March 29 & 30, 2010 - Stable

Dad sends best wishes to friend Ed for a speedy recovery from his recent heart procedure.

Monday the 29th was an uneventful day.

• It was Dad's first full day in the 12th floor step-down unit. No roommate in this step-down experience - a good thing for all.
• He was tight-lipped all day, without much to say to anyone.
• Son Mike called and brightened Dad, but he still stayed quiet.
• Vital signs are stable, with no fever reported.
• His attending physician in this step-down unit seems resistant to getting Dad out of bed and into a chair. We explained that he was up in the ICU, which surprised him.
  
• Sometimes, it feels like we're in the underground railroad these past 3 months - moving from one well-meaning caretaker to the next. One downside of the process is that it makes a consistent game plan hard to pin down...much less execute.

Tuesday was a better day in that Dad was more animated and willing to talk. A problem, however, was that he had a rough time making himself clear, since his voice was weak.

• A slight fever presented itself on Tuesday, but otherwise Dad's vital signs were good.
  
• They are going to start him on piperacillin to deal with the infection in his lungs. They seem to be ahead of the infection since Dad's white cell count is still normal.
  
• Even though he had a hard time making himself understood, he was clearly in a better mood, with lots of grins and smiles.
• Not to mention the adoring gazes for Mom.
  

Thanks, as always, for your prayers, warm wishes, cards, emails, calls and other support. Please continue to pray for Dad's full recovery and, in particular, for his peace of mind with his circumstance. Also, please pray for Dad and Mom to have strength and peace throughout this ordeal.