O' Happy Day!

Greetings again everyone!  Luisa here.

Day 2 of Phase 2 is well underway and I have more great news to report:

- Jim called and woke me up this morning at 7 AM and you can imagine how surprised I was to get his call, so much so, that in my sleepy state, I thought I was dreaming.  He sounded fantastic and very alert.

- When his surgeon stopped by in the morning, Jim was sitting on the edge of his bed and Dr. B made a comment about how good Jim looked and that it didn't look like he just had an operation.

- The corridors of the ICU are formed in a U-shape and today Jim walked those corridors four times.  Both of the nurses that cared for him today were amazed at his progress.  Many patients coming out of surgery have a difficult time walking down just one hallway.

- He sat in a chair twice for an extended period of time.  It is difficult for him to fully sit up because it forces him to breathe deeply and it puts pressure on the incision, but he did it.  Further, he used the breathing apparatus many times during the day and he demonstrated improvement in attaining and sustaining deep breaths each time.  Taking deep breaths is important in the prevention of pneumonia.

- He finally had real food, much to his happiness.  He wolfed down a plate of pasta : ).  Transition to solid food a day after surgery is amazing.

He remains in ICU only because there weren't any beds available where he'll end up the remainder of his stay.  He'll either move out tonight or tomorrow.  He is receiving excellent care in ICU, his nurses are fantastic and he enjoys a room with a view.

I would like to add a detail to yesterday's post that I was reminded about today during conversation.  The surgeon indicated to us that the tumors felt very soft and spongy.  He also said that during surgery he could locate them via ultrasound, but he had a hard time locating them by touch because they had become so spongy, which is another sign of how well chemo did it's job.

Overall, Jim is in good spirits and he is very pleased.  He tires easily, which is to be expected, and fortunately, he has pain under control.  I am amazed by his progress and I couldn't be more proud of him.  I've had a perma-grin all day. 

Thank you for your continued calls, texts and emails.  I share each and every one with him and it makes him very happy.  

Sending much love from our home to yours!
-Luisa

P.S.  We've had questions about how the kids are doing.  They are doing great!  Quite fortunately, they've been spending the mornings at VBS and we've arranged fun afternoons with Audrey, Tia Joan and Tia Margie while I've been at the hospital.  They are excited that Jim is doing well and tomorrow they will finally get to see him.  The timing is perfect given that the nurses have disconnected most of the tubes and wires and Jim's color looks good.  Nighty night all!!