Dad 4

I'll start with Laura's reply to the family message on Facebook, since most of you can't see it: Dad is a little better today. He is still heavily sedated (with the Michael Jackson drug), but they were able to decrease his blood pressure medicine (blood pressure has been too low). His liver is improving and his muscle tissue around the pancreas seems to be healing as well! His stomach seems to be less bloated (still huge), and he is rather swollen everywhere. His temperature this AM was 98.6, which is perfect (it's been running high), and he continues to make some urine. They're pumping as much into him as out of him, so I'm not sure when the swelling will go down. They had to increase the level of his respirator to 10, which isn't a great sign, but Mom says this C-PAP machine is usually at 14, so I guess he's better than normal!

Willa and Nancy, two of Dad's sisters, are here with some of their families. It's a blessing to have them here!

Thank you for your prayers. They are much appreciated.

Laura.."

I've been pretty remiss in mentioning the people who've visited and brought us things--I'm going to try to catch up a bit now. Sister MacAffee brought us some stellar cookies. . . I think that was Saturday. . . And, just before I went down for my "nap", Gary Brabazon came over and asked if we needed anything before they left town (they're going to Utah)--I mentioned we had family coming, and he said he'd bring ham. I thought he meant a ham, but he and Debbie stopped by not too long afterwards with lunchmeat, sandwich rolls, cut cheese, potato & macaroni salads, potato chips, cookies, and pop!! It was perfect timing, too--they were closely followed by the whole family (except Mom) returning from a hospital visit for lunch!! Yesterday Cliff Stevens, Dawn Schneider and Marie Blackwelder visited at the hospital, but I'm sure the best part of the day came from the LeFevres--Rachel made a list of questions for Dad--mostly things like "Are you cold? Do you want a blanket?", etc., but the last comment on the pages she brought was something like: "Oh, and Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize." We all thought it was hilarious--I can just see Dad reaction to that!! lol! Uncle Steve and Jenny made dinner--beef stew with Uncle Steve's famous salad, and Jenny's "world-famous" turtle brownies--it was great!

Today the Conklings brought us chili--it was much appreciated--and stopped by the hospital, along with Cliff & Peggy Carlson, Tony Salinas Sr & Jr, Bunny Timmons & her grandson Ben, Mike Moncur (Dad's home teacher). The Primary (Dad's class especially, I'm sure) missed him a lot today & made him a card. Aunt Susie & Uncle Dan arrived today--it's so good to see them!!

Dad's abdominal pressure is 31, it was 21 this morning--they pumped him full of fluid to increase his blood pressure, which is still low. His heart rate is still a bit high--110 or so, but his liver is working better and his kidneys are still working. So, he's stable, things are getting better. Laura says he's still yellow, but his face has color. Tim has the night shift tonight.