January 20, 2011

Dear friends,

Well, I'm recovered enough to remember how to spell "daily", though I must admit I have no recollection at all of how I got home from the hospital with Tim yesterday.  I woke up enough to watch an episode of "Cupcake Wars" which inspired me to create a batch of carrot cake cupcakes with butterscotch caramel cream cheese frosting.  That was about 9 p.m. last night.  LOL!  I took them to the nurses at Spalding, who happily devoured every one. 

So . . . drum roll . . . and please knock on wood everyone . . . but Dwaine is scheduled to return home THIS SATURDAY at around 11:30!  He needs to get a little more medically stable on his bloodwork with the coumadin levels, but that's coming along nicely.  I'm being trained on giving him his anti-clotting shot, which is really easy, and he's got some other prescriptions to fill.  I was able to get a cane and a shower chair which is pretty much all he needs to get around the house.  So, one more day and he can be back here where he belongs, getting better rest, eating what he wants, and taking walks around the courtyard.  He's eager to get back to normal life and to continue his rehab work at Spalding.  They're working on the schedule now and I will definitely need help with driving (more on that later). 

Today he had to demonstrate various levels of ability to Occupational, Physical and Speech Cognitive therapists.  Occupational involved getting dressed, working on his thumb and finger exercises.  Physical was lots of walking up and down stairs and down the hall and back again - then a bit of "line dancing" which he did "really fast" Julie Jensen said.  I wasn't there for his Speech evaluation, but I do know they used that electrical stimulator on his face again (which kind of stings).  Then he was able to rest most of the evening.

Tomorrow, I get some more training on showering and other issues.  I have no doubt about my ability to help him do whatever needs to be done.  He's improving so fast, I don't even know that I'll have to be doing it that long, anyway!  He's walking pretty well without his cane - maybe just needs it for a little extra balance for now.  His speech is very good, and he's taking calls on his cell phone when he's up and around.  His wit is as sharp as ever once more - he's always joking with the nurses about this or that.  He's going to be fine at home, as long as he doesn't try to do too much (and knowing him, that's going to be my challenge).

What a journey we've been on since January 1.  It seems like a lifetime ago, but it's only about 3 weeks.  All the doctors and hospital rooms and conferences and phone calls - they're all a blur.  And all that's left now is us, back together again where we should have been.  I'm not so naiive as to think it's all behind us - we still have neurology appointments and other issues to work on.  But to be able to walk and talk and use your fingers enough to tie your shoes again, when just a few weeks ago you couldn't move your arm or shrug your shoulders?  Wow!  We've come a long, long way. 

And so much of it is due to all of you - your encouragement and nice cards and notes and calls and visits and help in emergencies.  I couldn't have made it through myself without it.  And I couldn't have been a help to Dwaine.  So, I thank you all again. 

I'll keep you informed as to his exact time of arrival at the house (8552 E 29th Place in Stapleton).  If you want to be there to give him a big welcome, I think that would be a lot of fun!  But he'll be tired, so no big party yet.  Stay tuned and keep those good vibes coming!