February 8, 2012Good afternoon. This morning I read your replies to the last two days' emails to Peter. He was deeply touched. "Thank you all. Peace be with you," were the words he wanted me to offer you in return.
Visits from friends near and far have been a welcome thing, within energy limits. Rest is still high on Dad's priority list, but so is sharing grace with close ones.
Given his condition Monday, it felt appropriate to arrange for goodbyes. The hopefulness of yesterday's improvement was a very welcome development. Today's lab test results showed further decline in bilirubin (that's what we want), but the concentration is still high and the prognosis uncertain. Based on this, on professional recommendations and on how he feels, Dad -- with support and encouragement from family, friends and colleagues -- decided to authorize a needle biopsy of the liver. The physicians have indicated this relatively low-invasive procedure is the best first option toward a diagnosis. It will be scheduled for tomorrow. Results will point to any next steps. We will take this all one step at a time.
The photo above is of Dad during his PT session yesterday afternoon. He walked, with some trepidation and support on both sides, about 8 feet from the bed and back with walker. Louie Vitale just called and let me know that this afternoon he walked -- by himself -- a lot further outside the room in the hallway. Singing.
May grace abound.
-Duane
Dear Peter,
ReplyDeleteI love you. Thank you for all that you taught me.
Connie
Thanks for setting this up - Peter is such an inspiring, gentle and gracious man - he is in our prayers. Much love from all at Pace e Bene Australia.
ReplyDeleteSimon Moyle, GraceTree community, Melbourne, Australia.