We finally saw Dr. de la Fuenta this week (Donnie’s surgeon), for the first time after his surgery.  It’s been 5 1/2 weeks.  Donnie’s surgical sites are healing very well.  He is still very sore internally, but it is getting a little better each day.  It is difficult for him to sit up for long, as his pant’s waist pushes right on his surgical area.  Dr. de la Fuenta was very pleased with his progress, and said to him, “Slow down . . . take it easy there . . . this was a big surgery.  Give yourself some time to heal.  You won’t be healed for 6 months post-op.”  Maybe we can all keep reminding him of that 🙂  He weighs 168 pounds, and gaining a little weight each day.  He was 178 pounds before surgery, but he’s making progress.

He is bored, but can’t do much, as walking or riding in the car “jars” his surgical area, and it hurts.  So, he only gets out in small doses.  His first outing to see a friend happened to be Frances Conner.  He wanted to “lift her spirits” by showing up as a surprise (after she had been in the hospital).  I think it was good medicine for both of them!!  Frances is always good for a laugh and encouragement!!  Love that girl!!  Great to see Leah Morrison and Kathy McDonald (taking pic), too 🙂

Jeff (son) and Kaia (granddaughter) came to see Donnie, and we got Bri (granddaughter) to come over and play with her.  Since they are 5 and 6 years old, they have a lot of fun together.  Donnie got some good lovin’ from the girls, as they are both crazy about him!!  It’s always great when Donnie gets to spend time with Jeff!!

Maegan (niece) also came over, which made it an awesome day for the girls!! When Maegan is around, none of the rest of us exist when it comes to Kaia and Bri!!   Ronnie and Darlene were here, too.  It was a great visit, and uplifting for D.

We also got the chance to eat breakfast at IHOP on Friday (for the first time since surgery) with Jim Giordano, one of Donnie’s closest friends from the ICU at Florida Hospital East.  Wish I had taken a picture . . . sorry Jimmy!!!  It was great that Donnie even felt like going.  Then we actually had a celebration dinner at Outback which was really delicious, and got to see Maegan our niece, along with Karla and Kevin…some of our favs at the restaurant.  As you can see, my silver fox is on his way back!

  Look at all that hair!!!

Thank you for your prayers.  He is still on morphine extended release for his neuropathy, and still taking hydrocodone for breakthrough pain.  Please continue to pray for his recovery from surgery, which will not be complete until December. Pray for strength, weight gain, and health. You can see in his face that he’s getting some energy back, feels like talking to Rodger (baby brother) for 5 hours on the phone, and is overall his pleasant, happy self.  Can’t wait til he has the energy to sing again.  It will probably be a few more months, but well worth the wait 🙂

Love,  Donnie & Tina