Thursday

Hi everyone-

Good news! Dad is off the ventilator! This is a huge step in the right direction. Mom said he seems to be doing well, despite a very sore throat. It might be a few days before he can fully and comfortably speak again, but at least now he's able to communicate better. Again, neuro-wise he seems to be doing well. He's wearing his glasses and watching TV - business as usual. His nurse said that he'll probably be able to leave the ICU in a few days.

Dr. Cardiologist said his heart issues are minimal and can be controlled with meds. Mostly high blood pressure issues, which seems to ebb and flow based on his stress level. Mom and Jen are helping to keep him calm and assured that he is on the mend.

If anyone is curious, here is a link to more info about oligodendroglioma.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oligodendroglioma

I'm very anxious to be able to talk dad on the phone and hopefully will be able to do so once he gets his voice back and is transferred to a regular room that does not have phone restrictions.

Monday mom should be able to speak with the neuro-oncologist at length and get some questions answered about the recurrence and what that means in terms of further treatment. The first occurrence (in 1988) required surgery and a few rounds of radiation. At least we've already got the surgery out of the way.

On a sentimental note, when we were little, dad would play Blackbird and rock us in his dad's old rocking chair. It's a beautiful memory.

Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these sunken eyes and learn to see
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to be free

Blackbird fly,
Blackbird fly
Into the light of the dark black night.

Blackbird fly,
Blackbird fly
Into the light of the dark black night.

Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
You were only waiting for this moment to arise