It's a Good Thing

Stan and Carol’s daughter Kathryn stayed at the hospital most of the day today and had a lot of exciting progress to report for Daddy!

Do NOT tell Daddy, but this is kind of what he’s looking like. Kind of like a baby heron learning to get up and walk around. A little bit of a shocked look on his face! But just like this little heron, pretty soon he’ll be up running the halls and the nurses will be wishing he were just a little less mobile! 

Say “just a little less moe-bile” with a southern accent – it sounds really cool. Just about anything you say with a southern accent sounds pretty cool. Y’all have probably noticed how Daddy can put on a thick southern accent when he wants to. (Don’t tell him I said that either!)

He got out of bed today a couple of times today and walked over to his chair. The more he sits up the better it is. He took a couple of short naps. He got to eat solid food!

The physical therapist came in and did an assessment of where he is now and what he needs to be doing. She helped him with some exercises and showed him how to get up out of the bed and out of a chair. Apparently we are all doing it wrong. Never use your arms, only your legs. Who knew?

It’s important that he not use his upper body for anything, only legs. You can imagine that big old incision in his chest and what using his arms for things would feel like and might cause happen.

The physical therapist had him walk just a little bit today. And each day it will increase a little more.

You can’t imagine how wonderful it is to see him up. This time 17 years ago, he wasn’t even close to this far along. We may have to get a lock for the door if he gets too sure of himself. He’ll just walk out and find a ride to the airport if we’re not careful. 

 

This is what the spirometer looks like. This is what he sucks many, many times a day to make sure that his lungs stay clear from the surgery. It also helps him build up strength and keep infections away. It’s a good thing. 

Kathryn got to see the surgeon today, Dr. Coselli. That was such a relief. We have only been talking to nurses or doctors we didn't know, but Dr. Coselli was able to answer many of our questions about the surgery and the plan for treatment.

We are grateful for each new day, and appreciate the friends and family who love and pray for us.

love, Laura