Well, today Ben went back to school and Jon is back to work. There is much to do: projects to complete, contacts to catch up with, staff colleagues to reconnect with, travel to prepare for and so on.
But here we are, back to "normal."
May our awareness of God be as keen in this normal as it has been throughout the exceptional!
Showing posts with label Bensheart. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bensheart. Show all posts
Monday, April 12, 2010
Friday, April 9, 2010
Ben and The Ginge
Here are some photos of Ben's birthday celebration at Children's Memorial Hospital, with entertainment by The Ginge!
OK, so it wasn't just for Ben's birthday, but how was he to know?!
OK, so it wasn't just for Ben's birthday, but how was he to know?!
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Easter
What a beautiful Easter day! Ben is home! Christ is risen! The sun shone brightly, and now comes soaking rain. What more is there to say? He is risen indeed.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Friday & Saturday, waiting
Friday was a waiting day. Kim, Noah and Lydia came to the hospital since it was a school holiday. Jon, Noah and Lydia went for a great walk on a beautiful Spring day. We got over to the shoreline, walked in the sand, dipped our toes in cold Lake Michigan, collected a few small shells and stones, soaked up some sun, and breathed fresh air.
Noah went to the Family Life Center after we got back and was tutored in chess by a visiting volunteer. Lydia and Kim went to check out the thrift shop that's across from the hospital, and whose proceeds benefit the hospital.
Kim then settled in for the night while Jon, Noah and Lydia headed back to Elgin, just in time for some Easter egg decorating at church and then Noah slept over at his friend Jason's house.
Saturday has also come and gone, and we're still waiting on the coumadin levels to get high enough for Ben to come home. Kim's still at the hospital. Jon and Lydia slept in for once and did some chores around the house, and Noah played at Jason's. Lydia and dad had an afternoon out to the movies, where we saw "Last Song" starring Miley Cyrus. I thought we were in for a silly children's flick, but instead I ended up with tears through pretty much the whole thing. I guess it hit a little close to home with all the family dynamics and especially the storyline of father and kids.
So now it's time for rest. Tomorrow we get up early to celebrate Easter. We give thanks to God for life and for victory over death. This year the reality of new life is close to home.
May it be real to you as well.
Noah went to the Family Life Center after we got back and was tutored in chess by a visiting volunteer. Lydia and Kim went to check out the thrift shop that's across from the hospital, and whose proceeds benefit the hospital.
Kim then settled in for the night while Jon, Noah and Lydia headed back to Elgin, just in time for some Easter egg decorating at church and then Noah slept over at his friend Jason's house.
Saturday has also come and gone, and we're still waiting on the coumadin levels to get high enough for Ben to come home. Kim's still at the hospital. Jon and Lydia slept in for once and did some chores around the house, and Noah played at Jason's. Lydia and dad had an afternoon out to the movies, where we saw "Last Song" starring Miley Cyrus. I thought we were in for a silly children's flick, but instead I ended up with tears through pretty much the whole thing. I guess it hit a little close to home with all the family dynamics and especially the storyline of father and kids.
So now it's time for rest. Tomorrow we get up early to celebrate Easter. We give thanks to God for life and for victory over death. This year the reality of new life is close to home.
May it be real to you as well.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Busy with not much of anything
Hospital stays really feel like they are amazingly busy, and yet here we are not doing much of anything except for waiting. The anticoagulation levels are improving, but not yet where they need to be to go home.
Ben's day was fairly active. He spent most of the morning in the family life center. Hmm. What did he do there? Watched a little of Stuart Little, watched dad draw a picture, hob-nobbed with the other kids and volunteers, did some drumming during "Jammin' with Jim," and played in the teen center.
After the center is was lunch and shower time, followed by tutoring, listening to music, a visit from Pastor Joel and then dinner. He was exhausted and fell asleep at 6:00 p.m.! Let's hope he stays asleep for the night, although I'm sure there will be interruptions: for blood draws, vitals, and an early morning weigh in. Additionally, the baby sharing the room is scheduled for surgery first thing in the morning, so that means no post-midnight feedings, which likely means a cranky baby!
Weather in Chicago was beautiful although quite windy today (surprise!) so Jon got out for a couple walks and a chance to take in the city from the eighth floor of the parking garage. Tremendous view of the city from that vantage point.
Sorry that I didn't get to lovefeast with our church family at Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, but Kim had a solo with the choir so she took Noah and Lydia and I stayed in town with Ben.
We are getting pretty close to discharge. The blood thinners are closer and closer to their target rates, but my hunch is we're looking at a few more days. Go ahead; prove me wrong!
Blessings to you our family and friends for the dark journey of Good Friday and the bright dawning of Easter this weekend.
Ben's day was fairly active. He spent most of the morning in the family life center. Hmm. What did he do there? Watched a little of Stuart Little, watched dad draw a picture, hob-nobbed with the other kids and volunteers, did some drumming during "Jammin' with Jim," and played in the teen center.
After the center is was lunch and shower time, followed by tutoring, listening to music, a visit from Pastor Joel and then dinner. He was exhausted and fell asleep at 6:00 p.m.! Let's hope he stays asleep for the night, although I'm sure there will be interruptions: for blood draws, vitals, and an early morning weigh in. Additionally, the baby sharing the room is scheduled for surgery first thing in the morning, so that means no post-midnight feedings, which likely means a cranky baby!
Weather in Chicago was beautiful although quite windy today (surprise!) so Jon got out for a couple walks and a chance to take in the city from the eighth floor of the parking garage. Tremendous view of the city from that vantage point.
Sorry that I didn't get to lovefeast with our church family at Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, but Kim had a solo with the choir so she took Noah and Lydia and I stayed in town with Ben.
We are getting pretty close to discharge. The blood thinners are closer and closer to their target rates, but my hunch is we're looking at a few more days. Go ahead; prove me wrong!
Blessings to you our family and friends for the dark journey of Good Friday and the bright dawning of Easter this weekend.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Steady
Steady would be the word for today. Not any notable changes.
Ben spent a lot of the day alone, probably the longest time he's been in that position throughout his hospital stays. Wednesday's a work day for Kim and Jon had the last of three days of meetings with the standing committee vision team. But Ben wasn't really alone, since his favorite 5th floor nurse Jamie was in today, and he had a visit with a volunteer who got him onto the computer, and his mentor Scott from church visited in the afternoon.
He was reluctant to get a shower (we know he's feeling better!), so dad bribed him with pizza.
Beyond that there's not much to report. We're thankful for the meals that the church family has been providing at home, and for Pastor Audrey making some time to hang out with Lydia and Noah today.
Healing continues.
Ben spent a lot of the day alone, probably the longest time he's been in that position throughout his hospital stays. Wednesday's a work day for Kim and Jon had the last of three days of meetings with the standing committee vision team. But Ben wasn't really alone, since his favorite 5th floor nurse Jamie was in today, and he had a visit with a volunteer who got him onto the computer, and his mentor Scott from church visited in the afternoon.
He was reluctant to get a shower (we know he's feeling better!), so dad bribed him with pizza.
Beyond that there's not much to report. We're thankful for the meals that the church family has been providing at home, and for Pastor Audrey making some time to hang out with Lydia and Noah today.
Healing continues.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Birthday Boy
Today Ben celebrated his 15 years of life! It was like one day-long party. He woke up to a card from the night nurses, then was serenaded by the day crew and volunteers (see picture and post below), then had a visit that included a BIG balloon and cake with our friend Chris, a shower, and then a concert with the Chicago area band The Ginge (that included photo ops and autographs!). Insert a bunch of phone calls from family and friends, and it was one gloriously full day.
The only down side to Ben's day would have been that dad had to leave a while for a meeting in Elgin, mom had to work and has a cold that kept her away, and Noah and Lydia had school so didn't get to come in either. But we'll all celebrate when Ben finally gets home again.
So, getting home.... On the medical front they are still trying to get his heparin level up to where they want it, and at the same time are starting to switch him over to coumadin. It mostly means a slow, careful process of i.v. fluids, blood checks, and pills. Word on the street (or at least on five west) is that we're here through the weekend.
We'll stay as long as they insist; just don't make us come back again!
As I've said before, we are just really thankful that Ben is even around for his 15th birthday. God's given us a precious gift that takes some tending, but the smiles and joy are worth the effort! We lift a prayer of gratitude in harmony with our continued prayers for healing.
Happy Birthday, Ben!!
The only down side to Ben's day would have been that dad had to leave a while for a meeting in Elgin, mom had to work and has a cold that kept her away, and Noah and Lydia had school so didn't get to come in either. But we'll all celebrate when Ben finally gets home again.
So, getting home.... On the medical front they are still trying to get his heparin level up to where they want it, and at the same time are starting to switch him over to coumadin. It mostly means a slow, careful process of i.v. fluids, blood checks, and pills. Word on the street (or at least on five west) is that we're here through the weekend.
We'll stay as long as they insist; just don't make us come back again!
As I've said before, we are just really thankful that Ben is even around for his 15th birthday. God's given us a precious gift that takes some tending, but the smiles and joy are worth the effort! We lift a prayer of gratitude in harmony with our continued prayers for healing.
Happy Birthday, Ben!!
Ben's party
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Happy Birthday Ben!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Monday, March 29, 2010
Feeling good
Ben wants you to know that he's feeling good. He's talking constantly, ordering his next twelve meals, and plotting his future activities like work camps and drum accessorization.
From the parental perspective things are stable. He's still on his heparin drip, although they had stopped it temporarily last night because they got a low reading on his hemoglobin. Apparently it was a tainted sample because the levels are back up. They're also transitioning him to coumadin, which he'll go home on and remain on for several months.
Visually it looks like the swelling in his calf has gone down a little, although the thigh still seems to be swollen. He says it doesn't hurt any more, which is a good sign.
Kim spent last night and today at the hospital. Noah and Lydia headed back to school after their Spring break. Lydia's still carrying the burden for her brother, most noticeably in her belly. But she had a good day at school, especially in her art class where she got to color a chameleon. Jon spent the day working and in a meeting at the office, and is going to spend the night with Ben.
Tomorrow Ben turns 15. We're just thankful that he's completed the fifteenth year! We look forward to a strong, healing start to the 16th.
From the parental perspective things are stable. He's still on his heparin drip, although they had stopped it temporarily last night because they got a low reading on his hemoglobin. Apparently it was a tainted sample because the levels are back up. They're also transitioning him to coumadin, which he'll go home on and remain on for several months.
Visually it looks like the swelling in his calf has gone down a little, although the thigh still seems to be swollen. He says it doesn't hurt any more, which is a good sign.
Kim spent last night and today at the hospital. Noah and Lydia headed back to school after their Spring break. Lydia's still carrying the burden for her brother, most noticeably in her belly. But she had a good day at school, especially in her art class where she got to color a chameleon. Jon spent the day working and in a meeting at the office, and is going to spend the night with Ben.
Tomorrow Ben turns 15. We're just thankful that he's completed the fifteenth year! We look forward to a strong, healing start to the 16th.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Laugh or cry?
Are we players in an absurd drama? Ben's back in the hospital for the third time.
Rewind. Saturday was a good day for Ben. Short walks, an outing in the car with gma & gpa, some good naps, a shower, and eating, eating, eating.
This morning was great, too. Ben went with us to church because we all needed to be there, and he seemed up to it. My cousin Joel's choir from El Monte High School in CA were guests in our worship service. They were great! Ben did what Ben does best, mingled with church-goers and received all their well wishes and delight for his healing.
And indeed Ben has been healing, gaining strength. Except....
Except for some swelling in his left leg and complaints of pain when he walked. For a while we thought that it was simply a product of needing to regain strength and tight tendons and ligaments. But today there was noticeable swelling, still pain, and knowledge that our families have histories of clots. Add to all that the fact that because of his bleeding ulcer he wasn't on any post-op blood thinners, we thought it best to contact the doctors.
Jon took Ben back down to Children's where the short ending is that they discovered a blood clot in the iliac vein in the groin. Likely it was encouraged by an i.v. that was located there during/after the ulcer surgery. He has been re-admitted to the hospital where he will receive treatments of heparin for a few days. There is risk in this treatment due to his recent surgeries, but the surgeons feel like he has healed enough to lower the risk of the heparin, and they also don't see another choice.
Kim's back to the hospital for a Sunday night stay. Jon's home with Noah and Lydia and preparing for meetings early this week. It looks like flexibility and prioritization will continue to be the guiding principles this week.
So at this point it's difficult to know whether to laugh or cry. Your continuing prayers are appreciated.
Rewind. Saturday was a good day for Ben. Short walks, an outing in the car with gma & gpa, some good naps, a shower, and eating, eating, eating.
This morning was great, too. Ben went with us to church because we all needed to be there, and he seemed up to it. My cousin Joel's choir from El Monte High School in CA were guests in our worship service. They were great! Ben did what Ben does best, mingled with church-goers and received all their well wishes and delight for his healing.
And indeed Ben has been healing, gaining strength. Except....
Except for some swelling in his left leg and complaints of pain when he walked. For a while we thought that it was simply a product of needing to regain strength and tight tendons and ligaments. But today there was noticeable swelling, still pain, and knowledge that our families have histories of clots. Add to all that the fact that because of his bleeding ulcer he wasn't on any post-op blood thinners, we thought it best to contact the doctors.
Jon took Ben back down to Children's where the short ending is that they discovered a blood clot in the iliac vein in the groin. Likely it was encouraged by an i.v. that was located there during/after the ulcer surgery. He has been re-admitted to the hospital where he will receive treatments of heparin for a few days. There is risk in this treatment due to his recent surgeries, but the surgeons feel like he has healed enough to lower the risk of the heparin, and they also don't see another choice.
Kim's back to the hospital for a Sunday night stay. Jon's home with Noah and Lydia and preparing for meetings early this week. It looks like flexibility and prioritization will continue to be the guiding principles this week.
So at this point it's difficult to know whether to laugh or cry. Your continuing prayers are appreciated.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Semblance of routine
We brought Ben home on Wednesday. He is doing well. Eating, eating, sleeping, eating, eating, walking, talking, eating, playing drums, eating, sleeping. Well, you get the picture. I think he's trying to re-gain his 20 pounds in one week! Today Kim said he wanted to help work in the yard, but grandpa convinced him to take a walk instead, after which he was so tired he slept the rest of the afternoon!
On Wednesday evening Lydia complained of not feeling well. On Thursday morning she still didn't feel well, complaining of pain in her stomach. She was so pathetic, crying and moaning, "Daddy, it hurts" over and over. So, instead of my first day back to the office in quite a while, off to the doctor we went. Our regular doc wasn't in, but Dr. DiMarco was wonderful with Lydia. The short story is that Lydia seems to be carrying the stress of her brother's health crisis around with her in her stomach. Official diagnosis gastritis.
The longer story is that I hope Lydia doesn't need serious medical attention any time soon. First was the trauma of the throat swab to check for strep. Then followed the suggestion of taking blood, which simply provoked a series of shrieks and cries. Since there was some concern about possible appendicitis, a CT scan was in order. Since her belly hurt she wouldn't drink the contrast, so they had to use an i.v. More shrieks and cries, but eventual concession. I know this is scary stuff for a nine-year-old; it's just so different from Ben who would simply hold out his arm.
At the conclusion of the CT I suggested that the i.v. line remain in so that the doc could get her blood from it. They agreed, which then led to a great adventure since none of the medical equipment was compatible. The tech in radiology finally came through with a strategy, and they were able to draw blood without having to stick Lydia again. Again, the good news was that there were no major issues found.
From a dad's standpoint, I must say that it took all I could muster to remain compassionate and patient with the prospect of yet more medical tests and issues with our kids. I think I did OK, but it took a lot of conscious effort, simply because I'm so tired of hospitals, doctors, and my kids hurting.
The other thing that Lydia not feeling well reminds me is that even though Ben's out of the hospital, he still has a long way to go, as do the rest of us. Lydia and Noah have experienced this trauma just like the rest of us, and will continue to recover along with Ben. Thankfully grandparents have been around to help them through it. Same with Kim and me; it'll take some time to recover from all this stress.
"Normal" still feels like it's a long way off. Once again I'm on the road for some work-related meetings, which is a taste of normal, but it's still engulfed by this last month and a half of focus on Ben. We continue to rely on the strength of God through Jesus, and the beautiful family and community of faith that has sustained us thus far.
On Wednesday evening Lydia complained of not feeling well. On Thursday morning she still didn't feel well, complaining of pain in her stomach. She was so pathetic, crying and moaning, "Daddy, it hurts" over and over. So, instead of my first day back to the office in quite a while, off to the doctor we went. Our regular doc wasn't in, but Dr. DiMarco was wonderful with Lydia. The short story is that Lydia seems to be carrying the stress of her brother's health crisis around with her in her stomach. Official diagnosis gastritis.
The longer story is that I hope Lydia doesn't need serious medical attention any time soon. First was the trauma of the throat swab to check for strep. Then followed the suggestion of taking blood, which simply provoked a series of shrieks and cries. Since there was some concern about possible appendicitis, a CT scan was in order. Since her belly hurt she wouldn't drink the contrast, so they had to use an i.v. More shrieks and cries, but eventual concession. I know this is scary stuff for a nine-year-old; it's just so different from Ben who would simply hold out his arm.
At the conclusion of the CT I suggested that the i.v. line remain in so that the doc could get her blood from it. They agreed, which then led to a great adventure since none of the medical equipment was compatible. The tech in radiology finally came through with a strategy, and they were able to draw blood without having to stick Lydia again. Again, the good news was that there were no major issues found.
From a dad's standpoint, I must say that it took all I could muster to remain compassionate and patient with the prospect of yet more medical tests and issues with our kids. I think I did OK, but it took a lot of conscious effort, simply because I'm so tired of hospitals, doctors, and my kids hurting.
The other thing that Lydia not feeling well reminds me is that even though Ben's out of the hospital, he still has a long way to go, as do the rest of us. Lydia and Noah have experienced this trauma just like the rest of us, and will continue to recover along with Ben. Thankfully grandparents have been around to help them through it. Same with Kim and me; it'll take some time to recover from all this stress.
"Normal" still feels like it's a long way off. Once again I'm on the road for some work-related meetings, which is a taste of normal, but it's still engulfed by this last month and a half of focus on Ben. We continue to rely on the strength of God through Jesus, and the beautiful family and community of faith that has sustained us thus far.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Home again
Ben was discharged about 4:00 p.m. today and we arrived back home at 5:30! We're all looking forward to a good night's sleep in our own beds. Such hope may be thwarted, however, by a nine year old girl who's not feeling so well tonight.
Anyway, we were all glad to be around the kitchen table for dinner tonight, although exhaustion is setting in.
Ben was cleared to play his drums and to enjoy regular activity, just no lifting, digging, or contact sports. Oh yeah, and he's not allowed to return to school for at least another week or two. He'll have a host of follow-up visits over the next two weeks on his way back to a more normal routine and life. In the meantime, he's eating anything and everything he's allowed to get his hands on in an effort to gain back the nearly twenty pounds he lost.
Thanks for all your support, prayers, and encouragement. I'll reflect more on these past five weeks at a later date, after some more sleep and a deeper healing.
Anyway, we were all glad to be around the kitchen table for dinner tonight, although exhaustion is setting in.
Ben was cleared to play his drums and to enjoy regular activity, just no lifting, digging, or contact sports. Oh yeah, and he's not allowed to return to school for at least another week or two. He'll have a host of follow-up visits over the next two weeks on his way back to a more normal routine and life. In the meantime, he's eating anything and everything he's allowed to get his hands on in an effort to gain back the nearly twenty pounds he lost.
Thanks for all your support, prayers, and encouragement. I'll reflect more on these past five weeks at a later date, after some more sleep and a deeper healing.
homeward bound
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Tuesday, March 23, 2010
One day short of five weeks
Today was a good day again! Ben took several good walks around the unit, ate frequently and well, was bathed, listened to some music, watched some T.V. and generally had an enjoyable day.
Blood pressure is still the issue, it's been too high, but they've modified the meds and will determine whether or not he can go home tomorrow after they see how the pressures are tonight. We really hope they've figured it out so that we can go home!
This evening was a lot of fun. A hospital magician came by the room (how many hospitals have their own magicians!) and did some fun tricks with Ben, including cards, multiplying foam balls, and a disappearing/reappearing handkerchief. He even taught Ben a trick, so ask Ben to perform a little magic for you next time you see him.
After the magician left, our neighbors from Elgin came for a visit, with Noah in tow after having spent the day in Chicago, and gma & gpa S made the trip in as well. Ben loves the attention!
So we're hoping for a somewhat restful night, even though nurse Tobin will be in every four hours to do the vitals. With a little luck and an assist from some medicine, this night may be our last in Children's, at least for now.
Blood pressure is still the issue, it's been too high, but they've modified the meds and will determine whether or not he can go home tomorrow after they see how the pressures are tonight. We really hope they've figured it out so that we can go home!
This evening was a lot of fun. A hospital magician came by the room (how many hospitals have their own magicians!) and did some fun tricks with Ben, including cards, multiplying foam balls, and a disappearing/reappearing handkerchief. He even taught Ben a trick, so ask Ben to perform a little magic for you next time you see him.
After the magician left, our neighbors from Elgin came for a visit, with Noah in tow after having spent the day in Chicago, and gma & gpa S made the trip in as well. Ben loves the attention!
So we're hoping for a somewhat restful night, even though nurse Tobin will be in every four hours to do the vitals. With a little luck and an assist from some medicine, this night may be our last in Children's, at least for now.
walking the halls
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Monday, March 22, 2010
I'll take fries with that
Today has been a great day! Measured in terms of appetite, Ben has taken a huge step. Breakfast was pancakes, bacon and hash browns, of which he ate part. Lunch was half a big mac. Afternoon snack was a roast beef sandwich. Dinner was a ceasar salad with chicken and a roll. I'd say his tastes buds and his stomach are getting back in sync!
The last i.v. line came out today, so no more tubes!! He's also walking, getting physical therapy, doing his "flutterbug," and receiving visitors. Today's company included pastor Audrey and the return of gma & gpa S, just in from PA, and sister and brother.
It is hard to put into words how much improvement we see in his eyes, his energy, and his attitude. We're getting our Ben back!
It seems that the remaining hospital hurdle is regulating his blood pressure. It's been higher than they want it, and so they are trying medication combos to get it stabilized. Now they're saying Wednesday or Thursday for possible discharge.
Kim and Jon traded places tonight. Kim gets to head home after a very long weekend, and Jon moves into the "suite." Hopefully Kim has spent her last night here!
Tomorrow no doubt Ben will want another burger, and this time he'll want his fries with it! Thanks be to God!
The last i.v. line came out today, so no more tubes!! He's also walking, getting physical therapy, doing his "flutterbug," and receiving visitors. Today's company included pastor Audrey and the return of gma & gpa S, just in from PA, and sister and brother.
It is hard to put into words how much improvement we see in his eyes, his energy, and his attitude. We're getting our Ben back!
It seems that the remaining hospital hurdle is regulating his blood pressure. It's been higher than they want it, and so they are trying medication combos to get it stabilized. Now they're saying Wednesday or Thursday for possible discharge.
Kim and Jon traded places tonight. Kim gets to head home after a very long weekend, and Jon moves into the "suite." Hopefully Kim has spent her last night here!
Tomorrow no doubt Ben will want another burger, and this time he'll want his fries with it! Thanks be to God!
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Weekend overview
This was a busy and positive weekend. Kim has been at the hospital with Ben. Noah had a great time overnight with his friend Jason. Lydia went on an adventure with the Kellermans. Jon went to Middle PA district for an event and then returned to help with worship music Sunday a.m. Kim's folks ended their extended stay by leaving Sunday morning to head home.
On Friday Ben was somewhat unexpectedly moved from his i.c.u. berth to a regular room on the 5th floor. The move was accompanied by a removal of his n.g. tube and permission to drink clear liquids. On Saturday they advanced him to an unrestricted diet. Of course he doesn't have much of an appetite yet, but that will come. Another good sign was that Ben found a t.v. show while Kim was out of the room and was laughing about it when she came back. He doesn't often watch t.v., but it was good to see him engaging something.
Sunday was a good day as well. Lydia, Noah and Jon visited in the afternoon. Ben is smiling, getting up for short walks, had his first shower in quite a while, and continues to take small bites of varieties of foods.
Today the docs said that he might be discharged on Tuesday or Wednesday. We're absolutely excited, and somewhat terrified, about Ben coming back home. Of course this time will be different than the last.
One more end of the day bonus: his last drain tube from the surgery site was removed this evening. All that's left is his pic line.
We are incredibly blessed with the strength of God and overwhelmed by the support of all of you.
On Friday Ben was somewhat unexpectedly moved from his i.c.u. berth to a regular room on the 5th floor. The move was accompanied by a removal of his n.g. tube and permission to drink clear liquids. On Saturday they advanced him to an unrestricted diet. Of course he doesn't have much of an appetite yet, but that will come. Another good sign was that Ben found a t.v. show while Kim was out of the room and was laughing about it when she came back. He doesn't often watch t.v., but it was good to see him engaging something.
Sunday was a good day as well. Lydia, Noah and Jon visited in the afternoon. Ben is smiling, getting up for short walks, had his first shower in quite a while, and continues to take small bites of varieties of foods.
Today the docs said that he might be discharged on Tuesday or Wednesday. We're absolutely excited, and somewhat terrified, about Ben coming back home. Of course this time will be different than the last.
One more end of the day bonus: his last drain tube from the surgery site was removed this evening. All that's left is his pic line.
We are incredibly blessed with the strength of God and overwhelmed by the support of all of you.
Ben March 21
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Cool change
Today's big step was ice chips for Ben! Also got up and sat in the chair several times, had a bath, and a visit from Steve & Emily.
Maybe tomorrow the ng tube will come out and clear liquids will begin.
Jon left in the afternoon for a little time in the office, dinner at home, and choir practice, and then is off for two day work trip to Middle PA. Kim has taken up residence at the hospital. Noah & Lydia have a busy weekend with friends ahead, and gma & gpa L continue to hold things together in Elgin.
So healing continues while the other pieces of life begin to come back into focus.
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