Sunday March 16th

(I've gleaned this update from texts from Becky, our eyes on the scene, so forgive me if our imperfect grapevine results in some corrections later)

Dad says he slept well in the night.

Today,  Dad had the first of a series of bronchoscopes to clean out his lungs. They will do this every few days until he is strong enough to cough on his own. They cleared plugs from his right lung and will culture for infection. He is sedated during the procedure.

"Looking at possibly doing a trach on Tuesday or Thursday. Dr says "sooner the better just because it does need to be done" It will free up dad's jaw more.

Direct quote from Becky "He can move his eyes some and head some. Dr says he's showing stronger movements this morning."

Last night, dad expressed concern about how he could call the nurse if he needed her. Because he is intubated and unable to move, they were unable to come up with an alternate system, but the nurse assured him that she would check on him frequently, and he was relieved. Becky sent this text today- "Nurse Molly created a call button for dad to use with his chin. She was up late last night. Said "It was all I could think about!" It's a gray soft button the size of a fist and placed on/under dad's chin when we aren't here. Still trying to figure out where to place it and how to attach it"

Becky received a wonderful care package from her co-workers yesterday. Thank you for bringing renewed energy to her! Your kindness is appreciated by the whole family!

To friends and family that are just hearing about Dad's condition in the last 24 hours- our sincerest apologies. We were trying to triage our efforts starting with the basics of Airway, Breathing, Circulation...then we moved onto Diagnosis and Energy (as in -trying to find an ounce of energy!) and have finally arrived at Friends. And somehow in there we also dealt with a full move, children, and phones that wouldn't receive phone calls! So glad you are here now and praying with us through his recovery.