A GREAT WEEK

We're working on the next 32 now -- We had a great anniversary! I arrived at the hospital Wednesday night just after Cheryl and Larry entered Ken's room. There I found flowers, cards, a red and white checkered table cloth on the long bedside table and a faux candle that added just the right touch for a romantic dinner. Cheryl had thought of everything. Earlier in the week, Larry had asked Ken what he wanted for this special evening's meal -- PIZZA! You just gotta laugh - Cheryl is a wonderful cook and Ken wanted our favorite pizzeria's vegetarian pizza. Sooooooo-- we had pizza and Caesar salad on white plates, with lemonade and Dr. Pepper in lovely stemmed glassware, and dessert on cute little dessert plates. It was a fun meal and easy for Ken to eat. I had taken the laptop and CDs so we could have a little Italian music and we had the Nashville skyline as our view. It couldn't have been better. Cheryl and Larry had provided a vase of white daises for our dinning table and that sneaky Tin Man had once again managed to surprise me with flowers, along with not one, but two cards signed by him. One of the cards even contained a hand written message, and since we had not worked on holding a pen and writing since being back in Tennessee, I was quite surprised and very touched. Our neighbors, Brenda and Tom provided us with sparkling white grape juice and glasses along with a mixture of chocolate kisses. I just wish I had not left the camera in another bag so I could have pictures to show you. Later I did take this picture of the flowers -- They are gorgeous!!!

My first day back at work was a little strange but good. When you start to do something that six months ago you could do with your eyes closed and now the process is a little fuzzy it tends to be a little unnerving. I finally found all my cheat sheets and got a little more organized and so Thursday was a lot better. I am glad it was a short week however. It was good to see everyone and to feel welcomed back. On Wednesday morning I got up early and went for a walk before getting ready. After that late night anniversary dinner, Thursday morning did not include a walk, I slept instead. Come Friday morning -- let's just say it was a good thing Fridays are casual wear. I do believe Ken and I will have to work out something to where I am not going to the hospital after work every night. (Don't tell anyone, but I'm not as young as I use to be)

This weekend has been good. Josh, Melanie and Jack once again blessed us with coming and staying for the weekend. This one was extra special for Ken - There was a REUNION for Pops and Jack!!! With Ken being out of CCU and in a private room Jack got to visit. It was a much anticipated visit. Ken has seen plenty of pictures, but just ask any grandparent if that is ever enough. Jack came in wearing his Pops' Life Is Good cap to let him see he was taking good care of it. Pops told him "good job" and to hang onto it a little longer. Jack was so good. He just had a good time up on the bed looking at and talking to his Pops. I'll have to remember to bring the fishing game next time so the two can practice the fine art of holding the pole.

Ken has physical therapy at least six if not seven days a week and they are working to get him to stand up. One of the therapist brought in a machine that somehow attaches to Ken and with him holding on to some handles this machine raises him up and then puts him back down. He has not been up for more than a couple of seconds each time, 'but ya gotta start somewhere'. He has not had the swelling in his hands lately so I'm sure that was a large part of his being able to write. The swelling in his legs has also been less this past week. That is very encouraging - something is working, whether it is the amount of fluid removed during his dialysis treatments, his fluid restrictions, physical therapy and getting stronger with mobility or a combination of it all, we are happy to take the results.

My mom and dad will be here this coming week before heading back to Texas on Friday. It has been great having them here, not only for their company, but the help they have been both at the house and hospital. Ken will be having another heart biopsy done Tuesday and we are praying for the continued absence of rejection. I am sure at least one of my parents will be at the hospital waiting for him to get back to his room and that really helps to ease the anxiety that comes from knowing I will not be there.

If you would continue to pray for Ken's mental strength as well as physical that would be great. He is feeling better and so that starts to make being in the bed less appealing. He is ready to come home so that sometimes brings on a little more depression. We are trying to provide things that will keep his mind busy that he can maneuver by himself. It is not that simple to just read a book or work a puzzle. I need to get it where he can access those things more easily on his own and feel more independent. This will be my first full week back at work and would ask that you just pray I would find the balance between taking care of myself and still giving Ken the support he needs from me. My parents will leave Friday morning so please remember them as they drive back to Texas. Thank you once again for your continued love and support - God Bless You and have a Great Week!!

P R O G R E S S !

I'm sure many of you are beginning to think I've given up on updating the TIN MAN'S progress - not so - just slow!! There has been much progress since the last report. Ken is still in CCU but that is scheduled to change Monday when he will move to a regular room. Physical therapy and occupational therapy have been working with him to increase his upper body strength. He is able to sit up on the edge of the bed by himself longer once they get him in position. Wednesday, he really showed out and shuffled his feet a little while sitting up. That was like "walking and chewing gum" at the same time. Then yesterday he could only sit on the side of the bed for about a minute. There is still a little up and down on the "Good Day" chart, but definitely not to the extent it had been. Dialysis treatments have been changed to a Monday-Wednesday-Friday scheduled per his request. He is planning for the future and didn't want our weekends to be hampered with a Saturday dialysis.

Ken is not always hungry but he is really trying to eat when the meals come. The condition of his skin has improved so much in the last couple of weeks. Other than some skin tears, his wounds have either healed up or are all scabbed over. The scabs he has had for a long time are finally starting to get smaller and loosen up. That protein is important stuff when it comes to his body improving. Another huge step in his progress is the ability to feed himself. He still requires some assistance, but is able with determination and concentration to get that bite from his plate to his mouth. The doctor has limited his fluid intake to 1400 cc (eight small Styrofoam cups) a day. It is somewhat humorous listening to him discuss with the nurses where he is on his limit and making sure he has enough for the nightly meds.

I am so grateful this is a good report I have been able to share with you, but please continue to pray for his mental strength as well. He is getting better, but it is not always easy for him to see that since everything he does requires so much physical and mental energy. He tries not to be frustrated with himself and the situation, but I can tell he is at times. Who wouldn't be after five months in a hospital bed.

I have been trying to get myself ready, both mentally and physically, for my return to work this next week. My parents are driving in from Texas and will be here sometime late Saturday afternoon or early evening. Please pray for them and their safety. I am so thankful they are able and willing to come and help out. As Hannah says, "Sometimes you just need a Momma Hug" - there is something to be said for a Daddy Hug as well. Anyway, it will be a great comfort, knowing they are available to help Ken, when I resume working. If the truth be told they are coming to get their first -- first hand look at that very special great grandson of theirs. I know there will be more than looking - my mom already said she can't wait to get some of those sugary slopers Jack has been giving out lately.

This Wednesday, July 23, when my first day back at work is over, you can count on me being at the hospital. I have a date with the man I married 32 years ago. We have some very special friends who are going to provide us with an anniversary dinner in the most romantic setting in Nashville this year - for me anyway - Ken's hospital room. Who would have ever guessed those vows we spoke 32 years ago, "in sickness and in health" would have been put to the test as they were this year. This is going to be the best anniversary ever!! And here's to 32 more!!!!

WEEK THREE IN NASHVILLE

It doesn't get any better than having the grandson (and his mommy and daddy) spend a long weekend with you. Josh, Melanie, Jack and Maggie (their dog) came in Thursday night. Josh spent quite a bit of time at the hospital with his dad so I could have a break. Ken enjoyed having him there and I greatly enjoyed my time with Jack and Melanie. Ken told me yesterday that it wasn't fair I got to see Jack and he didn't. I know it is hard for him to feel so cut off. Between Melanie and myself we had a camera flashing all weekend so Ken would at least have lots of pictures and videos to look at. The digital camera and computer have been a real blessing during this journey. I am hoping to have the "Tin Man's Journey" slide show available for you soon.

These past two weeks have been a little discouraging at times. It is unbelievable how much the trip home set Ken back. Yesterday was the first time he has been out of the bed since we got back. Physical therapy has not wanted to do very much with him because they say he is too sick. It seems to be a vicious circle. His bed is one that you can push a button and it turns into a chair, so at least he has been able to set up some. Ken and I continue to work on what we can. We have been playing Yahtzee and even some dominoes. I found it is a much easier way to get him to stretch and work on fine motor skills. It is still very hard for him to do yet we just keep going with the thought, "slow and steady wins the race".

Ken is still receiving dialysis three days a week. He tried to talk the doctor into just two times a week but she just laughed and said, NOT NOW! He thought it was worth a try. His appetite is starting to come back but it is still a struggle to get him to eat enough; however, he is trying. The doctors ran a culture on his sputum the other day and found an element that can cause bronchitis or pneumonia. His left lung was a little concerning to the infectious disease doctor and so they have put him on an antibiotic for the next seven days. We pray that will take care of it. In order to start the antibiotic they had to put in an IV. That is always such an unnerving process for Ken because they have such a difficult time finding a place. We make it a point to ask them to send the very best they have. The lady that came up yesterday was a delight. It is always nice when they are great at what they do as well as have a sense of humor. She helped Ken relax as she cut up with him and when she had successfully put in the needle she said "God is good" and Ken replied "All the Time". We had all been praying!!

This journey continues to be a day by day adventure with not knowing what the next day holds. I know that each of our life's is like that and we never know what the next moment holds. Sometimes it would just be nice to have a small glimpse of what tomorrow might hold. My time is running out on my leave of absence and I know it will be a big adjustment for both Ken and I when I am not able to be at the hospital all the time. In some ways I am looking forward to what was a normal routine before January 2nd. I know it will be far from normal but God has seen us through thus far and I am positive He will continue to be FAITHFUL!!

THE TRANSITION CONTINUES

Week two of being home. Ken is still in CCU and trying to regain some strength. The trip home really took a lot out of him and he is not eating very well. Hopefully everything will get back on track (whatever that is) soon. Being home has actually started to feel like being home. The hardest thing for me is being so far from the hospital. To go from walking a block to driving for 30 minutes or so (depending on traffic) to get to the hospital has been the most difficult thing for me. The fact that Ken cannot pick up the phone and call me, so I can at least hear his voice and find out what is going on, causes a little bit of anxiety at times. We will just keep working hard with physical therapy so that can change soon. As you recall it took lots of hard work for him to get to where he could use the remote. Unfortunately, the TV in his room is different and he is not able to work it by himself, no remote, but he can definitely see it better when it is on.

Ken has had four nurses since we have been back that were his nurses at one of his last admissions. They all came in saying 'I took care of you on 5-Kidd when you were here another time'. Even with his bald head they knew who he was. Ken can definitely leave a lasting impression. He has always been one to joke around with and take an interest in the staff that cares for him, regardless of what capacity they serve.

The rehab center is still not wanting to accept Ken, so for now PT, the nurses, and myself are working with him. We are not sure what is going to happen but we will continue to take one day at a time. He is continuing to get dialysis three times a week and they have been pulling off fluid but he still has so much, especially, on his legs and arms. They ran some test yesterday on his spleen. My understanding is to check on the condition of his red blood cells. They are also trying to see why his skin is so paper thin. We are not sure when or if they are going to take him out of CCU.

Josh, Melanie and Jack came to town this past weekend. It is always so good to seem them - not just Jack, like they accuse me of. Ken enjoyed their visits as well, but we are so anxious for him to get to see Jack. For now when they come to the hospital I have to stay in the waiting room and entertain Jack, or maybe that is the other way around. He is a true blessing and such a joy to be around, except when it is bedtime and he is hungry and tired. One night I had to call the room and when Josh answered and heard Jack he told Melanie, "He's crying" and then he told me "She's coming", and I didn't have to say a word. He was crying so hard and there was no consoling him, but when he saw his mommy the tears stopped and sounds of delight took their place. He was all smiles and those big blue eyes were just dancing!!

Well, as you can see, there is still much to pray for in Ken's healing. We are looking forward to the day 'Home' really does mean 'HOME' for him. We both continue to need prayers for strength, both physically and mentally. Please continue to pray for those who are caring for Ken, that they would have the wisdom to take care of all his physical needs. We still continue to see God's hand at work in our lives and we are so grateful.

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY - we hope it is a great time of fun and fellowship with your family and friends!!! I think we will be able to see the fireworks they have in downtown Nashville from the hospital so we better start practicing our "Oohing and Awing"!!!