Anniversary #32 and Swallow Test

Where does the time go?  Last week we celebrated our 32nd anniversary.  Seems like it was just yesterday when I was a junior at Dordt College and he was a city police officer.  It was exactly 34 years ago when he drove up next to me on his Goldwing motorcycle and asked me if I wanted a ride.  Sure glad I said yes!

Last winter a group of our friends gifted us with a gift certificate to Semiahmoo Resort.  We just haven't had a weekend where we could use it.  This past weekend was open AND it was our anniversary so it worked out great.  Part of the deal was that our friends join us for dinner, so they did.  We had such a fun evening - we missed you Carl & Renee!! And thanks to John & Barbara for the wine!  It was so relaxing to get out of town and enjoy the beach.

This week Monday was Les' swallow test.  His speech therapist ordered it to make sure he wasn't aspirating when he ate.  I was so surprised to be invited into the "booth" to watch - along with the doctor, an intern and several nurses.  The doctor explained that Les is swallowing correctly, his difficulty is with his tongue.  BUT they only gave him small amounts of liquids and crackers - he chokes when he has a larger glass of water or when he takes pills.  Deanna (speech therapist) suspects that he is beginning to aspirate then.  She is glad that he is getting a feeding peg soon.  She ordered tests with the ear/nose/throat doctor because she suspects his vocal folds aren't working properly.  Sometimes Les will lose his breath and feel like his throat is being squeezed.  He is also experiencing more saliva in his mouth - because he doesn't swallow instinctively.

Les' throat/neck on screen, Les and Deanna in background

We popped in to say hi to nurse Jen.  She asked right away if Les is losing weight.  Since we don't have a scale in the house, we don't really know, so Jen weighed him.  He has lost 10 pounds since January.  Jen is also glad that the feeding peg is being scheduled - Les needs to keep his nutrients up!   His feeding tube surgery is next Thursday and he will spend the night down at UW.  Please pray for a successful surgery and a quick recovery.

We hopped over to Virginia Mason to visit Kris' friend Matt.  It was so good to visit with him.  Please pray for a miracle of healing for this young man!