Thursday, April 16, 2009

Day + 28 -- a better day

Today was a pretty nice day with no drama. Doug is trying with the eating - still not enough, but the dietician said she can see an upward trend with the calorie count.

The oncology massage therapist stopped by - Doug was sleeping so she gave me a neck and shoulder massage - so relaxing. She came back later when Doug was awake and gave him a back massage. He was lying on his side in bed with pillows to make him comfortable - after 20 minutes of massage and Reiki, he was so relaxed that he fell asleep again. I am so glad that this hospital is progressive enough to offer specially trained massage therapists.

Doug did his arm exercises with the occupational therapist, and later did leg exercises and walked with the physical therapist. He walked much farther than the day before. Go Dougie!

Gail, my sister-in-law, said she thinks the bald and beardless Doug looks like Bruce Willis. I think he liked that.

There is a possibility that Doug might be transferred to a different wing of the hospital for an intensive rehab program. The biggest hurdle has been jumped -- our insurance has given approval. Several more things have to happen: he has to be declared medically stable by both oncology and cardiology. Doug would have to come off the heart monitor since the rehab facility is not set up for that. Today his liver function test was a bit off, so that would have to come down to an acceptable level. And finally, the rehab program needs to come and 'interview' Doug -- they want to make sure that he is willing and able to do the intensive work. We'll find out more tomorrow.

"God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment."
2 Timothy 1:7

Love to all.

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