August 31st Providence Portland - the morning after debridment surgery.

Good morning loved ones. Mike's doc called me at 11:30 pm and discussed the surgery with me. He debrided much of the eschar (not sure on those spellings) and surrounding nonviable tissue. Because of Mike's recent heart attack and the blood thinners he is on has made any sort of long surgery very dangerous. Even in the couple of hours last night he bleed out quite a bit. Today the doctors plan is to do surgery again early this afternoon to remove more tissue and to do this surgery with a orthopedic surgery. Between the bone and skin specialists they will be able to come up with the best plan possible for Mike's foot.

I will add that the Doc was not very optimistic about Mikes ability to keep his foot. The top of the foot has blood supply and want to be there as a happy living foot with wiggly little toes - but the bottom of the foot, heel and back of the heel is missing the tissue to be able to walk on it. In the accident Mike lost the blood supply that reaches to the bottom of the foot and all he has been fighting this fight with is the blood supply that feeds the top of the foot.

What does all of this mean? I think it's getting to be more black and white. The most important thing is Mike's ability to recover, live as pain free as possible and to live a life that gives him the ability to do the things that are important to him. Like golf and mowing the lawn. We'll see what happens later today and we want you to know that we appreciate all of you in the biggest way!!

As far as visitors - Mike's room is so small and it's such an effort for MC to have to chat and make conversation with a guest right now. Lots of emotion coupled with the pain drugs and exhaustion has him pretty tuckered out most of the day. He has family coming tomorrow, his daughter this evening and possibly his Daddy tomorrow afternoon. All Mike needs right now if you want to reach out, is a simple email or FB message saying you are out there. Don't expect him to respond, but a read only is very special to him. His email address is mike_colligan@hotmail.com He loves you, and can't believe the outpouring and support he is feeling from everyone. I will do my best to keep you posted.  

SB & MC out for this morning.