Cedric Brown

We decided to use CaringBridge to keep everyone updated on Cedric's road to recovery from surgery.  Little did we know last Friday that the removal of the diverticulum pocket at Cedric's esophagus would take us on a new journey.  Thank you so much for your love, support, words of encouragement, and most of all your prayers.  


Both Cedric and I were unnerved late yesterday morning to learn that he needed to go back to surgery in the afternoon.  The failed barium test revealed that there significant leakage at the esophagus and that infection had set in  the lungs.  Notwithstanding, Cedric's kidneys were low functioning, his blood pressure was high,  breathing was labored, and pain was intensifying.  Given Friday's extensive almost five-hour surgery that should have only been a couple of hours, the collapse of  Cedric's right lung, and his heart rate so low that his heart almost stopped, we were left speechless and afraid at the thought of another imminent surgery and realized that we needed to cover Cedric in prayer before and during yesterday's surgery.   Cedric and I were not sure that his body could sustain any additional trauma.  I told the surgeon we could not go into surgery again until we had girded Cedric in prayer and that I needed time to enlist prayer support before he did anything because we needed God to intervene in a big way.  Three o'clock was the anticipated surgery time.  Thank you allowing the Lord to use you as intercessors before and during yesterday's surgery.


Praises be to God that Cedric is stable this morning.  The surgery was successful and without incident.  This morning, Cedric  is alert, able to talk, and beginning to look more like himself.   Having an esophageal diverticulum is rare, and Cedric's esophageal diverticulum was even rarer because of the location in his esophagus, size of his esophageal pouch, and size of his esophageal opening.  The surgical team was amazed that Cedric did not experience major difficulties prior to surgery.  The esophageal repair was made and the infection was cleared from the lungs yesterday.  Pray that God would strengthen the esophageal wrap so that there is no leakage.  Cedric will receive nothing by mouth for the next five days.


We were well aware of the risks associated with the removal of the esophageal diverticulum including only one working lung during the surgery, but we were not prepared for the magnitude of difficulties encountered during, intubation, surgery, and three-days into recovery.   How grateful we are to our great God who is in control; we marvel at His design of the human body.  We could not imagine going through all of this without His mighty hand at work.


During my devotional time yesterday morning, God was preparing me for the unexpected events that were to occur:  "Don't let unexpected events throw you off course.  Rather, respond calmly and confidently, remembering that I am with you" (Jesus Calling by Sarah Young) .  I don't know how calmly and confidently I responded, but I knew the Lord was with us!!!!  During yesterday's surgery, I was reminded of two verses: Psalm 112:7 -- He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord, and Isaiah 41:10--Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed for I am your God.  I will strengthen you, Yes I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.  How relieved I was when the thoracic surgeon said all went well.  The Lord was indeed strengthening and helping Cedric and his body during yesterday's surgery, but he will have a significant recovery period.  Would you pray the following:


Thank God that despite the difficulties, He has allowed Cedric's body to withstand amazing trauma. He has been extremely good to Cedric in this process and has provided him with a great medical team
Thank God that we can get medical care and he provided a thoracic surgeon who is attentive
Healing of Cedric's kidneys--doctors have changed his pain medications and made adjustments in his IV fluids to limit damage to kidneys

Healing of Cedric's lungs, especially his left lung
Pneumonia would not develop
No further infections would develop
Healing of the esophagus  and that the esophageal wrap would bind and not leak -- Cedric will not be able to have anything by mouth for the next five days.


I am sure you will follow the Spirit's lead as He prompts you to pray for Cedric.   Even though Cedric is alert, talking, and maintaining stable vitals as I write, he will remain in CVICU for  a couple of days.  We are praising God that it is as well as it is.  


Thank you for standing in the gap.  


With heartfelt gratitude and love,
Alicia