Recovery - Day 4

Apologies to all that have been looking for a post, there wasn't a lot new to report last night physically, but yesterday was very difficult emotionally. Blake has been super lethargic and almost seemingly depressed, and watching him like that when he was so full of life and energy coming into the surgery creates a lot of grief and doubt about putting him through such a big operation. But, today, Mason came to play, and her presence completely turned him around. He was talking and laughing and joking around like his old self, which was so needed for the soul. He loves his sister so much, and I am so happy she could come up here to lighten his spirit.

All smiles after playing with Mason

We have taken lots of walks (begrudgingly) around the floor over the past day or so and visited the playroom a couple of times. Blake is really getting around great, and although the effort is a little harder because he still has chest tubes, he's a trooper nonetheless

He still gets mad at us that he can't drink as much as he wants, but he is starting to eat a bit more now (grilled cheese and green beans seem to be the clear winners) which also helps with his energy. They have taken him off of the Motrin-like IV and now are giving him oral Motrin and Tylenol w/Codeine as needed for pain - but (knock on wood) he hasn't complained about pain all day today. The reduction in pain meds I think has cleared some of the cloudiness and allowing him to be more like his old self.

He still has his two pleural chest tubes and his right side is still putting out a bit but it is still clear (which is good, because cloudy would indicate that he is draining fat). They do think that the increased activity and walking might be making the drainage more significant. So, we will definitely keep the tubes through today and likely through tomorrow, and then we will see from there.

Thank you all for your continued thoughts and prayers.