March 16, 5:30p update

Who'd a thought...

...that a simple nod of the head and a wave goodbye would have meant so much?

Last night, around 10:00p, my cute wife Brooke (I realize that might imply that I have an ugly one as well) and I dropped by the hospital to check in on Linda. We had been with her most of the day but had taken some time off to go to the Jazz game with our daughter Jennie and her friend. When the game was over, we decided to stop back by on our way home and tell her goodnight.

After visiting for a few minutes with Linda's daughter Katie, we were saying our goodbyes for the night when I told Linda that we would be back to see her the following day. She looked into my eyes and nodded her head twice, as if to say "see you tomorrow". Then, as if that wasn't enough to get us cheering, she raised her right hand and waved goodbye with her fingers. We couldn't believe our eyes...what an incredible thing to see!

As we were finally leaving her room for the night, I stopped outside her doorway in the hallway and looked back in at her to find her still watching us as we left. I waved goodbye to her again and she raised her arm and waved to us one more time! That was the first time that I knew that Linda was really there and that she absolutely knew what was happening at that moment. What a miracle.

Linda's doing well today. She had another hyperbaric chamber treatment this morning and was back in her room by 12:30p. Because of the sedation they give her in preparation for that treatment and the effort it takes her to complete the treatment, she's been sleeping most of the afternoon. They continue to "dangle" her (sitting her up on the side of her bed) a couple of times each day and she will begin another 12 hour "SLED" dialysis treatment later tonight.

Her doctor has decided to suspend any additional hyperbaric treatments for the time being to allow Linda to rest as much as possible. She's scheduled for another MRI and CT scan tomorrow. They will compare this MRI with the scan they did earlier last week to see if there's been any change from the series of small strokes Linda has suffered. The CT scan will be used to determine the current status of the Strep Group A infection in her abdomen. I will update you on those results as we receive them.

The wound specialist was able to change Linda's vacuum-pack dressing on her abdominal incision yesterday and they will continue to do so every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Lynn was able to be there for that (and was able to remain in an upright position!) and said that the specialist was pleased with her healing progress to date.

All in all, she's had a good couple of days and has made some great progress. As always, we're grateful for all of the love and concern each of you continue to show. Thank you.