Timing

Good Morning. I thought I had better give you an update.

We moved Gary out of "the hole" and into "Gary's room". For those of you who visited him last time during his 35 day tour at Hoag Gary had a HUGE room! Well, he has that same room but on the 7th floor - right next door to the old room. The 100 or so people who were in that room every day playing guitars and bar b queing have moved on!
So, Gary is in room 728 instead of 727. I know he is much happier.

I wanted to thank those of you who have come to visit Gary. I know it is a long drive and takes time out of your day but it means so much to Gary and to me. Gary is really having a hard time being at Hoag this time. This time is different. He is aware and not completely drugged out of his mind. He enjoys visits and it boosts his spirits. He NEEDS spirit boosting big time!

Gary is having a test done today to see how obstructed he still is. We will know the results tonight hopefully.

Here is the problem.
Gary can not go home until he is unobstructed completely. This is a B I G problem because if the obstruction does not completely resolve itself Gary will stay in the hospital for weeks until they can finally do surgery safely. That could mean upwards of 3 more weeks and then recovery time from the surgery after that point.

Gary's weight is down 18 pounds right now. He can't eat anything but broth and jello. He is being fed still by the TPN IV and if he gains weight it will be from that.

We have not seen Dr. Barth so we have no idea what we are going to do about his treatment and the liver ablation. I was hoping to see Dr. Barth last night but he did not come. I waited until after 10 PM. Hopefully I will catch him tonight.

The kids have been at the beach every single day with friends. They got to go to T Street yesterday and will go again today. Nate has been with Carson for a few days and of course has had a great time! Thank you to our many friends (and my special girlfriends) for helping me and taking on our boys (and Hobie, too!). We feel so great knowing they are all being loved and cared for in our absence.

I have not been sleeping and finally got 7 hours of sleep last night. I feel groggy but a little better.

I am going to start decorating Gary's room again like we did last time. If he has a chance of being there for a while I want to make the room a happier place for him. If everyone could send cards or bring one to him when you see him I think that would be great! I will bring all the blue tape to put everything up. I am going to bring flowers today as well to add the "girlie" touch.

I gotta go and get the boys ready!

I will keep you posted.

PRAYER
Please keep praying that Gary's bowel unobstructs COMPLETELY. It has been partially unobstructed but seems to be having a hard time completely opening up so that Gary can get the heck outta there!

Please pray for Gary's attitude. I can hardly imagine how awful it must be to sit in there day after day - no food, being stuck every couple hours and not being able to see your family on a regual basis. He WANTS your prayers for his continued faith, perserverence, hope and comfort.

It is so hard to see someone you love so much having a hard time coping with an already awful set of circumstances.
Thank you for your continued love and support.
We cherish you all.

Love,
Lisa