Friday, October 31, 2008

Day 4 - More surgery

Luke went in for more surgery today with the orthopedic surgeons. They put a plate and screws in next to his left femur. They also removed more of the leg to just above the knee as they had told us would happen. He has strong muscles in his leg and the doctors say everything looks good. They have incisions on either side of the leg which they will leave open for now to be able to flush out the wounds.

They put a plate and screws in the forearm as well. The radial joint at the elbow will need replaced in a future surgery. The ends of the fingers that were damaged looked good and will just require plastic surgery down the road.

They are putting him on a different ventilator that won't be doing all the breathing for him. At this point there is nothing scheduled through the weekend. All the major surgeries are done with only minor and cosmetic to come.

His condition remains critical but stable and improving daily. I will add more updates when there are any changes.

Once again a very heartfelt thank you from Bill, Paula, Ben and Becki for all the prayers being sent heavenward. God is continuing to honor your petitions on Luke's behalf.

Ben flew back to Binghamton today. It looked pretty certain that delaying his departure would not give him the opportunity to see Luke out of the sedation.

--Bill

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

On behalf of the agents at the Brown Field Border Patrol Station, we wish the best for Luke and your family. Stay strong! Glad to hear that things are improving.

Kelly - Brian Dumm said...

We are so thankful that Luke continues to progress in his recovery. We check for updates several times a day and are always praying for positive updates. Our prayers have been answered.

Anonymous said...

The US Border Patrol Imperial Station has opened an account for Luke. If you would like to make a donation you can do so at any Cabrillo branch, or by mail. Send to:
Cabrillo Credit Union
re: Agent Luke Dithrich Fund
10075 Carroll Canyon Rd
San Diego, CA 92131

FerryFamily said...

On behalf of the extended family of Luke, we would like to heartily thank all the Border Patrol family for their support of Luke and of Luke's immediate family - Bill, Paula, Ben, and Becki. We can breathe a bit easier knowing that they are in good hands!

We would also like to thank you for opening the account (and also the Cochranton Community Church for the account in PA). We shudder to think of what the expenses will be to bring Luke back to health, but we are trusting God to supply all those needs, and this will be a part of God's provision!

Of course, thanks are also due to the many doctors caring for Luke and all the friends and family across this country who are diligently praying for him and his family.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

The Ferry Family
Redmond, OR

Anonymous said...

The Arizona Chapter of the Hired Guns MC will keep you in our thoughts and prayers my brother. Members of the Law Enforcement community are a family and we will stick together and give as much support as humanly possible. Stay strong.

Anonymous said...

We are friends of Pastor Dustin Staples of Franklin, PA. We just want to let you know that our youth group is praying for your family. Keep the faith.

Anonymous said...

Luke is on my mind all the time. I pray God holds him in his hand & brings him back to good health. However long that takes. I want the family to know that everyone is praying for him at Christ United Methodist Church in Yoe, Pennsylvania.

Southeast PA

Anonymous said...

Dithrich Family,

We are glad to hear of Luke's progress. We have been keeping him and all of you in our prayers and will continue praying as he recovers.

God Bless,

Josh & Kristen (Schenberg) Snyder

Anonymous said...

Keeping you in my prayers...


Graham
Columbus, Ohio

Anonymous said...

So thankful to hear that you are improving, Luke. Fervent prayers are being lifted up. Praise our God who is sovereign and mighty to heal, restore and save--praise Him for answered prayers and for the plans He has for you!

Cochranton, PA

Marcy H. Nicholas said...

The granddaugter, Katie, of a member/organist of my church, is a BP officer, and she has been emailing her grandmother about Luke. Her grandmother has passed on the information to me. I am the pastor of this small church in Yoe PA, and you can be assured that we will put Luke on our prayer list. God stands with Luke in this time, before him and behind him and to his right and to his left.

Anonymous said...

Praise an amazing and powerful God!Luke has been in our prayers since that earling morning e-mail was received on Tuesday. It is very evident that our Lord has been listening to all of the requests from across the country and around the world for Luke by the miraculous healing that has taken place to present. And, we can be confident in Him that healing will continue. We love you all and will faithfully keep praying and praising God for you.

Gary, Sharon, Josh, & Barb

Anonymous said...

I'm sending love and prayers for Luke and his family.

Anonymous said...

Healing thoughts are being sent from Colorado!! Luke, I look forward to seeing you when I come back to SD in the Spring! I know Boston misses you a lot! When you're out of ICU I'll bet you can arrange some visits! Keep fighting!!

Anonymous said...

It is great to hear the positive news on Luke's recovery. So many people have lifted him up! I will continue to pray for all of you.
Pat Stickner - CCCTC

Anonymous said...

Luke has always been a stand up guy. One night I was stranded at the airport with no ride home I had only met Luke once previously. Without hesitation he graciously woke up before his shift to come get me and take me home. His unselfishness shows in his personal and work life and he will always have my respect. They just don't make 'em like Luke anymore. The entire family will remain in my prayers. Thank you for maintaining the blog. God bless.

Anonymous said...

We have been praying for Luke and all of you daily; at all times. You are always in our thoughts and we check the blog many times a day to see how Luke is progressing. Hallelulia! Thanks Bill, for keeping the information coming. Words can not express how we feel but we are so thankful that God is at work here healing Luke, comforting you all, and just in control of the situation. Luke is such a great young man and has been a blessing to us. We are so thankful for his constant reocovery. Please give him a hug for us. All of you take care and get some rest. We love you all. Praise Jesus!

John, Trinia, and CJ

Anonymous said...

Bill, Paula and Luke,
How prayers are answered and how estatic Dave and i are that Luke you are finally home. What a blessing. Keep up the hard work and know others are thinking of you and praying for you often. Bill and Paula, you have had a long road but one you will never forget or regret. Know you are in our prayers.

Karen and Dave Shaffer

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