Monday, March 9, 2015

Update # 182

8 Years

Thanks for all the prayers to help make this a wonderful day for Jeff.

Jeff had another quiet night but was awake at 5:00 AM wanting the lights and TV turned on. He was watching the clock but of course we did not know a time for his surgery.

8:45 AM, one of the ENT team came to say it looked like Noon for Jeff’s procedure. There was no guarantee but at least we were not probably going to have to wait till late afternoon or early evening.

All the morning docs told Jeff his numbers looked good and knew he would do very well.

Almost exactly straight up Noon, the same ENT doc came to say the OR team would be here at anytime for Jeff. 12:15 the group showed up to prepare Jeff for transport. 12:35 Jeff left his room and 1:38 he returned. Yes, Jeff did great and the docs were pleased. And we were even more pleased when the doc said they put in a smaller tube than originally planned. They felt Jeff could handle it. This means no downsizing which means maybe in 5 days they will test Jeff for talking, eating/drinking. Jeff only had some discomfort early afternoon but a little of the pain med has worked all this time. Jeff opens his mouth wide, smiles, sticks out his tongue and mouths what he wants to say. He is a bit disappointed because he did not really comprehend when we had kept telling him it would be days before getting that big water mug but he is handling it well.

Jeff’s ventilator is currently connected to the trachea tube. Tomorrow morning they plan to do another trial to be sure he can maintain his numbers on his own. If so, then the vent will be disconnected from the trach.

Yes, he has his NG nose tube yet for some meds and for feedings. Yes, the chest tube is also still in place. Hopefully, a few days more and both of those can be removed.

The good day continued when Ken purchased some summer Cardinal tickets. Jeff likes to take in a ballgame when they come down for his yearly appointment in June with Dr. DiPersio. This year we’ll get to enjoy a Cards-Cubs game! And Meridith was able to enjoy supper out and visit with a high school friend.

We still request your prayers over these next few days. Jeff is anxious to get to the next step in his recovery. We pray the road continues straight with no more little bumps or curves. Thanks for traveling with us.

love,

Marcia