Two stuffed Percy cats (thanks, Laurie and Cheryl) and a Lilly panther (thanks, Hopsy and Emily) stand guard over Vivian. Notice Vivian's cute Fourth of July socks that her nurse Lauren brought her
Happy Independence Day!
We are thankful for the lack of fireworks in Vivian's room today. She had a nice quiet day of good steady progress.
Dr. Matson was back today, and Robert and I met with him again to look at Vivian's x-rays and lab results. Vivian showed improvement in almost every area. Her chest x-ray looked better, though there is still fluid on both lungs (more on the right side than the left). Vivian's bicarbonate level remains elevated, which can interfere with breathing, so Dr. Matson wants to wait another day or two before taking Vivian off the ventilator. Dr. Fanning, the doctor in charge tomorrow, will look at Vivian's latest chest x-ray and bicarbonate level in the morning and make the decision of whether to extubate her or not. Vivian's broken arm that had surgery (remember that?) seems to be healing nicely. Vivian's potassium levels were low, so she received a supplement in her feeding tube. As far as I can recall (which isn't far these days), all of Vivian's other levels were adequate.
Robert and I enjoyed cooking out tonight with some neighbors. After dinner I returned to the hospital so that I could meet Lauren, the sweet nurse who has been braiding Vivian's hair. Lauren also brought Vivian some patriotic socks for the Fourth of July that Vivian was wearing when we arrived at the hospital today, and I wanted to thank Lauren in person. We have been blessed with extraordinary nurses, doctors and respiratory therapists who have gone above and beyond to give Vivian the best possible care, and we are unspeakably grateful to them.
Please pray that Vivian is ready to breathe on her own before she is extubated and that there is no need to intubate her again. Pray for a peaceful transition as Vivian begins to wake up. Pray for peace for Robert and me as we seek to determine Vivian's mental status after her high fever and extended period of sedation. Vivian will have an EEG to check on her brain activity a couple of days after she is extubated, and I am trying not to be anxious about what it will show. My most fervent prayer is that the sweet and funny little Vivian we know and love will be returned to us.
Thank you again for your love and compassion and most of all for your faithful prayers for Vivian.
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13
Needlepointing on my long-neglected Christmas stocking
Vivian's wonderful day nurse Christina. Christina has cared for Vivian four of the ten days she's been in ICU. We love her!
Vivian's respiratory therapist Shari supervising Vivian's shaking session, where material in her lungs is loosened for suctioning. Shari looked after Vivian's respiration on the first scary day we were here and has been back several days since. We are always happy to see her
Vivian with her sweet night nurse Lauren, the loving and talented braider of hair
Lots of machines helping our sweet Vivian get well again
19 comments:
Praying for sweet Vivian right now...I'm praying for a peaceful "wake up" with no additional issues. Get well Sweet Vivian! Rest well Mom and Dad, soon she'll be home!
Norah
I'm praying for Vivian, you, Robert, and all of Vivian's nurses and doctors daily (and Dots and Will). Thanks so much for your consistent updates and specific prayer requests. <>
rocky1955Tonight, when I was praying for Vivian. I thanked God for all the knowledge that he has given to the doctors and nurses for the wondergul care she has had. It is alwasys amazing to me all the guidence that God has given to the Doctors and with Gods help Viv will be heeled. We love you sweet little girl.
How lucky Vivian is to be surrounded by such wonderful people (you and Robert included!) Love seeing pictures of her sweet nurses and therapists. They work so hard!
So wonderful to put sweet faces with the professionals who have cared for Vivian so lovingly. I am glad your sweet girl continues to improve little by little. We will continue to lift her up in prayer and keep you all in our thoughts!!
With love,
Kate
Praying for an easy return for Vivian in breathing on her own, praying too that there are no lasting ill effects, mentally or physically, from this unfortunate episode. Praying for you and your family's strength and comfort.
Eloise, such wonderful news that there are signs of improvement! Yes, I will continue to pray for Vivian and all of you during the most difficult time. God bless all of you!
Thank you for sharing the faces of those sweet nurses with us! I know you are so very grateful for each of them, and their dedication to the profession and your Vivian. I pray for all you ask, and so much more.
May those needlepoint stitches also bring you a few soul soothing moments!
I am so happy to hear how wonderful the nurses are treating Vivian. What a blessing! I am thrilled that she is showing signs of improvement. All those prayers are pulling her through. Hugs Eloise!
I am so glad that you are surrounded by such warm and caring people as you face this challenge. I will pray hard hat Vivian can be breathing on her own soon! (I'll be praying for you, too!)
Sending payers and hugs your way. Vivian's room looks like something from NASA. Are you sure the nurses aren't engineers in disguise? ...Sharon
Praying with all my heart for wellness and strength!
Still praying for all.
Psalm 55:22 Cast your cares on the lord and he will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall.
We will keep praying.
Continuing to pray Eloise. I am so thankful for the blessing of all of these wonderful nurses and caregivers surrounding Vivian, what a wonderful supply of angels here on earth. "Do not be anxious about anything but in everything with thanksgiving present your requests to God and the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Phillipians 4:6-7
Your whole family remains in our prayers this evening -- for peace for you, Robert, Will and Dots, and for continued healing for Vivian. Thank you for sharing your journey with those of us who are following -- it is a true gift to us all to be able to support your family with prayer.
Eloise,
We continue to remember Vivian and the rest of your family in our prayers. Good to see you sewing, I do counted cross stitch and it is a great way to keep your mind occupied. Take care of your self.
Thank you for these faithful updates. I am sure there are times that you are so exhausted, but you keep us informed. I am sure Vivian will be her wonderful self soon. Praying for all these things for her and praying for you and your husband and family and nurses/doctors. xoxo
My goodness...I am overwhelmed! So many machines yet so many vigilant care givers that make it all work together. Thank God! At the center is a very brave Vivian and we continue to pray for her healing and your strength.
ps...I was going to send you a little needlepoint projecut to keep you busy but was hoping you had gotten out your needlepoint stocking. So great to see you working on it!
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