April 3-6, 2010 - Catching Up

Sorry for the lag between updates...

Saturday and Sunday, the 3rd and 4th, were relatively busy days, with several visitors and more tests.

• Dad was on the ventilator over the weekend. He's doing most of the breathing work, but the assist is very helpful at the margins.
• He continues to be withdrawn. Being on the vent meant no speaking valve, so no real opportunity to draw him into conversation.
• He is being treated aggressively with antibiotics and other medicine to combat the fluid that has collected in his chest. Otherwise, his condition is stable.
  
• Weekend visitors included great-grandchildren Jake and Molly, grandson Chris, Trina, friends Dale and Sherry, as well as friends T.R. and Ryan.
  
• Mom enjoyed a wonderful Easter day with T.R. and family at Ryan and Natalia's.
• Thanks to all.
  

Monday and Tuesday saw Dad in better spirits and more open to communication. Unfortunately, he wasn't able to use his speaking valve since he was still on the ventilator, so Mom and Mike had to work on their lip reading. Still, there was a fair amount of smiling and laughing, which is great to see.

• Dad remained on the ventilator at the start of the week. The breathing support he receives is minimal for the most part, but he does get a full rest from time-to-time.
• Dad continues to be stable and his improved mood is encouraging. Still, he is fighting hard on many fronts.
• Among the issues he is working on, Dad is not clearing fluids like he should and is taking medication to support those functions.
  
• Pseudomonas pneumonia is a primary focus of the fight for the medical team. The cause can be traced to Dad's weakened physical condition and the time he's spent on the ventilator over these past months.
• We are encouraged by the attention that Dad's is getting across the spectrum - medically, physical and occupational therapy, and so forth.
  
• It's been a long fight and, realistically, it's going to go on for a long, long time. Still, we remain optimistic.
  

Thank you for your prayers and other support. I mentioned in an early posting that I was awed and humbled by the breadth and depth of Dad's friendships. The outpouring of support and encouragement over the last 3 months has really driven that point home again and again. Thank you.

Please continue to pray for Dad's complete recovery. In particular, please pray that his pneumonia will abate and that his spirits continue to improve. Also, please continue to pray that Mom and Dad will have strength and peace throughout this ordeal.