December 10, 2011, 3rd Post-op Day

Hi everyone,

   I spent the afternoon w/ Bob, after getting some errands done in the morning. He continues to improve, though he is finally back down to earth now that the fentanyl(pain med) epideural drip has been d/c'd. The oral pain med is controlling his discomfort well, and he's able to cough and deep breathe and do his incentive spirometry, though he hasn't been able to be weaned from the O2 yet. They will try tomorrow, but I think the more likely scenario will be that he comes home on oxygen. Hopefully that will be temporary, until  his body adjusts to his decreased lung capacity.

His appetite is just so-so, but seems to be improving with each meal, though he has pretty much stuck to ordering sandwiches and soup. He did in fact receive lasix(diuretic) yesterday and today to help with his breathing, but it also served to make his mouth more dry, which is an everyday problem to begin with. I took him some fresh brewed coffee today and he really enjoyed that. 

It's looking like discharge will be Monday, if no complications arise. I took a list today of everyone who's written so as not to forget anyone and he was quite moved. I heard a lot of "aw, how is he/she doing". He says to tell you all that he remembers you in his prayers daily. Bob is so unassuming, I think he is always surprised that he would be remembered by so many people. So that about wraps it up, except to say we are so blessed to have you all in our lives.

All our love,
Bob and Mo