The sun is shining brighter

Dear Friends,

We have had unique opportunities this morning to spend time with mom. Nikki and Keanna arrived early this morning from California. Nikki and I came first for a visit and were allowed to sit in when the entire staff discussed the plan for Nan's care today. It was very interesting to listen as they discussed the process of gradually backing off on some meds and trying other things to keep things moving forward. She had a good night and when we walked in this morning we say the temp, 98.4. That sure looked good. Also the heart rate was down about 10 to 15 beats per minute, the blood pressure is holding. Problem areas remain with high creatins, 3.3, should be 1.5 and kidneys that are having a hard time keeping up with the demand to process all the fluids she has been given. Her platelettes are low but they have not given her any since after the surgery yestereday. They are going to try to shock her kidneys into increased action with 240 mg of lasixs and if that does not do the job they will consider doing dialysis on a very gradual and long term basis to drain off extra fluids and get the creatins down to a better level.

Several times we have been told by people in the ICU that she is doing better overall, however there are still grave risks. At the present time they are gently waking her up partially to test her brain function, have her move her legs, arms. We will not know the results of that test in awhile, could be a day or two before she wakes up enough to conduct the test. She will not be awake enough to carry on conversations or anything like that yet.

So for now at 1:30 in Boston we are hopeful. Sharon Nelson, sister in law, is flying back to Texas this afternoon and we have deeply appreciated her coming up yesterday and being such a huge help in so many ways. She will return when she can.

Dana, Nan's sister is leaving Tuesday morning and also will return later. Our children, Jason and Nikki are both here and are like rocks for me to interact with. What a huge blessing family is and I urge you to take a moment and let those around you know how you feel toward them while you can. When a family faces a crisis of this magnitude every earthly thing receeds in importance and only vital people issues matter.

We all want to thank you for your prayers, kind thoughts, wonderful messages on the blog site. Lets just keep the prayers going for this gentle wonderful lady who has touched us all.

Thank you so much,

Tim and the whole family