Thursday night July 18,2013

We are thankful for all the love and well wishes that are shared in the comments on this blog.  Never in our wildest dreams did we ever think this would become our main avenue of communication for family, friends and loved ones during an experience such as Paul cancer and surgeries.

Paul has now been off the life support ventilator for over 24 hours.  We are rejoicing in the fact that even though he has a tracheotomy, he is breathing unassisted.  I hope that soon I will be able to hear Paul's voice again.  The doctors have talked about refitting the tracheotomy with a different fitting that would allow Paul to talk.  It has been 3 weeks since he was able to talk.  That's a long time for him to put up with me talking for the two of us!  But then again, I am not one who ever is at a lost for words.

The last few days have been good days.  Paul's blood work is showing improvement, the doctors have removed two of the six antibiotics, his blood sugar has remained steady for the last 24 hours and he even managed to take ten steps with the help of a walker this morning.   Paul sat in a chair this morning for 2 hours and again this afternoon for 1 1/2 hours.   All in all these may seem like small baby steps but for us they are monumental achievements!

We know there is still healing to take place as Paul has two small holes in the repair that was made to his trachea.  He still has the two drainage tubes in his chest and is looking forward to the day when they can be removed as they a cumbersome to say the least.  We are thankful for the progress he has made so far.

 Tonight will be Paul's second night off the  ventilator.  I am blessed that the doctors and nurses understand my need to stay with him and have made sleeping accommodations in his room for me.

Thank you again to all our family, friends and loved one for everything you have done in sharing this journey with us.  Your ll wishes, cards, prayers, positive envy and love has given us strength and encouragement.

Hugs,
Jo