November 28, 2010: Finally, one long peaceful night. This is the first time that I have walked into Brandon's room first thing in the morning before shift change and he is in bed, tubes in place resting comfortably with sedation at a lower level. His feeding tube was replaced before we left last night around 10. He is still breathing on his own. All his vital signs are normal and holding steady and his fever appears to be managed by the meds. His breathing is markedly less raspy. I can no longer hear and feel the gurgling or popping (rales and rhonchi) by standing at his bedside and placing my hand on his chest. Deep suctioning was very productive last night and they were able to remove an impressive plug from his lungs.
They just finished drawing an arterial blood gas the old fashion way since Brandon lost his art line in one of his more active moments. His Propofol sedation was at 35. While drawing the ABG, Brandon opened his eyes and turned toward the blood draw and tried to sit up. He calmed right down when asked to do so and remained fairly calm while the sedation was increased slightly. I anxiously await this morning's vacation in hopes of a repeat of yesterday's performance. They begin the tube removals if he is able to provide a repeat. He continues to maintain his own respiratory support on CPAP, (pressure assisted ventilation).
We appreciate all the support and visitors at the hospital. With Brandon's increased awareness we have been asked to limit Brandon's bedside visitors to family. Others are welcome in the waiting room. If we are not there feel free to ask the receptionist to have a family member come to the waiting room to visit with you. Family members are reminded that some well timed stimulation is great, however, with everyone wanting to see him open his eyes, squeeze hands and do a number of other activities, you would think we are trying to train him to be a sideshow performer.
Kassi continues to heal while trying to spend time with Brandon. I am concerned she is doing more than she should. She stands, walks, travels to and from Salt Lake, and tries to heal all at once. She felt some very distinct pops in her left shoulder and she now sports a very prominent bump on her left collar bone.
When you see her and all she is doing, it is hard to believe she is doing it with broken ribs, collar bone, surgically repaired femur, and a lung that is healing. By the time she goes home it is amazing she has any strength left to get in and out of the car let alone into bed.
Megan continues to do well with her hand in a soft cast. She has an appointment with her doctor next week. I continue to be amazed at how she reacted when the accident happened. She must come by it naturally or get it from her dad. Without her and her efforts, there would have been a much different outcome. Her healing will take more than fixing broken bones as she relives a very terrifying experience and continues to ask the dreaded question, why?.
All of those involved are weeks ahead in their healing of where anyone expected them to be. This is a direct result of all your thoughts, prayers, and fasting in their behalf. We are hopeful that the roller coaster is finished with all its major downward spirals.
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