The journey continues

Daniel is fully aware that this journey will be long and that it will involve some rising and some easing of the path. This is not a straight, or fully mapped out, trail he is travelling. So, this last week, while not unexpected, was a hard one.

He had a pretty good weekend. He enjoyed some rest, sleep, good times with visitors and friends, enjoyed seeing his brother (Aaron), getting around in his wheelchair, watching the Vancouver Canucks beat the Washington Capitals, and eating some food. He also received a wad of mail. He was excited to read cards and letters from so many of you. He was very thankful and emotional. Some from people he had not heard from in a very very long time. Aaron also brought a really cool, and large, sheet of paper with get well wishes for Daniel from the students and staff of Aaron's school, D'Evelyn Jr./Sr. High School. Thank you for all the support.

A parcel from the Vancouver Canucks organization was a real joy. He received an autographed Daniel Sedin jersey. The Canucks played here on Friday and were hoping to all drop by and visit him; but, their flights did not allow for it. a big "thank you" to the Canuck organization. Meanwhile, we are also thankful to the Colorado Avalache organization (and the sister of a coworker of mine) who scored Daniel's brothers tickets to the Avalanche game tonight versus the Vancouver Canucks.

That was after a few really tough days and nights. Those in the medical field could have picked up from the last post what he was dealing with. As he was being weaned from one medication (Ketamine) they were increasing another (Dilaudid) to compensate. An unfortunate side-effect was an ileus (basically the digestive system shuts down). This was painful and the remedy seemed just as bad as the problem. It has been worked out. He hated the three days of NPO (no food or liquid by mouth) and the NG tube. He REALLY did not like the delay in removing the NG tube. Finally, after a one-on-one "assertive and very clear conversation" with his doctor it was removed. He REALLY enjoyed the Chipotle burrito when it was over.

Today he also is going back into surgery for some work and clean up on his right leg. A bit of a set back.

He is still really wrestling with his big decision: where he wants to go for his long rehabilitation phase. There are so many factors to weigh and it is not always easy to get the information he needs. It is tough. We had three of us on computers trying to get information on housing options at the three possible locations - couldn't find anything. He keeps saying, "This isn't the Marine Corps that I know .... No one ever gets to choose where they go! But, the lack of good information is the Marine Corps I know!" The choice has to do with looking at facilities, housing options, available support of family and friends, medical care, opportunities for education or internships, climate, cost of living, and where he wants to live for a couple years. Of course, what also makes it difficult is that pre-injury he wouldn't have chosen any of the three options. So ..... Walter Reed Hospital, Washington, DC; Brooke Army Hospital (Center for the Intrepid), San Antonio, TX; or San Diego Naval Hospital (Balboa), San Diego, CA. All options far from home. Stay tuned.


- Dad