12.21.11 – Update

Thanks to all who have remembered us and Peter during this holiday season! He continues to make small steps of progress, but so far he is still not ready for formal rehabilitation. Last week, Peter had a doctor’s appointment during which the doctor said it will be more challenging than we originally thought to get the trach out because of where it was originally (incorrectly) placed and he has weakness in his throat that is causing it to collapse whenever he breathes in. There are limited options of how to deal with this, some of which are potentially risky. There are other upper airway issues as well. Please pray for wisdom and a way that Peter can be weaned off the trach. We will follow up on this in earnest after the holidays.

Our prayer requests are 1) that the Lord would lead us to a way to get his trach out, since this is a prerequisite for the rehab program, 2) that the trach issues would not hinder him from developing a form of communication with us. He is on schedule to try out an eye recognition device shortly, here in home therapy, and 3) that the Lord would lead us to the right wheel chair van for him–we are shopping currently for one.

The Helms family truly appreciates all of you who have walked through this difficult ordeal with us and have been so persevering in your prayers for Peter. We ask the Lord’s great blessings on you for your faithful commitment to pray for him. We know even now the Lord has only good plans for his life.

Selah