Visit with Dr. Sugarbaker and Team

Dr. Sugarbaker's team did their usual Friday rounds. Dr. Sugarbaker said "he's moving along in a good direction". However, because of some of the output they saw in the tube that's draining his pelvis, the doctor wants Matt to stay in bed today. No problem there! That's what Matt's been voting for all along!

Mid-day they changed the method of drainage from the pelvic tube to a suction method from the method where it collected into a plastic 'grenade". Rob, Dr Sugarbaker's physician's assistant, has been checking throughout the day and has said the drainage is slowing. That's a good thing.

Overall swelling is down. The biggest complaint Matt has so far today is a sore throat. He's been promoted to a sippy cup from ice chips. That's been helping a bit.

Mid-morning Matt had some hives pop up, but they resolved by themselves without having to give him any medication. Not sure what caused that.

Yesterday, Matt noticed the numbness in his right hand hasn't gone away. We had some folks look at it. Today, when we talked to Rob about it, he said that's pretty common. During the 11 hours of surgery, Matt's arm was hyperextended over his head. He said the problem usually resolves itself with time. Matt is noticing that the feeling is slowly coming back.

Thanks for all the prayers and well wishes. We're checking e-mails, reading blog messages and have had the web cam going a couple times today. Matt really enjoys keeping in touch with everyone. Thanks so much.

Catching sleep where he can, but pretty difficult with all the interruptions...what is it with those nurses, anyway!