December 28, 2016: Day +39

Doug with his brother Dan

I am going to keep my update short today, because I am pretty worn out.  While it was great to have the tube removed from Doug's throat, he continues to be very sick.  The good news is that he is breathing fairly well most of the time.  He is getting high flow oxygen.  He is having some difficulty with sleep apnea which is lasting up to 27 seconds before he takes another breath.  This did get somewhat better this afternoon.  He is still having difficulty with kidney function.  They are continuing to give him Lasix to remove more fluids from his body.

Doug slept most of the day today.  He would wake up when I called to him however he is having a hard time focusing and his speech is very difficult to understand.  He still cannot move anything below the neck and has a very difficult time moving his his. He did seem to be tracking people with his eyes a little better today.  They did a swallow study this morning, that I was unable to attend.

Angie and Dan with grandson's and foster grandson Trey

I spent most of the day at the hospital, along with long visits from our son Dan and Doug's brother Dan.  My daughter Angie brought the little grandson's over for a visit with Grampa.  She took care of the boys most of the afternoon.  My sister came over this evening.  Fr. David stayed with Doug, while my family had dinner together.  That was so thoughtful. And Dan made a wonderful dinner for all of us.

The doctors warn me that Doug is still very ill and he is at-risk for other infections or other problems.  This is difficult to hear, but I know they are trying to protect me and help me to prepare for the future. Doug needs lots of prayers.

Heavenly Father, you know what it is like to loose a son.  Doug has worked so hard to heal and to be made new after this devastating disease.  Please look on him, your servant and bless him.  Heal him from all illness and give him confidence to face the days to come.  In your name we ask it.