Update #125

Would you like fries with that?

Yes, folks, for the first time in over five months, Dave has permission (real permission, not just mine) to eat solid food! Dave's surgeon, Dr. Muskat, came by this morning to check on his wound and (we hoped) give us some idea when the next surgery would be. In the course of Dr. Muskat's ten minute visit, Dave permanently lost the wound vac (just gauze, tape and a binder for dressings now), got permission to eat whatever he wants and found out that he may be done with his next surgery before Christmas! December was the earliest possible timeframe for the surgeons to fix the hole in Dave's colon, and it was beginning to sound like it would be closer to March or April, but after examining Dave and seeing all of his progress, Dr. Muskat was very optimistic about getting things closed up quickly.

In other, even more impressive news, Dave now puts his pants on one leg at a time just like everyone else. :-) Late last week, we found out that Dave is progressing so well with therapy that his OT and PT would be split starting this morning. So today, with Maura (OT - which, by the way, focuses on fine motor skills and completing everyday tasks like washing, shaving, etc., versus PT, which focuses on gross motor skills and large movements like walking), Dave got dressed all by himself (well, with the aid of his gripper), including pants, socks and shoes, and he managed to move his legs off the edge of the bed and sit up on the side with no assistance (which required a tremendous amount of improvement in his leg, arm and abdomen strength). He moved himself to the wheelchair on his own and got to wash his face, shave, and brush his teeth in the bathroom instead of in bed.

After a very successful OT session, Dave and I got to enjoy a real meal together, sitting at a table, with the full permission and blessing of Drake's staff. Because of a mix up in the ordering, Dave got not only a burger and potatoes but also chicken, rice and a salad, and although he doesn't have much of an appetite (he's still getting a full 2,000 calories of tube feed), he did manage to sample everything and help me finish my cherry pie. I get the feeling I may be making a surf 'n turf run for dinner. :-)

Overall, an incredible Monday, and after such a long week last week, just what we needed to remind ourselves that things are moving forward. Continue praying:

1. for the waves of nausea that are still hitting fairly frequently;

2. for the new dressing which doesn't control the drainage as well as the wound vac and has already stained a few sets of scrubs;

3. for Dave's breathing, which seems to be improving but still causes him problems;

4. that the wound will continue to heal quickly so the surgery can be done before Christmas.

Also, just a head's up, Dave's 27th birthday is November 19th (a week from Wednesday). I'm sure it will stink to be spending it in the hospital (although at least now we can celebrate with cake), so if you want to send a card...

More positive news comin' at ya tomorrow...