Home is Where His Heart Is

Day 65 - We finally got the great news that Travis was well enough to be discharged from the hospital. We had spent most of the week celebrating each step to coming home. His swallow test on Monday was fantastic, our doctor followed Travis into the room and all the nurses in the ICU gathered around and cheered for him. His NG (nose tube) was removed on Monday, and his chest tube on Tuesday. He started drinking clear liquids and then gradually started with the thicker drinks like milk and the dreaded Ensure. It was also great to see Travis walking the halls without the walker.

On Thursday afternoon, we went for a walk and came back to a decorated room. The nurses had quickly blown up balloons using the oxygen pump and hung streamers. We also received a special card signed by everyone wishing us well. They were all outstanding doctors and nurses and quickly became our friends. They told us they were happy to see us go, but sad that they wouldn't get to visit with us any longer. We are excited to get the surgery chapter of this journey mostly behind us. Things that Travis will not miss would be the daily pokes in the finger for blood work, blood pressure checks and the long nights, just to name a few. I know I won't miss the daily 66 mile round trip to SLC and the rising gas prices!

In the next few months, Travis will be getting his calories and protein from the tube feedings at night, along with a liquid and soft food diet. His doctor would like to see him back in August to remove the stent to be followed by another swallow test to make sure that the leak has healed. We have yet to talk to Trav's oncologist to see if further chemotherapy and radiation is necessary.

For right now, we are settling into a routine again. Focusing on getting Travis healthy again. And looking forward to the future.