End of the first week back on the 2nd floor

It is Friday night and the end of the first week back in 216C. It has been a busy day and a busy week. With the latest medical issues behind him, Dana finally got to take some advantage of the rehab expertise here at the Shepherd Center. He attended most of his physical and occupational therapy sessions and his speech therapy sessions. Although these sessions are quite short (one hour) at this point, they really take a lot out of him. He's pretty tired by the end of the day. We're concentrating on nutrition to help him heal and to provide him with fuel for his recovery. He had a good eating day today and we almost got three full meals in him, so that's a start. Dana also got a bit of an extreme makeover. He got a haircut (his first since the ICU in Albany) and a shave (his first in about a week) so he's looking good! We'll try to post some up-to-date pictures as soon as we figure out how to do that. We're all looking forward to a restful and relaxing weekend.

A dinner "date" with Mom

Dana had a very busy day today with a full schedule from 9 to 4. He and his classmate Jeff had to give a 15 minute presentation during the speach therapy session. They did a great job. You are all probably wondering why speech (since Dana can talk just fine). It is all part of the process to make sure everything is working. Shepherd's teaches individuals to think of the brain as a muscle and as such, the brain needs to be exercised just like any other part of the body. Dana also learned roll overs in PT and practical everyday things in OT such as crossing your legs. I'm sure it sounds easy, but believe me it is hard work to train your body to do even simple movements that we all take for granted.

It is so impressive and uplifting to see how hard the patients at Shepherd's work to gain back even the smallest movement and master an everyday life skill. Everyone has a different and unique circumstance and they are all highly motivated to get back to their lives and regain/recover as much as they possibly can. The atmosphere is positve and can do! It is truly inspirational to watch as they reach their goals and conquer each challenge one step at a time.

Courtney flew back to NY late this afternoon to work for several days and left junior nurse in training (Mom) in charge. I have a long way to go, but I'm learning! Dad will join Mom on Thursday, so we'll have another junior nurse in training. We sure can't hold a candle to Court, but we will do our best and will keep things moving in the right direction for Dana. Guess we'll do what we do best, just be Mom and Dad. I think that will work just fine.

Now that Dana is free of his IV's etc., he has been able to motor around in his chair. Tomorrow the Doc's plan to remove his pic line and discontinue pricking his finger's to test his sugar level (I'm probably saying that incorrectly, but I'm sure you all know what I mean). Dana says his finger tips are really sore, so he is very happy. One less procedure! Woo Hoo!

Tonight Dana and I went to the cafeteria for dinner instead of eating in the room (a dinner date with Mom). The cafeteria closes at 7:00, and we didn't arrive until 6:50, so the menu was slim pickins, but we had a great time and Dana was thrilled to see another part of the building. Besides.... lurky back in the cabinet in Dana's room were peanut butter cups for desert. Yummmmy.

Tomorrow is another big day, so I'll sign off. As always, thanks to all of you for your constant support. Oh and hey Reggie and Amy..... way to go. Great job on the race. Thanks so much for your dedication on Dana's behalf.

Update from 216C

This will be a group effort blog (Dana, Courtney, and Mom). We had a great and restful weekend. Since Dana was still hooked up to equipment, we had to stay in the room. Dana moved to 216C and is next to a window. Definitely a plus to have the sunshine beaming in the morning hours.

We spent time chatting and catching up and we played Sorry. Courtney was the champ, Dana was second, and Mom came in last. It was a peaceful weekend.

Today Dana started back on his therapy schedule...... a few things were lost in the the translation when moving back to the floor from ICU, but by the afternoon we were set. Dana went to OT late this afternoon and was able to sit on the end of an exercise bed without assistance from his therapist. His balance is truly amazing. Tomorrow will be a full schedule. Dana is back on a normal diet, so we are pushing him to eat and drink lots of fluids to build up his strength. He did a great job today.

Thanks to everyone for the cards and e-mails (they are all truly inspirational). Mail call was fun today. Dana would like to thank Laurie SantaMarie's (aka Laurie Jamieson's) class for the big batch of cards that arrived today. Laurie, your class is awesome and we loved the artwork and had a great time reading them all. Thanks so much!

Last but not least.... the trach tube was removed at 4:00 o'clock this afternoon, and the IV pole has left the room. Hurray...... free at last!

We'll post again tomorrow...... Oh.... Grandma...... I loved the cookies..... very tasty... thanks so much for sending them with Mom (I finally had an opportunity to eat a few of them yesterday.

All our love to everyone. Dad, looking forward to seeing you on Thursday and it was great to hear from you Susan! Take care everyone.