"Greg has made some good progress since I last wrote and in the last 48 hours. Yesterday the drain tubes from his stomach, and the catheter were both removed, which definitely means the doc intends for him to get up and walk. And yesterday the physical therapist came in to show him how to walk with the two poles of drips he still has. Altogether 5 tubes have been removed, along with several lines of electronic monitoring. He's down to 4 tubes of stuff still going in to him: liquid feeding, IV fluids, a light dose of oxygen, and of course, his pain-on-a-pump.
He was allowed to take clear liquids by mouth on Tuesday--the first he'd had since 2 days before surgery. He was upgraded to liquids 2 days later, though he hasn't wanted hardly a thing. Today he was brought some solid food for breakfast, of which he ate one potato and almost all of his Cream of Wheat. Good news from yesterday was that he was actually hungry and anticipated his (liquid) lunch was refreshing.
Today staples were removed from 2 of his incisions. We've not been given a release date, but know that he must be getting near. He must be weaned from the pain pump as it and a nurse with it won't be able to come home with him (much to his dismay). Doc said he could be sent home with the liquid feed pump if necessary, as it's supplying, in my estimation, 90% of his nutrition.
Robert's been a big help when he comes to see his dad. Last night he put the safety belt on Greg and helped walk him in the hallway."
