Hi -
Last night was a big step backwards. Rick's intestines developed an ileus again so he is back on the nasal stomach drain and nothing by mouth. Saying he is discouraged doesn't begin to describe how he is feeling. Except for this, he would be home at the apartment we have rented. They are calling for a nutrition consult and I have asked for a physical therapist to develop a movement plan. Right now he is reminding us that he is very hungry, but I don't think he will be allowed to have anything to eat today. 15 days without any substantial amount of food and although he needs to walk, he tells us he feels too weak to walk. Who could blame him! His nurse, Judy, is a very attractive woman and a competent nurse, so he will do things for Judy that he won't do for his sister or for me. (Men!)

His lung and heart continue to heal extremely well - and we shouldn't overlook that. Suzi takes the train back to New Jersey tomorrow and Holly and Bucky arrive tomorrow night. Holly will be talking to Rick about a therapy plan and he trusts everything she says, so that will be good. The doctors say that the intestines will eventually figure it out and not to worry - but it has been a very long and difficult process - especially frustrating because the actual lung surgery went so extremely well.

All for now. Pray for the ileus to resolve and for his digestive system to get back into normal action. Our apartment is about a 12 minute brisk walk from the hospital, and while I am enjoying the walks in the chilly air - I can't wait to have Rick at the apartment and to no longer make these daily journeys to the 11th floor of Brigham and Women's.
Sue