Update #68

Today was a big day for Dave. Seems strange since he actually didn't do the trach collar at all, but the rest of his activity more than made up for it.

First, he sat up for almost six minutes! I don't know why, but simple things make him look so much more like Dave, and having him sit up on the edge of the bed is one of them (seeing him in his glasses, which he has been wearing much more recently, is another). He looked so incredible, and we were so proud of him for sitting for so long in spite of how dizzy it made him.

After that amazing but exhausting experience, Dave got his massage. Gayle, a wonderful massage therapist who works mostly with cancer patients in the hospital (and maintains other offices so she can offer her services at the hospital for free), came today and worked on Dave's legs and hands, then even rolled him on his side to massage his back. He looked so relaxed, and I think Gayle is his new BFF. Not only did she give him a massage today, she plans to come two times per week herself and send one of her associates one other time per week.

After the massage (which, in spite of how wonderful it was was still pretty stressful for him) and a quick break, Dave continued his ICU spa day by getting his hair washed with real shampoo and hot water for the first time in two months (thank you Jennifer M. for the suggestion). Between the massage and the shampooing, I don't think I've seen Dave this relaxed since before the accident.

None of this information may seem huge on the Internet, and I'm not sure that I am capable of communicating how great it is. But to be standing in the room to see how much progress he has made, how relaxed and happy he was, how much like a non-ICU patient he seemed - it was truly incredible.

A few of specific prayer requests:

First, please continue praying for Dave's eye to heal. He is still really struggling with not being able to see out of it and with the dizziness and confusion that it is causing.

Second, the level of drainage from his colon was back up again today. Nothing else can happen with his wounds until the hole closes, and he probably can't get out of the ICU until the wound is fixed.

Third, Dave still isn't sleeping well. The new meds didn't help much last night, so the doctors are increasing the dose. Be praying that Dave actually gets some sleep tonight.

Thank you all so much for the cards and comments that continue to pour in. We read every one to Dave, and I know they make it easier for him to keep pushing on toward recovery.