7/9/07

Another weekend has gone by and another weekend I went down to see Ray. He is still in great spirits and doing well. This weekend Ray went into surgery on Saturday instead of Friday due to the holiday. When he came out he was freezing as usual and we packed him with a lot of blankets and heating packs. His oxygen level in his blood seemed low. The doctors ordered a Blood Gas (this is a test to get a better reading) THREE – different staff members poked in his arm to get blood from his artery with to no success. I told them 3 strikes your out! Kidding of course! His arm was too swollen and I guess from him being cold it just wasn’t happening. A little concerned the Dr. ordered a CAT Scan to check his lungs. They told me there was a chance he would need to go back to ICU (just for monitoring purposes only). In ICU Ray would have a nurse sitting right outside his area to monitor him and his breathing. She also explained they may need to insert a tube in his artery to get the good reading on the Blood Gas. They came and took Ray down to get the CAT scan as I waited in his room. Eventually they can and told me he indeed went to the ICU. I then was escorted down there. Ray had fluid gathering around his lungs, so they needed to reinsert his chest tube. I was assured Ray was well medicated before all this happened. When I saw him, Ray joked with me. He said he was singing Johnny Cash while in the CAT Scan and he even told the nurse he loved her!!! Sunday morning I went back up to the hospital, and they told me he did well through the night and they were transferring him back to his regular room on the 5th floor. I was excited. He slept most of the day, and only woke up here and there. He did get a call from one of his best friends Chris which woke him right up at least for a few minutes. He also had a few Marines stop by while he was sleeping.

Before I forget (not likely, but) Ray got his Purple Heart. As soon as I scan the pictures they will also be posted. I will get more info, but I believe a 4 star General presented it to him. Donna said it was very emotional! We are all proud of him even before he got his Purple Heart!

Lastly for this post, I just want to thank everyone for all the wonderful cards and gifts, Ray’s room is definitely the best decorated. The Drs. and nurses are amazed by our support, so thanks again!