Sunday, March 27, 2005

Sunday 27 April – Mike much the same

Mike seemed to be much the same today. He is still on antibiotics, still has the tracheotomy in his throat and the peg in his stomach and still has to have his hands tied to protect all the tubes. I sense that as he gets more alert he gets more uncomfortable with this state of affairs. Who wouldn’t? On the other hand, he is progressing OK. His nurse reports that his temperature has been normal for four days now and that his last chest X-ray showed that he was improving.

It's a challenge to know how much we're managing to communicate with Mike. It's partly trying to choose the right channel for how he's feeling. We're still talking lots about past holidays and he seems to remember them enough to nod at suitable moments. We're thankful that we did the same sort of thing so often - we think that five camping holidays become one in the memory and that memory is so much stronger. Our friend Mary has supplied 3 folders of photos and comments on some of our summer holidays and he's quite intent as we work our way through them. Kent and Amanda's mini disc is popular and the format of some talking and then a song suits the interruptions involved in the fairly intensive nursing Mike requires.
Bryce and Lee

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

We are really happy to hear that Mike is making a little progress. Every day that he doesn't go backward is another step to the future even if at times it is frustratingly slow.

Our thoughts continue with you all.
K & J

Anonymous said...

Hey Mike!
Happy Easter! Did the easter bunny find you? Easter almost found us, via Kents mum Jo, horray!! but the eggs forgot to come to Japan! So easter was just thinking about eating easter eggs! Really yummy with no calories! perfect!!
We are so happy to hear that the MD gives you some light relief! We appologise for the slowness of the 2nd one. Tour guiding parentals has taken over our lives! Kent is having some well earned time out to name all of the songs on your 2nd MD!

Have a careful day tomorrow, no pulling out tubes. Good luck for the move home when you go!
Thinkng of you lots, a BIG HI to your family too!
Lots of Love, Kent and Amanda xxx

Anonymous said...

Slow and steady is a good motto. Memories are good triggers.
Thinking of you all heaps.
Gilda

Anonymous said...

Hi! Kay here. Just thought that if Mike enjoyed Lance Armstrong he may be interested in Mark Inglis. He's the one who got stuck on a mountain. There are 3 books by him:
No Mean Feat
To The Max
Off The Front Foot

Hope they may prove of interest.

Anonymous said...

Mary and John here, safely in Japan having navigated our way to Hiroshima (with about 10 kg of easter eggs) via the bullet trains. Of course - first key task was to get onto the blogg site for Mike's latest news. Was also about to recommend Mark Inglis' books which are inspirational - his wife was a staff member at Nelson Poly. He's a great guy. I think Mike would also enjoy "Mao's Last Dancer" which is another wonderful story of endurance and great family love. Judy M is going to post you my copy when she has finished it.
Love to you all
M & J

Anonymous said...

No doubt there'll be plenty of days with "little to report". Each report however means so much - and in reading through them Mike's progress is apparent.
All the best for the move back to Cavit.
Love Carolyn, Grant & fam.