Off the Roller Coaster and On a Roll!

(I stole that title from Ann Sommer - it was too great to pass up. Thanks Ann!)

Yes, this marks Day 4 of good days, but who's counting? Not only is it a good day, it may just be considered a great day as Dad achieved a huge milestone today that he hasn't reached since the Whipple was done on July 10th...the pump on the stomach drain was shut off this morning. This is huge!!!! It means his stomach has remembered its job and kicked in. At least all signs are pointing at this accomplishment.

He has celebrated with coffee, root beer, jello, tea, etc.!!! He is quite literally eating it up. Well maybe just drinking it up. The true test will come through the night. As long as Dad's stomach doesn't throw it in reverse tomorrow will hold even bigger and better things. There's a rumor about thicker liquids and maybe even food.

They hope to release him from the hospital on Thursday. If all goes well he may be released without the feeding tube and stomach drain. This is even better than we have imagined over the last few weeks. Gotta say, Mom and Sue will be thankful for this!! This also means he can come home to St. Louis sooner. We'll keep you posted. Here's to hoping for 5 good days in a row....