A new week

I think we (collectively the nurses, the respiratory therapists, the doctors and us) probably took Daddy off the respirator too quickly. Who knew, though, how tough that surgery would be on his lungs and that he would still have need for the chest tube a week later? Now that he's had to be back on the respirator since Thursday, they are being cautious about taking him off again. It's my understanding that this waiting is normal after being put back on a respirator.

That being said, Dad was able to breathe on his own for 2 hours and 25 minutes last night and for 4 hours and 10 minutes this afternoon. To clarify, this means the respirator was turned 'down' and Dad was able to breathe through the tube. He's still on the respirator but he was able to keep his vitals at the appropriate levels and is getting 'stronger' as the respiratory therapist said. Apparently, there is some measure of breath strength and his diaphragm that they are collecting info about. It seems that ALL his levels are being recorded: pulse/oxygen, repirations per minute, temperature, blood pressure, etc, etc, etc. Talk about being data driven!! haha

This afternoon, my brother and Kit headed back to Houston. We expect Terry to come back this weekend for another visual check-in and more analysis after his further research, of course! He's great at researching from wherever he happens to be!
(Near or Far!)

We're optimistic that each day will bring a longer time for Daddy to be off the respirator and we'll be able to transition away from the machine before too long. He still has pneumonia and the fluid is still draining from his chest but those are both improving.

Thank you for your prayers and love! We appreciate you!

Blessings,
Tena