OUT OF ICU!!

Hello: Rick is out of ICU and on a "regular" floor. He had one of the chest tubes removed today instead of yesterday and has minimal drainage now out of the remaining tube. His IV lines are all out except for his central line. His pleural block fell out this morning while he was "marching"(really) at the bedside wanting to go for a walk prior to MD granting him more than just a bedside standing pass. His pain remains controlled with a medication through the central line. We are grateful for that. He has walked the unit here and looks very good. His has been advanced to a general diet and had a beer last night with dinner.

We have been fortunate to have met some people who have been here four times. The patient is 23 years old and just had his 4th metastectomy. He is doing well and will go home next week. He and his mother have oriented us beautifully to the hospital both as patient and family.

Finally, Randy and I were exceptionally fortunate today to take a trip to Dresden with a penpal of Rick and Julie's neighbor/also a member of our church. The penpal in the US(Mary) set up a meeting with the penpal in Germany(Heidi) so that we would have help if we needed it and if we had time to travel a little, that could happen be too. They were wonderful tour guides and then they came back and visited with Rick. The best part is that they will take Rick, Julie and Dave next week when Rick has his walking paper orders. This could be as early as next Saturday. But, no flying.

Thank you again for all of your prayers and wishes for safe travels. We continue to be blessed by God and in awe of God as He puts everything in place for us.

See you soon.

Love, Polly


By the way..........3000 on the incentive spirometer today.