Kathy is in very good spirits today. At noon today she had lunch group which allows her to eat lunch with some of the other patients while practicing eating entirely on her own. She aced this and did not need any help to finish her food. This was a major positive reinforcement for the progress she is making. Aditionally, Kathy is now on a normal diet which indicates that she is strong enough to bite, chew, and swallow all normal foods.
Last night Kathy and her parents attended a workshop at Kessler talking about the transition to home and some of the hang ups with handicapped access in homes. Kathy quickly realized that it will not be possible for her to return home with any level of limited mobility. Our little cottage home just will not meet these types of needs. This was a good thing and re-affirmed her commitment to walking out of Kessler.
The next big goal is to get the feeding tube removed. Since she is no longer receiving any food or medicine through the tube it is basically a useless appendage. However, Kathy must maintain a certain level of calorie intake to have it removed. This has become a primary focus, with all meals and even additional calorie shakes to supplement her intake.
This morning (once again) Kathy's sister was nice enough to shave her legs, which is a minor thing but is huge for her comfort level. It is now evening and Kathy is just getting out of the shower. The lift moves her from the shower chair to the bed then relaxation for the rest of the day!
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
WOW! I have just caught up with all the news. I am so happy to hear of Kathy's progress. As usual, life gets away from me and too much time passes. Ross, we have never met, but I love you for loving my Kathy. I have missed so much of hers, Coleens, and Bobbys lives and I want to get back into it. I live in Chatham and am a hop, skip and a jump from Kessler. Would it be all right if I come to visit her and if so when is the best time? Please tell her I pray for her every day and love her very much! Phyllis Conrad (former baby-sitter)
ReplyDelete973-635-8214 (home)
973-978-5705 (cell)
pmc407@hotmail.com
Kathy & Ross
ReplyDeleteSo glad to here everything is moving along well and so rapidly. Kathy, your like an Olympic athlete when it comes to your recovery, such strength and commitment!
Cheers to Colleen on the mini spa treatment of shaving the legs, definately something we women understand when it comes to comfort.
Go..Go..Go..with those calories, hope the feeding tube is out soon. Love, Joanie
So glad to read about the continuous progress!! We are thinking of you both everyday!
ReplyDeleteLove, Erik and Susan