three walks in one day

Wendy walked three times today and one of which was her furthest distance yet! She walked all the way to the surgery waiting room. Wendy's mom was beaming! Good, consistent walking is what will move her out of the ICU and into a regular hospital room.

Wendy is still experiencing extreme hot flashes. They are working hard to try and figure out why the extreme heat is back.

The PCA infusion system is still working well for Wendy as she self manages her own pain medicine intake. She can access pain medicine as often as every 15 minutes. She has waited up to 1 1/2 - 2 hours between infusions if she is sleeping. Even though she is waiting longer in between infusions to access medicine it is still problematic because once she is awake she is in an extreme amount of pain and requires a lot of extra pain medicine. The pain management team continues to encourage Wendy to move away from iv pain medicine intake and move towards taking it orally. Moving away from pain medicine by iv also helps eliminate some of the extra tubes, lines, and wires.

Recently Wendy has taken it upon her (very teacher like) self to give each new nurse a synopsis of the previous 12 hours. Wendy starts off each nurse's new shift by saying, "I know you probably know all of this but..." It's good to know she's still got it.

Wendy's surgeon, Dr. Calhoun gave Wendy the following homework assignments.
1. Get enough nutrients, and start eating more every day.
2. Walk, walk, walk.

The nurses continue to amaze, bless, and gently care for Wendy and her family. Go nurses go!

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6