From: DewandVal@aol.com
Sent: Thursday, December 28, 2006 10:22 AM
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Subject: 12/28/06 Mom said "Hi" :)
The tubes are out!  Sing Hallelujah!
 
I left the room to talk to Uncle Francis & Aunt Hester, & they closed the curtain & began cleaning Mom up.  But Steve, who has been one of her nurses, came out & told me she said Hi.  Her voice is hoarce, but ...
 
She is asleep now.  Breathing entirely on her own.  She doesn't even have the oxygen tube across her nose.  I am excited to hear her voice, but now I must be patient, as she was patient last night waiting to be extubated this morning.  (See, I'm learning a bit about medicine.)
 
Tom hopes to come visit Mom later, but since school won't start until the 2nd, I drove down to see her yesterday, as a flight out of DIA sounded pretty un-happen-able, with an expected blizzard yesterday.  Perfect weather all the way, & I made it in just over 12 hours.  Sorry, Morgan, about taking your car away for another week.  But it is worth it to see Mom with her face free of all obstacles. 
 
She was actively moving around in the restraints when I got here.  Her hands were restricted from free movement, so as to keep her from trying to remove her tubes herself.  Her legs were in traction, still elevated from surgery.  Hester pointed out that Mom's knees were hyperextend, so Dr. Dj has moved the traction mechanics, so that they are not elevated as high as before, & look much more comfortable.  Rebecca, today's nurse, just reported to me that Mom is looking good (I could see that!)  But her blood pressure is good, her breathing is strong, her heart rate is good, she is coughing well.  Today's care should really help to raise Mom's spirits & allow her to heal easier.
 
Dr. Katsis gave a hopeful prognosis that she may soon be on her way to rehab, so I need to speak to Mom's Social Worker.  I want to be here when she wakes up, so she can say what has been on her mind.  I am still curious to see just how far off I have been on the whole telepathy thing. 
 
I will send more later today, but I wanted to spread the good news!  ~ Val