The surgeon was just in and he said Emily is doing great. The CT scan this morning was perfect – no bleeding, looking good. They are going to wean her off the long-term sedation medicine, but will leave her on the short term meds. They will monitor her and see if/when they should cut it off completely. It will probably take until Sunday for her to be completely off the meds and then they can take out the breathing tube.

Luke and I went to the hospital after it was clear that more people wouldn’t be coming to the vigil (although one friend stayed until we left the church at about 2am – thanks, Tim!). Emily was done with surgery and moved to a room in ICU. We didn’t go in her room, but could see her from the doorway, and she looked great.

Here’s what Dan emailed right about that time…

“It went better than I expected, actually” – Surgeon

She is in an induced coma for now. No telling how long she will be that way. Could be tomorrow or for 3 days. There is swelling in the area of her brain. There is a risk of full seizures and some others. But the worst is behind us.

Prayer for this being the beginning of recovery, and having no complications is our current need. Thank you.

She was supposed to have a CT scan around 6am, but haven’t heard anything from that. We’ll update when we get word of the results.

To everyone who has been praying for Emily – THANK YOU. We were completely humbled by the great outpouring of love yesterday. Many of you who have never even met Emily were lifting her up in prayer, and for that we are so grateful. (Of course, we’re thankful for those of you who have met Emily and were praying for her as well!:-)) Continued prayers will be so appreciated.

Truly, we are so thankful.

*We drove through some nasty snow and got home around 4am. So, I am going back to bed now. Praise the Lord for a wonderful babysitter!

Going to visit family in ICU. Not OR! Progress!

Emily is in an induced coma, and the doctor is happy with her status. CT scan in the morning.

She looks great. Praise God!

11:15pm Emily’s AVM is fully removed!!! Praise the Lord! Probably 2 more hours of closing her back up.

The AVM is almost all the way out, will be a little longer.