Status Report on Dr. Dean’s Surgery 

Oct 24, 2024 - Surgery is scheduled for the afternoon of Monday, October 28th. 

Oct 28, 2024 - Updated schedule. Dr. Dean will now begin surgery at 11:30 - 12:00. 

Oct 28, 2024 - 5:15 pm - Thanks be to our God, Dr. Dean's surgery was just completed and the doctor reports that they only had to do a double bypass and he is very pleased with the results. Dr. Dean will soon be joined by his wife Pam. 

Oct 29, 2024 - 4:00pm - Mrs. Dean has informed us that Dr. Dean looks good and his vitals are good. He is asking for prayer for relief from the pain so he can start walking. 

Oct 30, 2024 - 4:00pm. From Dr. Dean, "I had a wonderful visit from my dear friend, Pastor Bruce Baumgardner today. They also removed the tubes from my chest which freed me to walk all the way around the hall". He also asks specifically for prayers for his heart rate to come down. He is experiencing some Atrial fibrillation. 

Oct 31, 2024 - 3:00pm - Dr. Dean is having some difficulty walking because of dizziness and his heart rhythm is still not stable. Please pray for these things to improve very soon. 

Nov 1, 2024 - 12:00pm - I just got back from visiting Dr. Dean in the ICU. He is doing much better. His color is great, the dizziness is gone, his heart rate is stable and he's hoping to get moved to a room today and possibly home tomorrow or Sunday. He is having some shoulder pain so please keep that in your prayers. - Brice

Nov 1, 2024 - 3:30pm - Dr. Dean is now out of ICU.

Nov 2, 2024 - 9:00am - Dr. Dean reports that he feels fairly good although he's not getting enough sleep. He took a long walk in the hallways (600 steps) without a walker. He's still experiencing some right shoulder pain. The Cardiologist is ready to release him, but they are waiting for surgion signoff. Pray that he can go **home today and that he will get relief from the shoulder pain. 

** to his place of residence in Houston Texas

Nov 2, 2024 - 4:00pm - Pastor Dean is home. Continue to pray for a fast recovery. 

FINAL REPORT from Dr. Dean

First, Pam and I want to thank everyone for all of their prayers for us throughout this unexpected time. God‘s intervention was certainly felt through this process and  at significant times. Second, due to God‘s providential intervention and identifying certain oxygen related trends apparent to me through my Apple Watch, a heart attack was avoided. Third, both my heart surgeon and cardiologist expressed their view that the surgery went exceptionally well and my heart was undamaged, and I can return to a lengthy ministry.

However, recovery just takes time. Bones, muscles, tendons, nerves, grafts, cannot have their healing rushed. But it is important to maintain and follow rigorous physical recovery procedures. From day, one they have had me working to stand, to walk, and to move. Each day this gets better and stronger.

My close pastor friends who have gone through serious bypasses, and other heart problems strongly encourage me not to make the mistake of some and rush back.

Basic challenges can be prayed for. First, sleep! This always a problem exacerbated by the difficulty of being comfortable in bed. The problem of consistent and lengthy sleep must be addressed. Second, following a major invasive surgery like this, stamina, and endurance must be completely rebuilt. Please be in prayer as we continue to follow doctor’s orders, continue the physical therapy exercises prescribed. Third, a number of the promised book were given to the doctors and medical staff and pray that they would have much fruit.

Again, thank you so much for your prayers and your continued prayers.

This will be the final update unless something significant develops.