Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Update on Don

I know a lot of you have been wondering what Don's status is after his open heart surgery on June 2. I’m sad to say that his recovery isn't going well, so he’s going to be in ICU longer than usual. The time frame for this is now being predicted for another 2-3 weeks in ICU followed by about a month in regular recovery care in the hospital, then more time for rehabilitation, so about 2-3 months in all.

He is in a medically-induced paralysis to keep his body from fighting the treatments, so he cannot have visitors. Because he won’t remember whether I was there beside him during this time, and because sitting helplessly while someone sleeps and machines beep and buzz can be very frustrating, I’ve decided to move the motorhome back to Benson. I discussed this with the critical care specialist, and he agreed.

Our wonderful friends Dennis & Carol Hill and Denny & Susie Orr are here in Tucson to support me, as well as Lynn & Mickey Waite who are here for Mickey to have her cataract surgery done. But they all have their own challenges and obligations, so they can't stay much longer. The Hills and Orrs will accompany me to Benson on Friday and stay another few days.

Today's news was pretty upsetting because I've been just taking life one day at a time and wishing, praying and hoping for improvement and good news every time I called or went to the hospital. Now that I've been thrown a curve ball I must look to taking care of myself (as everyone keeps reminding me) and try to preserve my energy and optimism for when Don is awake and aware again, and will possibly need me more.

As I get future updates through my daily phone calls and occasional visits I will share them with you. In the meantime, if you don't hear from me it's safe to assume there's been no significant change in Don's situation.

If you are a member of our family and didn’t get my email message, please tell me your email address and I’ll send that to you.

I really appreciate all the comments and “likes” on Facebook, as well as emails and phone calls, and it’s great to know you’re sending prayers and good thoughts our way. Please continue to do that!

I’m adding a recent picture of Don so Facebook won’t publish a pic from Jan & Chuck Moore’s blog this time!

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13 comments:

  1. You and Don continue to be in our thoughts. Hang in there, both of you.

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  2. You need to be strong, when he comes out of this. I think going back to Benson is a good idea.Thanks so much for keeping us posted. Your in our thoughts and prayers.

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  3. Thanks for the update. You and Don continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. Please take care of yourself so you can be there when Don needs you.

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  4. Sharon, you and Don are in our thoughts, stay strong.....

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  5. You and Don are in our thoughts - LIVE STRONG!!

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  6. Praying for you and Don. He is getting very good care and will surely get better each day. We'll be thinking about you as you journey back to Benson. Warm Hugs to both of you, Jan & Chuck

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  7. Sharon, as a member of Solos who has gone through this type of stress, I want to tell you that it is important to take care of yourself. Try to get some time for "you". Meditation helps, light excercise helps, count on the support of friends and family, and make sure you try to keep nourished both physically and emotionally. My thoughts are with you and Don

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  8. Sharon, as a member of Solos who has gone through this type of stress, I want to tell you that it is important to take care of yourself. Try to get some time for "you". Meditation helps, light excercise helps, count on the support of friends and family, and make sure you try to keep nourished both physically and emotionally. My thoughts are with you and Don

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  9. We are so sorry to hear of this, Sharon. You both will be in our prayers, maybe God is taking this time to heal him fully inside & out. Taking care of yourself is very important now, you will need to be strong & encouraging once he is aware of what's on on around him. May God's loving arms surround you daily, giving you His love & strength to get through the waiting period. We love you!

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  10. All we can do is send love to you both!! And yes, you must take care of yourself...

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  11. Praying for you and Don. I'm so glad you are taking care of yourself. Massages are a wonderful way to help your body and relieve stress.

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  12. Sending hugs and prayers for both of you; hoping there is improvement soon and hoping for peace and restful days for you...biggest hugs!!

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  13. My thoughts are with you. You are doing the right thing in taking care of yourself ... you need your strength for when Don is awake and needs your attention.

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