Saturday, December 13, 2008

Dear Family and Friends,

Sorry I did not post yesterday, but have news today.
I spent all afternoon doing a "Hal beautification session". It was pedicure and manicure time.
And for the first time ever I gave my husband a shave. In ICU they were able to shave him with a razor, but in the "Step Down" they are not allowed. So I did it, and it came out so so. I think I will take his electric razor in tomorrow.

The trauma doctor changed his trachea to a smaller one that will enable him to try to swallow easier. They will be doing another swallow test on Mon. or Tues. since he failed the first one a few days ago. This would be a huge step because it is the first and most important step toward
getting rid of the trachea altogether and on to eating real food and to talking.

He is now totally off the ventilator and breathing through the wind sprints. Without the trachea he will also do without the wind sprints, and breathe completely on his own. SO< as you can see
this "swallow test" can lead to pretty important things.

Things are progressing, slowly, but as long as, surely, I am happy. I do feel really hopeful, and knowing that Hal is a fighter, makes it more attainable.

Thank you all for your prayers, and cards, and good thoughts. It means so much.

With love, Linda

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