March 23, Midnight update

I'm amazed at the human spirit...

...and I love my sister.

Linda continues to make small improvements each day and seems to be more and more aware of her surroundings and current condition.

I was lucky enough to be able to spend another morning with her today. She was sitting upright in the chair by her bed when I arrived and, although she tired quickly, was able to hold her head up by herself and respond to the questions she was asked. Her nurse shampooed her hair and I washed her arms and hands with a warm washcloth. After we returned her to her bed, I had the chance to be alone with her for awhile, uninterrupted by the normal hustle and bustle of her nurses.

It had snowed lightly on my drive down from Park City, but now the sun was shining through her window and filling her room with light. For once, the rest of the ICU was quiet so I offered to read to her and she nodded her approval. I read an article from one of her favorite magazines and a "Get Well" card from one of her dear friends. After, I talked to her about a lot of different things; the events of the last two weeks, the spring weather we've been having, her granddaughters, memories from our childhood together, and the progress she's been making each day. When we finished talking, we watched a few funny video clips on my laptop computer. My kids can probably guess which ones. :-)

Her eyes stayed open and focused the entire time. She tried her best to smile once or twice and answered all of my questions with a simple nod or shake of her head. Even though she's unable to use her voice or move her mouth at this point in her recovery, she can speak volumes with her eyes and facial expressions.

Tomorrow will be another big day for Linda. After another 3 1/2 hour dialysis treatment in the morning, she's scheduled for a tracheotomy (which will be performed at her bedside under local anesthesia) in the afternoon. At some point in between, the wound specialist will change the vacuum-pac dressing on her incision.

I was able to attend the status meeting this morning with her doctors, nurses, nutritionists, and technicians. Overall, they continue to be encouraged by the progress she's making and feel that the tracheotomy will be another positive step forward in her recovery. The "trach" will reposition the ventilator tube from her mouth to her neck, just below her vocal chords. This will allow her to begin some more aggressive physical therapy which will help increase her strength. Repositioning the tube will also help her lips and mouth heal from the sores created by the ventilator.

Linda continues to fight and respond to her treatment. Her family continues to be grateful to each of you for the love and support that you've shown.

Thank you.