MONDAY MORNING AUGUST 29

Went down to Augusta to visit Marvin and Cathie yesterday after Church. Marvin is getting settled into his "new" surroundings and this time is in a ground floor room with lots of windows looking out over the Medical School complex. When I arrived he was up in a wheel chair and looked much better than when I last saw him. His skin color was much improved and so was his spirits. He is once again in a 4 bed ward, but it is really large and he is lucky to have the window bed. I really think it is a blessing to have room mates who he can talk to and also they can summon the nurses if his blow tube does not work for some reason. Since he is probably going to be in this bed for awhile now I am going to include his mailing address. Marvin really appreciates cards and pictures and due to the transfer he has not gotten a card in about a week. Anyway I think we can correct that, his address is Marvin S. Mardaugh, Veterans Hospital SCIU, att. 1GF-101-3 ,1 Freedom Way Augusta, GA 30904 . Marvin has improved enoughto be back on solid food and still is getting nurishment through the stomach tube. Last night I feed him his dinner and while he did eat a great deal we managed to get down some fried Pork Chop, turnip greens, fried hashbrowns, milkshake, peach yougart, peach jelly, tea( can't you tell he is in Georgia and Augusta). Anyway I told him that if he continues to eat more each day he will start gaining back the 40+ pounds he has lost. He still has a long way to go so lets keep the prayers coming for his continued recovery ( especially breathing and nausea). Marvin has also been plagued with cramps in his legs and arms, and he said, you just don't realize how bad a charlie horse can be until you can't move your leg to stop the cramp. This is caused by the loss of nerve transmission down the spine. Marvin did say that he is getting more and more return of sensation but the main one that is returning is pain. All I could think of was to tell him I would have to get him one of my sons tee shirts that say "NO PAIN NO GAIN" . Big Dog liked that. Will close for now and get this posted on the Blog along with a picture I took yesterday.

Friday

I have written this blog 3 times as I work on an unfamilar computer. I have deleted 2 in error. The third is the charm. Marvin has a private room at the VA. We are on 15th st. and so come to see us. He will have good rehab. as he tried to get his strngth back. Lost 40+ lbs. I have been blessed with new friends Leisa and Maj. Chip Hall with the Salvation Army whofound me thru Terry a new friend in Atlanta. Terry is a friend of Archie Burkel, a great lady and our own HAt Ladies founder. She has sent me wonderful women who have prayed with me and taken me out to see Atlanta. I know that God will send me new support in Augusta as we work our way closer to home and to healing. Onr Hat lady, Juanita Ethridge helped me get my wallet back from the Ashville farmers market where I had left it buying peaches. An Hispanic young lady found it, got her husband with better English to call the only number they found on a notepad in the wallet (Juanita's) and she tracked me down by the blog site!! Trey was in Marvin's room and called me. Horrified, I turned around, got help with gas and food from our own Bill Moore in Anderson and made it back 143 miles to Ashville. I thanked them with all the $ Bill had loaned me and was back in Atlanta by 10pm. God worked thur this stranger to help me in my time of need.
Marvin 's heart attack showned up on a EKG on Monday night when we turned to you for prayer in our extreme concern. The next EKG a few hrs. later showned no damage no heart attack at all!! More test showed the same. Praise God!
Now we deal with nausea and breathing difficulties from so little time out of bed. Pray with us for renewed strength. So much more has given us proof of God's hand. We thank you for all you rprayers and comments. They mean so much to us.
We pray with you for healing and for God will in all our lives.
Cathie and Marvin

Wednesday is moving day

Dear Friends
Marvin is in the ambulance for the VA. We will need your prayers as we start this new journey. He is still having breathing problems abd nausea but hope the VA can help us find the cause. There have been so many times that we have seen God at work in this illness and I will have to write about this more. Right now I am leaving to follow the ambulance to our new home away from home and new friends to meet. He and I are so grateful for each of you. Until have have the way to write to you again I head out for Augusta.
LOve Cathie

Saturday Morn

Dear Friends
We are in a wait and see place now with testing. He had a test done this morning to find oout the time it takes for his stomach to empty. This will let them know one poss cause for the nausea and weight loss. He is still on breathing machines and having a tough time getting his breath. This burns too many calories and he continues to lose the pounds. So much is know that isn't wrong but we still don't have a answer to how to get him better physically. His progress in movement has stopped because of this and this makes him anxious. Please pray for his peace of mind and courage as these things slowly resolve. We received some wonderful cards yesterday and tomorrow celebrate our 34 wedding aniversary. Hold us close in your prayers this weekend.
God Bless you all
CAthie

Wednesday night

Dear friends
The last cardiologist came in 20 min. ago and told us there was no heart damage! There had not been a cardic thrombus either. Such good news has been such a gift of God! We have been told that the bleeding is from the blood thinners that were pushed at the first sign of poss. heart problems. He is still having some aid breathing but that might be from the possibility of pneumonia. They see that here and treat it often so they didn't sound too worried. He ate some of his supper and that has stayed with him for 3 hours now so we have a small victory with nausea. Your prayers and calls have helped me thru the night and given Marvin the courage to face all these tests, bloodwork, and hours of waiting with his usual positive attitude. I wish I could call all of you and thank you personally but as some of you may have heard, I have been so far over my minutes with Alltel that I had to stop using the phone for a while!
Please know how much you mean to us and if you can't get to Atlanta then wait a week and we should be in Augusta for a few months. As Marvin just said "God continues His presence" and we see Him in all you do for us.
Cathie and Marvin

Tuesday afternoon

Dear friends
Your comments give us support as we try to understand what is happening. We have had several test that have shown that at this time the Echo Cardiogram does not indicate any myocardial damage as in heart attack. A pulmonary embolus and pneumonia still need to be ruled out.Marvin says that he is finally feeling a little better with less fatigue and less nausea though he is still weak. We have more tests scheduled for tomorrow and I will give you the news when I can. The mood here is better now that we have some good news. We have been taken off the isolation for bacterial infection! We hope we can avoid ICU also.
It is so amazing how you have responded to our calls for prayer and the wonderful cards. When you are far from home it means so much. We will be here now until this crisis passes and then we will probably go to Augusta to the VA spinal cord unit. This is reported to be a good care unit. We know that Shepherds is great and one of two such units in the US. Here the care is excellent and the nurses are like friends.
We miss you and we miss the Harbor View family and the beautiful music of the choir.

Monday night

Dear Friends,
We once again need your prayers. This afternoon Marvin began having even more nausea. He has rapidly begun to have breathing difficulties and his energy level has dropped way down. We are now concerned about pneumonia and he may be taken to ICU. Please pray with us that this is not the case and he will improve thru the night. It has frightened Marvin and me as well and the doctors have come in tonight to read the tests. I know God has plans for Marvin to use his skills once again as a doctor so I will try to put my faith in his hands tonight. We thank God for all of you.
Cathie

MONDAY MORNING AUGUST 15

Talked with Cathie yesterday and Marvin is still on track and getting better and stronger each day at Shepard's Spinal Center. We talked of the miracles that are walking the halls at Shepard's like the young lady they met at Church who was sky diving and her chute failed to open. She was the photographer taking pictures after the service. Cathie said would post some on the blog when she gets a chance. I hope everyone realizes that Marvin is a miracle and that through Prayer we have all contributed to that miracle. In fact I came accross a little story of just how miracles happen and thought I would pass it along to everyone ( especially Marvin and Cathie). So here goes:


A little girl went to her bedroom and pulled a glass jelly jar from its>> >hiding place in the closet. She poured the change out on the floor and>> >counted it carefully. Three times, even. The total had to be exactly> >perfect. No chance here for mistakes. Carefully placing the coins back> >in the jar and twisting on the cap, she slipped out the back door and> >made her way 6 blocks to Rexall's Drug Store with the big red Indian> >Chief sign above the door.> >She waited patiently for the pharmacist to give her some attention but>he> >was> >too busy at this moment. Tess twisted her feet to make a scuffing>noise.> >Nothing.> >She cleared her throat with the most disgusting sound she could muster> >No good. Fi! nally she took a quarter from her jar and banged it on the> >glass> >counter.> >That did it!> >"And what do you want?" the pharmacist asked in an annoyed tone of>voice.> >"I'm talking to my brother from Chicago whom I haven't seen in ages,">he> >said> >without waiting for a reply to his question.> >"Well, I want to talk to you about my brother," Tess answered back in>the> >same> >annoyed tone.> >"He's really, really sick... and I want to buy a miracle."> >''I beg your pardon?" said the pharmacist.> >His name is Andrew and he has something bad growing inside his head and>my> >Daddy says only a miracle can save him now. So how much does a miracle> >cost?"> >"We don't sell miracles here, little girl. I'm sorry but I can't help>you,"> >the pharmacist said, softening a little.> >"Listen, I have the money to pay for it. If it isn't enough, I will get>the> >rest.> >Just tell me how much it costs."> >The pharmacist's brother was a well dressed man. He stooped down and>asked> >the little girl, "What kind of a miracle does your brother need?" I> >don't know," Tess replied with her eyes welling up. "I just know he's> >really sick and Mommy says he needs an operation. But my Daddy can't>pay> >for it, so I want to use my money."> >"How much do you have?" asked the man fromChicago.> >"One dollar and eleven cents," Tess answered barely audibly. "And it's> >all the money I have, but I can get some more if I need to." "Well,> >what a coincidence," smiled the man. "A dollar and eleven>cents---> >the exact price of a miracle for little brothers. "> >" He took her money in one hand and with the other han! d he grasped her> >mitten and said "Take me to where you live. I want to see your brother>and> >meet your parents. Let's see if I have the miracle you need."> > That well dressed man was Dr. Carlton Armstrong, a surgeon,>specializing> >in neuro-surgery. The operation was completed free of charge and it>wasn't> >long until Andrew was home again and doing well. Mom and Dad were> >happily talking about the chain of events that had led them to this>place.> >That surgery," her Mom whispered. "was a real miracle. I wonder how> >much it would have cost?" Tess smiled.. She knew exactly how much a> >miracle cost...one dollar and>> >eleven cents> > ... plus the faith of a little child..> >A miracle is not the suspension of natural law, but the operation of a> >higher law...

Superman

Marvin is truly coming along this weekend. He continues to improve slowly each day. A lot of his complications are now behind him for the most part although a few continue to persist. Marvin worked on hand and arm movement Friday and Saturday.
He wants everyone to know how much he appreciates the daily prayers. It is faith that helps us persevere through tramatic moments like this. We are truly thankful for all of the support as it is crucial in our fight.
We continue to prepare for possible discharge to the VA hospital in Augusta GA (A catostrophic spine injury hospital)on Thursday the 18th of August. The VA specializes in treating Iraqi soilders with similar injuries.

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 10

TUESDAY AUGUST 9

Spoke with Cathie and Marvin this afternoon and have good news. Marvin has been given at least one more week of coverage by CIGNA. May have something to do with the fact that the South Carolina Insurance Commission has now gotten involved in this. Second, Marvin moved his arm across the bed on his own today. A new first. Cathie said they were so elated over the good news that she and Marvin shared some ice cream this afternoon. Once again Cathie said to thank every one for our prayers and keep them up as this is working.

Sunday at Shepherd

Marvin and I went to church today. From the minister's notes we read "authentic prayer is our living expression of what is. Our faith is our courage allowing us to rest in knowing the Potter's hand of the Lord in fashioning our life experiences in accordance with His Divine Wisdom." It struck a chord with us. We are faced with such a change in our lives and we try to find a way to know God's will in this. There are monents of clarity in this when I feel we will be fine. Our life will be different perhaps even better as we embrace God's Grace.
Today we have had Mandy and Kristen, Laurel and Oren visit us today. It has been wonderful to visit with them and hear of their adventures. Marvin has been eating better and we hope they will consider taking out the feeding tube. We marveled at his ability to move his fore arm just abit. What a gift!
Our love to all of you,
Marvin and Cathie

Marvin wins at checkers/"walks" on treadmill

Friends
Yesterday was another day of ups and downs. At 9 Marvin was again strapped into the harness and lifted up to hold part of his weight. He held 100lbs of his body weight and with their help moved his legs and walked for 10 min. We cheered and played oldies music. Back in PT the problem of the bacteria infecting his bowel came back and he was once again put in isolation and lost his new roomate, a minister from Eutawville. God gave us another gift yesterday after the disappointment. He has been upgraded to level 3 for food and he had good old SC peaches for supper courtesy of his good buddy Bill. He came from Anderson yesterday to help me with the mire of Cigna health care or lack thereof and help me get around as I have been carless for a few days. Steve and Gail sent us some wonderful cantalopes from Texas and I saved one for him to taste today. Such wonderful sweetness!
We are blessed with your prayers, cards and e-mail As I prayed for ride back to the Wilson's on Wed I got a call from one of Archie Burkel's many Atlanta friends asking if I needed anything. God is telling me to trust him in all things. That included whether or not we go to the VA on the 11th. So many wonderful people have been here for us that I hate to leave, but God will provide.
Marvin asked for contined prayer for he says your support helps keep him going. He says he has a little more movement in hands,legs and speech is stronger. He is so encouraged by the staff here and by your comments. We are so glad that we are not alone!
God Bless you
Marvin and Cathie

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 4

Had an email from Cathie and marvin and he has had a good day. Very busy and tiring but good. Cathie sent some pictures of Marvin on the treadmill. Since a picture is worth a 1000 words will let them be my post for tonight. I plan to go over for a visit tomorrow so will be able to pass much more along when I return.

Hello from Marvin

I am extrememly grateful for all the prayers and messages of encouragement. It is at times difficult to accept my present circumstances. I know that God has plans for me and that my life will be different. The progress is slow but I am learning to be thankful for whatever recovery I make each day. Cathie and my family have been here almost the entire time and have been vert supportive andd encouraging. They are my cheerleaders and I don't know what I would do without them. Also your cards and e-mail have meant more than I can ever express. God Bless all of you for your support!
Iam thanking God daily for your prayers and support
Marvin


As I type this for Marvin I have hope that as his hands strengthen he wil be able to do this for himself. We have solved one Cigna problem ( we are now in-network for payment) but they have again refused to allow us more than 30 days. We plan to leave for Augusta GA V.A.hospital on the 17th right now if it is not changed by
Cigna. I must leave this in God's hands and accept that Trey and I have fought all that we can. We have met another wonderful angel in our journey here. She is Tana Tilley and her daughter was here at Sheperds for a back injury last year. She is walking now. The Tilley's have given us hope and many neat things to use in the room. I will write more about their help later. Marvin was on the treadmill today and thought he didn't walk he did stand and bend his knees! We celebrate everything here. I must tell you how much I feel your support each day. God bless you! We read your comments together almost each night.
We pray for you also
CAthie

FOR THOSE WHO ASKED WHO IS BILL MOORE

Several commentors have asked who I am, one wanted a picture. Well I have set up a seperate blog "Marvin's Friend DuWilly" and if you go there I think you will find out most of your questions answered.