Clear the sidewalks!!!

By the time I got back for the 1:00 visit, Rob had started and finished his afternoon walk early. He walked all the way around the nurses station and back without needing a wheelchair once. He was still on the oxygen at that point. He had gone 4 hours and 45 minutes when they decided to give him a break to be sure he didn't wear himself out and end up regressing. At around 2:00 the nurse came in with a great proposition. She asked Rob if he wanted to go on a wheelchair ride...outside! He was shocked and excited that they were going to let him go outside the SICU. Of course that got the double thumbs up from him. So we hooked him all up with oxygen and monitors and off we went. We went down to the main level and outside around the building. Of course it was a pretty hot day out today so he was ready to go back into air conditioning shortly but it was great to get him outside for a little while. He hadn't seen the light of day for over a month. I think it did wonders for his spirits. After the ride, he went back on the oxygen mask and is still there as I type. He's been going since 2:25 this afternoon. They are going to let him go as long as his stats look good and he's still looking great right now. They said he could go all night if he stayed strong. He asked when his 24 hours would be up so I know he's working hard at making it. He's getting a lot more comfortable being on the mask so that's a huge help in itself.

His doctor said he wouldn't be surprised if he were out of SICU by the end of the week. He is very pleased with his progress and thinks he's well on his way to recovery. After he completes the 24 hours on the oxygen mask, they will put a cover over the trache and let him breathe normal room air. Then he will be able to talk and should be able to start progressing on his menu selections. Right now it's just the tube feedings, ice chips, and juice. But right now, that's good enough for him. :)

So, yet another spectacular day in the books for Rob!!!

Kelly