Wednesday: Quiet Day

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Just a quiet day.  I'm going down to be with Maggie tomorrow.  More soon.

Tuesday: Continuing

Today, mixed results.  The good news:

• Bob has a little more energy and alertness
• The pneumonia is slowly retreating, making room for easy breaths.
• The extra calories bring some added strength and clarity.
• Bob is talking to his doctors about his favorite place.....yes, the Lake.....and because it's hard for him to get the words out, he lets them know as he explains that he is having "mechanical difficulties."  
• He got out of bed to sit in a chair for a few minutes, and,
• The photographs, thanks to you for submitting them and to Molly for printing them, are bringing smiles to his face.

The no news:
      • Still testing, still waiting for some kind of explanation & prognosis.

Monday: Bewildered

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Bob's having difficulty retrieving the words he wants to use: it's called expressive aphasia.  He's frustrated and confused, the doctors are baffled, and it's difficult to observe without being able to help.

Special testing continues in an effort to gain an explanation, and to clarify the nature and extent of any damage incurred by the brain hemmorhage, though results will take time.  One more thing for which we need to summon patience.  Bob is still fighting hard--and that's something he can tell us.

We're collecting a few photos to put into an album.  If you would like to send one that would be meaningful to Bob, we'll be happy to include it.

Sunday

Since his original brain hemorrhage episode three weeks ago, Bob's doctors have had ongoing concerns about his cognitive responses.  A series of tests administered today show he is having difficulty, but as both the cause and the prognosis remain uncertain, the neuro tests,  CT scans and MRIs will continue.

From Maggie:

To our many dear friends, thank you all for the cards, comments on Bob's Blog, good wishes and support.  After a week with improvements, this weekend Bob slipped back some.  We are having additional testing tonight, tomorrow and as long as it takes to try and figure out why his condition keeps going up and down.

We will update when we can, but it may not be on a daily basis.  The doctors (and there are many) are trying to figure out why he responds well and then reverses.  He never was an easy guy to understand.  We will update as we can.  Hugs to all.  Maggie, Bob, Meganne and Eryn.

Saturday: Lazy day

Bob didn't rest well last night---slept most of the day.

Friday evening: Small victories

The doctors are encouraged by the improvement in Bob's appearance: he looks much better today. This afternoon he said, "I have had a wonderfully relaxing day today!" He listened to a live jazz band, had 2 naps, lunched to the Eagles (on iPod), practiced a little chair dancing and watched some football before dinner.

These are small victories and pleasures for which we are grateful, as Bob remains under constant observation and care by an attentive, expert team. All day, doctors with diverse specialties observe, question, and confer with each other and the family regarding his treatment: white blood cells and platelets are measured daily, nutrition and lungs are monitored, medication is changed and evaluated for side effects, CT scans are ongoing, nurses and therapists come and go.

Bob continues to struggle with several cognitive issues, receives three kinds of daily therapy, and puts forth a huge amount of effort for his weak and fragile body-----all this and more still make up the bulk of the day for Bob, Maggie, and Meganne in that small hospital room. The ups and downs can be exhausting for everyone, but still: a good day is a good day, and this was one.

Thank you for the continued support and encouragement.  Maggie and Meganne are going to try to find a way to display all the wonderful cards they have received.  Every one is a heart-warming gift that makes the long days easier.

Friday morning: Spirits up

From Meganne this Morning:

Today we had a cooking class instructed by Bob. Breakfast in our "test kitchen" included a smoothie, oatmeal, yogurt and banana. Chef Bob thought that they would taste good together. Perhaps accompanied by a dry riesling as the smoothie was "fruit forward".

Docs haven't been by yet today. But Bob wants to go to the garden and then perhaps a tour of... the library...??? He's a little confused. --M.

A few minutes later:

When the team came into Bob's room today, he was sitting in a chair with the IV pole next to him, the table in front of him, and my mom and I sitting in chairs in front of that. The attending (most senior doctor) said, "Bob, it looks like you are holding court." To which he responded, "Well, my three fiefdoms are different today but the king feels fine."