Update from Kathy re: Tom - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2008 04:41 PM, CST

[Guest guest]

Well, everyone has told us to expect some up days and some down days

during Tom's recovery. This is a bit of a down day. They've started Tom

on IV nutrition, but it hasn't made him feel any stronger yet. He's

just going to have to give it some time, but that's easier said than

done. Thank goodness for bowl games...at least those can distract him a

little. Oh, and Barry, thank goodness for the Ipod...it's the only way

he can nap with the noise around here. I don't know how Tom has stayed

as positive as he has without much in the way of solid food or sleep

for three and a half weeks now. That's a real nightmare to me! I've

been making up for his lack of eating. I wonder if 'The Biggest Loser'

will be looking for new contestants when this is all over.Tom

continues to have some intestinal issues, but it's getting a little

better. They still haven't gotten him hydrated enough yet, though.

According to Debbie (the donor's wife), they were told that town

Hospital admitted 8 transplant recipient and/or donors with flu-like

symptoms in the past few days. Obviously something is going around.Tom

thinks they're going to release him tomorrow, but we'll need to

continue his IV nutrition at home. I may have to call on my dear friend

Terri across the street to help me do this nursing thing. She was an

ICU nurse, so she knows what she's doing. How wonderful it is to have

such great friends!I don't have anything else to report today. Please keep our family in your prayers...especially Tom.Kathy

To send a message to Tom, Kathy and family goto;

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/thomasbutler

-- Ian Cribb P.Eng.