More Plus than Minus

My 6AM call indicated she had a fair night and numbers were stable.

When I arrived today, they had another blood gas study planned, another bronc and depending upon the results, removing the vent. Needless to say, Joy couldn't wait! Just before noon, the tube was removed and her voice was amazingly better than previously. The plan then was to let her rest a little, sit in a chair and walk. Right now, the toughest thing she has to do is walk and the one thing that will help her the most is walk. We learned that the "something" they noticed in the previous biopsy was rejection and they have started three antibiotics to try to counter. A stress management specialist visited her twice today and trying to assist her with bouts of anxiety and stress. He O2 was reduced to 2 lpm which is an improvement. So by noon everything looked on the upswing and then she had pain management issues throughout the early afternoon. Around 6PM they walked her a full lap in and out of Acute Care and she appeared to tolerate this better than any previous walk that I am aware of. We may have spent a few more minutes with her today but again, her room is adequate for the care but small for visitors and naturally no seating. Kevin bought her a couple magazines that she would typically like, but she deferred reading at this time. Her memory remains normal, her thought process about 99% (still on a lot of meds) but still naturally weak. They have increased the insulin injections to fight the increasing sugar levels brought on by the meds and we do not know how long this will last. She still has all nine drainage tubes in place a couple of which in her back may be the culprit for the pain issues.

So all in all, we are optimistic but how she manages the night and what she is like in the morning should tell a lot. The plan is to have her walk at least three or four laps around the same course as mentioned above.

Now, Joy's niece Dr. Laraine Bortner, asked me to tell you how I am doing. Wayne is doing fine. Tiring days? Sure, but I feel that I am managing the time away from Joy and DUMC by getting good rest and sleep, taking a coffee break here and there and do not feel guilty for not being there all night. And, I have added comfort in that Joy does not expect that. She continues to get great care and if needed, I could be there is 25 minutes. Writing the blog at night seems rather therapeutic as I recap the day and document Joy's status and progress. This blog also serves as a diary of facts, feelings and a days observation that Joy may find of interest when she comes home. I know we have many relatives, friends, friends of friends interested in Joy and I look forward to the nightly Post and reading the various comments. I could not possibly manage phone calls and e-mails without the benefits of the blog and I have received so many notes of appreciation for providing current updates. Joy and I bought into this ordeal as a team and I have nothing to complain about most especially when compared to what she is going through. Honest, I cannot envision any circumstance where I would consider this surgery. I remain so proud of her and applaud her effort to extend her life and know what a sacrifice and price she is paying for that time.

Now, let's hope and pray for continued improvement tomorrow. The road will still be long and progress in mini steps and set backs, but we have no schedule or timetable and do not expect things to go perfect.

Good night and God bless.