Dec. 28, 2012
It seems the pain is getting worse.  I guess this is one of those days the doctor warned us about.  But family visits helped and they told us about warm towels, which seemed to relieve some of the pain.

Dec. 29, 2012
Today was better.  Pain is more tolerable today.  Family got us the thermal heating pads which helped even more. Thank you for your prayers.

Thursday, Dec. 27th
Had a good day overall.  Feet and legs still in pain for some reason more today than yesterday.
But, the good news is he slept well last night (from 9:30 pm to 2:30 am).  Best night yet.
Then back to sleep until 5:30 am (not bad).
Doctor says immune system will be down due to spleen removal.  Soooo, he cannot be                               around colds, flus, etc.
Big challenge, especially this time of the year.

Yesterday 12/26th

Vicente came home!  What a wonderful blessing from the Lord.  We cannot express in words our gratitude to our Savior for his hand in every step of the way.  Proverbs 3:5
Vicente still has work and healing to do.  He walks a little with the aid of a walker.  But he is eating and getting up slowly for short spans of time.
He wants everyone to know how much he appreciates the help through prayer and support.

Vicente's update

http://crimeblog.dallasnews.com/2012/12/dallas-police-man-shot-five-times-at-tire-shop-on-s-buckner-and-military-parkway-thursday-afternoon.html/ (here is the link to the article) 

Thursday evening, on December 13, 2012 Vicente Banuelos was shot five times at a tire shop and survived. It was public. It was spontaneous. It was quick. The shooter escaped and all witnesses were unable to identify him.

Aside Vicente was Vicente Jr., who was unharmed and called 911 immediately. Within half an hour, Vicente Sr. was rushed into surgery. Afterwards, Vicente’s condition within the next 12-24 hours was critical.  

Friday morning, Vicente was put through surgery a second time where the doctors were able to remove all five bullets. By the end of the day the doctors told his family members the rest of the bullets had miraculously missed vital organs.   They did however have to remove the spleen, gall bladder and part of his intestines.  The liver was severely damaged but we are hoping for the best.  One bullet hit his right lung, making that lung collapse.  Another hit his sternum, which doctors say would normally shatter it and that would be it, but this bullet hit the sternum, ricocheted to the left side then exited his body.  Another bullet hit him, breaking his spine but missing his spinal cord (which means he will be able to walk).  So many miracles from the Lord, what a testimony of seeing the Lord’s hand in our lives.

Two days later, after removing the breathing tube, Vicente was transferred out of the ICU.  We continue to receive so much support from friends and family.  It is evident how much love they feel for Vicente in their prayers, actions and love.

Monday, December 17, 2012 Vicente had a decent night. He is still in a lot of pain.  His body, legs and feet hurt.

Tuesday December 18, 2012 Vicente is coming along slowly. The MRI showed he has a fractured spine but no spinal cord injury (another miracle). It is however, bruised causing him a lot of feet and leg discomfort.  They told us he will need a body brace for a while when he is not in bed. He cannot eat yet but he has been taking in clear liquids.

Wednesday December 19, 2012 During the day Vicente endured a lot of pain, but the night was much worse. A priesthood blessing was asked and received at midnight (during a four hour period of vomiting).

Thursday December 20, 2012 Vicente had a CT scan that showed improvement in his digestive system. They put his back brace on and he stood up for the first time while in the hospital!  Incredible.

Friday December 21, 2012 Today, with the help of physical therapists, Vicente was able to stand up, walk to the door and back. He is starting to take in fluids and fruit. He hasn't eaten much, but he is still nauseated and it looks like his stomach is functioning a little more.