Ann & Steve John visiting Denny

Dear Friends of Denny,

Mom reports that Dad has been having a good week. They have established a therapy routine, and he's been working hard. He starts off with speech therapy, sits in his chair (which strengthens his core), has lunch, then physical therapy and occupational therapy. The speech therapist has been working with him on swallowing food. He is doing a good job, but can't completely close his throat muscles yet. His voice seems to be getting a bit stronger as well. We are beginning to be able to hear some what he is saying when we talk on the phone, even with the trach. The physical therapist works with him on the standing machine doing two sets of stands for 4 minutes at a time. The occupational therapist is excited because his left arm is improving a lot!

His sleep pattern is still a little off, and he has been a bit of a night owl recently(according to Mom, there's too much night life with the nurses). This makes him pretty sleepy during the day, but he is still doing his exercises. The doctor is trying to adjust his sleep with medication, but it taking it slow, which we appreciate.

Dad had a few more visitors from Eureka this week. Ann and Steve John stopped by to say hello. It was great to see them.

We hope all is well with you and yours!
The Cahill Family