Giving thanks

I've been thinking about a title for this entry for the past week. I was going to call it "slow and steady wins the race"; or "another (small) hill to climb". But in this week of Thanksgiving, I thought it more appropriate to focus on the many things we have to be thankful for. First off, the update.

Ed has been making steady and remarkable progress these past 3 weeks. I know when I wrote last, we were really in the depths of darkness as Ed was dealing with one problem after another. But, as he always does, he is pulling through. His GVH of the gut has been getting better every day as has the GVH of the liver. And he's been moving, walking, exercising and climbing stairs nearly every day for 2 weeks now. This is incredible as he’s not only been bed-ridden for quite some time, but some of the medications he’s been on cause muscle weakness. Older patients often have to transition to in-patient rehab to regain strength before going home. He’s been slowly reintroducing food to his routine; this will be the slowest part of the process as his digestive system learns how to do its job again. And this past week we've been focusing on a list of "tasks" he'll need to complete to be able to come home. This includes converting all his IV medications to oral so he can take them at home; and beginning to closely monitor his food intake so the staff can see he’s taking in enough calories. The “food-thing” as we call it, will be the toughest part for him and will take the longest to normalize, but it’s a start. We’re not yet applying a date for when he’ll come home and are instead focusing on his daily accomplishments and “checking off" his tasks. But, I can say confidently it’s going to be soon. The finish line for this leg of the race is absolutely in sight. I’ve seen it off in the distance for some time and it’s closer now; Ed is just now seeing it for himself.

Here are some things we’re thankful for:

• Improving strength
• Lack of infections
• Taking one more step today than yesterday
• A good night’s sleep
• Learning to smile again
• Warm chicken broth
• No swelling in feet
• Less pain
• Less nausea
• The caring and amazing nursing and support staff at Karmanos – Taylor, Natalie, Lyn, Jillian, Sharyll, Trish, Jessica, Melissa, Lauren, Nicole, Jill, Steven, Catherine, Ann, Nathan, Katherine, Jesus, Brad, Crystal, Tina, Mertyl, Brandy, Tatiana (and anyone else we didn’t list!). You guys have seen us at our worst and are there for us day and night!
• The doctors at Karmanos who never stop answering all our (well, let’s be honest, MY) questions and work with us to find solutions that are right for ED and not “the patient”
• Our healthy and beautiful children
• Regan’s honor roll triumph despite all the turmoil going on at home!
• Our supportive parents who work tirelessly to keep things normal at home and at the hospital
• Our supportive friends who call, email, text, send cards, send meals (or organize them!)

We wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving and hope that you have as much to be thankful for as we do!

With love and highest hopes – The Thorps – Ed, Kelly, Regan and Ryan