Gut check time. Without a doubt ... Chuck Picciuti is the most gutsy guy I've ever known. Alas, his gut is giving him fits today. It continues to swell. The doc ordered an N.G. tube (from nose to stomach) in order to pull out gas. This has helped minimally. The tube is a HUGE pain, however. Chuck has been a trooper ... I'm doubting the tube will survive more than two days. That seems to be Chuck's record ... then he calmly pulls it out. Radiology is x-raying his stomach to see if there's a visible issue.

Chuck's had a busy day: trach collar for 2 hours, occupational therapy, and sitting in a chair for almost 2 hours, x-rays every 30 minutes. I believe he will be doing the trach collar again this evening.

Surgery is officially scheduled for Thursday at 4:20. Please pray for steady hands, NO complications, speedy recovery, and no more skin issues. Please continue to pray for his lungs, his nutrition, his spirit, and his wounds.

I praise God for Chuck's fabulous improvements and pray for continued success.