11/11 update

Hi all,

My sister, Kristen, left late this afternoon so you are stuck with my brother and me for the next several days! I'm sorry to say that I'm likely not going to be as prolific or comprehensive as Kris has been but I will do my best!

First thing this morning Beege and I went to the hospital and found Dad resting very comfortably. It was his first night with the Bi-Pap mask and though it's a bit too small, it didn't seem to matter in terms of his breathing and comfort. During our visit, Dad was still a bit drowsy. Dr. Savage came in to update us on events of the upcoming days and tested his responsiveness. He was only somewhat responsive but when Melinda asked him to give a thumbs up, he happily smiled and stroked her hand *with his thumb.* She took it as a win.

Later in the morning, we all went back to the hospital so Kris and Heather could say bye to Dad before leaving. It took him a little bit to wake up but when he did he was in great shape! He was very talkative and moving all four limbs. At one point, Melinda was again testing his right arm responsiveness and he ignored her only to lift it straight up in the air moments after she turned away. He looked a little surprised at first but then proceeded to move it all around, lifting it up and down, and even trying to get his tubes out. Minutes after, that arm had to be restrained. :) Right now the doctors and nurses are mainly focused on distinguishing between spontaneous and purposeful movement. They're also trying to distinguish between what Dad wants to do and what he's annoyed with us asking him to do for the 7800th time. One of the things that surprised us the most occurred in a conversation he was having (remember we can't understand about 95% of what he says) with Heather. Heather told Dad that she would be back in 5 days. In a separate conversation more than 5 minutes later, everyone was heading out and BJ said he'd be back. Dad said, "see you in 5 days too?" So we learned that not only did he understand Heather but he was able to reference that memory in a later conversation. Needless to say, we felt great leaving the hospital!

We stopped back by the hospital late afternoon and it honestly seemed like Dad was getting a little tired of seeing us! He kept saying, "all right!" Like...okay...if you have to go, no worries. We asked him, "do you want us to go?" "No...nah.........all right!" We stayed for a bit but it was clear he wanted to have some alone/rest time.

Tonight we called for an update to see if he was awake and we should head over for a visit. Marie, the night nurse, informed us that he was suited up in his Bi-Pap mask and was resting comfortably. On a side note, Marie worked special tonight so she could be with Dad. Apparently they were singing the tune to, "You are my Sunshine" together and he was right on with the melody! She let us know that she is "really going to miss him" when he is finally let out of ICU.

The big news for today: Tonight at midnight Dad is having the ventrix clamped. At 6am he will have his next Cat-scan.  The doctors are looking to see if the size of the ventricles change; this will determine whether or not Dad needs a shunt. Either way, it looks like the ventrix will be removed in the next few days so that the risk of spinal meningitis is significantly reduced.

Thanks, as always, for your continued support of our Dad. We are forever amazed and grateful for all of the love and kindness you have all shown him and our family. Thank you again!