March 25 & 26, 2010 - Bumpy, but Stable

March 25th, Thursday, was something of a rough day. Dad went back on the ventilator mid-morning in response to his labored breathing.

• Dad's vital signs remained in the normal range, although his heart and respiration rates were higher than I've seen in the recent past.
• He slept through much of the middle part of the day, with the ventilator resting him.
  
• Dad was uncomfortable and had pain medication a couple of times.
• There was not much in the way of communication, so it was a quiet day in that respect.
  

Friday was an improvement, but Dad stayed on the ventilator through the day.

• The doctors did a bronchoscope in the afternoon. They suctioned a small amount from his right lung and collected a sample for culture. No word yet on what the culture showed.
• He had a slight fever, which the TICU team is monitoring.
  
• Other than the fever, Dad's vital signs continued in the normal range and were less volatile, but still tending to the high side.
• Son John arrived late Thursday night from Newport News. His Friday visit cheered Dad noticeably, with lots of smiles and clear appreciation.
• Otherwise, another quiet day.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support for Dad and Mom. Please continue to pray for Dad's complete recovery and, particularly, his peace of mind with his situation. Also, please pray for strength and peace for Mom and Dad throughout this ordeal.

Many of you have kindly shared your personal stories of dealing with family health issues, some of which are ongoing today. Among my prayers is that each of you in those situations will know the same abundance of love and support that I have witnessed for Dad.