Update on Vivian - 6/27

Not a lot to report today.

I went to Fort Worth for part of the day to attend TCU orientation with Will. The doctor and nurse in the PICU yesterday encouraged me to go, telling me that Vivian was in good hands and was sedated and unaware of whether I was there or not, while Will would appreciate my being with him (that's debatable given that he's an 18-year-old boy but a nice thought!). I relished the opportunity to rejoin the real world for a bit, and I enjoyed the time I was able to spend with Will. I was grateful that Robert stayed at the hospital today to watch over Vivian.

I was at the hospital for several hours this morning and again this evening, but I missed the doctor's daily "State of the Nation" address. From what I can tell, though, Vivian is holding steady. She is doing well flushing the damaged muscle cells out of her body. Her CPK (muscle enzyme) numbers had dropped from over 10,000 to around 5,000. I think they want them below 300, but at least we're heading in the right direction. Vivian was low on potassium and magnesium this morning and has been receiving infusions of those in her IV. She is also now receiving very small amounts of nourishment (something like a teaspoon an hour) through a feeding tube. The doctor wants to see how she handles that before increasing the amount. They have still not identified the bacteria that made Vivian sick, but she seems to be responding to the broad spectrum antibiotics they're giving her because her fever has not returned and the material they're suctioning from her lungs is clearer. Her arm that had the surgery seems to be healing well. They are going to begin some OT and PT with Vivian tomorrow. Still quite a long way to go, but Vivian seems to be taking baby steps in the right direction.

Thank you again for your prayers and words of encouragement. They are sustaining us.


"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior." Isaiah 43:2-3