Recovery Up-Date Dec. 6, 2009

I continue to improve, but the progress is very slow. I have just started driving again. In the process, I have discovered that I don't have the strength to put my wheel chair back into the Expedition yet. I have finished with the physical therapy so now I am working on my own. My appetite is improving, which is a good thing as I have been loosing weight much too rapidly. We are now down to 270, which is about 90 pounds less than I weighted before I went into the hospital.

We are now starting to try to do work around the house as well. This will take some of the load off Sue, who deserves a break. What she has gone through these past few months isn't fair to anyone.

Steve

What a great Thanksgiving

As our whole family sat around the Thanksgiving table I realized how blessed is our family. Annie, Riley, Addison, Stephen, Stephanie (his fiance), Steve and I were all together, the first time in over 10 years. Most of all we were thankful to have Steve (the old, one and only) with us. We are very thankful for all the friends and family who prayed for us during these last months. Steve continues to improve daily.

Wishing you all a belated Happy Thanksgiving and a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah.

Sue

What a great

Saw pancreatic doctor yesterday. He pulled the one remaining drain out about 4 inches. We go back in 2 more weeks. He was very satisified with Steve's progress. I asked him about what was the chance of the pancreatitis coming back. He said that most patients who have as bad a case as Steve's does not have the pancreatitis come back. I asked for that in writing. Sure made us feel better.

Steve still is not up to leaving the house except to go to the doctors.

Sue

Steve has been able to stay by himself this whole week. We did go to the prothesis office for Steve to be measured for a new leg - the current one is too big now that he has lost so much weight. Physical Therapy and a nurse have been coming out to see him. He continues to walk around the house with his walker. He found out that he did not have the endurance he thought he had but he continues to improve.

Sue

Steve was discharged from hospital on Monday

I'm surprised that you all couldn't hear Steve rejoicing when he was delivered to the front door of Memorial Health. He felt so good that he was able to attend the monthly Coastal Amateur Radio Society meeting for about 1 hour. He is able to function pretty independently. I was able to work today and leave him home by himself. He is on oxygen, using a walker or wheelchair. His total recovery will be quit awhile. But being home is the best medicine.

Sue

Right chest tube removed

Before I got to the hospital this morning, the physicans had already removed the right chest tube. This is the weekend so we do not anticipate too many more decisions to be made. But we feel like unless there are other lower priority medical issues which need investigation that Steve should be able to go home - MONDAY. Steve and I believe that he does not need inpatient rehab but having physical and occupational therapy come to the house would be beneficial. We are not pushing the physicans to go home if Steve is really not ready. We want to go home for good.

Steve did quite a bit of walking yesterday. We will continue to walk today. He feels human again with regular clothes on. He is in his smaller sizes. Can't wait to get him to a real scale (bed scales are not that accurate) and find out exactly how much weight he has lost.

We could not have made it this far without our family and friends and your prayers.

Sue