Progress
Today was another day filled with firsts. Mom and I got to the hospital a little later than usual because we had some errands to run first. One of which was to visit a rehab center that takes patients with new trachs. It's nearby, easy to get to, and takes patients with new trachs, but that's about as much good that I can say about it. Perhaps we got there at a busy time, but the place was a total zoo!!! A lady took us on a tour down the wing where dad would be. The rooms were small and all are double occupancy with the exception of two rooms, but both of those were occupied. I honestly got the feeling that the place was more like an emergency shelter for natural disaster relief than a rehabilitation care facility! By the time we walked down the hall to the physical therapy room I was a complete and total nervous wreck! I can't even imagine how dad would handle it! (I even said so in front of the administrator! A zoo, I tell ya ... A zoo!) Did I mention we vetoed that one??
Today was another day filled with firsts. Mom and I got to the hospital a little later than usual because we had some errands to run first. One of which was to visit a rehab center that takes patients with new trachs. It's nearby, easy to get to, and takes patients with new trachs, but that's about as much good that I can say about it. Perhaps we got there at a busy time, but the place was a total zoo!!! A lady took us on a tour down the wing where dad would be. The rooms were small and all are double occupancy with the exception of two rooms, but both of those were occupied. I honestly got the feeling that the place was more like an emergency shelter for natural disaster relief than a rehabilitation care facility! By the time we walked down the hall to the physical therapy room I was a complete and total nervous wreck! I can't even imagine how dad would handle it! (I even said so in front of the administrator! A zoo, I tell ya ... A zoo!) Did I mention we vetoed that one??
Around noontime got a phone call letting us know they had moved dad to the progressive care unit, so now he'll be on the 4th floor. We got up there to see him and we discovered his room is TINY! It's not like he'd be doing gymnastics in there, but it was rather funny that we'd all have to play musical chairs when the nurses needed to do anything for dad. It's ... cozy.
Where does "progress" come into todays writing? Everywhere! Being moved into progressive care means he's well enough to not need constant monitoring. Progress in that they don't need to monitor his vital signs 24/7. So, we were please when we went to see him. His doctor stopped by and was really bragging on dad! He told him he was very proud of dad and pleased with his progress.
Radiation will likely begin later this week, so the sooner we get started the sooner we get done, and the sooner dad can have that hamburger and diet coke! Dad also wanted to sit up on the side of the bed. The nurse told him she didn't think he could, but that she'd let him try if he really wanted to. He did. With the help of the nurse and Christy, dad was able to sit up and stay there without assistance for probably 15 minutes before he was ready to lay back down. Not only is that a first, but it's definitely progress!! (And, he wanted to do it without being asked to do it!)
Dad's ability to write is improving with every try. He's also learning how to speak slower and more deliberately so we can understand him. Christy, mom and I are showing progress in our ability to read lips, too!
Every breath dad takes without the aid of a ventilator is progress. Every cough is progress. Every smile is progress. Every kiss. Every word - both written and spoken is progress.
We are hopeful that every new day is filled with more and more of these little progressions. We truly feel that dad still being with us is a miracle! Without the great medical staff and without the support, love and prayers of family and friends, this would have only been a dream. Thank you all got being there for us all! Your continued thoughts and unending prayers mean the world to us!
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