Dr. Shelokov came today ... thanks for the prayers. Chuck definitely needs the skin flap ... it's too risky to leave the hardware exposed. Infection could hit the hardware and spread like wildfire throughout Chuck's spinal cord. However, Chuck's lungs must improve before surgery. He currently has pneumonia (second batch since being at Baylor Specialty ... the first batch is gone, praise God). As soon as Chuck gets clearance from respitory, he'll be sent to Plano for plastic surgery ... with the sunny, darling Dr. Young. I cannot wait to get back ... just to soak up some of her positive energy! Here's the deal ... start praying for a successful skin flap. The hardware has been exposed, and is therefore "infected" (it's been exposed to air) ... whether blood cultures show that or not. The issue is covering this "infected" hardware with skin ... the skin will provide a lovely place for an infection to grow. Pray, pray, pray ... no infection ... no infection and complete healing.

On a positive note ... Chuck is getting stronger. He's ready to get up out of his bed! All of his wounds look better ... including the one on his spine. His arms are much stronger ... his fine motor skills are returning. I praise God for healing Chuck ... time and time again!