January 31, 2017: Day +73

Doug getting his feeding tube removed

Today was the day that Doug has looked forward to; the feeding tube was removed slightly before lunch.  The dietitian came in this morning and met with Doug.  She said she had reviewed his calorie in-take for the last few days and she agreed to have the tube removed.  Then about 11:30 his nurse and his intern came into the room and said they were ready to remove the tube.  The nurse said "Who should take the tube out?" I, ever the protective mother bear said "The one that can do it the least painfully."  Doug did not care who took it out,  he just wanted it out.  And so the nurse coached the intern in taking it out.  Luckily, Doug did well.  Coming out is much easier than going in.  Doug was so excited! That tube was irritating to his nose and throat and was always getting caught on the blankets and pillow. Hurray!!! One more step in the healing process has been accomplished.

Then Conrad, the SLP brought Doug lunch.  He wanted to test him on more textured foods.  He cut up a piece of pork roast and fed it to Doug.  Doug did great.  No problems. He also allowed him to drink water.  Again, no problems.  And so Doug is now cleared to eat a regular soft mechanical diet and all beverages. That includes a beer for the Super Bowl!  He can eat most things, just not things like nuts, dry crusty breads, crisp fried potatoes, dry meats, dry fruits, raw vegetables or chewy candy.  He will have to wait a while longer for these items.

Look, no tube!

This afternoon I decided it was time for me to take a break.  Angie came over and we went to see La La Land. and had dinner.  This is the first movie I have seen a movie in months. It was great to take a breath. It was fun to escape to La La Land. It is such a great movie. I don't know if I mentioned this, but Angie has been serving on a jury for the past week and a half. The trial started the day of my surgery. Not the best timing with everything going on, but I suppose there is never really good timing.

Tomorrow, I go back to work. I will only go 1 day this week and then start working 2 and a half days a week next week.  I am so glad that Doug is doing so well.  He has improved so much in the last few weeks.  His medical issues have almost cleared and now he is able to eat regular food. He can also now advocate for his own needs. So we can now focus primarily on his physical condition.

Tomorrow, two of our friends have agreed to stay with Doug, keep him company, and help him with re-positioning his arms and legs and itching an occasional scratch.  I am so thankful for this help. He will love the company and I will know he is not lonely or left on his own.

And so we pray:

Holy, most gracious God, we give you thanks and praise for the continued healing of Doug.  We are so grateful for the tube being removed and Doug's ability to eat a typical diet. We are so thankful that Doug could move his arms in a meaningful way and stand on his two feet in therapy today.  We give You thanks for what seems so normal. We are thankful for good friends who share this journey with us and are willing to help. Surely, Your presence has been made know to us,  in so many ways this day and we give thanks.  We continue to look to You for continued healing and trust in your presence in our lives. Amen