Disapointing Day - March 31, 2011

Last night, just before going to bed, I was on the phone with Jason's doctor. One of the other doctors had been to see Jason and told him that he was going to be loosing what was left of his left leg. She told me that, that was not the plan and assuaged my concerns, so I went back over to see Jason, even though it was getting late. He was awake and thought I would probably be coming back. I let him know about the conversation with his doctor. I also let him know that she said she had planned to stop by early to see him, as I had asked her to. We all went to bed, a little more relaxed, it was almost midnight.

At about 6:30am I was awakened by a call from his nurse, who said, "Jason wants you to come over to see him. The doctor is talking about the removal of his leg." I was up and dressed, and over there in about 15 minutes. Dr. Malone, his doctor, was talking to him and explaining what was going to be happening and that there was no plan to remove his left leg. If there was a concern, she would bring together the doctors and Jason, along with his family support - Bridgette, Linda and I. We talked for about 20 - 25 minutes and again, she calmed down our fears. About this time Linda showed up and joined us. I had made a couple of calls to Bridgette, but for whatever reason the calls failed the first two times and then I finally got through to leave a voice mail message. Jason was then taken off to surgery. Surgery was going to be a bit more difficult this time, as they had to turn him over, and have him lie face-down, as they were working more on his lower back.

Jason got out of surgery and we were given a call that we needed to come and meet with the doctors and Jason, and it was a call I had hoped would not be coming. They wanted to remove the left leg completely. I asked them several questions about why, and how he would function in the future as well as several other questions, but the bottom line was that they felt that in order for them to be able to effectively close up his wounds and provide him with a balanced base, to sit on. Otherwise he was looking at greater discomfort while riding in a wheelchair, and at this point it was unlikely that he would be able to be fitted for any prosthetic. However, there are new developments going on all the time, and perhaps something will be available for Jason in the not-to-distant future, and his future is what I am most concerned about.

Needless to say, we were all pretty upset about this, and didn't like the idea. The decision was, and is Jason's and Bridgette's to make, and he is resigned to the fact that his life is now in a wheelchair. He took the news better than the rest of us, or at least it seems he did. He is a very strong young man, both mentally and physically. I guess the deciding factor was the fact that there was a great deal of damaged tissue, including muscle tissue, that they were going to need to replace, in order to close the wounds so that he would be comfortable. That tissue is coming from his left leg. The alternative was to take it from his back, and that is a very poor option, as it would significantly impact his upper-body strength. Because these type injuries/wounds only happen in war type settings, the military is the only place where they can work on this type injury, so all the best experience is right here at Bethesda, and we need to have faith that the doctors are doing the right thing. That is easier said than done, but we will do our best.

We need the prayers more now, than ever. For Jason, for us and for the doctors.

Comments

  1. I am so sorry to hear this type of news! We continue to pray for you and the family and we know that Jason is a very strong man! He will concur any obstacles placed in his path! We continue to pray and think about you guys often!

    Casey and Danny

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  2. Know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.... and may you find the strength to help you in the days ahead.

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  3. I'm so sorry to hear about this obstacle. We are praying for all of you.

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  4. My prayers are that God grant you peace and strength to continue standing by your Son, my God Son, and give him all the love and support that you have been giving him. There is no greater medicine than that.

    I will be praying that what ever these next few days have in store for Jason, that God will give him a inner strength to accept whatever changes he has to go through. I also pray as the Doctors make the decisions that God give them the wisdom and skill to do what is best for Jason.

    Hugs to all of you. Linda, Please give Jason and hug and kiss from Nina and tell him I love him very much.

    Your comadre, Yolanda

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  5. Praying for you all - Praying for insight, wisdom, peace and comfort at every turn. Clearly Jason is a fighter and something tells me that it won't matter how much they have to take, he'll forge through it and will serve as an amazing example of faith, hope, encouragement and trust from a loving God. The measure of a man is not determined by his physical appearance. We are a better Nation because of the sacrifice he has made! He is a true Hero, George, and I know you're proud. So are we!!! Hang in there.

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  6. I found a link to your blog on the Pleasanton Weekly. I will pray for you all because these are difficult times for you. I think you have a wonderful family, though, and somehow, in time, it will all be OK. I am so impressed with your son. One of my friends is a VA nurse - she has told us so many stories of our soldiers and their strength through difficulty. Through my friend, Michele, I have come to understand the difficulties and triumphs of these young men. Your son, Jason, seems very strong. Our prayers are with you.

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  7. Hugs, love and strength to you all. Whatever Jason and his doctors decide is the best way forward, I know Jason will have the strength to meet the challenge. And prosthetic research is advancing all the time, there will be new solutions in the future for him. My thoughts are with you always.

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  8. Dear Jason and family,
    Our hearts and prayers continue to be with all of you. I pray for the difficult decisions and for continued wisdom for talented doctors. We also pray for, as George mentioned, the continued development of options for Jason. Blessings to all of your family.
    Jeanne

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  9. My heart dropped when I read your blog today. He has had so many surgeries. It sounds like they tried and tried and tried to leave as much as they could, but they just couldn't save his legs. But, they did save his life, and now that you know the final outcome from his leg injuries, you can start thinking about the possibilities for the future. I picture him sitting at a holiday dinner table, cracking jokes. He is a strong guy. It is a difficult time now, but he will get through it. Give him our love. Hugs to you all.

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  10. This is such sad news to hear. I cannot imagine how Jason and all of you are staying so strong with the additional disappointments that come your way. I am sure there will be ups and downs for quite a long time, and trying to have, and having, a good attitude is of the upmost importance. It is comforting to know that Jason is in the best place possible due to all of their experiences that they have had, and that they do share with you all of the information.
    You all are so much on my mind thorought each day, and I find myself saying quick little prayers for you even when I am standing in the grocery store! If you could please write to my personal e-mail, as I have a question to ask. It is sustom@Ymail.com Thank you.

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  11. God Bless all of you, especially Jason. You are all in my prayers. I know the mindset of our Marines and Corpsman- they are fighters. I am President of America 4R Marines organization. If there is anything specific that Jason needs please contact me as I have a partner that wants to get involved with our Injured Marines. Our phone number is 215-659-0311.
    Semper Fidelis!

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  12. Let us know what you need. We walk with you on this trying journey. Prayers continue, love Karen and Rob

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  13. I cried out when I read this, I can only imagine how you as parents must feel!! I am praying for all of you to gain strength and hold on to each other and know that you have all of us and MORE to lean on! George, your blog is a wonderful place to go to see what we can do for all of you. I know prayer is #1 but sending cards, pictures, magazines, etc. helps us to know how we can help, we feel so close to you all. God bless you all! Thank you for keeping us updated George!

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  14. Jason will prevail, I know this. God bless you all. I can only imagine what these decisions are like from the shoes of George and Linda. I pray daily for you all to feel the presence of Jesus and the strength to make these tough decisions. I pray for healing. Love you guys!

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