Cobb: Thumbs Up for Chico

January 13, 2004

Thumbs Up for Chico

I'm rather amazed at my grandfather's comeback. At the distance I am from it, all I can do is be thankful. I'm hungry for details but I won't hear them for a while. For now I am quite relieved at the following, slightly edited news from Pops:

i called meriden this afternoon and spoke to chico's nurse, donna. she
said, "he's doing better." may have already mentioned ray's visit; but if
i didn't note that chico is off the ventilator, let me say so now. he's
getting his oxygen through his own nose (sounds so trite, so "taken for
granted" but for him, it's a major step forward.) also, he is getting
food through his own mouth (ditto re how this sounds). this, however, is
a problem area for him. today he simply refused to eat. and he does this
now and then. so the high nutrient iv remains in place. if the hospital
can get him past this hurdle, then real/rapid progress can be made.
so......... i know some of us pray to STOP eating so much and we pray that
OTHERS would do likewise. well, this time around let's pray that chico
EATS MORE!!

the stomach tube (for feeding) which dr. huse attached to chico's stomach
during surgery remains in place although they hope NOT to have to use it.
but that's up to chico. as for conversing, he is indeed talking and
complaining about not being able to hear what others are saying. that,
too, is a plus even though chico's hearing will never improve. it's
wonderful, however, that he even KNOWS he can't hear!!!!!!

donna says he can quite possibly be sent back home late next
week. what part of the home he'll be sent to is anybody's guess
at this juncture; but at least he'll be "home."

so, that's the latest. i did asked donna if the tumor that was removed
was malignant, but she didn't know. dr. huse will be back on monday so
hopefully i can talk with him. also, the surgical clamps remain in place
and won't be removed until huse say so.

it goes without saying -- though you knew i'd say it anyway -- chico had a
lot of folks praying for him (including the entire men's club at st.
john's). but i don't need to say anything (here anyway) about what
"happened" with or to those prayers. it's more than something to casually
ponder as we are ofttimes intellectually so predisposed. on the contrary,
'tis something to SHOUT ABOUT!!

Posted by mbowen at January 13, 2004 08:51 AM

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