Friday, January 20, 2006
Swallow Tales
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.
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.
# posted by Don Box @ Friday, January 20, 2006 
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Praise the Lord!!!!! What great news!! I spoke with my mom earlier today and she had shared this news with me so I could not wait to get to your blog and see if you had written about it! I also wanted to tell you that this week we received in the mail a DVD from Richland Hills that had clips from Harvest Sunday. There were some special greetings given to the missionaries. Don, do you remember talking to the camera? The DVD was so special and so encouraging but I wanted to tell you that when your face came up on the screen and you started talking to us, our hearts just swelled up with so much love for you and your family! You and Jan and your entire family are so very dear to us! With all our hearts we love you and we are honored to lift you up to the Father every time you come to mind which is often!!! Blessings and much rejoicing with you,
Kelly and Randy
Kelly and Randy
Woohoo! This is such exciting news!
It has been such a long road for you two, and you have been true examples of patience, endurance, and hope. I'm sure you didn't always feel that way, but you have encouraged the rest of us by your words and attitude.
God be with you in the miles ahead!
Phillip
It has been such a long road for you two, and you have been true examples of patience, endurance, and hope. I'm sure you didn't always feel that way, but you have encouraged the rest of us by your words and attitude.
God be with you in the miles ahead!
Phillip
I'm Kendra Vaughn, "in-law" to the "other Vaughns"! I hooked up to your blog through Randy and Kelly's - I've been wondering how Jan's progress was going and was really touched by your entry recounting the events. I'm so thankful the Lord chooses to bless us with little things like being able to drink a Coke, and I'm rejoicing as a big Diet Coke fan with Jan over her return to the world of food and drink pleasures!! Yea!! Brought tears to my eyes as well. Thanks for sharing . .
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