So a lot of speculation and information overload is how I would describe yesterday. Yesterday was the hardest day so far for me. But dad is taking it all in stride.
The speech therapist came by yesterday and explained all that's going on with the trachea. What it looks like in his throat why he feels like he's constantly choking and so on. She also laid out the options for speech after his surgery on the 12th. This was the hardest for me to digest which seems so silly because so what if he can't talk normally. There are so many different ways to communicate and it's amazing what technology can do. :) but I am better today. Dad did what he does, here's a problem... These are solution options.. Ok, thanks for the info we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. :) love him!
The options are an electronic remote that he presses to his throat that causes vibration. Option 2 is something called burp speech that is very difficult to master but it uses the air in your stomach. It's not actually burping.. But that's the best description. Option 3 is a prosthesis. That gives the best option as far as normal speaking voice. This option is chosen only if the surgeon recommends it.
The other two dad can choose which he likes better.
There is also an option that they will probably do right after the surgery because of the swelling in his throat after surgery, and that's the breathing stick. It's basically as chewing stick that vibrates sound.
So... That's that. Right now. He still has the ballon blocking his airway. He still feels like he's choking and he's still coughing a lot. This is a vicious cycle that will only stop when his body adapts.
Right now he is getting his nutrition through the iv but on Tuesday they will put a feeding tube in. They also said they may put the port in for chemo on tuesday as well but we still don't know if he will have to have chemo but we will find out before Tuesday.
I think that's all from yesterday.
Today has been a good day. The nurses are bragging on his coughing ability. :) also he is going to be moved out of the ICU and into a room on the 3rd floor. He will not go home before his surgery on Tuesday. But they think he will be able to go home before the 12th. Just need to make sure he has the support he needs to live at home for awhile.
After the surgery on the 12th he will be feeling much better. The tumor won't be pressing on anything and he'll have a smaller trachea.
Please feel free to ask me any questions as I feel like there is more info to tell but I can't remember.
At the beginning of the week, before we even had a clue this was going on. keV and I were looking at getting a different vehicle for me. The dealership has been wonderful and even let me "test drive" the new car for the weekend. I am grateful for the distraction and so is dad. He's been analyzing the deals and helping us make a decision. Last night he brought it up and spent 20 minutes running numbers and explaining things with his pad and paper. I am so grateful for him.
Continue the prayers!!! God is big enough!
Being transported on his chariot:
When they first got him in it i jokingly asked him if he wanted a picture. He said yes! But to wait a minute while they were getting him loaded in because he wanted to smile in it. Didn't get to take that picture as I stayed outa the way... So the above will have to do. :)
Bottom line. Dad's doing good. He's in good spirits. He's adjusting. And he's being moved out of the ICU!
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