MEDICATION PROBLEMS

It has been a tough week for Dave. He had been put on Dilaudid for pain control, and that really took the wind out of his sails. Not only was he totally confused, but his appetite plummeted and he became very weak. After going off that medication, he was put on Lortab which didn't due too much to help the pain until he doubled the dose (with an okay from the doctor). That seemed to help a lot. The pain has gotten much better and he didn't have to take any pain medication today at all, until this evening before he went to bed. He felt better today and actually looked better with a little more energy. He did gain a few lbs. (after losing again), so that was encouraging too. With the pain better and his energy level improving, we are looking forward to some great days ahead. His next PET/CT will be the middle of July - so let's pray extra-hard that this last round of radiation took care of the mass that has been so stubborn. Tomorrow we plan to attend the "Relay for Life" which will be at the high school track. Thanks everyone for your support through all of this. It has made such a difference in our journey!

BEAUTY

This is what I was able to enjoy this morning looking out my window at work! There were 3 bedded down; what a beautiful sight.

WHAT'S WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE?????

HAPPY 60TH BIRTHDAY

It's official, Dave has hit 60! He's doing better than expected after his recent set-back. He's eating well and goes every morning for coffee with the "guys". He is also working towards his retirement. This is a birthday to remember as it's snowing outside and, also, our 10th grandchild, Jack Henry Sipe was born this a.m. weighing over 10 lbs. It is also my brother's 50th birthday! What a day!

FAMILY

HE'S HOME

Dave is doing amazing! He was discharged this afternoon and is happy to be home. Of course, we are happy to have him. Rachel and Eric both flew out this morning and made it back to their homes safely. It was so nice having all the kids home at the same time, and I know it made a huge difference in Dave's quick recovery. I still couldn't get all four together at the same time though for a picture, but some things just never change! Someone is always missing. Thanks everyone for your kindness, prayers, cards, calls, etc. You have made such a difference. Thanks to all the wonderful care both at North Valley Hospital and Kalispell Regional Medical Center. A special thanks to Dave's "boys" who transported him code from NVH to KRH. It had to be a difficult transfer for them - transfering their "chief" with the chief's wife riding shotgun!! As you can see in the picture - Dave is enjoying a hot fudge Sunday and being home.

OUT OF ICU

What a difference a day makes! Dave has been moved out of ICU and onto the 1st floor. He no longer has an oxygen mask, just an oxygen cannula, and is maintaining his oxygen saturations great. The side-effects of the medications also are wearing off and he isn't so aggitated. If all goes well, he may be discharged home on Wed. I think he now realizes that he needs to slow down a bit. Tomorrow is our 35th wedding anniversary! I'm glad he's here to celebrate.

IMPROVEMENT

Things are definitely improving. I haven't made it to the hospital yet this morning (I slept in!), but I called ICU for an update. At the time I spoke with the nurse, Dave's brother, Brian, was visiting and Dave was sitting up in the chair. His diet will be increased today, another good sign. As of last night, the report was if he was doing much better today he will be moved from the ICU unit into the Intermediate Care. That's a big step! Let's pray for that improvement.

PROGRESSING SLOWLY

Hi - it's nice to be back in "circulation" again! Thanks, Angela, for keeping the blog going. As Angela mentioned yesterday, the nurses did call me back to the hospital shortly after I left for my first night home. Dave was somewhat "unreasonable" and sometimes"lucid". I was able to calm him down with my sweet presence (ha), but if I even walked away from his bed he was pulling off the mask and trying to go home. I even tried laying with him, but I think I was causing some problems with some tubing - so that wasn't such a great idea. After about 6 a.m. and another night of no sleep I came home and resolved myself to the fact I needed to get some good sleep and he was in wonderful care. All of the this was the result of side-effects from all the meds he has been on when he was put on the ventilator. This should improve as those side-effects wear off. He also went through this disillusionment period while he was in Seattle after his stem cell transplant. As for his lungs, they are better and his oxygen sats are much better. I'll be going back to the hospital this afternoon after a little time here at home. Thank you so much for all your prayers and concerns. Hopefully, if it is God's plan, Dave will be back to his old self soon. Please feel free to e-mail if you have any questions - I'm sure this blog is confusing!

Update

Good news...Dave was taken off of the vent earlier today and is now breathing on his own. His sense of humor is healthy and he's busy giving the ICU nurses a hard time. Earlier today he insisted that if the staff didn't call Jennifer and have her come back to the hospital he was just going to walk home (15 miles). I guess those drugs are slowly wearing off. Both Eric and Rachel were able to fly home to spend time with their dad so the family is enjoying time together. Please continue to keep Dave and Jennifer in your prayers. 

I hope to have more positive updates soon.

Angela (writing for Jennifer)