Day 18: October 18, 2011

Daniel has received multiple, multiple cards, letters and get well notes from his church group, school mates and community.  Daniel and his family send out their deepest appreciation.  Although Daniel is unable to respond to the many letters, cards and notes that have been read to him by his family, we know he hears and deeply appreciates all these thoughts. Daniel had a comfortable night.  9:00am Daniel had physical therapy.  10:00am Daniel went in for a tracheotomy and a peg (percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy) in his stomach.  This is to remove the breathing tube in his throat and the feeding tube in his nose.  Should be an hour and a half surgery and an hour recovery.
To answer questions from comments, Daniel's NFL team is the Pittsburgh Steelers (but mom is going for the Ravens), his college team is the Florida Gaters and his second college choice is Boise State.
We had funny story take place that we would like to share with you.  Mom called Daniel's sister Rachael to let her know about Daniel's surgery today.  Mom told her they would be doing a tracheotomy and a peg.  She explained the tracheotomy was a hole in the throat for him to breath instead of through his mouth and the peg was a hole in his gut to put the feeding tube instead of through his nose.  Well Rachael started laughing at this and proceeded to tell her husband.  He started laughing at this as well.  When mom asked what was so funny they came to the realization that Rachael and her husband thought she said the peg was a hole in his butt instead of his gut. hehe!
Surgery went well!  Some time later that afternoon the doctor came in to see if there would be a response from Daniel on command.  The doctor asked Daniel to stick out his tongue and HE DID IT!  One step at a time, one day at a time.  He was also put in the chair again.  While he was sitting in the chair, Daniel and his brother watched the sports channel.  Not sure of his eye contact, but this is continuing therapy.