Thursday, May 25, 2006

Post Op

Mike just got out of surgery although we haven't talked to him yet. Everything seems OK and hopefully we will be able to talk to the doctors and Mike soon (it sounded like it would be about 30-40 mins). There is not much to update with at this point, but everything looks like it went as planned.

***Update***

OK. We've seen MIke and he is doing very good considering he just had surgery on his neck. They did not have to keep Mike intabated (assisted breathing with a tube) so that is an answer to prayer. Mike is talking and can have ice chips at this point, but no food or water until the anasthetic wears off. He has no pain in his neck right now because he is no longer in traction. That may change as some of the drugs wear off from surgery, but right now Mike is doind great pain wise. He is in a collar that does keep his jaw fairly shut, but he can still talk. He is on a 30 degree incline right now and they will be taking an x-ray to make sure nothing has shifted. They will continue to angle him up and take x-rays for the next couple days. Then hopefully Mike will be able to sit up and see everyone. Everything went very well, thank you all for your prayers.

I will try to update this again tonight if we get a chance to talk to the doctors and get any more information.

62 comments:

Anonymous said...

YAY!! I've been praying all morning!
Ms. Mac (Rona)

Anonymous said...

Hey Mike,
We've been praying for you all morning...God was with you in surgery and he's never leaving your side,he never fails.
God Bless
Lindsey&Karissa

Anonymous said...

mike
i knew everything would be ok and i prayed for you every hour since i woke up. Hope you get lots of rest and enjoy sitting up lol talk to ya latter hottie

sherraz

Anonymous said...

Thanks Matt for the updates. Greatly appreciated. I have a picture that was just taken in LLB I would like to send. Can you let me know how to get it to you.

You can email me at: elden@imageswithees.ca

Elden

Anonymous said...

Hey Mike....
Glad to hear you are making good progress and the surgery went well. I have the flu right now so I thought this would be a better way (than visiting) to let you know we are thinking of you and praying (and trusting God for great things).

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Jesus Christ throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." Eph. 3:20-21

Hang in there!!

Pastor Dennis

Anonymous said...

Hey Mike

Been gone for a week just got caught up on what has been going on, we're praying for you moment by moment

Syd & Leanne Bergsma

The Old Youth guy ERBC

Anonymous said...

Glad you didn't need the tube! We are still praying. Rob and Jo

Anonymous said...

George and Barbara Ann

Thank you so much Matthew for keeping us posted. To all the family we are certainly keeping you in our prayers.

Anonymous said...

been praying all morning - well, actually all week - great to hear surgery went well. Will keep praying for you and family.
June

Anonymous said...

mike
i am so happy to hear this and glad that you are able to be more comforable. take care and rest up

sherraz

Anonymous said...

Dear Mike,
Hey, so good to hear that surgery is over and there are no breathing tubes. I am confident in this, that God, who is faithful, is ever more attentive to you than all these bloggers put together, and is holding you. (And that, nephew, is a ton of attentiveness and love!!) He does not sleep so that you can, and He will continue his vigilance through the day and the night. So wish we could be present in person to you and all the family. You know that when you call, we will come. Meantime, glad to place each of you in the strong arms and tender hands of God. we are continuing to pray that your hands and arms will be warmed and healed by His touch. Yeah, doctors - we are praying for blessing on them as well!! Love you much,....
Aunt Mary

lou said...

i'm glad to see everything went so well...thanks for the quick update...still praying for you

~gina-louise

Anonymous said...

Mike - Syd just sent this link to me and I read everything since the accident - I haven't ever met you but my husband and I certainly enjoyed getting to know Steve when he worked with the youth at ERBC. So glad to hear the surgery went well and know that we are praying. I love the updates and comments from your brothers about "who Mike is" and the pictures of you. It helps connect those of us who don't know you so we feel like we do. Anyways, it's hard to know what to say but know that this comes with very big wishes and lots of prayer! Leanne Bergsma

Anonymous said...

Hey Mike!
Glad to hear that surgery went good and that you can finally sit up! Now just rest up a bit after the surgery, and you'll be on the road to recovery in no time!

David

Anonymous said...

Hi Michael,

This is just to let you know that there are 3 actresses in Vancouver who are doing a show at Pacific Theatre and each night before the play we pray together for the show and the performers.

We have been praying for you and your family and the doctors and nurses this past week and I'm happy to be able to tell them about your surgery going well when I see them at tonight's show.

blessings
kathy (I'm a friend of the Dickau's)

Anonymous said...

Hi ya Mike,
I am glad to hear that your surgery went well and according to plan. God's hand was with you during that surgery and don't forget that He will always be with you, through everything. I am praying so hard for you and your family. Grow stronger through this Mike, put all your faith in Him who created you, and who will carry you through to the end.

When I came to visit you in the hospital, and I saw you smiling, I couldn't help but smile back. To go through all of this and to still have a smile on your face (and flirting with the girls around you of course), to see that, was incredible. You are such an encouragement Michael. Your family is so blessed to have you.

You are always in my thoughts and prayers,
Rachel
P.S.--> I really hope that you are either watching the hockey games or gettin updates from people... oilers are doing amazing!! (You better be a hockey fan.)

Anonymous said...

"The person who sends out positive thoughts (& actions) activates the world around him positively and draws back to himself positive results". ~Norman Vincent Peale

Michael you have always been this type of person, and made others happy to be around you because of your great attitude. The evidence is in the number of people who have shown concern for you over this past week. It is a cerdit to your character. You are so blessed to have such wonderful family and friends. Stay positive!

Best Wishes,
Ms. Parsons

Anonymous said...

Mike,
I can honestly say that you have been on my mind all day. I even got Mr Adolf to check this site druing 3rd block to see if there was any updates or anything. Im glad your getting better. God Bless

Lauren Wells

Anonymous said...

mike, every moment i had to actually think i was saying a little prayer for your surgery, and thanking God for you, he must have such a plan for you. God gives us only things he knows we can handle, obviously you must be a really strong guy along with your family. We either use what we've gone through as a crutch or let God to do works through us. Even with reading these comments and posts, i can see that you will let God use you temendously, even with a smile :)
your amazing mike
God Bless

Anonymous said...

Hey Mike, I am glad to see that the surgery went as planned. It's good to know that your on the road to recovery. Make sure to watch the game, it's on at 6:00. It'll be a good one. ok well i will check in later to see how you are doing, don't disappoint me lol.
Danielle

Anonymous said...

Hey Mike.

I got some stuff that people are giving me cause I'm going to edmonton this weekend. I'll drop it by the hospital on saturday, don't know if you're up to visitors yet though. If you are let me know

suga_n_spice35@hotmail.com
780 404 3693

Anonymous said...

Hi Mike, I'm another in the long list of folks who need to say, "you don't know me". Just wanted to tell you that we are praying for you. God bless you, I see by the responses on this site that you have touched many people in your short life. Keep it up.
Neil and Brenda, our prayers are with you as well. I can't imagine the agony of helplessly watching your son go through this. Stay strong God is on your side.
Matt and Steve, Keep up the good work keeping us informed. Thank you. We're praying for you as well that you will be strong for Mike, and also for you mom and dad.
Love in Christ Jon and Cheryl Dyck

Anonymous said...

Hey Mike, glad to hear your surgery went well. We are wishing the best for your recovery. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Keep positive and don't get into too much trouble!
Tesolin Family

Anonymous said...

Congrats on the successful surgery Mike. I hope they have you sitting up soon...
I don't know if you're up for visitors, but i'm going to try to get up to edmonton to see you man. Be strong buddy.

Josh Marcellin

Anonymous said...

The Evans, Laurence and Olive, Mary Dickau's parents and many of our family are with you in our prayers and concern.

We pray the power and presence of Jesus Christ to be your Source in these days. And also for Brenda and Neil, your siblings and Leroy and Gladys.

At a time like this I have no words that will help. But the Lord Jesus only can give you strength of mind, body and spirit for each new phase.

May you be very aware of Him with you in the long night hours.

Anonymous said...

Dear Mike and Family..our thoughts and prayers remain with you constantly today....Cindy and Wally

Anonymous said...

hey Mike,
its really good to hear that your surgery went good today, I have been praying and thinking about you all day today. hope you get better. much luck and love.

Anonymous said...

Way to go Mike
Love from, the B's in Smoky

Anonymous said...

Hi Michael, Neil, Brenda & Matthew,
It is so hard to know what to say that will be and encouragement, but we just want to let you know that we have been praying for you since we heard the news last Wednesday. Even Zac (just about 3 years old) prays for you at every meal. We will continue to pray for you...healing, encouragement and peace. Please know that you are loved.
Love,
Michael, Tanya,
Matthew, Joshua, Jacqui & Zac Kirylchuk

Anonymous said...

Hey Mike,
since I heard about your accident I have been praying for you to get better. I love that I can look on here and get an update, thanks Matt and Steve for doing the updates. Its really good to hear about the surgery going well. Mike my thoughts and prayers are with you. you have all my love and support right now even though you probably dont know me. I'm praying for you and your family. stay strong.
Kaitlin

Anonymous said...

Mike, So glad everything went well and in a few days you will have full view of your surroundings.We will keep on praying as we expect more wonderful things from our great God!
Matt, Thanks for the good work you've done on this web site.
We are also praying, along with many others, for your entire family.
We love you, and God's Blessings upon you all.
Wanda Lawrence and Desiree

Anonymous said...

Hi Mike
You don't know how many people you reached and have impacted by your story. We know if anyone is going to make it through this is, it's going to be you.
We are praying for you and God bless
Vanessa and Julia

Anonymous said...

Hi
All the support on this blog has been really uplifting, and I know that it means alot to Mike and his family. I appreciate that everyone wants to show their love & respect for Mike and this site has allowed everyone to do so. As I am sure all of you could imagine all of the required opperations, scans, and check ups take a lot out of Mike. It is important for him & his recovery that he be able to rest as much as possible, and unfortunatly a large ammount of visitors further drain Mike's limited ammount of energy. I know that people want to express their love & concern for Mike, but please understand that it is important for his recovery that he is able to rest as much as possible. So please if you are planning on visiting, try to contact his family first to ensure that Mike is up to having visitors. Thanks for all the support on the blog, and know that it does not go unnoticed.

Anonymous said...

Hi Mike:

I just wanted you to know that prayers are going up for you in Calgary (and not just from your aunt, uncle and cousin). Your Aunt Connie told me about your accident last weekend, and I have been praying for your recovery since then. Even though you don't know me, I have known your family for a long time, especially your Aunt Connie.

May God continue to bless you as you are blessing others.

Nancy

Anonymous said...

Michael, you have always been a Michael to me, this morning at breakfast Rob Wicker was presenting his Master's work and he finished with your blog site and asked us to find time to send good wishes to you. Our prayers and thoughts were with you and your family throughout the day.
It was so uplifting to read that the surgery went as planned, but the outpouring of love and faith I have just read is huge.
Continue to be strong..........

Mrs. Robb :)

Anonymous said...

I'm so happy that the sugery went well. I was thinking about it all day, so much it was hard to concentrate at work. Be seeing you soon.
-Booth and Gallant

Anonymous said...

Mike,
I am so glad to hear that your surgery went well. I was thinking and praying for you today.
Juli

Anonymous said...

Hi Mike & Family
We just wanted to let you know that you are in our thoughts & prayers. And we wanted to send love from smoky lake!

God Bless,
Michael & Tanya(Danyluk) Trenchuk

Anonymous said...

Hey Michael,
Since Jordan told me about your accident I've been praying for you. I'm really glad that the surgery went well, and praying that you have a great recovery! You have tons of support, and you are in my thoughts.
God bless,
Margaret

Anonymous said...

Thank you Jesus!! Mike that's great to hear all went well and you are progressing. I pray you WILL be able to sit up, sooner than later! And a quick healing!
Ami Polson

Anonymous said...

Hey Mike it's Kasi again Haha now I'm straing to sound like a creepy stalker chick, I'm not I swear.

Well I was reading through and some people are sharing stories about you and I realized that I never did. Well The first time I ever went to EFC youth group was thirty hour famine 2004. I was homeschooled so I really didn't know anyone except Nancy. You and Matt came and said Hi to me and I kinda recognized you guys but I didn't know who you were. Through out the rest of the night in just about every game one of you guys made me feel included. Richard and I beat one of you guys at risk (I forget who) and Matt singing brittney spears was definately funnt. You guys made me feel excepted. At that point in time I really had no friends, and I had hit that big teen depression thing. You guys made my night and I still remember it.

May the Lord bless you and heal you

~KASI

Anonymous said...

hey Mike
we are all glad to hear that your surgery went well and you can finally be comfortable. Thank you Matthew for keeping everone updated on whats going on. And if you missed the Oilers game they lost 6-3. The second period was CRAZY!! but we are just happy that everything went well today, we pray that God will be with you and your family through the rest of your recovery. and that he will help you to get stronger and stronger everyday .
THe Seiferts

Anonymous said...

I don't know you personally but my son, Philip Dickau, knows your brother and so told us about your situation and we have been praying for you ever since. My mother's heart goes out to you and your family. We're so thankful that the surgery went okay and we want you to know that we will keep praying for you. We recently saw God do some incredibly awesome things for my sister who had a brain aneurism. We hope and pray for even greater things for you! Vera Dickau

Anonymous said...

Hey mike<
I heard about the accident but only found about the website today. Its cool to see how much ppl our thinking and praying for you.Just go's to show what a great guy you are. I hope you get feeling better fast.

Kurt Calliou

Anonymous said...

So glad to hear everything went well today. I've been praying for you all since I heard about what happened, especially today before and during surgery. Stay strong and positive, and know that the circle of prayer that surrounds you is amazingly wide and warm. My thoughts and prayers are with you today and in the days and weeks to come--

Paul Shamchuk

Anonymous said...

Mike,
I really hope that you are ok. I'm sure you will because there are so many people behind you and you have so much confidence and love in your heart for other people and for Jesus that i can just tell everything is going to be alright. I might come see you on Saturday or Sunday..whichever is possible. I might skip going to a soccer tourney to come see you but its still deciding..so Matt or Steve could you please email me or call me with his room #
drummergrrl_17boo@hotmail.com
623-1712 or 404-6706
Hang in there..everyone is rooting for you and we all love you unconditionally. I love how after going through all of this you can still have a smile..only Michael Barker could ever pull that off..the one memory of you that sticks out the most to me is your mardi gras dance save a horse ride a cowboy..now whenever i hear that song you in a hot cowboy outfit pops into my head..not a bad picture to have pop into your head!! lol don't flirt with the nurses to much and get better soon. Love you lots!!

Lauren Wells

Anonymous said...

Michael, we have been praying for you for the past week. We thank God the surgery went well today and we wish you the very best for the next few days. Ame was shocked to hear the news about the accident and she wants me to send you her best wishes aswell. Neil and Brenda, I am at a loss of words for you, but you are constantly in our thoughts. God bless you as a family and as the sign says at the High School "Michael, you are in our hearts!" Take care and God bless you as a family!
Stephan and Dreschalda

Anonymous said...

Hey Mike!

Some guy came into the tourist booth yesterday and asked how you were doing. He didn't remember your name or my name (he referred to you as "that young feller"), and I had no idea who he was, but he still cared enough to ask. Do you know what this means? You are so gosh darn popular and famous that you are officially a tourist attraction! Maybe we should put up a sign on the way into town..."Welcome to Lac La Biche, Home of Local Celebrity Michael Barker!" ("Gateway to the Boreal" doesn't really have the same oomph, don't you think?) But anyway, get well soon, because I can't handle much more of this emotion and still maintain my superficial happy friendly attitude when dealing with the tourists who ask about you.

But seriously and sincerely, I'm glad your surgery went well, my thoughts are with you and I hope you get better soon.

Devin

Anonymous said...

Mike,
You don't know me, but we know your mom. On behalf of my family, we care and are praying for you. May you know God's loving hand even in this!

Evelyn

Anonymous said...

WOW! This is quite an answer to many,many prayers! Its great to know how God is with you no matter what, and he was definatly doing something amazing in the doctors hands today. :-)
You have so many people that are thinking of you NON-STOP!
John 9:3 talks about God not punishing people for the wrong they, or their parents have done, but that God's works will be shown through. And i truly believe awesome things are happening because of the accident. People are setting aside their differences, and coming together to pray, and people are also getting stronger in their faiths.

You are a great person, who always has a smile on his face no matter what. You happen to have the best, most supportive family. you guys all have your heads screwed on just right!
I'm praying for you all. ALLthe time!
Rashel

Anonymous said...

Hi Mike
Our prayers are with you and your family. Glad today is behind you and hope you are resting more comfortably.
Jim and Dary Skinner

Anonymous said...

Atta boy, Michael! God's answering prayers, even if they're coming one at a time! Matt, thanks for all the updates. I think I check this blog more than my Star Trek site (and that's saying something)! But seriously, God bless you Matt. And Mike, can I have your autograph? You're more famous than Kirk by now, I'm sure of it. Hang in there!
Faye Polson

Anonymous said...

Hey mike, if nothing else you got a few phone numbers out of this blog

Anonymous said...

Thank you Matt for keeping this blog going - I really appreciate it. I have been praying for your whole family to feel God's love surrounding you.

Mary Piquette

Anonymous said...

We are glad your surgery went well . Stay strong Mike just think in no time you will be eating real food again. We love you and are continuing to pray for you.
love Nadine

Anonymous said...

Hello Mike

I am soo glad to hear that your surgery went well. I will keep praying that God continues to give you strength each and everyday. It is amazing to see God working in your life and the lives of the those around you (through the blog I mean). I almost feel like I know you. Anyways, I am praying for your family too. God Bless

-Julie-Anne (Your Aunt Mary's Niece)

Anonymous said...

I was reading my Forward Day by Day on Wednesday and was shocked at the significance it had towards my life and thoughts at this time. Usually I struggle to find ways that these little stories can be applied to my life and sometime they seem completely irrelevant. Wednesday’s story however made me think of Mike and the amazing support he’s had from this site. The following is part of the story….

“In a letter I can say what I might be too shy to express person-to-person. In a letter I can take the time to say what I most want you to know about me in words chosen for you alone. We can read each others letters over and over, meditate on them, absorb them into ourselves, respond back and forth until the fullness of the exchange has been felt. Perhaps, if it survives, the letter will live a life of its own inspiring strangers or become a treasured part of the heritage we pass to our descendants so that they too, will know us. Letting another person know me in my uniqueness is a religious act because it is an act of love.”

Anonymous said...

Mike
I was just sent this link and am impressed with the site. Norah and I have been praying and will continue as thats bout all we can do. I guessing that this comment may be a bit redundant given your present position but i'll say it anyway. "Keep looking up"

Anonymous said...

Im really happy that the surgery went well, and i hope that you are able to sit up soon!

xo~Brittany Sturges

Anonymous said...

Hey mike,

Congrats!! Glad the surgery went well. God definitely has a plan and purpose for this chapter in your life (by the way, happy 'made it past one week' day! lol) We might not know what he's up to, but it'll be good in the end. Thanks to steve and matt for updating the blog daily, the daily reports are always helpful in prayers. Praise God!!

In Christ the ultimate doctor and great physician,

Britney in MI

Anonymous said...

To the Barkers,
Thought i'd send bits of James for encouragement
Pieces of James 1

2Consider it PURE JOY, my brothers(and sisters), whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4PERSERVERENCE must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5If any of you lacks WISDOM, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6But when he asks, he must BELIEVE AND NOT DOUBT, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 12Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the CROWN of life that God has promised to those who love him.
17Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who DOES NOT CHANGE like shifting shadows. 18He chose to give us birth through the word of TRUTH that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he created.
19My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. 21Therefore get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. 22Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 25 The man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives FREEDOM, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.

Blessings,
Britney in MI

Anonymous said...

Mike:

this is the first time I 've checked out the blog since I have been released from the hospital on Wedndesday. This is Mark, the guy (with the tumour removed) laying in the bed across the room from you in ICU. I just wanted to let you know that not only was I praying for you while I was laying across the room, but still now as you go through your recovery. I've had to and still will have to tell certain people about my situation that this is not, I repeat not from God! My father in heaven only wants the best for me and my family and I believe the same for you and yours. The bible tells us that the thief comes only but to steal, to kill and to destroy, but Jesus came to give us life and that more abundantly! Abundant life Mike! That's what he wants for you. Believe it and embrace it because every good and perfect gift comes from him. Anyways, take care. Rest in Jesus. I'll continue to pray for you.

Mark Noordam