FIL Update

So much can happen in a week that it all becomes somewhat of a blur. Last Wednesday Dad R. we got a call from my mother in law at 2 a.m. that they had to put him on the vent because he was having trouble breathing. We went to see him later that day and although he was hooked up to all the machines, he seemed to be doing better that afternoon and they were encouraged. Said he could maybe get off the vent the next day. While we were there we could recognize that he was asking for water (mouthed the word) and when asked questions whether he was hot, etc. he would nod yes. He kept trying to raise his hand on the side we were on, which I took it as he was trying to say hi or recognize we were there. When we were going to leave, Tim walked over to put his gown in the bin and I said "Aren't you going to say goodbye?" His dad then lifted his hand on that said and wiggled his fingers...like he was saying goodbye too. Thursday afternoon, he called and had a nice conversation with Tim and all seemed well. Later that night/early Friday morning he went back on the vent.

This week has been filled with many different medical stats and terms, that I may get them wrong, but this is the best it can be summed up. He has the virus in his lungs (the pneumonia referred to last week) and a virus that appears to be a spawn of the graft vs. hose disease. Right now they're checking to see if this is a virus that is treatable in his brain or if it's a fungus (untreatable). They did a spinal tap yesterday afternoon and we'll know within 24 hours what all it may find. They started treating him for the virus anyway, and said they could tell if it's working in 2 days (that puts us at Friday). He hasn't been sedated, so he should be responding, but we don't know if it's the virus affecting his brain or the build up of ammonia that could also be affecting his breathing. They have changed his meds and feeding tube formula to try to remedy things. He's also experienced liver issues, he's in stage 2 kidney failure. They are checking his blood every 8 hours for his electrolyte status - monitoring his magnesium, potassium, etc so they supplement if needed and try to avoid heart complications. At the moment, they have tabled the DNR decision they originally wanted in place today (they were suggesting that he has a DNR because if they have to do CPR, they'll crack ribs and that causes more issues).

Yesterday evening they also checked to see if he had an ulcer because they noticed some bleeding. Dr. Rupp (yes, that is kinda funny) gave us good news that it wasn't. They aren't too concerned with it and are thinking it's likely due to where the graph vs. host disease resides. We are also getting close to the 10 day mark on the vent. That's the max amount of days he can be on a vent until they have to trach him and move the feeding tube.

There was a family meeting with a bone marrow transplant specialist and they have said they have never dealt with a case like this. At this point, they have said they've done everything they can. While there is hope that once everything clears up/out of his system, he would start responding and breathing on his own, there's also the reality that it may not. It's possible the virus has already damaged the brain. They said they did some test and there was no neurological response, but again, it could be due to the aforementioned issues that could clear up.

It seems every day, there is some new issue to deal with. His body has endured a lot. He's a fighter, but how much do you ask someone to endure because you don't want to lose them? Or how do you let go without giving up on them? I think my sister in law said it well: "I believe God will give you the peace that it's the right decision." Right now, it's a waiting game. He needs no further complications and to show signs of improvement in the next couple days (at least by Sat.?).

We thank you all for your prayers!