We received word Tuesday that Rocky’s surgery will be performed on Tuesday, July 9th at the Northwestern Hospital in downtown Chicago. We were told to be there by 5:30 am. Rocky will be in the operating room for 10 to 12 hours. He will recuperate for two days in ICU, then on to a regular room for another 5 days. Longer if blips occur. We were advised his stay will be 7 to 12 days.
Then the convalescence begins. Speech therapy to learn communications without a voice box. Breathing lessons with a permanent stoma through the trachea. Eating practice with a reconstructed esophagus, a new diet of soft foods, then graduating to solids well chewed. A new life routine to be learned and perfected. This is what we do to preserve life and happy futures.
I will stay at a nearby hotel to be close to Rocky. Friends and family have donated funds to make this happen, and to transport two old guys through unimaginable traffic in one of the most congested neighborhoods in the city. With such support we are encouraged that all efforts will succeed. We have high spirits and hope.
And gratitude for a caring, loving family and community.
More news will be shared in this space as it happens. Meanwhile, thank you all for your prayers and warm thoughts. All are appreciated at times such as these.
July 5, 2019
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