Steady as he goes

Sorry I haven't posted in a couple days. John is doing "well." We had a couple issues earlier this week with how he was looking and the attitude (some of) the staff had about John's prognosis. They also had several issues with the dialysis machine this week and an infection. But the past 2 days we think he's made some good strides in improvement.

Yesterday, Wednesday, they restarted his treatment with a new dialysis machine and also started John on a new medicine for the Wegener's - although this medicine will cause his white count to seriously drop, so all visitors will need to suit up with mask and gown before entering. We'll need to be very careful not to bring any virus of any kind into his environment.

John also got a trache tube inserted yesterday. The good news is his ventilator is on the lowest setting possible - which means he is breathing on his own. They'll need to keep the vent just in case he needs any procedures that require him to be on it. The trache, which replaces the tune in his mouth, should make him much more comfortable.

Last night I got the biggest smile from John. I went into his room and he opened his eyes real wide and had the biggest smile. Once he fell asleep just before we left for the night, Lisa, the kids and I left him some gifts hanging from the ceiling... 2 stuffed animals - a Hokie bird and his favorite, "Deputy Dog." I know the nurses will probably take them down, but I hope he could get a chuckle before they did.

Anyway, we're hopeful that the infection clears and some skin irritations clear up as well - they have caused him some pain and if he can get past that, hopefully he can get off some of the pain medicine and be able to communicate a little better - he's pretty sedated due to the pain medicine. More later! Thanks Everyone!