Tuesday's Update

Sunday may have been one of Eddie's worst days in the hospital to date. He wasn't talking and when he did his speech was slurred. He seemed to be drugged and somewhat confused.

Monday I went by to see him after work and things had changed for the better. When I arrived, Susan was there visiting. He had been napping off and on for the past few hours. He had his first treatment of chemo and radiation today and seemed to have responded fairly well.

I came prepared to give Eddie a haircut and shave and he seemed to be up for it. Susan helped hold his head up while I shaved and cut his hair. As we were finishing, the speech therapist came in. We did have a chance to take a few pictures to show Eddie and he seemed very pleased with the haircut and shave. Eddie requested that I come back soon with a razor in place of the clippers for a closer cut. I agreed.

The speech therapist was there as a result of Eddie's slurred speech over the past few days. I sat and observed the therapy session. The therapist said Eddie did much better than yesterday. I didn't get a chance to talk to her because before she could pack up to leave the IV nurse came.

Eddie indicated earlier that he was feeling a little nauseated (due to the chemo and radiation) so they were going to give him something for it through an IV. The IV nurse had some difficulty finding a place to stick him. He had been stuck so many times (because he kept pulling the IV out) on both arms that it was hard to find a good spot. The nurse was good at what she did and finally accomplished her mission.

As soon as the IV nurse left another nurse came in to test Eddie's blood sugar level. It was a little high so the nurse said they would give him something to help bring his sugar level down.

After the medical personnel left, Eddie was ready to get up and walk around. He still walks slow and seems to be slightly off balance so Susan suggested he go for a ride in the wheel chair. Eddie consented and he was ready to go.

From my observation, Eddie had a very good day compared to the last few days. He talked on the phone with Peggy while I was there. I haven't known or seem him talk on the phone since this ordeal began.

Near the end of my visit there was a moment of heighten emotion that ended with a big hug from Ed. I think he was glad I was there with him today. I know he's feeling better because he was talking about being ready to go home. Eddie was able to ride in the wheelchair to the front door of the hospital to bid be farewell. It got a little emotional at the front door and he consented to me praying for him before I left. Seeing my brother going through this makes me rethink what's important in life.

Thank God we have eternal life through Christ Jesus. (John 3:16) This short time here is just the beginning. Jesus said, He would never leave nor forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5) Continue to pray that Eddie would put ALL his trust in Jesus. And ONE DAY we who beieve and trust CHRIST will meet again. Praise God!