Nurse Pat

Wow - so much has happened in the past 24+ hours - almost all good. 

• Larry was moved from ICU to the step-down unit yesterday at 11:00 am (moved by my buddy Prentis the hugger)
• See my earlier post (2 down I think) for the mailing address
• Several tubes have been removed - I think we're down to 10 (from 18)
• Biggest risk now is pneumonia - so many visits from respiratory therapy and encouraged use of the "pickle" device
• Dr. Rice (surgeon) introduced us to Jerry down the hall - he had the same surgery 4 days before Larry - he's up and walking the halls
• Two physical therapists were here early this afternoon to assess Larry and get him up and walking; first walk - 35-40 feet - Larry could have done more, but they didn't want him to over do it; goal is to eventually take 6 walks every day
• PTs will try to get back today to get Larry walking again (I promised them some NCAA basketball when they came back)
• Dr. Adelstein (oncologist) visited and said surgery went well; they are waiting for pathology results from the surgery; won't be available until next week
• Feeding tube is now being used for feeding (was being used for drainage then saline)
• I am being trained to administer medication through the feeding tube - showed me twice, then had me do it once.  Pump off, clamp, remove tube, unclamp, flush, meds, flush, clamp, replace tube, unclamp, pump on.  I think I've got it.  They will have me administering medications from now on.  Just call me Nurse Pat!

I've been here since early morning - the day has flown by - feels like it's been only a couple hours.  Larry's pain seems to be better.  He's awake more through the day (even though he got very little sleep last night).  Every day is a better day. 

A case manager was in to talk about home care.  Does anyone have experience with any Toledo-area home nursing agencies?  If you can recommend any please post a comment or send me an e-mail to larryandpat@bex.net. 

Thanks!
Pat