Health update: this morning Patty and I went down to see the surgeon in Norfolk, and HE REMOVED THE PERCUTANEOUS ENDOSCOPIC GASTROSTOMY (PEG) TUBE!!! That was the tube stuck into my stomach, that they used to feed my for several weeks, and to send medications directly into my stomach during the hospitalization. Since I was discharged a little more than a month ago, it's not been used and has been pure irritation. Now I don't have anything stuck into my body!

The surgeon said the wound will heal within 72 hours. I look forward, then, to stepping up my exercise activity. I've received the use of a recumbent exercise bike for my legs, and I have a rowing machine for upper body. So, slowly and progressively, I'll be building up strength!

We drove down to the appointment an hour early, and we visited the ICU and the step-down units I was in, to say hello to the nurses and therapists, and to thank them for the care they gave to me. I also saw two of the pulmonologists who took care of me. They were thrilled to see how far I've come! And it was a moving experience for me to thank them.