Well, today was a good day. I got out a bit with my friend Stephanie. We went to see Dad, had lunch and took a look at computers, and then went to visit Mom.

I did talk to the doctor today twice. This morning, the doctor informed me that they would like to put Dad on Coumadin, which is a blood thinner. It will help to dissolve the clots he has in his legs and prevent new ones from forming. However, it is a really crazy drug. It thins your blood so much that you have to be careful of anything that might cause you to bleed, because it is very hard to stop it once it starts. I shared my concerns with his arms, and although they are better, he still has the significant bruising and splitting of his thin skin. The doctor said that it is either the Coumadin, or he has significant risk of the clots doing damage to his circulation, causing stroke or heart attack, or pulmonary embolism, all of which are pretty bad things. So, he will be starting that treatment today.

Then later in the afternoon, when I talked to the doctor, he said that my Dad failed his swallow test, and he was aspirating whatever he was eating into his lungs. I have been telling them that it is because of the congestion, and if we can just get that cleared up, this would not be a problem. I am not a doctor, but I am with him every day, feeding him, watching him...But, they all look at me with that "I will humor what you have to say" expression...Goodness, this healthcare stuff really sucks sometimes. Anyway, so that my Dad is getting nutrition until this congestion gets resolved, I agreed to an NG feeding tube, the kind that goes in your nose and down your throat. Not the most comfortable, but I think the right thing to do until he can get a little better. The doctor said that they may release him tomorrow, but when I was there early this afternoon, his legs were still very swollen. I am going to go early tomorrow (after I try and get a hold of the doctor on the phone) and see if we can wait until some of the swelling and water retention goes down before he gets discharged.

But, on a separate note, Dad has been more alert and awake and communicative in the hospital than he has been in months! Steph and I, and some of the nurses talked to him, having good, cognizant (for the most part) conversations for about an hour, and then he was awake when my Aunt got there later in the afternoon, and they talked for a while too. I am not sure why he is so awake and talkative..Is there some medication they are giving him (or not giving him) that is causing this? Not sure. But I think it is primarily because he has a change of scenery. New sounds, new smells, new people...And if you know my Dad, he loves to charm people...And I think he figures he has charmed all the ones at Magnolia. He is a lot like this when he goes for doctors appointments...Not sure if that is it, but I will enjoy it all I can!

I only saw Mom briefly tonight. She was very tired, and refused to eat her dinner. She did have her shower today, and she told me she had PT, so that probably took a lot out of her. She did want me to shave her head though...I keep asking her what is wrong with her hair, and she said that she wants it cut a little shorter...Now, keep in mind, the hairdresser gave her a short little 'do a week ago, that is pretty cute on her...Kinda spiky on top...If I cut it shorter, she will look like she has a flat top...I told her we would discuss it tomorrow. I think she is just going through some depression (who wouldn't). I let her sleep tonight, and will go and see her tomorrow, maybe she will forget about the haircut.:)

I found out today that one of my neighbors from when I lived up in Orange County is facing a battle with breast cancer. My thoughts go out to her and her family, her two young sons and her wonderful husband. She is a very tough, strong, determined, smart, sensitive woman, and has gotten me through some tough times in my life. I know that she will take this on like one of her mountain bike races...Strong steady start, peddling hard when necessary, coasting when possible, and despite the hard work and pain, pushing onward, with the grace and persistence she puts into everything she does, taking nothing for granted, and not letting up until she has passed the finish line. Bless you Elaine.

Much love!