Wednesday, January 17, 2007

January 17th, 2007 11:25 a.m.

We just returned from our morning visit with Lauren, and I am happy to report her condition is stable and improving. We are truly blessed to have her doing so well, as we are only beginning to realize from the docs how close to the edge she really was...

She has improved enough that they will most likely switch her to a conventional ventilator this afternoon. (This is a big step towards breathing on her own.) She is currently breathing "over" the ventilator now, which shows that she wants to breathe on her own. She has handled the draw down on the meds and pain killers, which gives our medical team confidence that she is ready for the next step. Her vitals have remained consistent, with much lower heart rates and perfect blood pressure and gases. They even started feeding her again yesterday. Her last chest x-ray showed some improvement in the lung congestion, but this mysterious infection is still with her. She will remain on the antibiotics (which apparently can "peel paint off the wall," as our doctor says) until we are completely sure that she has in fact conquered the infection.

So, we continue to rejoice in her miraculous recovery, and try not to worry about another trip down this terrifying path. Although we are back to square-one, we now know she is tough and battle tested. Our hope is that she can start breathing on her own and regularly feeding soon. We are both worn out emotionally, but your thoughts and prayers for our family keep us going. We appreciate all of your support.

We will try to update the blog this afternoon after the switch to the new ventilator...

Keep the faith,

Grant and Kaia

8 comments:

hsawtelle said...

That rules.

Amy said...

She's a tough little cookie. We're sending our love to the whole family!
Amy, Dave, & Ryan

Anonymous said...

Dear Grant and Kaia,
I just KNEW I should check the blog one more time before I headed out the door. Hooray and we are so thankful! We will continue (with many others!) to pray and hope that the Drs. will have the exact data they need to keep her safely recovering. Hope you can start your Kangaroo sessions soon. Please take care. You know we are hoping you two can begin to get much needed rest, especially emotional rest! Much Love always,Nora and Dean xoxoxoxoxo

Anonymous said...

Dear Connor --

I was SO jealous of your wagon picture, I have been bugging my mom and dad incessantly. i've tried everything -- throwing myself on the floor, whining (I've found the perfect pitch that makes their hair stand on end)and even -- LAST resort -- giving big sloppy kisses. No luck so far, so I hope I can come over and play with yours someday soon.

Love, Frank the Tank

PS -- I can also show you some neat new tricks I learned with mashed potatoes. You are gonna love it!

Nil said...

Dear Grant, Kaia, and Conner:

You may not remember us (we met at a Hetterich Christmas party!), but we are good friends with the Olivers. In fact Leah sent this along to us and we have been keeping close tabs on Lauren's progress as well as your's during what must be an incredibly challending time. Our hearts overflow for you all. We send you strength, faith and courage.

Best,
Nilmini, Eric and Priya.

Unknown said...

Two days of very encouraging news! Way to go, Lauren! The good news... after enduring such a difficult battle, Lauren now will be prepared to do anything and be anything her little heart desires. She's a fighter and a survivor. We can all draw encouragement from her and the both of you. I hope you can get some much needed rest!

Lots of love,
Lisa

Heather & Ray said...

Just like her parents, she's tough, enduring, and up for challenges... but prevails! Our hearts go out to you both. One thought continues to come to mind: "Life doesn't throw anything at you, you can't handle"... so that means your family is one of the special ones with incredible endurance! Positive thoughts & lots of love going to you all (PS... if you have a cooler on your front porch in the next few days, don't be alarmed!)
:)

Maureen Prindiville said...

We're so glad to read she's improving...Lauren is one determined little girl. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Maureen