Lance's Update

Lance had a doctor's appointment last night at 7pm. I know, I know, 7 pm seems like a strange time to have a doctors appointment, but...it's Brazil. Anyway, Kelly and Lance both really liked the doctor. He was recommended by the American Embassy website and specializes in the lungs. He was very confident that Lance will be fine, and that his bady will actually heal itself...so that there would be no need for surgery. He is also confident that Lance will be able to fly on the 20th...so that's good. Two nights ago in our prayer meeting Kelly's prayer sounded something like this, "...and Lord, please let Lance fly home on the 20th......of December.....two thousand and eight..." I guess sometimes it's good to be specific in prayers. :)
Apparently the reason that the pain was so bad this time is not because the collapse is any bigger or worse...but because of his previous surgery. I don't totally understand this, so I will probably explain it wrong, but just for a general idea...it sounds as though we have two layers surrounding our lungs...and usually they are loose from one another....like one balloon inside the other, and air can get around freely. Because of Lance's previous surgery the two layers are sealed together....like when two balloons get hot and stick together...but all over...and then the lung sprung a leak...and air was coming in between the two layers trying to force them apart. This is what felt like a sharp knife in Lance's back. He went back to the doctors this afternoon for more X-Rays, so we will see. Anyway, I think the pain has subsided for the most part, and Lance is just resting.