Real Food & Insulin

Andy is finally eating real food again...almost. He is enjoying mashed potatoes, jello, corn, and some other things. He is really craving some watermelon--we need to get on that. For now, doctors have also introduced Insulin to Andy's diet. If things proceed as hoped, he might be able to return to his diabetes pills, but for now, it's Insulin "straight up" or "on the rocks."

Word on the street says that Diane is still guarding the door and phone so that Andy can rest. Word from Andy says that he really enjoys the company and interaction; it makes him feel better, keep up to date, and know he is still needed in our community. In fact, Raymond says it is helping him heal even faster. So feel free to visit, just make sure you give Diane a hug at the door ;o)

Andy has some big decisions coming up soon as to where he will stay in order to try to regain and maintain his health. A Utah or California debate has already begun in the back rooms of Congress, and the discussion could move to the floor soon. Thanks for your ongoing support and let us know if you have suggestions.

Got Shower?

Andy received his new companion pacemaker this morning. The doctors report that everything went as expected during the operation. After being wheeled back to his room; however, Andy tried to get up and take a shower by himself (again). What is with him and showers? He wants a shower before surgery, one after surgery, one with assistance, one by himself. He is resting today and should be able to speak to folks tomorrow, as long as he's not in the shower ... he continues life in room #706.

Keeping Good Pace

Andy continues to make impressive improvement this week, although he still faces some huge lifestyle and life-changing decisions during the coming week. He has now been transferred out of ICU and into a somewhat "normal" room (#706)--no restrictive visiting hours anymore. Feel free to visit him beginning this coming Friday; however, please don't give him more ice chips than suggested by his nurses and don't do what Raymond did and give Andy gum--Andy said he could have gum, uh, but he shouldn't yet ;o) He also told us that he was craving watermelon and orange juice, quite in contrast to what he used to crave. Call the nurses' station (on the 7th Floor) ahead of time to get your visit approved by dialing (801) 408-1100.

Andy has done more than take a lap around his bed; he has begun shaving and even taken a few "assisted" showers. That said, he is still adamant that things will happen on his terms. For example, last night he decided to disconnect all of his IVs and other tubes and take a shower by himself. After searching his room and surroundings, a nurse finally discovered him all lathered up and enjoying the hot water and Zest body wash Diane bought for him. Andy...mind your manners or you'll get five across the eye!

Back on the serious side of things, his doctors have decided that Andy will receive a new pacemaker tomorrow, sometime between 10:30 and 2 p.m. Although this surgery is delicate, the pacemaker operation should be standard procedure for these guys after performing so many of them. The estimate for Andy's recovery, assuming everything goes well, is one week. If he continues to improve on schedule, he should be able to leave LDS Hospital in three days after his recovery: Translation = Andy should be out of the hospital in 8-10 days!

Andy seems to be making a near miraculous turn-around by overcoming the earlier projections that he had only a 25 percent chance of survival. He's strong and stubborn: two attributes that have definitely contributed to his survival thus far. Now may come even the more difficult part--life after a major heart attack. According to doctors, this means ongoing medication, exercise, proper eating habits and other major lifestyle changes. Therefore, Andy's ultimate survival still requires dedication and attention from all of us, especially Andy. For all of you who have made donations, thank you very much. Andy and his family are truly touched by your ongoing generosity. Please keep Andy in your prayers and thoughts as his battle continues.

Left Side Learning

Andy continues to make progress little by little. Word on the street, however, suggests that he might have suffered a stroke sometime during the initial stages of his hospitalization. Consequently, the left side of his body will require some physical therapy and fine tuning. We'll see what his ultimate diagnosis and progress will be; we know he is anxious to return to as normal a life as he can as soon as possible. For a while, however, it will most likely be Andy's students who will encourage him to keep his left hand up on his flams.

Ice, Ice Baby

Andy's diet was upgraded yesterday afternoon to include ice chips with a dash of Splenda™. The ice chips help solve the overwhelming thirst sensations he has experienced from the minute he woke up from his two-week long "dream." As far as the Splenda™ is concerned, I think it's just to add a little "taste" to his meal ... sweet, without the sugar.

Andy impressed everyone by taking his first lap around his bed today. Using the bed for balance he strolled around his bed nearly on his own, oh, and back ... the only down side to his big jaunt was the cramps he experienced afterwards. He did manage to make it over to the lounge chair in his room for a rest though. He has been able to sit in a normal chair for short periods today. The leg wraps that Andy loves so much automatically fill with air, and then decompress, in order to prevent blood clots, but not cramps I guess.

The Garcia family said that Andy really enjoys the visits from his students and friends, even though they do wear him out. So, feel free to visit Andy at LDS Hospital most anytime except the hours of 6 to 8 p.m. Thanks to everyone who set up booths, distributed donation buckets, or wore Andy Garcia signs at the Alpine Parade on Saturday. Every little bit goes a long way.

Finally, there is one last note this evening from the Andy Garcia Headquarters. You will all be proud to know that Andy received an average "fashion rating" of 9.3 out of a possible 10 points for the blue hospital gown (folded down to expose one shoulder) and gray booties he is wearing--these results according to a recent KSL/Dan Jones poll based on a margin of error of +/-3 percent.