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!!!!