I think my job is done here

As I'm sure you've noticed, I've not been posting regularly to this blog anymore. For example, I forgot to tell you that dad was released from the hospital last week! He and Kathy are staying in Reno for a month or so while he does some outpatient rehab and has some doctor's appointments. Dad's voice is really strong and talking on the phone isn't a problem, so if you want to know how he's doing, I suggest you give him a call, or e-mail him. If for some reason you don't know how to reach him, you can e-mail me at sarasama@gmail.com and I'll give you his info.

I'm thinking this will be my last post to this blog, as - fortunately - it's not really needed anymore. I'm happy that some of you found it useful. I found it to be a really nice way of connecting with so many people from so many places over a man that I (for one) respect, love and admire so very much.

Take care, be well, and much love to you all!

Sara

Looking good!

Doing Good

I don't even know what to say on here anymore, because everything's going so well.

I'm here in Reno - Ron, Desmond and I drove up yesterday. Dad is doing so, so good. The trach is totally out, and he no longer needs any oxygen. His voice is still a little husky (or "sexy," as dad is calling it) - he's doing a pretty good Don Corleone impression.

He's eating solid food and taking pills orally. He's getting all his nutrition this way, and they haven't put anything through his G-tube for a few days except some medicine. They'll probably take the G-tube out soon.

His heart rate and blood pressure are maintaining themselves nicely. Sometimes a number will get a little high or a little low, leading the doctors to fine-tune the medication. Overall, they seem quite happy with his vitals.

He's able to get up and get into chairs, and go for little walks in the halls. He even spent 11 minutes on the seated elliptical machine this morning.

They're still talking about releasing him in the next week or so.

Dad now knows about this blog, and I asked him if he wanted to say anything to his "fans." He made a bunch of smartassy comments, so I guess that's a no. Though I know he really appreciates all your love and support and good wishes.

Go dad!

Goodbye to the trach

I'm back at home in San Leandro, and I'll be here until Friday, when we'll go back up to Reno for the weekend. So for now, I get daily updates from Kathy via phone. She says that:

They took dad's trach out today. All the way out! As in, no more trach! The respiratory folks decided that he was doing a great job breathing on his own, so they just popped it out and stuck a bandage on his neck - no stitches required. Dad says he's glad to see the "dog collar" go.

They still aren't letting him eat or drink anything, but hopefully they'll perform another swallow test soon and start letting him eat ice chips, at least. The other day I asked him what he wanted for his first meal, and he said "a tall glass of water." I can't imagine what it must feel like to have no liquids going into your mouth for weeks. Rather unpleasant, I'm guessing.

Dad got to take a shower today for the first time, which made him real happy.

The doctors are very pleased with his progress. The internist mentioned that she's hoping to be able to release dad in the next week or two. Kathy's thinking that they'll get a room at an extended-stay hotel in Reno for a month or so after he's released, so they can be near the doctors and hospitals for appointments.

I'm still astounded by the progress he makes daily. He's one strong dude. Makes me proud.

Happy New Year!

Every day when I walk in to dad's hospital room, I'm amazed by how much better he seems. Every day! It's pretty cool.

They've had him sitting up in a chair for a couple of hours in the morning. Eventually they'll get him up and walking around.

He is able to control his body much more now. He can pretty well maneuver himself around the bed, changing his position to make himself more comfortable. His hands aren't wobbly anymore, and his writing is much improved.

He is completely off the ventilator. They were able to put the speaking valve in his trach, and he's tolerating it well, so he can now talk to us (huzzah!), and his voice is getting stronger. The respiratory therapist is hoping to put a smaller trach in today, cap it, and deliver oxygen through a nasal cannula. If he tolerates that well for 3 days, and if he passes his "swallow test" on Monday, they can take the trach out entirely.

Dad is well aware of what day/month/year it is, but his days and nights are all twisted around. For example, if you tell him it's noon, he's surprised, because to him it feels like it's 5pm. The nurses are going to try to start giving him pain meds at night instead of during the day and see if that helps.

His sense of humor is firmly intact. When the nurse asked him what year it was, he thought for a moment and in mock earnestness replied, "1876?" And then yesterday, Jana called while I was with dad. I told her that he had the speaking valve in and could talk - did she want to hear his voice?

Jana: (nearly in tears) Ohmygod, yes! Dad! Dad, can you hear me?

Sara: (holding phone to dad's ear) Dad, say something to Jana!

Dad: (recognizing his chance to say something deep and meaningful) mmmphaaarghwaddahaddaarghhhhhh

Jana: Dad! What...?

Sara: Aw dad, c'mon, say something nice.

Dad: (further channeling his inner village idiot) oogidaboogidaglibblegarblepfft

Jana: Ha ha ha, aww, I love you too.