Another uneventful night.....

Dad continues to push on, maintaining stable vitals and no fever. He's on broad spectrum antibiotics to kill the Klebsiella (yup, again) infection and we're waiting for "his turn" with interventional radiology to place another drain into his liver. 

Dr. Alexander was just in too. He's the surgical oncologist who's been with Dad since Day 1. He said Dad looks good and spoke of moving him to a surgical floor.....no more ICU???  How fantasic would THAT be? VERY! 

So let me go backwards a bit......

On Friday, just 3 days ago, we met with Dr. Alexander to discuss surgical options to #1) address the infections that have always followed the stent placements (Dad had a 2nd duodenal stent placed 2/11/14) and #2) to fix the repeating problem of the duodenum strangulating, which has prevented food from passing to the small intestine. Dad's been on a liquid only diet for almost a month now, and that's just no fun for someone whose always enjoyed a good steak! 

On Friday, there was a surgery plan. Dad was going to be admitted to UMMC on Tuesday for 5 days of nutritional therapy. On March 10, Dr. A would perform a surgery to bypass the area where the tumor is, with the hope that eventually, Dad could resume eating more solid food, get more nutrients absorped into his body and get his strength back. 

BUT......Klebsiella strikes again, throwing a wrench into that plan. 

From all of that background info, here's what we all need to hold onto and pray for.....Dr. Alexander, a surgical oncologist, who has seen all kinds of conditions, said DAD LOOKS GOOD.  He also spoke of moving Dad to a surgical floor out of ICU, which is also very good. He also spoke to moving forward with the surgery once the infection is under control. "Under control" meaning two days of normal blood cultures and labs. I don't know how long that might take. From the condition Dad was in on Saturday afternoon (and there are dear friends/neighbors that can attest to it) to his condition this morning, he is a different person. 

All of you prayer warriors, thank you, and thank you to the countless others who continue to love us and care for us in so many ways. I know there are friends and neighbors who are taking care of plowing and shoveling, vehicle inspections, and the "precious" Siamese (who are spoiled beyond any level my siblings and I ever experienced as kids), and the endless cards of support.  My husband and son have been loved on too with special dinners and playdates, which keeps Sam's mind off the fact that Mommy has not been home much b/c Pap is not well. He experiences things quite deeply, so these distractions are appreciated! 

I'll hop back on and update if anything changes. Much love to all.......Jen