Surgery Update Day #9

Henry had an awesome day of progress today! He is now breathing on his own, no more masks/machines needed!  His dopamine was turned off and his heart is doing just fine without the assistance.  He is still pretty sleepy and fighting a little withdraw from the heavy medications he was on previously, but the nurses are helping us manage symptoms and keep him comfortable. He ate jello!  The powers of GoGo helped him be brave and try strawberry jello, and he finished the entire cup!  The first thing he asked for to eat was a peanut butter sandwich (totally had money on ice cream!) and we assured him there were plenty sandwiches in his future if he could start slow:)  Had a little nausea the last couple of days, but did great today even with a little food on board.  Henry was visited by the music therapist during which GG said he helped to strum a chord.  This type of support brought Henry so much comfort last hospitalization, and we hope does so again as he heals this time around. We watched several movies and snuggled a lot- which of course we all loved.  Henry is starting to express preference and use words in describing what he wants/needs, which we feel like is the beginnings of him slowly getting back to himself.  We talked to him this afternoon about why he was at the hospital and about the course of his recovery in hopes that this talk plus our presence helps to relieve worry.  He continues to be the most brave boy ever, and we couldn't be more proud (though we probably will)!

Tomorrow- more of the same!  I'm anticipating more movies, snuggling, etc, but we'll see what Henry has in store for us.  We're grateful for wonderful days like today that refill you and help you know the end is somewhere in the near future.  Thank you for your thoughts and prayers- they carried all of us through another day of recovery.

Much love,

Kate, Julie, Henry and Gus