Still in the ICCU

Greetings. Today M.E.'s nurse (Dave T.) facilitated getting her physical therapy sessions increased to twice daily. She is receiving a Central Nervous System stimulant and they are trying to time the sessions around the peak effect of the med. This mornings response was not as good as the afternoon. Basically they position her bed so that she is almost completely upright (a modified standing position). While supporting her head, they work her neck and extremities a little. It seems like a major goal is to get her used to more of an upright position (heart/lungs, etc). She tolerates this quite well. Dr. Marj Henderson (friend and Rehab physician) was by today and had a couple of good suggestions that we will implement tomorrow. 1- giving M.E the taste of a Popsicle (flavor that she likes), and 2- soaking cotton balls with familiar smells and exposing them to her from time to time. I can't wait to see how she responds to the Popsicle. She is starting to demonstrate her dislike of routine "mouth care". Sometimes she clamps shut (puckers), which allows Dave W. to give her a little smooch! Dave's sister Mary Alice is here now and that is nice. Tomorrow M.E.'s friend Dianne will return and plans to give her a "mini" facial :-) Now, that ought to feel good. So no firm departure date from the ICU. It is day to day. We are also awaiting the results of the pathology report from the tumor. They typically send these away but it should be back soon. In any case, Dr. Singel felt pretty sure it will be benign. So, that is all for this mid-week report.