Monday, January 18

Bill's surgery went very well today.  It turns out that the surgery he had was similar to the procedure I  linked to (steps 4, 5, and 6) a few days ago along with the pleurodesis procedure I described on Thursday.  If the pain meds they gave him today are any indication, the whole thing was just as brutal as it sounds.  He did very well and the surgery went off without any problems.  Even better news is that he was able to control his anxiety the whole time.  That alone is exciting stuff!  I hope I'm not getting my hopes too high, but I really think we are turning a corner.  His spirits have been so much better since Dad and Nancy were here for a visit; although, maybe his spirits are better because I was gone for a week...  Either way, he is so much stronger and more motivated than he was a few weeks ago.  He told me today he was looking forward to getting in the gym, working hard, and getting off the ventilator.  I know there will be many more rough patches ahead, but for now it's nice to hear him say things like that and see a genuine smile on his face.  I hope this lasts for awhile...