August 12, 2004
Update 7
Hello Everyone,

First off, let me say I think my update #'s are off. This "Update #7” should put us back on track.

Thank you again for all the cards and support, it means so much to all of us.

Dad continues to progress daily, certainly not at the pace he would like to, but moving forward is the key. His breathing is improving and I can honestly say, it is much better than one week ago when he entered rehab. He is however, extremely exhausted, as he cannot get his sleep apnea and secretion situation under control. He averages about 3-4 hours of sleep/night, (not all in succession). Whether you sleep or not, they have you up at 7a to begin your day, this maximizes his exhaustion.

He had a positive thing happen yesterday, he did a swallow test and he was able to get down a couple of tablespoons of water as well as pudding...that's a BIG DEAL!!! This means he may have a good chance of eating real food in the future!! This is just the beginning of the eating process; they will continue to test with more difficult foods. (often times people with this level of injury cannot eat on their own and they remain on a feeding tube for life). Bob and I are headed back to Arizona tomorrow. Lisa left last Saturday, she and her husband Gregg will arrive here tomorrow as well. The two of them will stay for a week and then Lance appears on the seen. I will return by myself in about 10 days. Mom got her big cast off and is now in a splint that she can remove for therapy. She can now button her own pants and even hooked her own necklace today (she needs to look snappy when she sees Dad...that's a bright spot for him.) The pins will remain for 4-6 weeks.

Visitor info: Until dad gets his rest, we are continuing to keep visitors to a minimum...we WILL get this sleep thing under control, then you are welcome to visit. He wants to see people, he's just tired. Talking wears him out!!

Until next time, we hope you are all doing well and we ask you to keep our parents in your thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,
The Dream Team