Mom does have a staph infection in her blood and her port. They took a culture yesterday to determine whether it has responded to the high-powered antibiotics ("big, big guns!" Mom says. =) ). The results should be back today.  We're hoping and praying the staph infection is gone so they won't have to remove her port.

Mom has been battling nausea, headache, and abdominal issues as well as the ongoing pain from the incision that they left open to heal from the inside out.

She's been tremendously encouraged by two of the nurses who also have ileostomies that have shared their experiences with her.

They're working hard with the dietitian to determine her dietary needs in the future when the IV TPN (nutrition) is removed (which will probably occur next week). The goal is for Mom to be able to come home without the IV TPN. She may be at the hospital another two or three weeks, and she dearly longs to come home!

She has been so blessed for the many cards and prayers that have held up her arms. Mom is so grateful to be here, alive, and with us all. She's looking forward to being well so she can come home.

Mom wanted me to share these following verses: