (he will remove the rest-hopefully- next wednesday. he said he will probably have more fluid that will come out between now and next week. shelb may have a little infection in that fluid build up area, that's why he left spaces between the staples, so it would have a place to drain.

The pain that shelb is having in his lower abdomen area? Well, he will probably have for a bit. It could be a combination of things, such as, gas, from all the cuttin and pullin in surgery, or things settling in that area from surgery. He explained what all he done in there during surgery and it was quite a bit of things. This surgery was more serious than his gastric bypass surgery and that surgery was very serious!

Dr. Burrowes told shelb he has done extremely well bouncing back from his surgeries. So we thank God for his remarkable work!

Keep praying for his recovery!
God Bless,
The Holmes'

Monday, January 18, 2010

01.18.2010

Happy MLK B'day!

Sorry it's been so long for an update. Everything's been going pretty good. Shelb's in some pain. Yesterday and today he's had some lower abdominal pain (in his pelvic area). He is concerned that it may be infection building back up. We are not sure.

I called the doctor to run it by him. He basically ask a lot of questions and after Shelb answered them, he said to watch for a fever and/or the pain continuously getting worse. So we will watch this for the next day or two. He goes back to the doctor on Thursday, so hopefully he will be okay til then.

Dr. Burrowes said the only way to really check is to do more test. So, if he breaks out with a fever or the pain gets worse, we will go back to AMC and have another CT scan or some other test. He mentioned CT scan. But that's only if he gets worse between now and Thursday.

The praying's not over.......We still need prayers for the recovery period and until Shelb can feel confident with what's going on in this process. We don't want to over react however, we don't want something to be going on and not catch it til it gets to the point that it was before we caught it this time. We will have to keep check over time for other signs of problems. This will always be a concern of ours. We also know that GOD is still in control and we are here for him.

Shelb is at home for those of you that has not read the previous blogs. He does answer his phone, if he's not napping or busy :) !

I will not update the blog everyday unless there are changes and that will be when I slow down long enough to update it.! Thanks once again for your concerns.

Luv Yas,
The Holmes'

Friday, January 15, 2010

01.15.2010

i finally got to bring my huney home! WELCOME HOLMES HOME!

we finally got out of the hospital at approximately 12:00pm.
shelb was texting me once they come to pick him up from the room, as i was awaiting his arrival in the truck. while i was waiting, one of the transport guys(the ones that do the transporting to the vehicles) ask me to move closer to the ramp(the handicap ramp). he kept motioning for me to move. shelb had just text me to tell me he was on the elevator heading down. i finally rolled down the window to ask the transport guy what he was saying, he repeated for like the forth time...."move closer to the curb." i said, "but i don't see him." he said, "right there in the wheel chair." as i kept looking, i still didn't see him. i said, "that one is not mine." the next question about killed me... he ask, " ARE YOU SURE?" now do you think that i would know who i am picking up at the hospital's main entrance? come on! he looked at the man in the wheelchair, and he was motioning to the parking deck-- like his ride was coming from the parking deck." the transport guy looked at me and apologized. "i am soooooo sorry!" that was the excitement while i was waiting on my husband. So i text shelb to tell him they were trying to give me some poor ol' man in a wheelchair and then questioned the fact that i told him he wasn't mine.

shelb finally text me said he was almost there.

i finally got the right man in my truck and headed southbound. we got home all in one piece! he is at home and has not had any pain meds up to this point. it is now going on 5:30pm so for those of you that think my driving is terrible---- he didn't have to have any pain meds because of it~ LOL :)

he will go back to the dr. on thursday to see if any of the staples can come out. he removed the drain before we left the hospital. the pathology report showed the same thing that henry came up with which was fibromatosis. NO CANCER! Thank the LORD! another blessing. and another prayer answered!

We are ecstatic to have Shelb back home. Praying for a speedy recovery~Lots of Love,
The Holmes

Thursday, January 14, 2010

01.14.2010

it is 1930(730pm). the dr. just left shelb's room for the first time today. He's a busy man! Shelb will be released to come home tomorrow morning-not sure what time!

shelb had a CT scan this morning. he said it all looked good. the dye that he had to drink showed that everything was passing like it is suppose to! YAY! :)

shelb has a lot of fluid retention and the dr. is going to put him on lasix. he told him once he gets home and starts eating real food to eat lots of protein but not to start out eating steak and that would help with some of the fluid.

we will have to go back next week to get staples removed and find out the results of the biopsy unless he's gonna call with the results... not sure what hes gonna do about that.

we are just happy at this moment that he's gonna get to come home within the next 12-18 hours..... we all miss him very much!

Just keep praying for a safe recovery and great results on the biopsy. Thanks for everyones love and support and most of all the PRAYERS! God has answered many!

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

01.13.2010

Shelb text me a little bit ago and said the dr. came in...

he's gonna start taking off some of the fluids and start shelb on some meds by mouth. The dr. wants a CT scan before Shelb leaves the hospital to check to make sure everything is good inside. He also wants him to follow up with CT scans in the future.

He told Shelb he couldn't believe how he bounces back from his surgeries. Shelb told him it's ALL GOD. The dr. said he wished that all his patients could do that.

He's shooting for Shelb to be released Friday. The biopsy is still out and he wants Shelb to get tested while they are awaiting the results.

It sounds like everything is going great! We are still praying that the results of the biopsy are still gonna show no cancer! God Bless Dr. Burrowes and the wonderful job he has done and is doing. Praise God for allowing everything to go great thus far! He is always working in our lives, whether we notice everything or just the big jobs! Thank You GOD! :)

Stop and think about what all God has done in your life, even if it's just in the last day or two. I'm sure there are a number of things! Thanks.

Lots of love,
The Holmes'

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

the latest...

Sorry it's been so long for an update.. there's just not been a whole lot of changes. just recovering. I think he's feeling better..Praise GOD! Yesterday(Monday) he didn't feel very energetic(slept most of the day). But he walked more than he had so far.

Today (Tuesday).. feeling pretty good. got up earlier this morning and walked as much as he did yesterday if not more. The dr. started him on clear liquids today! We are excited except the fact he can't stand the broth that they are bringing him. But so far he's not had any problems with the popsicles, juice, jello, and coffee that he's had. Kip took him some wonton soup with no wontons and no onions.

If all goes well, it will be full liquids tomorrow. the dr. seems pleased with the way everything is looking---his drain, the incision, his color. he said his blood was up a couple of decimals but it's still low. he said he won't draw any tomorrow cause that has an effect on the count. he said it can still go either way.(such as whether he will need more or not). he prefers not to have to give him any more.

i took chase and amber up there last night. amber "the hot mess that she is" had him in pain laughing. he was nearly in tears...but couldn't help but to laugh at her silly self. she kept saying it was good for the muscles! i finally had to take our crack head children home. LOL They and Shelb enjoyed their visit.

Overall, Shelby is doing good! I would say great, but I don't want to put words in his mouth. We are waiting on the pathology report to come back from the whole mass that Dr. Burrowes sent off. Keep praying that it comes back with no signs of cancer!

If you call, please call his cell phone, he can't get to the room phone(and it has lots of loose parts inside).

P.S. Joel, You are allowed to go visit or call anytime! Thanks :)

Sunday, January 10, 2010

jan 10, 2010

Good morning!

Just a quick note...

Shelb is getting 3 units of blood this morning. Dr. Burrowes just came in a bit ago to check on Shelb, the incision, and the drain that he has. They started his blood @ 11:45am and said it will take several hours.

He changed the dressing on his incision. He said it looked good. He left space in between the staples so if it had any drainage that it would have space. There was some drainage there, not much. The dr. was pleased.

The drain that he has goes into the pelvic area where he found what he thought was an abscess. He rinsed it out well, in surgery, then placed the drain. It is draining quite a bit. He seems concerned with that but not worried at this point. He said, he's just gonna keep check on how much they are emptying from it. If it continues, he will check into it to find out why it's draining so much.

The blood they are giving him is to up his blood level. He thinks its just stablizing from surgery. It dropped since yesterday but again he thinks its just stablizing. Once they give him the blood they will keep check to see if its better or still dropping.

If it continues, there's a possibility that he may have an internal bleed, but the dr. thinks its all part of stablizing. So we will find out in a bit.

They took out his cath last night and took off his oxygen. As long as his vitals stay good, then they will leave the oxygen off.

I will update a little later,
vic

keep praying.....lots of love!

Saturday, January 9, 2010

TO A WORLD OF LOVE

Hello everyone. This is Shelby. I just wanted to THANK everyone for all the LOVE, PRAYERS, and SUPPORT that you all have extended to me and my family. My AWESOME wife (Vicky) and BELOVED sister (Gina that my mother didn't know about...lol), have been working so hard making phone calls, answering questions and setting up blogs to keep you all informed about my status.

It has been a rough ride from time to time, but each time I stayed focused on God and knew that he would pull us through. I say US because I wasn't the only one going through this. I can see by the blog comments in the guestbook that this incident has effected many people not just me. I would love to THANK each person individually, but I know I would probably leave someone out by accident and I don't want anyone forgotten or left out.

Reading the comments have given me even more strength than I can explain. I know my church family at the FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH of SUNNY SIDE lead by MY Pastor Joel Stewart (I am very proud to call Joel my pastor) began the first prayer chain and from there many other churches (from what I understand) all around the world had started their own prayer chains and I understand some in which had special prayer during worship services.

Vicky has always told me we can't go anywhere or do anything without running into someone that knows me. I used to laugh it off as not being true. Since this incident I have discovered she was right. Gina tells me I'm a lot like her father and I have never met a stranger.

All of you guys are awesome and will forever have a special place in my heart. I want to take a moment to thank all of those of you that took time out of your busy schedules to write, call, or visit. I know from time to time I was not much in the conversations. It really means alot to me to know I have so many friends and family. I also want to thank you all for being willing to take time out of your own lives to minister to my wife and children. This also helped me by not having to worry about things at the home front. Those of you that brought me books to read, bible study, and games they helped a lot in diverting my attention when things got stressful.

I am very proud of my children (Kip, Amber, and Chase) for jumping in and helping with getting things done so Vicky could focus on things that needed to be dealt with such as keeping Dr Burrowes informed on what the doctors were doing or not doing at HMC. I was so thankful that God brought Dr Burrowes home and allowed him to get directly involved in checking further into my medical status. Dr Burrowes kept us informed on everything. He would set down and discuss what needed to be done. This made Vicky and I lots more comfortable. I really believe that Dr Burrowes prayed about discussions that needed to be made before he made them.

The staff at Atlanta Medical Center were very professional and would come in and check on me regularly this also made us all feel comfortable. I know alot of you heard horror stories about things that occured at Henry Medical Center. Those incidents were isolated to certain individuals not the entire staff. I had lots of great nurses at Henry Medical Center I even had a few that sat and prayed with me. I thought that spoke volumes about those people.

I know that God is in charge of everything and always will be.

Again THANKS for ALL of your LOVE, PRAYERS, and SUPPORT.

I LOVE YOU ALL and PRAY that GOD sends each of you a special Blessing on each of you and your families.

Shelby Holmes

saturday 01.09.2010 am

Good morning to all!

Shelb had a painful night. His brother stayed with him last night, so i could come home and take care of a few things, thank goodness.

I talked to them first thing this morning and shelb was in extreme pain and it wasn't time for his pain medicine and of course he wouldn't ask for any. They were also gonna make him get up and walk around 8 am (in all this pain?) yes!

I heard through the grape vine that an hour or so later he was still in a lot of pain, so i made a few phone calls. :) He got very pale when he sat up, then he stood up. He sat back on the bed for about 30 minutes, then got up and walked to the door(of the room), then down the hall he went! i don't know what he was thinking. He made it back and into bed, then ask for (or it was time for) his medicine. Once they gave him the medicine, he relaxed.

I talked to the nurse just after she had come out of his room and she explained to me that he had not mentioned being in any extreme pain and sometimes morphine doesn't work for some (which is the pump that he's on).

So, Dr. Burrowes called back and I explained that Shelb was having extreme pain and he said he's gonna call the nurse and discuss pain medicine options with her.

Overall, he's doing great, with the understanding the cut out all kind of stuff yesterday. With the exception of pain, he's doing wonderful and God has blessed us once again! Thank you God for Shelby's surgery doing so well! God Bless Dr. Burrowes and all the helping staff! I'm sure there were a lot of helping hands in the O.R. God Bless them ALL!

On the flipside...please keep in mind, he's still not in the talking mood yet! I will be up there a little later and stay the night with him again. He will be better soon, I have lots of faith! :) God bless you all, keep praying!

we love you all,
shelb,vic,kip,amber, and chase

Friday, January 8, 2010

Answered Prayers....

"Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything
that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or
more are gathered together in My Name, I am there in the midst of them." -- Matthew 18: 19-20

Thank you, God for hearing our prayers and for answering !!!!

All good news !!! Shelby is in recovery, and doing REALLY good !! The surgery took just under 4 hours total, and during that time, the doctor removed the entire mass (which he categorized as "extremely large"), he removed the gall bladder, and he had to remove a small section of both Shelby's colon and his small intestines. He did not have to do anything with his spleen, he felt that the cyst that was on it was not involved and did not require attention right now, and since that was a major cause of concern, he felt it better to leave well enough alone. Shelby lost twice as much blood during this surgery (appx. 1800 cc's), but despite that is still doing well enough that he probably won't have to go to CCU, and will instead be able to return to his room in just a bit. The doctor is sending the mass out to be tested again, but he fully expects the findings to be the same....no cancer, and he did not physically 'see' any cancer anywhere !!! He's not allowed anything to eat or drink for a while, but something tells me he's not going to want much...at least not for tonight ! He can have ice chips, but that'll be it for now...no cheese & crackers !!! LOL
So nice to be able to laugh a bit now !!!!

I gotta say, that Shelby has got some of THE BEST friends & family God ever put together !!! There was not one second that he was not completely surrounded with tremendous love and prayer. Then again, we all know that you reap what you sow, and since Shelby has always sown 'love', it stands to reason that that's what he should reap !!! You guys have been amazing, and Shelby, Vicky, the kids and the rest of our family have drawn great strength from you !!! And, since you have sown grace and love, so shall it be returned to you !!! THANK YOU !!!!!

We'll try to update again later tonight, just to let you know how he's feeling !!!

Thank you God, Again !!!

3:30 update

The nurse called from the O.R. shelby is doing fine. they have got the mass and gall bladder out. Not sure about the spleen. He's lost some blood (not sure how much). He has not been sewn up yet. She said they would get back with me.

Update shortly.

vic

Late start.

Just wanted everyone to know that we just found out that they got started a little late. While they took him to surgery at 10:45, they didn't actually begin the surgery until a few minutes after 1...it takes awhile for all the prepping, we guess.
So, Vicky spoke with the OR nurse around 1:30, and she said that everything is going great !!!
Will keep posting as updates come in !!!!

A prayer....

Good Morning !

As you just read in the previous post, they've just come and taken Shelby down to surgery. He's in good spirits and is definitely ready to get it over with. As we said before, this is a very serious surgery, and it's going to take quite a while. As soon as there is word that he's out, we'll be sure to update you all.

And so, we pray....
God, please bless Shelby, keep him safe and give him peace. Bless Vicky, that she is strong, comforted and has peace. Bless their children that they are not frightened and have peace, and bless his surgeon that he has a steady hand, a sharp mind and is governed and guided by you, the Divine Physician !!!

Lastly, we'll pray for each other, united in our love for Shelby and this family, we entrust all things to you, Oh Lord...be with us, be with Shelby and grant us peace.
Thank you for hearing our prayer. Amen.

surgery january 8, 2010

We are and have been at Atlanta Medical since this past Monday. It is now Friday and it is 10:45am. They just came and got Shelb from his room #857 at 10:40am. They are taking him to the O.R. I am staying in the room with all our stuff, for anyone that may look for me.

They will be removing the mass, the gall bladder and atleast part of the spleen. If he has a lot of bleeding the Dr. will remove the whole spleen.

I will update once I hear. If I don't hear from them every so often, I will have the nurses check on the progress. The Dr. is expecting it to take awhile because he wants to take it slow.

For those that haven't heard, we got the results back from Henry on the biopsy. It stated that it was fibromatosis. The Dr. told us that it isn't malignant it does however grow amongst itself. It just gets larger to the point it pushes everything against other organs and out of place. One thing is it will continue to grow unless we get it all removed (which is his goal today). Also, we don't know if he has anymore growing in his body anywhere else either.

Continue to pray while Shelb is in surgery and for a fast and safe recovery. Hopefully Shelb's surgery will go well!

Update soon!

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Twas the night before surgery....

Twas the night before surgery, and we need a dancer, the test has come back, and there is NO CANCER !!!!!!! YAAAAY !!!!
Yes, the pathology (biopsy) finally came back, and there doesn't appear to be any cancer at all !!! We may be looking at something called 'fibromatosis', which is apparently a cluster of tumors which are normally benign ! Needless to say, we're all breathing a little easier tonight !! Surgery is set for sometime tomorrow...not sure exactly what time, it's not a normal surgery day for his doctor, so they are just going to fit him in when there is an OR open. Right now, the doctor's biggest concerns are to get the entire mass out, and dealing with the spleen. He's still concerned about the bleeding which may be involved, but we know that faith can and has moved mountains, we're not worried !! We just need to get Shelby on the other side of this last hurdle, and then we'll be on the road to recovery !!! For tonight, he's kinda miserable...they've given him that pre-surgery stuff to drink, and it's making him terribly nauseous.
Please remember to say a prayer for him and his surgeon tomorrow, and we'll be sure to let you know when the surgery is over !!!!
Thank you all so much for your love and support, you are all being prayed for daily as well !!!!

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

We Walk by Faith...

Well, while we still do not have the results from the biopsy, there is a new plan in progress. The doctor took a look at the MRI today, and determined that the "mass" is approx. 16 cm., and he doesn't want to wait to take it out. It does not seem to be attached to anything, just sort of free floating, which kind of has the doctor puzzled. At the same time, there is a cyst on Shelby's spleen, AND, he has gall stones. So, the current game plan is surgery. This Friday, the doctor plans to go in and...
A) remove the entire mass
B) remove a portion of the spleen (unless there's too much bleeding in which case he'll take the whole spleen.)
C) remove the gall bladder

Once the mass is out, they can run further testing on it, to determine once and for all if it is in fact cancer that we're dealing with, as well as what kind, how advanced, etc.
The doctor stressed to Shelby & Vicky that this surgery is very serious. There are risks, and because there is so much to do...it's going to take a while !
So, we stand firm in our belief that God has Shelby in the palm of His hand...we believe that He will continue to keep a constant vigil by his side, and we will continue to walk by faith and know that God is in total control and will take good care of Shelby !!

If we have other updates before Friday we will of course post them immediately, otherwise we'll let you know as soon as the surgery is over !!!

Thank you all for your constant and consistent prayer...it means so much !!!
God bless !!!

Monday, January 4, 2010

update...update...update...

Some of you, well most of you if not ALL of you will be glad to hear that Shelb has been officially moved to AMC (Atlanta Medical Center).

Room number 857 phone number 404.265.9857

He will have an MRI tomorrow. Dr. Burrowes said he will have more information after this test. He had a chance to look at Shelb's CT scan and said the mass didn't look to be attached to anything vital but the MRI would tell us more. He may have to do another biopsy but we will know more tomorrow. Hopefully we will get the results back from the biopsy that Henry done too, by tomorrow.

Keep in mind.. He will have the MRI tomorrow (I, Vicky, will be at the hospital most of the day tomorrow) I will try to keep everyone updated on the blog, so you will be informed if he's up for phone calls. Until we get through the initial assessment at AMC, please have consideration for Shelb knowing he might not be up for chatting. He loves each and everyone of you, please keep praying. God is watching over each and every one of us. There's no confirmation on the mass at this time, except all dr.s have agreed that it needs to come out but how and when will possibly be discussed tomorrow.

Thanks for everything that everyone has done. Lots of love, The Holmes'

Monday. . .

Well, first off, Good Morning and welcome to Monday !
We hope you all had a great weekend !!
Secondly, we apologize for not posting any updates yesterday...we were waiting on some "issues" to be ironed out, and well, those issues are still there this morning ! Shelby is ok, these issues aren't NOT (thank, God !) related to any complications with his health! He's still fever free, and all of his vitals still look good !!
We are waiting to hear from Dr. Reyes sometime today, and we're really hoping that the final results of the biopsy will show up and tell us exactly what we're dealing with. There are several doctors treating Shelby, and well...we've had a few discrepancies regarding what is actually going on. Shelby's bariatric (that may be spelled wrong! LOL) surgeon, Dr. Burrows is now fully involved, and has told Shelby & Vicky that there is a good possibility that he is going to just transfer Shelby to AMC (Atlanta Medical Center) later today, so that he can be with him. Lots of questions and uncertainties still floating around...and so we wait.....
If by some chance the biopsy results do come back today, we will be sure to let you all know !! In the meantime, please keep up the prayers !!!!
You are in our prayers as well !!! ;)

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Real food !!

Shelby was very happy tonight, when they finally let him have real food !! He ate some chicken & mashed potatoes and had a smoothie to boot !!! He sat up for a while, and he listened to some music, and did some of his devotionals !!! He seemed very happy !
Aside from that, all is good !!!
We're still hoping to get word from the tests on Monday, and if we do, we'll be sure to post it here right away !!!!

Blessings, and sleep well !!!

Friday, January 1, 2010

01.01.10

Shelb is now in room 2253 north tower just right down from CCU. I just got home. He is doing well today. They changed out his wound vac and said it all looked normal. Thank God! God is always at work blessing us each and every day! :) and we are VERY THANKFUL!

They have him hooked up to iv/antibiotic, his wound vac, his abdomen drain tube and I think that's it. They are letting him get up and down on his own. Everything is going well.

The nurse gave him some pain meds while she was changing out his wound vac because he seemed to be in a little pain. But other than that he's not had nor have had to ask for any pain meds all day. :)

Still no results on the biopsy (no final.."in stone" kind of results) Keep praying that its not cancer of any kind! Love to you all! God Bless :)

Happy New Year!

Happy New Years Day to everyone! Yes, it is early in the morning. I got up and called the hospital room 2230 and some woman answered the phone half asleep. Guess what? Shelby wasn't there! hehehehehe I called the main number and she told me that Shelb was in room 2230...i told her, "no, he isn't in there!" She didn't have a clue. I finally found my husband, he has been moved to 2253 north tower passed ccu. So, if your plans are to go visit Shelb today he has been moved to 2253 north tower. So park on the parking deck level D take the bridge over into the hospital and go to the north elevators up to second floor. They said it's passed CCU.

Thanks for everyone's prayers, thoughts, love, and time. God bless you all!

I will be going up there this morning at some point, I will probably stay a good bit of the day so it may be a while before I can post an update unless I call and get our loving friend Gina to post an update for us! If all goes well today, I may try to go to work tonight.

Thanks again for everything. Lots of love to all! :)