This week has been a steady upward climb of healing for Gene. He started wearing his own comfy t-shirt and shorts and is walking around the bed with a walker to sit in a chair. It is exhausting but he can do it! He went from a no food, no water diet to liquids and then soft. His gut handled it well. Tonight they are weaning him off the TPN (intravenous feeding) and tomorrow are removing the staples in the 10 inch incision on his belly and removing one of the drain tubes. They will probably leave the second one in for just a bit longer, just in case. The only pain meds he has used for the last week is tylenol.
On Monday they did another CT Scan and it showed significant improvement from a week ago. It appears the leakage from his intestines has stopped. He also started reproducing red blood cells which he hasn’t done since this ordeal started. That was so encouraging and renewed our hope.
Tomorrow the plan is to move him to Sheltering Arms Rehabitation Center if a bed is available. This will be the third time! Threes a charm, right? He is so ready to come home and this is one step closer. It will depend on how well he progresses as to how long he will be there. We are hoping for only two weeks and I really think he can do it.
Gene has basically missed the whole summer. This ordeal started May 20, the week before Memorial Day. Maybe, just maybe, he can be home the week after Labor Day. They are predicting that he will be back to normal by Christmas. This has been a long, long journey and we so appreciate everyone praying and praying and praying for us.
Barbara Gilbert Said:
on August 21, 2024 at 10:04 pm
Oh my! When I read your intro, I thought you meant Gene’s heavenly home! My heart stopped!! I quickly started reading and realized it was your home he was one step closer too! Praise Jesus!! What a struggle you have been thru. I experienced something very similar with my husband, starting November, 2022. A diagnosis of aggressive B cell non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma was made which required 10 weeks of radiation, 6 chemo treatment, and 4 intrathecal spinal chemo infusions. He had serious complications, including pulmonary emboli, respiratory failure, hospitalizations and nursing home rehab and his treatment had to be stopped. The Lord spared
his life and he is currently in remission!! That is the power of prayer. It took him a year to recover! He is 76 years old. This year he is mowing our lawn on his John Deere rider!! Blessings, love, and prayers, to both you and Gene and your family.
Cindy Stewart Said:
on August 21, 2024 at 11:20 pm
This all sounds very encouraging! You both are in my prayers, I know this is a very hard time for you both.
Beth Holt Said:
on August 22, 2024 at 4:25 am
So thankful for this good news. George and I have been following your updates faithfully and praying for all of you. Godspeed, Gene!