Monday Update

Bob and his nephew, Billy

Today was a big day for Bob.  As of early today Bob is breathing without a trach!!!  He is very happy about the change and is having an easier time talking.  Bob's day went fast today as he had a lot of visitors.  Bob will resume his therapy sessions tomorrow after the holiday weekend comes to an end.  

For the third time this month Bob has become a great uncle.  William James Morden V was born this evening at 6:50.  Congrats to Billy, Sheryl and big sister Emily.

Sunday Update

Today was another quiet day for Bob due to the holiday weekend.  Bob really enjoyed his repeat visit from his friend Allan.  Bob was able to sit up with the help of his nurse today.  They removed the cap to his trach so that he could receive continuous misting to treat his throat.  Hopefully this will enable them to remove the trach tomorrow without having to wait for the ENT to do it.  Bob is still very anxious to start rehab.  Please focus your prayers on a successful removal of Bob's trach and healing of his bed sores.

Saturday Update

Laurie, Bob and Agnes

Bob and his mother, Joan

Bob is anxious to get out of Select and onto rehab.  His trach was scheduled to be removed today, but they have rescheduled it until an ENT can do it next week.  The initial attempt to remove it had to be stopped when they found some adhesion making it harder to come out that what it should have.  The ENT will be removing the trach next week to guarantee that there is no residual damage because they do not  want anything to delay Bob's next goal of rehab.  

As it is a holiday weekend, things are quiet around Select.  Bob enjoyed a couple of visitors.  He was very excited when James brought the belt he won in a recent Jujitsu competition.  His brother Bill reported that Bob was able to gently squeeze with his right hand (stroke side).  We are very grateful for your prayers and the progress that Bob continues to make.

Friday Update

Mustache today...gone tomorrow

Today was a good day for Bob.  He did an excellent job tolerating the capped trach.  He went all day yesterday, through Thursday night and today with it capped.  The trach will continue to be capped tonight.  If all goes well tonight most likely the trach altogether will be removed this weekend. 

Bob received more therapy today.  He continues to stand for short periods of time with the assistance of staff.  Bob did a little Occupational therapy of his own today when he shaved his mustache off.  Now that he is more aware of what is going on, he has realized that mustaches just are cool.

Bob became a great uncle again today when his niece, Adrienne, had a baby boy.  I called Bob on the way to the hospital and he was very happy and wanted to know how everyone was doing.  Adrienne and Todd welcomed Graham Henry Stratman at 12:28 this afternoon.

Please continue to pray for Bob's progress and healing.

Today Bob had a special visit from his daughter, Laurie. She lettered in Track and Field in Pole Vaulting and was also awarded for scholastic achievement. Bob is very proud and was happy to see her and share in her excitement.
The Physical Therapist had Bob standing twice today for a little longer period of time than yesterday. He didn't get dizzy from standing but did get fatigued and had to sit down. Tonight is the first night he will sleep with the trach being capped. He has been successful in having it capped all day so now they will see how he does day and night. Once he's successful at this, they will remove the trach all together.
Bob is very appreciative of people coming to see him. The days are becoming long for him now. Even though he can't talk much and still needs his rest, he smiles when a familiar face walks in the door.

Wednesday Update-BIG DAY!!!!

Bob and Debbie Lyonnais

Today Bob took some huge steps on his road to recovery.  I can't believe what I am about to write.  Bob stood up for the first time today. Yes, you read it right, BOB STOOD UP!!!! Bob stood up during physical therapy.  It was only for a minute or two, but it is definitely a very important step.  At this time he is only able to stand with staff.  

Dr. Schwartz from Pinecrest Rehab facility in Delray stopped by to see Bob.  He had seen Bob when he first arrived at Select.  He did an assessment on Bob and was impressed at the progress that he has made in just one week.  He said that Bob should be ready for rehab in a week or so.  Bob was able to show Dr. Schwartz some movement in his right foot and leg(stroke side).  He also exhibited some downward resistance in his right arm.  When the doctor asked Bob what he did for a living Bob said that he "had a Wendy's."  

On top of all of this, they were also able to cap his trach for the day.  Bob tolerated the capping excellently.  He didn't even need the oxygen tube in his nose! Tonight Bob returned to the regular trach.  He did so well that they are planning on capping the trach both day and night starting Thursday which will lead him to having no trach at all.

Today's progress is proof that miracles can happen.  One month ago the doctors were telling us of the 90% mortality rate.  The power of prayer is AMAZING! 

Tuesday Update

Morden Siblings

Today was another good day for Bob.  Bob had visitors at both the start and end of the day.  In between he continued with visits from the Physical Therapist and Occupational Therapist.  He also continued with his respiratory treatments.  

Bob continues to make progress with his speech valve.  He definitely made my day today when I got to talk to him on the phone.  Aside from saying hello to me, he also made quite a few comments during our conversation.  Although Bob does speak some, he doesn't always articulate what he wants to say.  This is very frustrating for him.  

The wound care team came again to tend to his bedsores.  They will come again on Thursday.  This evening Bob made great progress when he sat up with the help of his wife, Agnes.  Please continue to pray for Bob, he has a long way to go.