Spence had been scheduled to have his chest tube out this morning. The chest tube was put in to reinflate his lung after surgery. However, his hemoglobin is low from surgery and was not rising as the doctors had hoped so they gave him another unit of blood this morning. So hopefully it will be a good boost to gain some strength for the days ahead. It is ironic….Spence is A+ and I (Cindy) gave my A+ blood on the same day he fell! So what goes around comes around. Always give blood if you can, you never know when you might need it yourself.
Spencer is allowed to not wear his cervical collar when he is in bed, but he will need to wear it when he’s upright. He was measured for a TLSO chest brace. He will begin wearing that at all times on Monday when it arrives.
You always know you have friends and loved ones, but when something like this happens, you realize their real value in your life. We are all so lucky and thankful first that Spencer was not paralyzed but also that each of us have such a strong support system sending love, healing wishes and concern.
We are not a real religious family but rather spiritual. One of my sisters is a nurse in Michigan and has another nursing friend who sent out a prayer chain….in two days, the prayer chain moved across the world and my sister’s friend got messages from people praying for Spencer in Nepal, Ireland and received 200 emails from others asking how he is doing since they have been praying!! The world is really quite small and filled with good people.
Thanks to everyone for checking the website and sending your messages, emails, and texts. They are incredibly helpful and make each of us so appreciative for your loving support.
You have incredible strength and a whole lot of love and prayers going your way!
We are thinking of all of you and keeping you in our hearts. With all the love from your family and friends, Spence will do exceptionally well.
hi Spencer-
we’ve never formally met but i’ve seen you around the wall a lot. i’m a pharmacist at UIHC and want you and your family to know if you have any questions about anything to let me know (pharmacy related or hospital in general). i work pretty crazy hours so it varies on when i’m actually there but can always be reached via email. everybody from the climbing community i’ve talked to is keeping you in their thoughts. take care and recover quickly!
RJ Hoover
richard-hoover@uiowa.edu
Judging from all that you’ve been through and your amazing ability to bounce right back, I’ve come to the only possible conclusion: You MUST have Chuck Norris blood in you. Speedy recovery Spence! You’re in our thoughts!
Hi Cindy and family. We’re sending healing and healthy vibes to Iowa City. Cindy, you’ve always been so positive and resourceful and I know that will serve you and your family well.
~ Sarah Pritz (The NSAE teacher from Oak Terrace)
Spence, it’s Aunt Bev. I’m at work today, but my thoughts are with you. You know that I love you and of course that I’m worried about you (I take over the worrying when your mom sleeps). You have some sort of superhuman strength and attitude. That will get you through this. That and love and support from friends and family. By the way……I told the girls in my office about the time when you were 3 and I had to drive you back to Nana’s……they think you’re darling! I love you buddy……I’m thinking about you every minute.
Hoping today is better than yesterday and tomorrow much better than today. I hope your spirits stay high and when you struggle (which you probably will) with keeping them high, it will be short lived.
Dear Cindy, Just heard about Spencer (Nancy Fiore sent me this link) and I wanted you to known that my prayers are with all of you. Spencer is truly blessed to be surrounded by so much support. Janice
Hi Spencer,
This is your first grade teacher sending you lots and lots of healing energy. We are connected in a special way and I am very fond of you and all the Bean Family.
The very best to you.
Love,
Judy (Ms. Plathe)