We just had a very good conversation with Joe's Social Worker, however she could only answer so much prior to speaking with Joe's Physical Therapist (PT) and Occupational Therapist (OT). We haven't met them yet, but hopefully they'll be in before the day is over. It is their recommendations that will hold the most sway in deciding the next steps.

Everything else being equal, Joe would like to do his two week rehab in Chicago. Unfortunately, things are far from equal so that's where we're very interested in what the two therapists have to say. They will be taking everything into consideration including Joes wishes and what's best for the patient.

These two weeks of initital therapy will probably (I say probably because again this is subject to the therapists inputs) consist of three hours per day of intense work and will require him to stay in a facility. Managing his pain will be an important part of this, and I believe he will soon be moving from the self-administered morphine to a more regularly scheduled medication routine administered by the pros.

So, bottom line is that the Social Worker knows his wishes and we're waiting for what the PT and OT have to say after their full evaluation of his condition. On the business side of things, the social worker is also checking into exactly what the insurance will and will not allow. The bean counters are involved in everything! Chicago may be the goal, but Atlanta may be the reality. If so, then the goal switches to getting Joe home by Christmas. Keep your fingers crossed.

By the way, Joe's beard is coming in nicely and he's trying to decide whether or not to shave. I'll try and get a new picture up so you can all help with the decision. Maybe a poll will be in order!

Looking Forward...Keith