Day 4 – A Day of Firsts

Another phenomenal day in the books!

I had noticed overnight that Justin was playing whack a mole on his pain button. So when he was a little sleepier this morning, I thought that would set the pace for the day. Boy, I was wrong.

When the surgery team paid their visit this morning, topic of discussion was Justin’s chest tube. Output significantly decreased overnight and chances are high he’ll lose it very soon, maybe tomorrow! Although I know his discomfort is more than the chest tube, I’m betting it’s absence will offer huge relief.

Also, with his giant gains in recovery, and the returned voice of his gut gurgle, Justin is now on a clear liquid diet. Typically when he gets this go ahead, he takes a sip, gags, feels sick, and refuses more. Not today, my friends! He has had broth, hot tea, Jello, and a popsicle. No issues! Boom, just like that! Tomorrow will likely progress to a full liquid diet, which includes a Justin favorite, mashed potatoes.

Justin was downgraded from ICU a couple of days ago, but it took until today for a standard room to become available. And no, no mountain view. Boo and a half. And we’ll miss our wonderful nurse, Carrie, on the 5th floor! 😘

Moving up and moving out… another achievement today was Justin’s first post-op BM. (💩) This is a big deal, folks!

The physical therapy team stopped by, too.

Yes!!! Form for days!

He did suffer a slight vein blow out late this evening (IV Infiltration). But in pure Justin fashion, he was more upset about the tape pulling his hair while removing the IV.

Listen.

I cry tears of joy as to how well he’s doing! What more can I say? He’s my life.

We had this little moment tonight. Justin was drinking his broth, I was devouring my burrito bowl, we were watching HGTV, and right there in that place, my soul was happy. I took my first breath since Thursday morning.

Thank you for loving my husband and our little family! Thank you for remembering us in your prayers. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Sweet dreams,

Christina