Roberto is doing well.  He is no longer in intensive care, he was transferred to a regular hospital room.  He's now eating solid food with no problem and getting some walking around exercise.  Doctors said yesterday that if all continues, he will be released to finish recovery at home within a few days.

I am hoping that the next update will start off with "Roberto's out of the hospital"!!!

Thank you to all who have contributed to help cover the medical bill.  We're still far from covering it, so if anyone would like to help, please do as the hospital will need to be paid in full before he is released.

Hospital bill as of 01/30/2022 -  $53,136.00
Contributions as of 01/30/2022 -  $21,860.00

Roberto is doing well and sends his love to everyone.   In a text message this morning, he says he has been resting/sleeping well, feels no pain, and no longer feels as tired.  Says he's gonna try his best to be at the Cantina to watch Super Bowl!  Family has told me yesterday that he looked much better, skin color no longer as pale and he was much more talkative.   I'll try to get a little visit in with him today as he is allowed only a couple of hours of visitation.

MEDICAL UPDATE: 
Roberto was taken in for a second surgery to remove infection from two large abscesses on his liver.  The location of one of the abscesses was a concern due to very nearby blood vessels.  Doctors estimated the surgery would take 2 - 3 hours, but it turned out to be a 5 hours surgery.   He went in at 8:30 on Wednesday night and came out at 1:30am on Thursday morning.  

Doctors had anticipated were prepared for substantial bleeding during surgery.  Roberto was given blood during surgery and in recovery and as of last night, a third unit of blood was administered.  Surgery went well and both incisions (from the first surgery and this surgery) were closed, though drainage four tubes are still in place.  He is recovering Intensive Care and his condition is weak, but stable.  

All looks positive and lab work is scheduled for today to see if there is anything to be concerned about going on.  He will be given a bland diet to see how he does with that.  If there are no problems, he will be transferred out of Intensive Care and into a regular room.

It has been a long and trying week for many of us.  After 10 days of touch and go in the hospital, we're hoping we've gotten past the last of the hurdles!  Please keep the prayers going, we're almost past this. 

Medical expenses are racking up, but I've assured the family we'll get through this together and stressed to Roberto that he's to focus his energy on nothing other than getting better. 

MEDICAL EXPENSES:
As of 01/27/22 7:00pm - $ 41,384.17usd

CONTRIBUTIONS:
As of 01/28/22 8:00am - $ 18,615.00usd

BLOOD DONATIONS:
The blood bank has received blood from 2 qualified donors, a minimum of 10 qualified donors are required to replace the blood that has been used for Roberto.  There are strict requirements for donors, so please if you, donate - it is urgently needed.
Blood donations can be given at Hospital H+ 
For more info, click  Donor Requirements or visit the website Hospital H+.

Roberto is doing good, but one of those obstacles I mentioned yesterday needs to be dealt with today!  
Extra strong prayers, positive thoughts, and contributions towards medical expenses VERY much needed!

Scans and lab work yesterday revealed that Roberto's liver has two abscesses that have filled with infected fluid.  Comparison to the last scan show the abscesses have grown larger and the fluid has become more opaque signifying  that pus and infection are present and growing.  Surgery is scheduled for later this evening or late tonight at  latest - risk of the abscesses rupturing and reinfection spreading increases the longer we wait.  

During surgery, the abscesses will be and cleaned, then a drains left in place to drain fluids after the surgery.  One of the abscesses is in an area of the liver that is easy to get to, while the other is in the area on the opposite side where numerous blood vessels are connected, making it riskier to get to.   There is a chance of excessive bleeding to occur during surgery and Roberto may need to have a blood transfusion.  For this reason, blood is being ordered and surgery will not be done until they have it available. 

In order to get blood from the blood bank, blood taken must be be replaced.  Donors are urgently needed at this time so that Roberto has the blood he may need.  Blood type does not matter.  Donation can be made at Hospital H+ located in front of Walmart - appointment is necessary.  Below are the requirements as stated on the Hospital H+ Blood Bank web page.    

Call 624-104-9300  Ext 3219  to schedule your appointment. 
It is very important to specify that your donation is to be credited to:
AMC Hospital patient ROBERTO SANDOVAL MARBAN 

Minimum requirements to donate:

• Minimum fast between 4 and 8 hours. maximum.
• Women who are in their menstrual period will be able to donate, unless they have symptoms associated with menstruation.
• If you are a woman, not be pregnant, lactating or have had a pregnancy in the last 6 months.

Requirements to donate:

• official identification
• Age between 18 and 65 years
• 8 hour fast
• Weight greater than 50 kg.
• No signs of disease
• Pass physical and laboratory exams
• Have slept at least 6 hours the night before

You will not be able to donate if:

• You have diabetes or seizures.
• Suffer from Malaria or Chagas.
• You received the rabies or hepatitis vaccine in the last year.
• They applied any vaccine in the last 28 days: oral polio, chickenpox, measles, rubella, mumps, yellow fever and/or influenza.
• Consider risk factors for acquiring the HIV virus such as: Having multiple sexual partners or applying intravenous drugs.
• Suffer from a venereal infection such as: Gonorrhea or Syphilis.
• If alcoholic beverages were consumed in the last 24 hours.
• You are pregnant or suspect you are pregnant or are breastfeeding.
• You are currently taking one or more medications.
• Had major surgery (6 months), acupuncture procedure, tattoos, piercings, blood transfusions (performed in the last year)
• He was interned in mental or penitentiary institutions.

So glad I had the opportunity to visit with Roberto in person yesterday and he's looking pretty good.  I let him know how many of you were sending prayers, positive thoughts and vibes, in addition to help with medical expenses.  I asked him not to worry because we've all got his back and asked him to focus only on getting better.  Roberto asked me to let you all know he sends his love and sincere thanks to everyone who has and continues to help him get through this!

Although Roberto is feeling better, doctors are stressing there are still a few obstacles that have to be overcome on his road to recovery.  His condition has improved miraculously after the surgery and with the treatment he's received since.  Doctors are now focusing on damage caused when organs were infected when his appendix burst.  

Medical update:      

• Intestines are still contracted, but kicked in yesterday with the first bowel movement in over a week.  They are hoping that Roberto doing more "moving around" will release trapped gases.
• A blood transfusion was given yesterday as he had become a bit anemic.  He was feeling tired and had no energy.  Results are positive and he feels a lot better this morning.
• Blood pressure was more stable yesterday and less medication necessary to control it.
• Drainage tubes are still required, but fluid draining "looks good".
• Roberto is able to take in more fluids, jello, and even chicken / vegetable broth without upsetting his stomach and has been able to eat mashed apples and keeping it down fine.  
• Liver function is not yet satisfactory.  Tomography scheduled today to try and find out why.
• One lung has a bit of fluid.  Medication administered and "exercises" scheduled to try and eliminate the fluid and reduce the chance of pneumonia developing.

Correction to previous update on transferring out of Intensive Care. 
Update stated he was transferred into a regular room, which is incorrect.  He is in Intermediate Care. 


Medical Expense update:
As of January 24th at 5:00pm - $25,556.00usd

Contribution update: 
As of January 25th at 8:00am - $15,800.00usd

As of noon on Jan 24th, things are still moving in a positive direction. 

Roberto was able to stand and walk a bit yesterday.  His intestines are being a bit stubborn and not yet functioning well enough to for him to have more than small sips of liquids.  An attempt at a bit more yesterday resulted in vomiting and  abdominal inflammation so they will be taking this a bit slower than planned.   Although Roberto's appetite is there, no food for a while longer.  Drain tubes are still draining from his abdomen area with no signs of infection.  Blood pressure still not stable, but they are still controlling it with adjustments in medications.

There will be another update later this afternoon.  In addition to paying down the bill with contributions sent thus far, I am hoping they let me in for a little visit with Roberto.

Please keep the prayers going!  

And again, I cannot express how thankful the family is for all the love and support!

GOOD NEWS -  Doctors have advised that Roberto's condition has improved enough that intensive care is no longer needed.  He was transferred to an intermediate hospital room yesterday afternoon.  The first in person visit from family members since before his surgery only lifted his spirits higher.  

At this time, concerns are his blood pressure and digestive system.  Blood pressure has fluctuated low to high and has been steadied with medication.  Getting his intestines back on the job is the next step.  He's been taking in minute amounts of fluid and today doctors will have him stand and try taking a few steps to see if a bit more movement will kick intestines into gear.  Kidney and liver functions are good.  Although still not 100% out of the woods, doctors are a bit more optimistic.

Roberto's positive attitude and sense of humor have gained him more friends at the hospital.  Let's just say he's got the nurses laughing.  Just a sample of what's he's doing - His new nurse came in to give him his daily bath ... Roberto said, "NO, NO, NO, I am allergic to shampoo!"  With a look of SHOCK on her face,   she replied, "Why didn't you tell someone this?".  If you know Roberto, this is they type of thing he does regularly :-)

There are no words to express how grateful Roberto and his family are for the constant prayers for his health and contributions for medical expenses.  The family has shed many tears over the past few days.  Some in sadness and pain, but many in joy at the unbelievable help they are receiving from those who love Roberto.

Thank you all and please, please, please keep the prayers going.

Medical expenses (01/23/22 9:00am)  $20,575.00usd
Contributions $11,700.00usd

I know you are all concerned and waiting for an update on Roberto's condition.  I'll be posting updates once a day to keep you all informed.  Keep those prayers going! Roberto is hanging in there, in good spirits and determined to win this battle.

Roberto's condition, although still critical, remains stable.  He is still in intensive care, lab work done several times a day, with nurses and doctors monitoring his vitals continuously.  Updates on his condition and any changes are communicated with the family throughout the day, with a final update at the end of the day.  The team of doctors and nurses who are treating him are top notch!  He is in good hands.

Update as of last night (01/21/2022):  Doctors expressed Roberto is doing surprisingly better than any of them expected.  Although they did stress that a patient in his condition could take a turn at any moment, they are optimistic.  Roberto's positive attitude, faith, and spirit full of fight plays a key role in his recovery.  He was given small amounts of fluid orally to be sure that digestive system and other organs are functioning, they will try increasing periodically until everything is operating satisfactorily.  He is urinating and passing gas, which is a very good sign.   He has two drainage tubes still draining his abdomen.  Fluid that is draining looks "good" as in they don't see any infection in it.  His blood pressure dropped a bit during the day, but was quickly brought back up with an adjustment to medication.  His antibiotics were upped a bit when lab work showed that it was needed to keep him stable.  At the time of the update, doctors are hoping he continues improving to the point where they can take him off the blood pressure medication, at which time he can be transferred to a regular hospital room.  They say this can happen in a day or two if he continues improving as he has been.

Since Roberto is in ICU and with current "covid" restrictions, visitors are not allowed.  The only contact with the "outside" world he has is via text / social media.  Although he may not be able to respond to texts or messages right way, he will see them and I can assure you that the outpouring of concern, support, and well wishes are cherished.  

I'll be putting together a collage or video of photos of him with as many of his friends as I can get my hands on to send to him.  If you have a photo of you with Roberto, please do send it to me so I can include it, I'm sure he'd love to see it.   You can upload it by clicking HERE.  You can also send via facebook message or email to [email protected].

Here's the "money" part.  As of yesterday evening, the bill is at $14,317usd. 
Contributions to help with medical expenses are at $6,870usd.  

Time to give back to a very special person.  Roberto is in the hospital in critical condition and needs as many prayers, positive thoughts, and a bit of a helping hand to cover medical costs.  I am confident that with as many friends that he has, God will be getting a overwhelming amount of prayers today.  

This is one of those things that start out as a minor mole hill and turns into a giant mountain unexpectedly.  On January 10th, Roberto went in "Seguro" ( where one would go for the free universal health care here in Mexico ) to get a Covid test since he felt a bit under the weather (I will add here, since I know people will be wondering - yes, he was fully vaccinated.).  His result was "positive", but since he had minor symptoms, doctor advised to stay home for 4 - 5 days, take paracetamol for body aches and fever and go back after the 5 days for another test.  Day 4 showed no signs of improvement, he was still running a low grade fever, just a little pain in the stomach, but permanently had a feeling of exhaustion.  The doctor advised a few more days on paracetamol.  On this day Jan 17th, the family decided he needed a second opinion and took him to a "private" hospital.  The doctor there examined him and prescribed stronger pain medication, a steroid, and antibiotics, in addition to vitamin C and half hour sunbath daily.  Two days later, although he did feel better in general, he was still experiencing a "little" pain in his stomach and his abdomen had swollen quite a bit.  His communication in text and vocal became choppy and he was loosing his voice.  So, on Jan 19th, another trip to the emergency room at yet another private hospital (AMC Hospital).  He was admitted that evening and a request for full lab work to find out what was going on was requested.   Later that night, the family was contacted and informed that he needed emergency surgery for a life-threatening appendix rupture.  Roberto went into surgery at about 2:00am the morning of Jan 19th.  He came out of surgery and the doctors said he was doing as well as can be expected, but was still in critical condition since his entire abdomen cavity was filled with infection and some organs had already been impacted negatively.   As I am writing this about noon on Jan 21st, Roberto is still in intensive care, in critical, but stable condition.  Doctors have advised that he will continue in intensive care for a minimum of 3 - days.  He is receiving 24 hour care and treatment.  Lab work every few hours, a team of four doctors visiting and checking on him regularly and in constant communication with the family.  At this time (noon, Jan 21st) he is improving a bit, but doctors are stressing that he is not out of critical condition as things can turn at any moment.  He has two drains tubes into his abdomen and it is still draining.  I will be updating everyone on this "blog" as I get updates.  

For those of you who don't know Roberto, Roberto Sandoval is a very, very special man - one of a kind.  Besides being a Caboholic himself since it's inception way back in 2010, he is a husband to the most loving wife and a wonderful father of three grown children with much of his free time devoted to his grandchildren he refers to as his "blessings".   There's no question to why he chose the service industry as his career.  Roberto has become a friend to many and family to many others over the years.  Some know him as Roberto the pool bartender serving the most delicious "dirty monkeys" on the planet.  Others may have met him during the years he worked at Los Barriles restaurant or at La Palapa Shu.  He's been at Cabo Cantina since 2016 and I know he's met so many new friends since then.  Lucky are those who have experienced his Flaming Mexican Coffee.  Doesn't matter where or when anyone meets him, be assured that a new life-long friendship has been made.

On behalf of Don, myself, his wife Mari, his children, Roberto Jr., Angel, and Sbiedy, as well as his grandchildren, and the entire staff at Cabo Cantina, I am asking first and most importantly for prayers and positive thoughts, vibes, or whatever other spiritual support you can send to help get him over this tragedy as that is most important at this time.  Of course medical treatment for what he's battling is not coming cheap and help to cover the bill is much needed and sincerely appreciated.  

The medical bill as of Jan 20th is $11,477.00usd.   
As of last billing, Roberto is expected to be in intensive care for a minimum of 3-4 days if all goes well.
Estimated cost - Intensive Care per day is 80,000 - 100,000 pesos per day (4,000usd - 5,000usd).
Thereafter, he will be moved to a regular room for an additional few days (at a much lower cost).
Please know that everything helps - every contribution is greatly appreciated.