Day 17: Jeffrey Update for 8.30.11

Yesterday, the lung doctor decided to do yet another bronchoscopy on Jeff's lungs.  Over 600cc of fluid and junk were pulled in that one procedure.  Doctors also found an abnormal angle in his lungs, but we don't know exactly where it is or what it means.  Mom has consulted with doctors about this.  We do know that the angle is 90 degrees which is some rationale behind why Jeffrey is having a difficult time getting rid of junk in his lungs and continues to have plugs that need to be removed.

When I visited him last night, he was pretty worn out from the bronch and CPT treatments every four hours.  Rather than physically or mechanically do the CPT, the respiratory team ordered a fancy percussion bed that does the treatments every four hours.  Pretty cool stuff out there.

Although he was pretty tired, Jeffrey was semi-interactive.  He didn't want me to hold his hand, but he did listen to me when I talked to him (although he's legally deaf, he can hear some & understand what you are saying).  I told him that I was there, that I was proud, and that he needed to keep getting well so we could "bust out of this joint."  At one point in my visit, Jeffrey tried to sit up some in bed and leaned towards me.  When I looked, he was trying to pucker his lips a bit even though the tube was in the way.  I gave him a kiss while my heart filled with more love for him than even before.  (How that's possible I don't know.)  Of course, he promptly wiped it off his mouth, signed "store", and pushed me away when I told him the store was later.   Jeff continues to be precious as always - and rotten, too.  :)  That's my brother!

This morning, my brother's chest x-ray finally showed some slight improvement.  With the aid of a cpap, Jeff has been breathing on his own with 50% oxygen or less for over 14 hours now.  The weaning process is underway again and can take a couple of days, but timing really depends on the individual.   GO JEFFREY!

Well, I'm tired and headed to bed.  Hope this has made some sense.  Know that your prayers are being heard and beginning to show through slight improvements in Jeff's current state.  Please keep them coming.  It's nice to feel a little bit of hope.  FINALLY.  I'm sure Jeffrey sends a kiss to everyone  . . . even though he'll just wipe it off.

PS - Jeffrey is still intubated (meaning the ventilator tube is still in) but we are hoping that he can be completely weaned and extubated very soon.