Friday, December 11: (6 days ago)
"When I walked into Frankie's room, he told me "hi" and told me to sit down and talk to him. We had a lot to talk about. It was a good conversation. He did stray at times a bit, but he is getting better every time I see him. He is getting physically stronger all the way around. His cognition level is also progressing.
I talked to his doctors yesterday. They are very pleased with Frankie's progress. They are amazed at how much he has improved in such a short period of time. The doctor said that Frankie was walking yesterday with the help of robotics and that he is getting much stronger in his extremities. He is able to help turn himself now in the bed and assist them when they are getting him up.
He is getting up and going to the dining hall every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner, even though he is only getting liquids. This is so he can reorient to the time of day. His wounds are healing. He is also going to start participating in more therapy in the evening with small groups of patients."
Monday, December 14: John 3:16 (3 days ago)
"Sometimes the day is hard and i am not exactly sure what to say. I think this is because I want him to be all better now, but that is not going to happen. It is hard to see him upset about a situation that he cannot quite figure out. This is because he has gaps in his memory that can be filled in with just about anything that seems to him to fit his environment.
We did have a little setback on Thursday. He became very lethargic so they checked for infection. At that time, his white blood count was 16. He showed a urinary tract infection and lung infection, but today his white blood cell count is back to 4.9, which is really good. I saw him on Wednesday and, other than seeming tired, he did not appear to be in any distress. It is funny how they can change so quickly overnight when an infection sets in. However, he has bounced back from that episode very nicely.
He is actually doing really well. He, as mentioned before, knows many current events, people, where he works, etc. but sometimes his brain will have a gap and it is hard to tell what he is going to say next. To get a better idea of where he is, look up the Rancho Cognitive Scale. He is considered to be a IV or V at this point. Please continue to pray for him."
"he really wants to come home, which is understandable. He cannot quite understand that I cannot take care of him here yet. Please pray for him to just be okay with this for now.
Pray for his pressure wound, which is getting better."
"Pray for him to start eating more so that they can get him off his feedings.
Pray for him to continue to progress in his cognitive level.
Pray for him to continue to progress with his strength.
Pray for Brenda for she is struggling, but that is human nature."
For all of the cards that you guys have sent to him. They are priceless. He does get a little emotional when I read off the names on the cards.
Tuesday, December 15:
"I spoke with the nurse today. Frankie is doing well. He can transfer now with the use of a waist belt instead of the hoist. He is participating in all of his therapy. He really is just doing better all the way around physically and with other activities of daily living. Please continue to pray for his eyes. I spoke with him today and he told me he just cannot see very well.
Today, December 17:
I just talked with Frankie on the phone. He said that he walked, with braces on his legs, with the assistance of a walker, for 74 feet today. He said that is the farthest that he has walked. He said "it's all coming back." He said he ate most of his lunch. He told me, when I come to see him tomorrow, to bring his phone and his iPad. I am really not sure whether to do that or not but I guess I will just pray about that. That my friends is "Good News Thursday."
Praises to be for all the prayers that have been and are continually being lifted on Frank's behalf to our heavenly Father. Miracles of prayer that are being answered here at the most precious time of the year ... the birth of the Christ child!
Keep those cards of encouragement coming! f you wish to send Frank a card his address is:
Sheltering Arms Institute
Frank Davis - Room 3120
2000 Wilkes Ridge Place
Richmond, VA 23233
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