Anyone who wants to send some encouragement to Caleb

Caleb's NEW Address:
132 Hillside Dr
Norfolk, NE 68701



Elkhorn Valley Bank
Caleb R. Baber Medical Fund
800 West Benjamin Avenue
P.O. Box 1007
Norfolk, NE 68702-1007
Phone: 402-371-0722

Recovery in full swing

Recovery in full swing

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Post Surgery

A little before Caleb went in for surgery at noon the physicians found some mucus build up in his lungs that had formed in the night. This build up inhibits his ability to breathe on his own which in turn means they have to keep him on the ventilator longer. Because of this development the doctors decided not to do all they had scheduled out for today; mainly, the surgeons debrided (as in removed the debris) the remaining burnt tissue in his jaw line, left arm pit area, the right foot/ankle. There is some concern as to whether or not his right foot bone was actually burned too, which would have long term effects on his ability to walk on it. They also had to remove parts of his left calf muscle.
Other areas of concern to remember in prayer are protection against infection, especially in the burnt tissue. The doctors really want to see his lungs cleared up so they can extubate him and continue with surgeries. There is also some risk with his lungs in their present condition acquiring pneumonia, so the quicker they clear, the better. Also, pray for continued stability in his internal organs.
Today was a hard one, not because Caleb is doing any worse, but because once the tissues were removed, it was easier to see how much damage was done. It very much looked like regression when really it is the next step in the process of healing. So, continue to pray for the family in the midst of this as well because it is no easy task to see such a loved one, especially someone like Caleb who was so physically active and capable, in his present condition. Also, pray for safety in travel for the family members that will be flying in and out over the next few days and quality times for the Babers to be together.
That is about all the news we have for now. Thursday is going to be a Sabath and hopefully that will prep Caleb for the proceding operations.

Well it's getting late and tomorrow isn't coming any slower. Zach signing off here (Charlie signed off a while ago- pretty much fell asleep at the wheel:)

God Bless

2 Corinthians 1:3-5

3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm one of the trauma residents in Chattanooga I did much of his initial assessment and scrubbed on his surgery here at Erlanger. When Caleb left us to go to Vanderbilt we really didn't know what to expect, and hadn't heard anything further about him since he left.
It's wonderful to hear that he is progressing so well in spite of some truly disastrous injuries. Caleb, best of luck to you in your recovery. Our prayers go with you.
God bless,
David Daniel, MD

Unknown said...

Thank you so much for making this sight available to all of us who love Caleb and his family.
Cheryl

Anonymous said...

hey guys! we really wanted to say thank you from back in norfolk who knew caleb and went to school with him! this is a hard time for everybody since he was a pretty much amazing person! just tell him the panthers are gonna win the homecoming game just for him.

Maggie said...

Thanks for posting this!! It's been hard being in England, so far away, and having been chatting alot to caleb online recently & suddenly realising I'm so far - been great to get this news. As someone who quite recently was in ICU myself and in hospital recovering, it's hard to not be able to be there. Let him know prayers are going on for him over here!! Megan

Karen Hood said...

My daughter Noelle is a friend of Caleb's at Lee. We are so grateful that he is a part of her life. Caleb is a wonderful young man. He has been in our prayers and thought since she called us saturday.To Calebs parents,I pray for you the strength you need to walk with Caleb through this. We will be praying for the whole family. God bless you Caleb! Karen Hood