Ernie visits Dana

Dana had a fabulous afternoon. Thanks to Dr. K and nurse Kristen, Dana took a trip outside in his bed for a surprise visit with Ernie and the rest of the clan. Ernie sat on Dana's lap and gave his "Dad" a big kiss! Needless to say the chance to get outside the hospital was uplifting for Dana and he was grinning from ear to ear. Dana also had a chance to see little Dexter aka D4 and Ava Grace (Dexter and Nicole's wee ones). We'll post a couple of the pics soon (we didn't have the cable to upload them), but trust me they are precious!

Dana ate well this afternoon (he is getting the hang of it), but he didn't sleep again last night as it has been hard for him to sleep in the ICU.

We're trying to keep him up a little bit this evening to give him the best chance at catching a few zzzzzzz'z tonight. Toward that end, as we speak, Dana and Courtney are on a movie date in his room watching "Happy Feet". Let's hope for a peaceful sleep tonight.

Sweet dreams to everyone - from the waiting room.

I'm honored to be the Guest Blogger today...Aunt Judy

Linda asked to apologize for her in not 'updating' in the last day or so... just needed a small break. Dana had an evening of watching Law & Order and Friends Wed evening with his glasses on and attentive! Thursday and today Dana has had a hard time sleeping through the night(as he has had for a NUMBER of weeks)...but has been very responsive during the day. Two pieces of great news is that Shepard Rehabilitation Center in Atlanta has let Courtney know in the past day or so, that they will admit Dana! At this point the exact date has not been determined. Meanwhile back in D 319 a PT has just an hour ago started to gently mobilize his hips, knees and ankles. He has been periodically moved from the reclining chair, to the 'sport bed'...to alleviate possible pressure from building up in one or another area. The immediate major focus is as Linda said...to wean Dana off of the vent, to encourage him to eat (He DOES seem hungry!) but more importantly to give him a quiet and restful environment conducive to sleep. DANA however, wants company and indicated a number of times recently that he was 'bored'! All of the above efforts of course, to prepare Dane for his sojourn to ATLANTA! Courtney and the immediate family are just SO grateful and heartwarmed by all of the prayers, well wishes, and deep consideration for the enormity of Dana's progress. Live Strong...

Skin Graft Surgery Complete

The Docs were able to complete the skin graft surgery on Dana's left arm this afternoon. The surgery took a couple of hours and Dana returned to D319 late this afternoon. Everything went well and Dana woke up around 5:30 pm.

While the skin graft heals, the next two goals for Dana are to start eating on his own and to be weaned off the vent. He has been having a hard time swallowing with the trach tube in, but he is getting the hang of it. After he woke up, he ate a little jello and sipped a small glass of water. We've got some sherbet in the frig/freezer in his room (how convenient) so I'm sure he'll try that a little later this evening.

The Docs are working to wean Dana off the vent. It's a gradual process. I'm sure Dana will be elated when the trach tube can be removed.

Today was yet another great day on Dana's road to recovery. To quote one of the Docs "he is nothing short of miraculous ". What can I say, I'm his mom, I agree!

Our continued gratitude and thanks to all of you who have given us so much strength, hope, support and encouragement. Repeat after me......... I believe in miracles! Good night from the waiting room. Linda (Mama Carr)

Surgery has been rescheduled

We just found out that the surgery on Dana's arm has been rescheduled for tomorrow (Wednesday) and we don't have a time!. The rescheduling has nothing to do with Dana. We have been told there were several ortho and plastic surgery emergencies today so Dana was bumped . Guess there is no room in the OR!

Since the surgery was postponed, Court helped Dana drink some purple Gatorade. He was very thirsty, as he has been patiently waiting for the surgery.

Dana seems a little tired today (a good thing since he has been awake a lot over the last several days). We'll update tomorrow and let you know how the surgery goes.

Labor Day in the waiting room

Greetings from the waiting room.

Dana continues to be a "Chatty Cathy" and has been awake a lot today. We would really like to see him sleeping and resting a little more and we imagine the nurses would as well, especially those on night duty! Oh well, guess you can't keep a good man down!

Dana asked when the docs were going to fix his arm and we were happy to tell him tomorrow!

We hope all our family and friends visiting us this weekend had safe travels home.

Sunday evening news from the waiting room

Good evening from the waiting room.

Since Dana had a haircut yesterday, Rick decided to give him a shave today, so he looks great! Dana had a few sips of apple juice and purple Gatorade as well as a few spoonfuls of vanilla pudding. As much he enjoyed the pudding he made it known that it wasn't nearly as enjoyable as his ice cream yesterday. He gave us a thumbs up on the Gatorade. We've spent a great deal of the day talking and trying to read Dana's lips. We're getting better at it! He waves to everyone that passes by his room and is always polite to the staff!

We told Dana about the blog today. He was surprised and very touched to learn of his family, friends and other caring and concerned supporters in the "virtual " waiting room cheering him on. He thanks you all so much and looks forward to the time when he can read all of your words of encouragement and positive comments.

Brittany surprised Courtney last night by bringing Ernie for a visit. Needless to say it was a great surprise. We toyed with the idea of sneaking Ernie in to see Dana, but thought better of it! Over and out