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!
