Day 8 - Post Surgery

Hello!

Well, it was a pretty quiet Saturday. Literally so, because there was some confusion regarding Jim's speaking valve orders, and they wouldn't allow him to use it all morning. Jim was very frustrated having to communicate through mime again after having the luxury of being able to speak all day yesterday. We got the miscommunication cleared up this afternoon, and he sang and chatted the rest of the day! He only has to have it out when he sleeps, so he managed to stay awake most of the afternoon. In fact, I think he only slept about an hour the whole day -- much to my chagrin as I was exhausted because the room above me at the hotel decided to throw a party last night, so I didn't get much sleep. Oh well, it was fun to see him SO happy!

The day was long because he didn't get any therapy due to it being the weekend. I'm sure it will be more of the same tomorrow, although he is looking forward to watching the Pro Bowl; especially being he missed most of the Super Bowl when he started feeling so sick last Sunday. The nurse did manage to get him in a regular chair today which required him to stand and shuffle a couple of steps to do so. His legs are still pretty rubbery, but he seems to be getting more strength in that left side. He was able to lift his left arm to almost touching his face -- within about a quarter inch! The picture is of him sitting in his chair and looking quite pleased with himself. He's wearing a prayer shawl from our church, Lord of Life, that was made by Barb Hoeker. I also got one. They are absolutely beautiful and intended to represent being wrapped in God's love. I was very touched that I was remembered too! I am always a freeze baby, so I will be using mine plenty!

We did not get to see any of the neuro doctors today, so I don't have any update on the 'pipeline gentleman'. We're praying that he is able to turn the tide and respond more positively soon. We also did not hear the official results of Jim's MRV, but we are assuming that it came back negative, as he did not have any aspirin ordered for him yet.

Jim is very bored, which is a good sign, but being extremely accepting. He is trying to talk me into going home next week to cheer the E'gals Dance Team on at State Competition next weekend, but I couldn't imagine leaving him! We're hoping Jenna will be able to attend to represent us instead. Coach Jim says to 'kick butt' again next weekend -- Go E'gals! He called the coaches on their way home from Sections at Duluth to discuss scores and strategy -- I hope they can handle things without him!

The big news around here is the upcoming rain that is expected to hit over the next few days. It sounds like the beautiful weather that I haven't been able to enjoy is about to disappear for at least a week -- bummer! I was hoping to get Jimmy outside when he is able to be transported in a wheelchair. Maybe the nice weather will be back by then. Wow, I can't believe I'm actually discussing the weather with you; I guess that's a pretty good sign too!

Jimmy is still progressing positively. He's running a slight fever, so they are changing up his antibiotics, but they don't seem real worried. He actually coughed a few times today, so I am hopeful that it will continue to get stronger, along with his swallow. That is a really big thing! He absolutely hates coughing as it makes his head pound (a number 9 on the pain scale), but it is so good for him. Hopefully, it will get to be less painful for him as his brain heals.

Sorry for the relatively bland report today, although I'm enjoying the emotional reprieve. I think it's probably the calm before the storm, so I'd better take advantage of it now! I'm sure that next week will be more eventful! Thanks once again for all the prayers and support being directed our way and toward the 'pipeline gentleman'. We're still very early in this journey! Enjoy the nice weather you are experiencing back home, and be sure to go to church -- after all, it's Sunday!

Love to you all,
Krissy and Jimmy