Dad has lost a significant amount of weight in the last few days. He isn't getting nutrition from a feeding tube, and he gets exhausted when he sits up to eat, so he doesn't eat very much. His appetite grows a little each day, though, and he is now eating solids. He had french toast for breakfast and a cheeseburger for lunch. After tasting nothing but tube for weeks, his tastebuds must be very happy.
Two more big milestones today:
1. The neck brace came off. This brace was more of a precaution than anything else, but it was very uncomfortable, and Dad is happy to be rid of it.
2. He walked around the room twice today (with the help of a walker). Also, he sat in a wheelchair while Elisabeth took him around the hospital grounds.
The lung infection seems to be retreating. His white blood cell count is moving down and the amount of secretion from his lungs has tapered off.
We would just like to remind local friends that, while his condition is improved, he is still in a very delicate situation, and it is draining for him to entertain guests (although he would never say this to anyone). Until his condition is more stable, please be sure to check with a member of the family prior to visiting. It won't be long before he'll have the strength to freely visit with friends and members of the stake.
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I'm so glad he's able to swallow solids. That was a quick milestone for him! I'm praying for your family.
ReplyDeleteThat is such great and encouraging news! Even though the situation is fragile and at times tenuous, I know that your dad is cherishing the time that he has to spend with you, his precious children. Kent has always been one of my favorite cousins and we had so many fun times throughout the years. I have always looked up to him, even though he is 3 months younger than me.
ReplyDeleteMy husband, Ken and I are continuing to pray for your Dad and he is constantly in our thoughts and hearts, as is your grandma, Gail, and all of you kids.
When you think it is a good time, please tell your dad that my husband, Ken and I and our daughter Ashley want to bring him as many dunkin donuts, hot fudge sundaes, or and any other yummy treat that he wants. You are doing such a great job of letting us know what is happening-we love you for it.
Have a great day today.
Lots of love,
Ken and Regina Wood Jordan and Ashley
Thanks, Daniel for the continued updates. What a blessing it is that you have been able to be there with him for such a long time. I know your presence (all of you kids) has been the key to his recovery. Nothing can compare to the love and support of family. My mom and I were able to visit with "The Wood Family" at Aspen Grove last week. It was fun to see everyone and catch up on all their families. I talked briefly with Christina and Eric. They looked good and were having a good time. I have so many great memories of your family. When your dad is feeling better, please give him my love and tell him we are praying for his recovery.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Michele Frost
It is really a marvelous blessing to be given the opportunity to learn how to walk again. Walking takes more coordination, muscle strength and balance than we are aware, until we lose the ability and have to relearn. It's a bit of a wonder to me that anyone can do it! It will come back to you quickly, but always remember these first difficult days; you will praise God every day for the rest of your life that you can walk, simply walk.
ReplyDeleteBe prepared for your first down-step: you will be amazed to realize that every time you step down, you are making a controlled free-fall into the vastness of space--until you exert your muscles, employ your growing sense of balance, and catch yourself!
Much love,
Jill
Your dad is like the "little engine that could!" His attitude and will to succeed is wonderful. I'm so happy for the improvement. Your family is such a great example of keep on keepin' on!
ReplyDeleteAll the best,
Jen Gardner Savage
I hope to be able to contact and see Kent soon, and would like to play some cello music for him--we had lots of philosophical discussions, and we also have lots of parallels with him and Kathy and me and Mary (who is having some severe medical problems right now). Kent knows that I am the gentle gentile, and that I miss him and am thinking about him. Love--Horatio/Ray
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