Thanksgiving

With thanks to our Heavenly Father we share that Marty continues to do well.

On Monday it was determined, with the help of dye in the PEG tube, that the PEG tube was in the right place in the stomach and it was not leaking into the abdominal cavity, so feeding was started again.  Oral intake of soft solids continues to improve.  Today the Speech Therapist came by with a well rounded sample tray and Marty was able to enjoy some “new” foods.  Sandwiches, soft fruits and other such items will be added to the daily menu.  Treats from home are also being enjoyed; apple pie, pork and beans and tomorrow a promised cupcake!

It was a quiet, extra long weekend, in terms of physio.  Wednesday was declared Walking Wednesday and Marty was up for the challenge. He was able, with the aid of a walker and a therapist on either side (for balance support if needed) to head out of the room, up the hall way and around the corner! Physio these days consists of a daily walk and more time spent sitting in the wheel chair. To strengthen the quad muscles in the legs, Marty is to push himself backwards (when sitting in the wheel chair) with his feet.  It is great to see the improvements in balance and mobility. 

Marty’s liver continues to work hard and the liver enzymes continue to drop.  Of three things they test, one is in the normal range and the other two are well on the way to normal.  We are thankful for this answer to prayers and that the liver continues to do its job well.

Occupational Therapy has encouraged Marty to use his computer to play games and strengthen his fine motor skills.  He is quite enjoying this and hasn’t wasted anytime sending e-mails and skyping with family.  Feel free to send him a message to the following address metoet at gmail dot com.

The Respiratory Therapist, recommended late last week that the trach be removed.  After consulting with the Oncologist, this was done early Thursday morning.  No surgery is required, the tracheostomy tube was removed and replaced with a gauze dressing and taped in place.  This usually heals quickly, within a few days.  During this phase of healing the patient often experiences a loss is speech volume and some leaking of air through the stoma site.

Marty is approaching the “low days” after the recent round of chemo, we pray that he be spared from infection and that we continue to see improvements from day to day.

As family we are thankful for the support of so many in so many different ways, above all we thank you for your prayers.

Hymn 66  Great is Thy Faithfulness

 Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father

There is no shadow of turning with Thee;     

Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not;     

As Thou has been, Thou forever wilt be.

     Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!     

Morning by morning new mercies I see;     

All I have needed Thy hand hath provided,     

Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me! 

  

Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,     

Sun, moon and stars in their courses above     

Join with all nature in manifold witness    

 To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,     

Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide,     

Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,     

Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Erica