Box's Box

After almost two months in two hospitals and two surgeries, Jan was released to go home today. She will celebrate her birthday at home tomorrow, and boy is she thrilled. We are getting things set up at our Hurst home for her temporary stay there until we move to North Richland Hills in a couple of weeks. She has many more weeks of healing and therapy to complete, but being at home is certain to help her spirits.

Marilyn Holland watching Jan swallowing!

Don and Jan - 2004

The long awaited Barium swallow test was finally conducted today, and Jan passed it with flying colors! She was able to swallow the liquid Barium with ease, with no signs of leakage in the neck area. Don was present (wearing a lead apron) while the x-ray machine recorded the event on video. She swallowed three different times as we watched it disappear down her throat. We both shared tears of joy as the enormity of this accomplishment sunk in. This is the first time she has been able to drink anything in over 2 ½ years since her esophagus was damaged during thyroid surgery.

After returning to her room, the nurse gave her a glass of ice water from which Jan drank sips from a straw, swished it around in her mouth, and then swallowed with satisfaction. Afterwards, with a sparkle in her eye, she formed these words with her silent mouth: “I want a Coke!” The amazed therapist nurse went and got her a Coke, poured it over ice, and gave it to her. She savored the flavor and drank freely until satisfied. It was truly amazing to see her joy in being able to do what most people take entirely for granted.

Her oral intake of liquids will be limited and monitored for several days before nutrients and solids are added, but this has been a banner day.

Gradual progress towards external healing of the stitches from Jan’s 28 December surgical procedure continues. After moving to Kindred Hospital last week she initially experienced high anxiety due to breathing difficulties during the week-long stay in a crowded semi-private room. However, she has improved and was moved to a private room on Tuesday. A blood transfusion was given yesterday due to her low hemoglobin level but she is doing well today. Don has had the flu most of the week, so daughters Julie Jones and Kellye Stone have provided extra measures of care of both Jan and Don while he stayed home to recuperate.

The doctor in charge says Jan is healing steadily but will wait further before attempting a swallow test to evaluate internal healing in the throat area which formerly leaked. He anticipates that her stay in the hospital will continue for the next week or two, depending on her progress. We continue to need patience, and prayers for total healing.

Jan was moved from Baylor All Saints back to Kindred hospital (room 227) on Thursday afternoon. Her surgeon says that she appears to be making good progress with healing of the affected neck incisions. Healing of the wound is top priority before swallow tests and therapy commences, likely next week. He did not have a prediction of length of stay at this facility before her return home.