Thank you Mike, Mark and George,
You are absolutely right that the clot is a very dangerous situation. Our family is all too aware of those dangers. Several of my family members have a genetic clotting disorder that increases the risk of DVT and stroke. We lost my little sister when she was 26 because of it. I do not have it but my other sister, my dad, my uncle, several cousins and my niece and nephew do, unfortunately.
He has been put on Coumadin and they bridged it with Lovenox until he was at therapeutic levels. They had him on heparin after surgery but because he had never gotten a clot before they felt he was safe without blood thinners when he was discharged from the hospital. Well now that has changed and I am sure he will be dealing with it for quite a long time.
He is frightened of the clot traveling to his lung or brain, which is a very real risk.
The good news is, that he is getting his appetite back, and seems to be able to keep himself hydrated and is starting to feel better. His mental outlook appears to be improving. But this is definitely a huge change for his life. It is a heavy load.
He certainly hasn't given up and has been willing to do what is needed to fight for his life. I am inspired by him. And by all of you.
Debi