Dear Family and Friends,
I'm with Joe while he's getting his last IV injection of glucose. He's anxious to finish this test as he is starting to get really hungry as he had to fast from midnight. They tried doing the oral glucose test (glucose via feeding tube), but he threw up as he did three weeks ago when they tried doing this test the first time. Thankfully there was a doctor in the room when he vomited so he called the endocrinologist who in turn immediately changed the test to an IV injected form of the test.
Joe told me to tell you that he's happy to be having his last hormone test today, and he looks forward to another black cherry smoothie from Paneras. I promised him I would go get him one for a snack today, but Ginny quickly added to Joe that he had to eat his veggees first! I got him a Panera's gift card today since he's so nuts about their smoothies--when I told him he was delighted.
Ginny wanted me to post a picture but I'm not sure this is going to work as the picture is in a weird format so I'll try it again if it doesn't work. It is a picture from 10 days ago of Joe working on the treadmill. Remember Joe has to wear a helmet to protect his skull.
Ginny got a call from the Benefits people from UAH that they were engaging the services of an experienced nurse to help us coordinate the medical needs, etc. We are elated by this news and very very thankful.
I also forgot to tell you that Joe was able to take communion for the first time on Thursday. We appreciate the extraordinary ministers of holy communion from Christ the King who have come by and prayed with Joe and the family, and we are grateful for all the masses and prayers that have been offered by so many people for Joe and all of us.
I will conclude this post with the words Joe remembered to say after receiving communion Thursday. Blessings, Lisa
"Lord, I'm not worthy to receive You but only say the word and I will be healed"
Thank you, Lisa, for all of the wonderful updates. God bless Joe and the whole family!
ReplyDeleteLisa,
ReplyDeleteYou asked for my name, my maiden name was Barb Griffiths and I lived back on Cherokee Landing just down the road on 235 a little ways from Ginny (Virginia to me). I used to ride the bus with her and I believe she had 3 older sisters and a younger brother.
I remember the emotions that accompanied my dad's returning home from the Rehab facility. It seems as if we had waited a lifetime for the day to come and at the same time we were overwhelmed. I know multitudes are praying for you, Joe, Ginny, the family and caregivers. I am praying specifically that Joe's healing will continue and quicken as he enjoys the comforts of his own home, I know daddy did.
There are times when I have to remind daddy that the road we walk is a journey. Sometimes the journey is smooth and the walk is easy. Some days the road turns to a pebble path which grows narrow and contains hidden roots that cause us to stumble or have a day that is not very productive. It is at those moments if we are still and collect our thoughts, God will allow us to discover beautiful things we might have missed had we not stumbled or had a bad day. Some days the mere breeze coming in the window brings an aroma that reminds us how much God loves us. On those days...rest in the knowledge and peace of our Lord.
My email address is bkeykens@watchtv.net in case you or Ginny would like to email me. Joe appears in the picture to be doing very well. I am very happy for all of you.
Continuing the journey ~ Barb
The news is wonderful today! What a relief for Dr. Leahy and the whole family - and for all of us, I might add.
ReplyDeleteI am sure being at home will definitely help the healing process to proceed much more quickly. There is no place like your own home.
Love and peace to all of you.
Diana Ings
P.S. Lisa, thank you for sending the toothbrush and toothpaste - coincidentally, it arrived the day I was to teach the class about the organism most responsible for tooth decay - I had something for show and tell!!
I'm amazed at how great Joe looks! We are looking forward to having him back home, where his recovery will continue.
ReplyDeleteDonna & Kai
Praise God! Such fantastic news!!!!! Joe looks great in the picture - much better than the last time I saw him. I know Joe and all of you will be so glad to get back to Madison and get him into his own bed. And Ginny can get some rest. Please let us know if there is anything needed at home and also when he feels up to visitors (which I'm sure might be a little while yet.) Love you all and still keeping you all in our prayers.
ReplyDeleteDeb