Still in the hospital ...

UPDATE (Wednesday morning):

There has not been any observed leakage of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) through the incision since they installed the lumbar drain 7 days ago.  This is good and we are hopeful that the incision from the initial surgery has been able to fully heal as a result.  However, there has been some CSF leakage at the point where the drain itself exits Rachel's lower back.

The most recent plan (as of Wednesday morning) is to remove the lumbar drain on Thursday, then wait an additional day or two to make sure there is no CSF leakage through the incision or the drain site before allowing Rachel to go home.


Please pray for no more leakage today, tonight, and after they take the drain out.  Please pray for the normal process of csf re-absorption to happen.  Please pray for wisdom for us and for the doctors.  Also, please continue to pray for peace of mind, traveling mercies, and efficient and restful sleep as we juggle having one of us at the hospital 24/7 with Rachel and the other trying to keep things halfway sane at home.  We are so thankful for Sarah's brothers and their families helping us and for several people at church who brought meals.  It has helped so much!