Door # 3 is a Winner!!

I am very happy to report that Dad is doing great today!!! The surgery was a success. I spoke with him this afternoon and he sounded great. His days of toughness training in the Navy have paid off and he hasn't needed any pain meds. The NG tube is now bringing up nothing. Sue laughed and said no wonder the surgeon thought we were all insane when we kept saying the NG tube was bringing up less fluid last week. It was still bringing up tons compared to what was 'normal.' As we've said from the beginning, they'll have to rewrite normal after Dad.

So, huge leaps forward today, and hopefully more this week. Today he resumed the ice chip diet. Tomorrow the NG tube comes out. Dad begged the surgeon to be his first stop in the morning so he can get the tube out early. Tomorrow has the possibility of clear fluids. Who would have thought some apple juice and broth would be so darn exciting?!?

The surgeon also emphasized today that Dad needs to take longer walks and spend more time up in the chair. I figure he is used to that exercise routine - wake up from a nap...take a walk down the hall...take another nap...sit in the chair...take another nap...you get the picture! He should be a seasoned pro at this routine. He'll hopefully be released from the hospital no later than next Monday.

Thanks again for all the prayers and support. They are definitely working.