Another Step

As we approach the middle of November, when all of are making plans for for Thanksgiving dinner, Mark's medical team is planning a swallowing test. While we anticipate turkey and dressing, they want to find out if there are any problems with Mark's ability to eat. They are moving ahead with plans to send him home in the near future. They will probably do this test within the week. His bedsore, for which he recently had surgery, is healing nicely and the doctor says it will close completely on it's own. Mark's wife Corale will be instructed for procedures in his home care. He will have several problems but can he handled in a home environment. The ability to ingest regular food will make possible the removal of the feeding tube. The healing of the bedsore will let them remove the VAC system. When he can get to the bath, they can remove the catheter. Physical therapists medical care professionals will visit regularly at home. He will be provided any special equipment, medical supplies at home. There are a lot of things to think of, and careful planning is now under way. I was with Mark recently, getting ready to go home for the night. He looked at me, said something I couldn't hear. I asked him to repeat it, which he did. I still couldn't hear, and leaned over very close to him. He said "I want to go home - soon". At this time of year, we must all be thankful for the simple things we take for granted.