Hi everyone. Today has been a busy and positive day for Dana. This morning he was moved from his bed to a type of reclining lounge chair to get him more upright. Then Courtney (using her excellent driving skills) and the nurses took him for a quick spin around the ICU to give him a change of scenery. They even stopped to look out the windows. After his tour, one of the ICU nurses gave him a haircut which was a big improvement. He had his head partially shaved during the first week for a procedure, and the haircut evened things up and he looks much better. He has been having sips of water and he even asked for some ice cream. He had a couple of small bites, but then wanted his mother to finish it, which she did, of course. He has been reasonably awake for much of the day and is quite a chatty Cathy. We are still struggling to understand what he is trying to communicate given his still medicated state. Overall, it has been another good day and Dana continues to improve slowly but surely. Thanks to everyone for all your thoughts and prayers. They are surely working.

Friday evening late night update 8/31/07

Hello from the waiting room.

Dana had some staples removed from his incision and stiches removed from his leg today.

After this activity, Dana spent the day resting (which is a good thing). We talked with the ortho and plastic docs today and the skin graft on Dana's left arm is scheduled for next Tuesday. Nurse Court explained that this is a relatively simple procedure (at least for the plastic surgeons) and doesn't take very long.

Since there aren't any procedures scheduled over the weekend, Dana will continue to rest and gear up for next week. Tomorrow he might get a hair cut!

Dana is steadily improving and grows stronger every day and from time to time he is awake and interacts with us and sometimes we are able to read his lips (we are all improving in this skill). We are looking forward to a restful holiday weekend. Please know how much we appreciate the support from everyone in the "virtual" waiting room.

Continuing Good News Thursday 8/30

Yesterday Dana spent most of the day "awake". We put that in quotes because we don't want you to get the impression he fully understands or remembers what's going on. He'll shake his head yes/no when answering questions and wave his hand or give a thumbs up occasionally. But that's about it. After being so alert for almost 18 hours, he finally dozed off and had a peaceful night's rest.

Dr. D checked him out this morning and felt everything looked great. This morning they were able to put him into a reclinable chair. He looks really comfortable and appears to be a bit tired. That's a good thing after yesterday's activity.

So today we're keeping a small distance (the distance from the ICU room to the waiting room) from Dana for him to rest up.

Update from the waiting room 8/29/07

We're happy to report that yesterday Dana was doing so well the neuro surgeon decided to do the surgery on Dana's back. Dana did fabulous during the 6 hour surgery (Dr. D was very pleased) and Dana was back in his room resting last night.

Dana was alert when we saw him this morning and the nursing staff will begin sitting him up in the next couple of days.

We don't know the timing of the surgery on his left arm yet, but we'll keep you posted.

Yesterday was another amazing day in Dana's road to recovery. Thanks again for all of your tremendous support. Over and out from the waiting room.

The Bucknell Support Crew

"HEY DANA NEW RULE GET WELL GO BU"
"RUN => GOOD BIKE => BAD"
"YOU ARE OUR 13th MAN LIVE STRONG"

Thank you guys for including Dana in your run and for doing such a great job! We saw you finished 5th out of almost 300 teams! We know Dana was there with you in spirit keeping that lactic acid out of your muscles.

Monday afternoon update 8/27

Yesterday, Dana had a trach tube inserted replacing the breathing tube in his mouth and peg tube to help with tube feedings. Nurse Courtney says this is a good thing for Dana as it will be much more comfortable for him . As has been the trend, Dana did great with the procedure and was responding to Court and others.

This could change, but the plan for the week is for two surgeries. Tuesday the docs(both ortho and plastics) will repair his elbow and also perform a bone graft and skin graft on his left arm. While we haven't talked with the Neuro surgeon yet, at the moment, Dana's back surgery is planned for Wednesday.

It has been a tough two weeks for all of us and Dana has come a long way in a short time and your love, support, thoughts, prayers and well wihes have been tremendously uplifting. Thanks so much.