Thursday Feb 11th

Hi Everyone,

This is day 2 after Dana's first surgery. If I had to give it a name it would be "The healing Day". We did not make big strides forward in regards to getting out of bed and walking down the hallway but that is not always how we need to measure a good day. The doctor said that everything looks good and Dana is doing great in regards to healing her burn wounds. She is still in a lot of pain but the nurses are doing a great job with helping her manage her pain and discomfort. DANA HAS AN EXTEMELY HIGH PAIN THRESHOLD. The most difficult part of today was being in a hospital bed while Madison was celebrating her 11th birthday. Madison had a great birthday today. She opened many presents and she got the wish she was waiting for. A new kitten. Well not quite yet…Madison has some allergies so we are looking to get a cat/kitten that is hypoallergenic. (no, not one of those bald cats) I did not know they existed, but there are cats that have long hair and still hypoallergenic. Madison told me before she went to sleep tonight that this was the best birthday ever except she wishes Mommy was here to celebrate with her. Madison talked to Dana after her birthday party and that is exactly what Dana wanted to hear. Even though she could not be here for the party, Madison knew that the cat/kitten was all because of Mommy. Dana still works her magic from the confines of a hospital room.

Dana is expected to have another surgery next Tuesday. Our goal is to get her blood levels back up to where they were before the last surgery. This means lots of food and protein drinks. Believe me, when you are in pain and on high doses of pain medication the last thing you want to do is eat, but we are forcing her to eat and drink as much as possible. PLEASE keep the cards and emails coming. The highlight of her day is reading emails and cards from all of you. They don't have to say much. Just tell her the latest buzz at Pacific School or your thoughts on some silly current event. Even though the current events going on right now just don't seem to matter as much as they did before this happened. That's it for now and the easiest way to get a message to Dana is to send it on the hospital website at: http://www.torrancememorial.org/Patients_Visitors/E_mail_a_Patient.aspx

Thanks to all of you for the meals, taxi rides for our kids to and from school, swim, football practice, basketball practice, etc…. I know a lot of you have wanted to bring us meals etc…. but please save it for when Dana comes home. There will be a rehab period after she is home that she will need you the most.