Day 5 After Surgery

Saturday February 16th

This is dad's 4th day after surgery.  They removed one IV and his cathiter.  He no longer has to take oxygen when he walks.  Today dad did three laps around the full floor.  The nurse said that it is 800 yards for each full lap.  We tried to space out the walks for every two hours.  He has been doing breathing exercises every hour for his lungs.  Dad finished his second bag of liquid nutrition through the J tub today.  He also had his first bowl movement.  I keep thinking dad is doing well and his spirits are good.  What sticks in my mind is what Dr. Anderson keeps saying, Take it one day at a time. 50% experience some type of complications.  Right now I worry about infection and the possbility that there maybe leaks.  But we will deal with that if it comes.

I want to thank everyone for the kind words and words of strength.  My prayers at mass today were for all of you and your families.  Thank you all again.

Steve

 

On 2/16/2008 Barkley wrote:

Saturday February 16th

This is dad's 4th day after surgery.  They removed one IV and his cathiter.  He no longer has to take oxygen when he walks.  Today dad did three laps around the full floor.  The nurse said that it is 800 yards for each full lap.  We tried to space out the walks for every two hours.  He has been doing breathing exercises every hour for his lungs.  Dad finished his second bag of liquid nutrition through the J tub today.  He also had his first bowl movement.  I keep thinking dad is doing well and his spirits are good.  What sticks in my mind is what Dr. Anderson keeps saying, Take it one day at a time. 50% experience some type of complications.  Right now I worry about infection and the possbility that there maybe leaks.  But we will deal with that if it comes.

I want to thank everyone for the kind words and words of strength.  My prayers at mass today were for all of you and your families.  Thank you all again.

Steve

 

 

On 2/16/2008 Barkley wrote:

Saturday February 16th

This is dad's 4th day after surgery.  They removed one IV and his cathiter.  He no longer has to take oxygen when he walks.  Today dad did three laps around the full floor.  The nurse said that it is 800 yards for each full lap.  We tried to space out the walks for every two hours.  He has been doing breathing exercises every hour for his lungs.  Dad finished his second bag of liquid nutrition through the J tub today.  He also had his first bowl movement.  I keep thinking dad is doing well and his spirits are good.  What sticks in my mind is what Dr. Anderson keeps saying, Take it one day at a time. 50% experience some type of complications.  Right now I worry about infection and the possbility that there maybe leaks.  But we will deal with that if it comes.

I want to thank everyone for the kind words and words of strength.  My prayers at mass today were for all of you and your families.  Thank you all again.

Steve

Steve,

I had to go back in the threads to make sure I was remembering correctly that your Dad is 83 years old. ( and on the way back hit "send" to a reply before I wrote anything) As I said previously, he must be tough! He's doing amazingly well. I'll bet anything that your Dad is in the 50% that don't have complications.

I'm just curious, OK very curious, what kind of exercise regimen did your Dad have before his surgery. He must have been a marathon runner or a top level, senior olympian.

Please give him a personal "hello and Good Luck from me.

Do your best to keep up with him,

Steve 

 

Thank you for your prayers for us Steve. I am still praying for you and your dad. He is amazing. I hope he is in the 50% that has NO complications ! Thanks for updating.

                                                           Pat 

Thank you for your response.  For the past two years dad and I swim three times a week from 40 to 60 minutes.  As I have watched dad this past week I think a big part of his make up is that he is pretty tough and he has had a real positive outlook.  He has always been a hard worker, and never seemed to take a short cut in doing anything.  There is something about WWII veterans and their mental make-up that amazes me.  I just got home from spending all day with dad.  His doctors say he is doing great.  We took 3 walks today 800 yards each time.  he read the news paper, played poker and dominos and we finshed the day by watching the Daytona 500.  Tomorrow is the sip test.  Big day.

Thanks Steve

Hi Steve - I read the posts everyday, but don't post much anymore.  I lost my otherwise healthy 77 year old Dad to EC, actually, to his first round of chemo in June.  I just wanted to say that your post about your Dad made me cry and laugh at the same time.  What a warrior he is!!  I am just so touched by him and his courage and constitution!  Please keep the updates coming and tell him he's a hero in so many ways!!!  God speed.  I will be praying for your Dad's continues progress!!!  Karen

Thank you Karen.  There have been days when I laugh and cry also.  You are so right, anyone who has or has had EC is a warrior.  I will never forget that night in the SICU.  Thank you again.

Steve