August 27 (Monday) - 930pm

Another good day to report...and another few small steps in the right direction.   Today Jeannette was sitting up more, and she had some ice chips to eat, and  they were actually going to try her on real food except she had a little nausea so they postponed that.    The big news was the speech therapist was in, and worked on her with a "speech valve" that fit the trac she has, and for the first time everyone was really able to understand what she was saying.   This is a HUGE thing--for her to be able to communicate is like opening up a shell and allowing her to reach out and talk and let people know what's really on her mind.   Sam said she sounds like donald duck with the speech valve, but who cares?!  She was really talking!

So, what was the conversation?   Well, for the first time she was able to relay that she doesn't like the blanket tucked in by her feet, because with her feet all bandaged up they are already warm enough.   And she doesn't like the blankets pulled across her stomach---that's still sore and she wants the covers loose.   How would anyone know?   So the speech improvement was a huge deal, and she kept the thing in for more than three hours today.   The valve requires skill and hard work to use, but at the same time it forces her to use the full depth of her lung capacity, which is something they want her to be doing anyway.     And her lungs are clear, which is another very positive thing to report.

Rich has been doing physical therapy, and has more scheduled in Wasilla in the next few days with a physical therapists.   (I am learning there are all kinds of therapists)....and Rich is getting a triple dose of them.    But too much of a good thing wears him out, and he overdid it a little so he's going to take it a little slower the next time.   No more triple appointments in a day!     The report is he has been on his computer, shopping for birthday presents for Jeannette, and all in all relaxing and trying to get better.   He took a long nap this afternoon, and other than that I have little to report.  But the summary is it was a good day, and with that I'll end the update for this Monday night.-John