Cheese Quesadilla

Success

John had a rough start with the swallow test today because he was mad he was back in the x-ray room and refused to eat.  Eventually he did it though and the study showed great eating and swallowing and the feeding tube was removed! 

Swallow Test Scheduled

Despite John's progress with swallowing and eating this week, his feeding tube was not removed today.  The medical staff needs to actually see him swallowing through x-rays before they will remove the tube.  John has been scheduled for a swallow test this Friday.  During the exam he will sit inside a special chair that will take multiple x-rays as he swallows food.  If all goes well, John will be parting ways with his feeding tube this Friday.

Prayer Requests:
- John to be relaxed during the exam and be able to swallow
- John's feeding tube to be removed this Friday after the exam
- continued strengthening of his entire body as he still favors his right side   

Hungry Boy

Facebook post by Jason:

"For lunch Erin gave john pudding, yogurt, and cream of wheat. He asked for eggs before he realized his tummy hurt and was full. The doctors prescribed 1000 calories a day for him. He is at 800 for the day so far with 550 coming from real food at lunch. No feeding tube at lunch!!!!"

"John is so excited about eating real food he hasn't figured out yet when he needs to stop. He eats and eats and eats until he gags and feels sick. Then he wants to eat some more. He ended up eating about 1,400 calories today. The doctors prescribed 1000 calories. Tomorrow Erin takes John for his therapy sessions. We are hoping that they will decide to take the feeding tube out now that he has eaten more than 1000 calories through real food. We also would like to know that he is safe to eat more solid foods and that he won't panic and choke on it. Thank you to everyone who has been faithfully praying on our behalf."

Pudding

Facebook posts by Jason:

"Having a down day. Sad. John said he was tired and asked if he could stay home. Erin had him out for several hours yesterday. Still trying to get used to how quickly he tires."

"Most of today was hard/sad. But at dinner this [referring to his posted video] was his second helping of pudding. I think he swallowed a majority."
 

First Post ICU Check-up

Facebook posts by Jason throughout today:

"John goes back for his therapies today. He will hopefully have a swallow study. I would like to know he won't hurt himself by swallowing."

(John at physical therapy)

"John failed his swallow test. We can't give him a donut to chew on because his throat muscles just aren't working yet. Doesn't really change anything. Just sad for him."

Donuts and Wrestling

Facebook post by Jason:

"Thank you for praying. The last few days have been easier. Still no swallowing. Erin said that she sensed a difference in John's attitude yesterday. He showed more interest in swallowing without getting as frustrated. It seemed like he was drooling less. He sat and licked and chewed on a doughnut for over 2 hours yesterday without getting frustrated. He also "pushed the button" under his chin on his own to try and swallow. We've been encouraged by several friends who have been through similar trials to think of this time as the summer of healing or the summer of adjustment and continue to rejoice in small victories.

This has been the hardest on Joe. He really enjoys when we wrestle and asks me frequently now so I've been trying to make sure I wrestle him even when I'm tired. Wrestling usually is me just holding him down and punching him repeatedly so I'm not really sure what it is about it he likes so much. But it makes him laugh and smile and seems to lighten his mood which makes me and the girls happy too."

Take Them a Meal

FYI, there are more meal spots available to sign up for so please go visit the "Take Them a Meal" page on this website.  Thanks.

Reality of Life at Home

Facebook post by Jason:

"My family is really struggling with the reality of a long recovery. I think because we are home with john we subconsciously expected fast progress. Especially how well he has done so far. We are all still grieving in our own way. Joe gets angry at simple things easily and really wants john back. Kelly is constantly angry at her mom. Kate maintains a cheerful smile but I catch her rubbing her eyes. Erin holds it together all day but then cries in the dark at night. I am impatient with our emotions because I want us to be strong and I am irritable because I can't fix it. I am hurting seeing john so desperate for real food that he asks to lick the left overs from our plates. It is so hard to go through this without knowing what the future holds. When we think about the past we are reminded of what we have lost. When we contemplate the future, fear threatens to overwhelm us. To survive we can only give thanks for each day that God gives us. When we are able to live in this moment right now, we can still enjoy life even when it doesn't look like we hoped it would be. Please remember to pray for us. I am desperate for your prayer."

Looking for: Twin-sized plastic bed coverings

Hi Rowland friends,

If you have a twin-sized plastic mattress cover or plastic pillow case cover you do not need anymore and would like to pass on to the Rowland family for John's use, please let us know.  Thanks!  =-)