Tuesday, February 3

Well, it was not the news Mr. Bichler wanted to hear but we understand the reasoning. Discharge date has been moved until next Wednesday, Feb. 11. Hopefully, several things will occur during these extra days. First, the food peg that is in Mr. Bichler's stomach will be removed. It was inserted while he was in the surgical intensive care unit and unable to eat. Most importantly, with all of the progress that he is making there is still more improvement that can be made. They also want both of us to be equipped to handle the challenges once Mr. B does get home. One thing that we will do is to spend several nights in the apartment. The apartment is set up downstairs in Dodd Hall and includes a small kitchen, living area, bathroom and bedroom with a regular bed. We will be able to cook our own meals, watch TV, sleep and generally get an idea of what it will be like when we get home, such as safety issues, dispensing medications, ect. Kind of like playing house with supervision. There is a call button in the room if we would need medical assistance or answers to any questions. Mr. Bichler is already planning his menu for our first meal, potato pancakes, sausage, sauerkraut, apple sauce and peach jelly. It's our New Year's dinner that we didn't get to have. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!