One Day At A Time

Beth had a great day today. To reiterate some of Heather's comments she walked for the first time in two weeks, sat up in a chair for almost 8 hours, ate some baked chicken and drank an Ensure milkshake (yummy!).

They did come in to start a replacement IV for the one that came out last night for her Heparin infusion. After two unsuccessful sticks the third time was a charm. I held her hand while they started the IV and could tell that this was not the highlight of her day. Since the IV was placed in the vein between her knuckles, I asked that they put her hand on an IV board to ensure that we didn't get a repeat of the bloodletting from last night (that's why her left hand is covered in gauze if you see her).

Her right forearm continues to show swelling from the blood clot in her upper arm but it looks much better than it did when Chris and I arrived on Saturday. It still shows signs of irritation and swelling but it is almost back to "normal" size again - a good report.

Dr. Roche and her surgeon were in first thing this morning. Dr. Roche was pleased with the reduction of the swelling in her arm and in her abdomen but noted the swelling in her legs, showing no signs of recession, "was still an area of concern". He ordered an increase in her Lasix to try and increase the fluid output. Beth asked Dr. Roche when she could go home and he noted that it would be hard for her to go home with tubes running in and out of her. But, if she could get up, move around and eat, she could increase her chances of going home.

Her surgeon came in a little later and said she looked better than she did on Friday. He ordered the nurses to begin to ween her off of her IV medications "in anticipation of her going home". Pain medications and antibiotics will be give to her orally as needed. I'm not sure what the time frame is on this but I hope to talk with Dr. McCoy in the morning to get a better idea.

As I sat with her this morning we watched 3 seconds of every channel offered on the TV several times before she settled on the Very Best Of Andy Williams Shows Christmas Special. Oh what a joy it was to watch and listen to Andy and his brothers and young Donnie Osmond (with the high voice) and the Osmond Brothers sing Christmas carols. I went right out and purchased a DVD player so Beth could watch DVDs (and possibly play the Andy Williams DVD that was available for only a $60 donation to PBS). She was into the second disc of Lonesome Dove (thanks Pappy!) when I returned this evening. (Beth would like to borrow some Christmas DVDs if you have any.)

She was in good spirits this evening and enjoyed the afore mentioned baked chicken and Ensure shake. She got tired around 7:00 and was going to bed as we were leaving. She hoped to get up and walk some more tomorrow.

Keep those prayers and cards coming, she needs them all!

From all of us...thank you.

Jim