Sunday,Sunday

Today reminds me of the song "Sunday, Sunday" popular in the '70's.  From what I remember the song was about a good day and that is what Lee had today.  In fact, to quote him, "I had a GREAT day!"  It is indeed wonderful to hear him say that and these are the reasons why:

1.  Lee walked 12 laps today!
2.  Lee walked the 12 laps FAST!
3.  Lee had NO pain today
4.  Lee can walk around the room with ease and to the door to the walker!
5.  He is able to take most of his medications by mouth!
6.  He is swallowing better and better!

He really is looking better and stronger each day.  He was weighed yesterday and his weight is now 174.  One must remember that in December his weight was 212.  I suspect he will continue to lose some more or at least stay at this weight because of his diet.  That is a good thing.  He will be much healthier with lower weight both for his heart and his new lung. 

The doctors seemed pleased with Lee's progress and at this point are just encouraging him to walk, walk, walk.  Walking helps his new lung to expand and fill the space of the new cavity.  The lung must adapt to Lee's body because it is in an alien environment and walking will use the lung more and help it to adapt to the new space.  The heart is doing very well.  He has not had any more episodes of atrial fib nor arrhythmias.  His blood pressure is holding without dropping too low.  All of these good signs are allowing him to be able to get up and move around more and the effects are becoming obvious.

One thing we have learned is that Lee has to make a conscious effort to breathe correctly again.  In walking you can see that he is only nose breathing, which becomes shallow breathing.  This is how people breathe when they are on oxygen a long time.  He has to focus on breathing in through his nose and blow out through his mouth.  By nose breathing he is allowing carbon dioxide to build and that makes him light-headed. It also prevents the new lung from expanding which in turn causes more mucous which in turn creates a need for another bronchoscopy.  Whew!  The things we learn along the way!

In spite of all this.................It has been Sunday, Sunday...........A GREAT DAY!.....................more later.............Brenda