Post Op Day 4

• This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it! Today has been the best day so far. Sam has been able to eat some of all 3 meals today. Appetite isn’t normal by any means but doing much better. The nausea is all but gone. He’s been harassing the nurses which is a good sign. I’ve been a bit of a “drill sergeant ” about using his incentive spirometer. He’s supposed to use it at least 10 times an hour while he’s awake. It’s supposed to increase his breathing and oxygen level and help prevent pneumonia. It’s difficult for him to do and often makes him cough but it needs to be done. I can see the improvement from him using it just today. The chest tube dressing is still needing changed every several hours. Please continue to pray for this to heal. We’ve been on 3 strolls today which is good for him all the way around.

Wayne and Ruth came up for a visit this afternoon and brought Emma along. We had a really nice visit. Sam really enjoyed having them here as well as seeing his “baby girl” – even if she is 16. Sam has been awake all day today which is probably also a first since surgery.

The plan is for him to be discharged later in the day tomorrow or Tuesday morning. They have to insert a new PIC line tomorrow so his IV antibiotics can continue at home for another 4 weeks. I am planning on saying farewell to Stella tomorrow (the generous lady who opened her home to me) and just staying here at the hospital tomorrow night if he doesn’t go home until Tuesday. We are very anxious to go home but at the same time want to be sure he’s ready. We continue to be so thankful for everyone’s support. Sam says he can feel the prayers.