I was able to visit Chuck today. I hadn't seen him since January because I had a cold that wouldn't leave and by the time it did, he was back on the ventilator. Chuck's family and friends were gathered in a family room in the bone marrow ward, just down the hall from his room, for an Easter buffet meal. Chuck was brought into the room in a large adjustable hospital chair where he was able to sit up in a reclining position. For what he's been through, Chuck looked better than I thought he would. He was lucid and coherent and we talked for quite awhile. He also ate quite a bit over a 2 hour period. It was good to see him getting real food again. He is able to raise his arms up and use his hands which is a big improvement. We both agreed that his stubbornness was responsible for him still being alive. It's still too early to tell if his lungs will recover this time but he is doing better and they're being slower about lowering his prednisone dose this time. If all continues to improve, he will most likely be in a rehab home for a short period until he is strong enough to come home.
My biggest impression was that Chuck has improved quite a bit since he was taken off the ventilator the second time. His arms and hands were stronger than I expected and his mental awareness and ability to communicate were both good. If his lungs recover, I think he'll be back home within a month.