Alan’s Army

Hi all,

OK, so the protein level in the brain fluid is good at 117 which is well below the 200 mark they wanted to see it under.  Unfortunately they clamped the drain again early this morning and the pressure built up and Alan’s head started to hurt.  So it looks like he will have another operation on Monday to put the internal shunt in.  Apparently this isn’t real uncommon.

Those squeamish folks should skip this paragraph –  The shunt is a drain that runs from the brain ventricle down into the flesh around the belly where the excess fluid is absorbed and gotten rid of.

OK, safe reading again - Alan’s response to all this was “I don’t recall signing up to go under again in a week.”

After all the forward progress this week, Ginny and I are less than thrilled that he is being operated on again.  I can’t help but wonder what this entire experience would be like without our faith - I can’t imagine how much more difficult it would be.

Amber is here today and Alan is very happy to see her.  I still have not figured a way to smuggle Angel in for a visit.  Uncle Dan and I saw two therapy dogs in the hallway here the other day and I tried to talk him into petting one and swiping it’s ID badge, but he wouldn’t go for it.  Angel isn’t exactly a fat labrador who moves at half a mile an hour, so he probably wouldn’t have pulled off the impostor bit anyway.

Ginny made some comment today about her hairdresser and Alan ran his hand over his head and said “I’m REALLY going to have to have a talk with MY hairdresser.”

The emails, letters, cards, and packages with peoples heartfelt writings, diaries, stories of their own and friends tribulations, positive energy, prayers, and outpouring of love for Alan continues to be a tremendous blessing to us all.  Each day after settling into his room, we first fill out his menu for the next day - who knew he loved soup so much - and then I read him everything that has come in on both his and my blackberry and Ginny reads the cards that have arrived at home.  Its always the highlight of his day.  So even if its just a quick hello, please keep them coming.

Thanks and God Bless,

Andrew

Today a nurse came in and asked Alan how he was doing. He replied “Well, I’m in this room, they won’t let me out and I’m wearing hospital gowns and would kill for some underwear!”

Anyway, some photos.