Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Movin' on up...

Dave has really stabilized nicely as far as his lungs and heart - now he just really needs to gain strenth and defeat the evil intestinal bacteria that has shown up in the latest test. It causes extreme diarhea and he is now quarantined . He has however been moved to a lower grade of care so he can probably be moved back to the homefront soon if he does well at this level.

We are working hard at trying to add to Dave's diet - he has little or no appetite - but the dietician had great ideas about adding protein powder to milk, and some other items to get more into him. He is still extremely weak, largely due to his heart and being in bed so long, but also due to lack of nutrition, and everything goes straight through him.

I will sign off for now and hope to have more details of a potential move tomorrow.Thankyou again to everyone for continuing to keep us in your prayers and thoughts.

9 comments:

Jim Griffing said...

Melody,

I just heard about Dave's heart attack - what a shock! Please give Dave my wishes for a speedy and complete recovery. Tell him that he needs to get his appetite back so we can enjoy some nice Italian wine and a fabulous meal the next time I am in Detroit, or you are in Seattle.

I hope you are holding up under the stress of this experience.

Love,
Jim Griffing

Barbara Arnold-Feret said...

Wendy:

Give Dave my best - we will miss him at SPE Council, but we will try to stir things up a bit in his honor.

My best to you, your family and friends and to all the health professionals who are taking care of him (and your family.)

barbara genet said...

wendy,

Just got the word about Dave's heart attack - hope that he is on the mend and will soon be on his feet again. We will miss Dave at the SPE Council meeting but he will be with us in our hearts.

Tell him to do what the doctors say and get back on his feet as soon as possible.

My prayers are with Dave and also with you and your family.

With Fond Regards,
Barbara Genet,
New York Section Councilor

Ivy S said...

Dear Melody,

I was so sad to hear of Dave's situation. I can't imagine what both of you are going through, and really appreciate the work you're doing on the blog to keep everyone informed.

I met with Jim Wolfe yesterday and feel very confident of his capabilities.

Please let Dave know that Tom and I are sending positive thoughts to him. I admire both of you for your strength and courage.

Warm regards,
Ivy

Lance Neward said...

Melody,

Just got the news about Dave--please extend our best wishes and prayers for him.

If he's really looking for something to put him to sleep, he could come out to Irvine, CA, and sit through the SPE Council meeting: it's time for the annual budget presentation (yawn...) He and his wise counsel will be missed.

It sounds as if the care is superb and everything is going in the right direction (albeit never as fast as one would want). When the time comes for Dave to join Jim Griffing in that Italian meal, I want to be there, too. Detroit or Seattle, either will work; I'm a sucker for pasta.

Know that we're all rooting for quick and complete recovery for Dave and for you--it's hard for both. Hang in there and keep those postings coming.

Best regards,

Lance

Carrie Benee said...

Melody,

I just became aware of this blog. Carrie and I have been praying for Uncle Dave, and it is so wonderful to hear of his amazing strength and recovery.

Please give him a hug for us!

Love,

Brandon and Carrie "soon-to-be" Arndt

JC said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
JC said...

Dave and Melody,
Andy's been traveling for 2 weeks, (and so checks the blog!!) which is lucky for me as I stay at school til 9 (freshman float advisor). But homecoming is tomorrow and then TIME. Still it's no excuse to not stop in and give you all a hug. This week end for sure. Keep us posted as to when Dave can have visitors, poor guy. Love you, always prayers,
Joyce and Andy

Melanie said...

Melody,
What a great idea to have this blog, such a beautiful testimony for Dave to read and know how much he is loved and how many people are keeping him in their thoughts in the form of prayer.
Please get rest whenever you can. Yours is as important as Dave's at this critical time.
Love, Mel