Update

There is not much change in Chuck’s condition, he is stable but still very ill.  To protect his privacy, I will just tell you a couple medical stories while I am waiting to go back to the hospital tonight to visit. 

This is a small community hospital about 30 miles from Little Rock.  I went to college in this small town which is now a much larger, bedroom community to Little Rock.  The pulmonary doctor and all the nurses have been fantastic.  But—Chuck has been in this hospital since Thursday and we had not seen hide nor hair of his cardiologist, the primary/main doctor.  No calls, no visits, nothing.  Last night I told Chuck’s nurse that I was firing this guy and requesting a new cardiologist.

As we were sitting with Chuck this morning, the pulmonary doctor came to visit.  He asked me what the cardiologist thought.  I said, “how should I know, we’ve never met him.”  The poor guy was so taken aback he didn’t know what to say, finally stumbling out with, “Dr. **** hasn’t been here??”  I said, “no, we’ve been in that waiting room out there, non-stop since Thursday and we’ve yet to see him.”  We talked about other issues for a while and he left.  In less than 15 minutes the cardiologist walked in the door—I think the pulmonary doctor must have put a bug in his ear!

It is about a 70+ mile drive one way to this hospital from my Mom’s house.  That was getting old!  Barry and Donna offered us the use of their home, they live only about 10 miles outside this town—and we appreciate that offer so much more than they will ever know!  But, yesterday the nurse told us about the hospital’s guest house only two blocks from the hospital.  The price was unbeatable—free!  It’s a very, very old home, high ceilings, lots of built in cabinetry, beautiful, dark hardwood flooring—we will be comfortable here. 

Thank you all for your many thoughts and prayers—they are much appreciated!