April 16, 6:30p update

Moving on up.....!

A couple of very exciting things have happened since my last update:

First, Linda's trach tube was removed Wednesday afternoon! She's been doing such a great job of breathing on her own and strengthening the muscles she uses to swallow and cough, that her doctors felt it was time to get that thing out of there! The hole in her neck had already closed by Thursday (yesterday) and will be completely healed within the coming week.

And second, she's improved enough to be moved from her room on the 2nd floor up to the 3rd floor at Promise (Salt Lake Regional Medical Center). The 2nd floor is where they treat the more critical patients and, thankfully, Linda's condition has now improved beyond this level.

On Wednesday she also had her first taste of solid food (applesauce) and drink (Diet Coke of course) in over five weeks. She's had a few ice chips over the last few days, but this was the first thing of any substance. Today she was able to drink a full Diet Coke along with some peaches and vanilla pudding. Hmmm...hmmm...good. :-)

She continues to work hard in her physical, occupational and speech therapy sessions. She takes trips to the gym where she walks with the aid of parallel bars, sits in her chair for up to two hours at a time, exercises her arms and legs, brushes her teeth and combs her own hair. And now, with the trach tube removed, she's beginning to make more and more sound each time she attempts to talk.

Each new day seems to bring a little more strength and a little more optimism that her recovery will be full and complete.

Linda's making great progress and she's truly been blessed by the love and support from each one of you. Lynn and her family are very grateful for your faith and the many prayers offered in Linda's behalf.

More to follow...