Day +54 - The Battle Begins to Turn

After so long, Charles will be ending his 8th week at OHSU this Tuesday, his new immune system is beginning to settle in. The Drs that come and visit each morning say, "Little steps." As we visit we can see those small improvements.
Charles still has a way to go and has endured much, so we are so thankful for these small things. Charles still spends much of his time resting, light. When staff or visitors come he arouses and acknowledges.
He takes his pills with applesause, popcicles and small amounts of pop. This past week he requested Fanta Orange pop and banana popcicles. So, we stocked the OHSU frig with pop and popcicles. Still he has to be careful of his mouth intake because his stomach upsets easily. He enjoys ice chips!
They continue to monitor his progress and adjust meds accordingly. They have dropped the level of his steriods to 20mgs a twice a day as of yesterday. That is good! He still receives "food" (TPN) through an IV as well as a bunch of meds. His med "tree" is fairly loaded.
Improvements: His skin is clearing up and no longer hurts; his guts have settled down some. He hasn't had disorientation for many days now and he is not as groggy/sleepy.
"Many of the Turner staff participated in a 10K walk/run as part of the Cascade Half Marathon. We dedicated it to Aaron! I'm very sore but I'd do it again for my precious Aaron! By the way this is my contribution to his blog.(Mom DeeDee) My runner's number and his picture, that I wore on my backpack, are on his bulletin board now! He continues to progress a little each day and we are very encouraged."

DeeDee's sister, Heidi, and her husband Ron, are in the middle of the front row. DeeDee is in the upper middle.
To see a video of a local newspaper click on the following link:
See Video, click here The video is titled: "Runners invade Turner for Cascade Half Marathon." Dan Peterson is DeeDee's Principal.

The Drs say that for Charles to be released he needs to meet the following criteria:
1.) must take all meds by mouth,
2.) must be able to eat by mouth,
3.) be able to stand/walk care for self.
They are working on each of these but to 'eat by mouth' the body must heal. The Drs are doing what they can to assist the body.

Time truly is the healer. The nurses/CNAs are wonderful. Again, we appreciate the faith and prayers of family and friends. Truly, Charles and we are very blessed. And, Karlin is so wonderful and caring. Charles perks at her voice.
Don