February 19 & 20, 2010 - One of Each

Friday the 19th was a pretty good day. Dad was alert and engaged. Once he got started, he was pretty talkative in the early afternoon.

• He did a good job while working through his exercises with his speech therapist, Amy.
• Conversational highlights...after his speech therapy session he told me "don't be such a smart ass" - responded that I can't help myself since the fruit doesn't fall far from the tree...we shared a good belly-laugh over one of the stories his friend Ed told me - has to do with lying down in the middle of the cow pasture, it's a long story...he later offered up that it was a good time for a nap...during said nap, Mom was giving him a little manicure that yielded "give me a break"
• The doctors decided that they were not going to try to drain the fluid from around his right lung. Upon closer inspection of the CT images, they determined that the fluid is contained in multiple small pockets, no one of which would yield much fluid (maybe 100-200 cc at most). The good news is that the fluid does not indicate an infection. Rather, it is likely a byproduct of the original surgery.
• From late-afternoon on, the day was quiet, as Dad slept most of the time.
• Vitals and labs all continue to be good and he was off the ventilator for about 13 hours.
  

Saturday was a little rough. Dad had to return to the ventilator after about an hour since his breathing was labored. Another attempt off the ventilator was relatively short.

• As a result of the extra effort, he was washed out and slept most of the day.
• Otherwise, his vital signs and other metrics remain steady and positive.
• The afternoon featured a visit from Jim and Scottie, who made the trip from Elkins...calls from "brother" Larry and friend Jim...and a visit from Terry, from Charleston, via the Mountaineer win. Thanks to all. Your friendship and support is encouraging and heartwarming.

As always, thank you for your prayers and warm wishes. Please continue to pray for Dad's complete recovery, as well as for strength and peace for Dad and Mom throughout this process. Your prayers are a comfort to all.