Moved/ up and moving

Abel got up and started walking today for the first time in a week. This was good progress even though he is having to use a walker right now. Hopefully he will be walking more steadily as the week progresses.

He also was moved from ICU to a regular room. The room he is in is Roberts 1421. I know a lot of people will be going to DEC this weekend and want to see him. The address is 3500 Gaston Ave. When you find the hospital you will need to ask exactly how to get to Roberts (there are several hospitals in one). The 14th floor (where Abel is) is for transplant patients and I believe specifically liver transplant patients. Even though he is not on the list yet....he will be and this is where he will stay after his transplant. This is good for him because all the doctors he needs to see are on that floor. The doctors don't have to go down looking for him in a different hospital. He is easily accessible to them.

Friends have also asked for the mailing address to the apartment (not the hospital).  The apartment is

Abel Torres
Seville Apartments
 10651 Steppington  Apt 4059
Dallas, Tx 75230

The phone number (if you want to talk to dad and if he is at home) is 214-485-0736

They wanted to remove the nasogastric (feeding) tube today. They gave him a "swallow test". Basically just checking to see if he could swallow some water. He did not pass the test because he got choked. They will try again tomorrow. If he passes the swallow test they will start him on real food....I am assuming liquids like jello and broths. They also are going to try to clean out his throat to see if that helps the situation.

Very good news today and we are pleased with the progress. Slow and steady progress and very thankful.

I also told Abel about the fundraiser at school (the first time he has been awake and alert enough since last Monday -sleeping until Saturday). He was amazed and VERY THANKFUL (as am I). We raised $1,128 just on soup and sandwiches. Thanks for everyone from work for your generosity. I know $10 for soup and sandwiches is a ridiculous price but many of you even paid over the $10. I don't know who you are but God knows and will bless you. Thank you all!!!

Abel also talked about how much he liked the hospital and the people there. He said the service was great and liked the nurses who were taking care of him as well. Thankful for all of those people who are "just doing their job" but making a difficult situation much easier. Thank you.

Abel told Karla today that he was very thankful for my dad staying with him. I think that is a huge understatement. He doesn't have words to describe nor do I. It has been a huge blessing. Dad is able to stay there with him while I continue to work (as much as possible). Thanks dad for taking care of my hubby. We couldn't do it without you!! Love ya!!!