Posted by Jodie on May 2, 2009, 10:24 am, in reply to "Re: Gibbons update: Right Hand and part of feet removed"
66.215.57.194
Hi to all and thank you for all the messages and phone calls, cards, packages, food, love, and support. I don't know what we would do without all of you. You have made coming home each evening, or early morning, a joy and we thank you.
Today (5/1) was a rough day for Jay. The donor site must now be exposed to the air for the next 5 days. The nerve endings are standing on end and screaming. It is the first time I have heard him say, it's rough today. His attitude is still wonderful. He refers to this as, "an adventure with a bit of a left turn".
He works with a physical therapist many nurses, and of course, wonderful doctors. Visits are still limited to family and he is still sedated and recovering. He will be in the Burn Center for a couple more weeks, then probably an inpatient for physical therapy for a few more weeks.
With these wounds, it is a Wait and Watch program which can be frustrating for the patient and the family. Kathy is the best thing that has ever happened to him! She is patient, loving, and when needed a source of great humor. I listened to them tonight discussing dancing. She said,"Well at least I won't be stepping on your toes when we dance." His response was, "Don't count on it, I still have my stub"!
They realize full-well that this is a lengthy process and we will take it one day at a time. They love the emails, Kathy reads them all to him, and he smiles and nods and often offers a response before he drifts off once again. This whole process has been an incredible experience for us as we have gotten to know Jason all over again but in an adult sense.
Emails that tell funny stories, experiences between Jason and his friends around the globe, phone calls telling us of things he has done at the Pole , friends of his we have never met telling us of his adventures and accomplishments. What a gift he is and what a gift this whole "adventure" has been. People often tell us Jason "loves to walk". He walked out of the Polar Ice Cap and he says he will walk out of the hospital. We are not surprised.
With all your good thoughts, prayers, and crazy stories, we have no doubt that he will choose orange shoes to show off his prosthesis and a hand that will make a thumbs up sign as he walks past! We thank you so very much.
Our love to you, the joes
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