July15 MOM GOES BACK HOME

For Travis, this has been a day quite similar to about the last two, although he did have his PFT's (Pulmonary Function Test) done today and they are up 10% from before he had his surgery which puts him at about 43% if I remember correctly! This is higher than he's been 'forever'. This will be a baseline test - they usually increase for the first 3-6 months. Travis also understood that they have started dropping the Prednasone - I understood that he's been on the maximum dose up til now. He has lost 10-12 lbs. but fortunately he went in with extra weight just for this reason - he's still ok in that regard and we continue to see an improvement in his appetite. He did say that Physio was pretty brutal today but realistically, that is probably going to be the fact for some time - we're just SOOO thankful that he's in there now - it is absolutely vital to his recovery. We are all so proud of him - to think of all that he's been through(it was BRUTAL) and yet he's continued to push himself and has accomplished so much. Fantastic work Trav!! For those of you that know Travis well, he's so tired by 8:00 pm(or earlier) he would just like to go to bed - a far cry from the 2-4am Pre-surgery. He was resting peacefully when I left tonight.

Today has been really tough on his Mom. She felt she needed to go back to work for a couple of days since he is still in hospital - that was a really difficult thing for her to do and I can hardly believe how bravely she did that - WOW. I'm very impressed with how she is finding the extra strength to do some really positive things ie: going to the gym before visiting hours (I have to confess I had intended to but haven't done it yet). She says 'If Travis can do all he has to do I should be able to do this.' It was hard for me to see her have to go (I can't pretend to know how it must feel to her) but I was thankful her good friend Donna picked her up and took her back and I know her good friends in Calgary will be there for her in whatever way they can. THANK YOU!

Today we also moved for the last time into a very nice 2 bedroom suite right across the street from the hospital which his Dad has provided for us - Thank you Lorne. All of Travis' things are unpacked and awaiting his arrival to his 'new home' - I think he will be very pleased with these accommodations. His computer is even up and running for him (that's what I'm using now).

Again, we cannot begin to say how thankful and appreciative we all are for all your prayers and support in so many different ways.

Posted by Auntie Terri