Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Progress

Hello, all

We've just come back from our visit with Derek at the hospital, and we're happy to report more improvement on Derek's part. He is eating a variety of (semi-solid) food, i.e. Cream-of-wheat, boiled egg, a little toast, some chicken and rice and banana. He also has a good appetite. We walked some more today. Derek is off all the external tubes. The ileostomy is doing its job, but Derek says that he has no control of it; the bag just fills up. With the way he's progressing, it is a good possibility that he'll come home tomorrow (Wednesday), or Thursday. He'll have a special diet, of course; the ladies in our house look forward to cooking for him and keeping him comfortable. There will also be a home nurse to change bandages, and possibly administer medications.

There is still a long way to go, but all of us (including Derek) are certainly relieved that things have gone well so far. I think Derek will be back on his blog in a few days.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dear Mr. Miller: Somehow, a couple of weeks ago I happened upon your son's blog. I can't remember the circumstances, but I think it had to do with some reminiscing from my high school days (I went to LFA; your son didn't know me, but I admired his writing -- and him -- from afar).

I recently lost my mother to pancreatic cancer -- sadly, disease that is stubbornly resistant to chemotherapy, etc. But she faced her disease with courage, dignity, honesty and a large measure of humour.


I just want you to know that my thoughts and best wishes are with your whole family. The fact that Derek is making good progress after such invasive surgery is testament to his strength -- and that of his loved ones. His character will stand him in good stead as he embarks on the next stage of his journey.

Christa Giles said...

Hooray! Apparently I like hospital food, 'cause that all sounds appealing to me :) Does he get to eat Tapioca too?

Keep the news coming, so happy that it is all good so far!

abbalene said...

This is all wonderful news. Thank you for keeping us updated, Karl.

Tara Nelson said...

That is amazing! Didn't think he could be home quite so soon - I am sure that Hilkka and Airdrie will be taking very good care of him indeed...perhaps I could bring by some bubble teas for all next week?
many hugs, Tara

Anonymous said...

Yay! Great news, thanks again, Karl, for the update. Ich hoffe, daß sich weiterhin alles zum Guten entwickeln wird. ; )