August 8 (Wednesday) - 1120pm

As I write the update this evening there are good things to report, and the bottom line is that today is seems was a great day filled with many positive signs.   Maryann, Rich's sister, is back in town, and she was able to meet with a slew of doctors, physical therapists, respiratory therapists, nurses and even a music therapist who comes to each room to play a harp.  Needless to say, she had a very busy day!

First of all, the info on Rich is all good--lots of progress both mentally and physically.  He actually got out of bed and managed to make three walks down the hall, each time walking a little further!  Not, not to exagerate anything, he still requires the assistance of 2 people plus a walker, so he's not running any marathons,  but with each walk he relied a little less on his support team and he's trying hard to "get well."   He also made a big effort to eat real food. The Dr stressed to him (and us) the importance of this eating because it will lead to the discontinuing of the IV feeding line (hamburger in a bag)...hopefully in the next 2 days!    The doctor also wants to discontinue Rich's pain medicine which is currently being absorbed into his body via a patch.  

While his cough is still an issue, Dr Clancey (the infectious disease doc) said she doesn't see any signs of infection so that is tremendously good news. But we must still suit up in sterile hospital attire prior to entering his room and its very clear they aren't taking any chances.   Another thing to report is that they also removed his abdominal staples today, and that's another sign of healing and things going in the direction we all want them to move.

Additionally, Rich rallied big time with his mindset, and today  was in full control of his thoughts and in typical form he had lots to say.   He chatted with his sister for many hours, and then, surprise-surprise, he asked her to tell him about the accident.     He recalls nothing....not even the first week's stay at Mat-Su.    Once she did, he then asked how bad the car is, and Maryann broke the news to him that he will have to get a new car.   He said that was ok and that he's taking this 1 day at a time.    Then, he took the really big step and asked the question clearly on his mind, and wanted to know how "Honeybears" is, the name he often uses for Jeannette.   That was a BIG QUESTION!    Maryann handled it in stride, and took advantage and explain her injuries, and he took in the information.   Obviously, its a touchy subject and yet an important one.  

Rich explained to his sister how Jeannette has been by his side for 35 years and now she's missing, and he took reassurance that she is getting better a little with each day that passes.    He's very nervous about it though, and Maryann offered to take him to see her when he's ready.     While its all a delicate matter the important news is that today his mind appeared to be close to normal...discussing so many things and very much with accurate detail.   There are many issues ahead for sure, and probably some ups and downs as well, but after today we are clearly optimistic and its very clear that Rich is really anxious to get better.   In fact, his impatience flares up occasionally.  

For example, once he asked Maryann to go get the nurse to help him get back into bed but by the time she walked back into the room, he had already pressed the nurse call button to make it happen sooner.   Yup, Rich is back!  

There is some talk about moving Rich again, and if things continue to improve at a rapid rate then that may very well happen.   But even though he's shown tremendous improvement, he has a ways to go.  They are considering a move to the St Elias Specialty Hospital , a partner to the Providence hospital.   But St Elias is set up for longer term acute care and rehabilitation.  Maryann has an appointment to visit this facility on Friday morning, and we may have more to report then. Rich seemed excited about moving to the next step to getting better.   By the way, in true Rich form, several times today, Rich expressed his appreciation for his 'support team' and all those that have been working so hard and helping so much.    

Now, on to Jeannette.....she too exhibited signs of improvement today and Maryann was able to catch the team and get included in the daily medical team meeting they hold each morning. This ICU team is comprised of all doctors, nurses, therapists, etc that work in the ICU.    Maryann said the team was very impressive.  They discussed every detail of Jeannette's medical treatment plan, where they are and where they want to go.   Maryann said she was overwhelmed with the medical terminology but will get with the program in a few days.   The bottom line though is the entire team is thrilled with Jeannette's progress and they're actually talking about the possibility of moving her to the St Elias hospital for rehab if she continues with the progress she has made so far.      The time frame will be different than for Rich, and she's definitely weeks to go before anything like that could happen.   But its a clear sign things are positive, and they are looking to the future and talking about long term care and rehab.  

Another very positive thing to report is that Jeannette went for 8 hrs today without any supplemental oxygen, breathing on her own and holding her O2 levels by herself.    And she also tried hard to talk!   As Maryann put it so well, "...My tears of sadness turned to tears of joy when I watched her beautiful blue eyes dance around the room. Wow! A big change from when I left her 10 days ago!"

So, in summary, things are getting better.  Today was a good day, a very good day.   And, to top it all off there is one more thing to report tonight.    Mary Ann and Sam want once again to thank all those wonderful people who posted the words of encouragement on this Post Hope web site...today she read all of those many comments to both Rich and Jeannette.  So, we thank you!  Your words brought about lots of big smiles.

Maryann and Sam talk at least twice a day.   It's good Sam was able to take a break and get back to her home in Seattle, and the plan is that she and Maryann will continue to coordinate their schedules to be here until Rich and Jeannette have reached full recovery.   As Maryann put it, "...I'm learning to adapt to this commute from Upstate New York to Anchorage...3 flights, 15 hrs of travel time."

Rich will be ready for visitors very soon, especially those that are very close to him and who he knows well.   I'll post the visitation information and plan as soon as I can confirm that with Maryann tomorrow.  We don't want to overwhelm him, and it is probably best if we coordinate the visits and spread them out during the day. Well, I've typed my fingers off, and so I'll conclude the update.  -- John