Abby update - October 11

Today has been a quiet and reassuring day. Abby has been doing very well while still under sedation, with trends in cranial pressure going downward. That hopefully is an indication that brain swelling is diminishing. During a two-hour trial removal from sedation today her cranial pressures remained low. Although she did not wake up, her physical responses were improved over a few days ago, appearing more purposeful than reflexive. Tomorrow a CAT-scan will be done, with the results indicating how soon we may be able to retry full-time sedation-removal and extubation. One nagging issue is a persistent fever. The doctors have not been able to isolate any particular source of infection, so there is a possibility it is a "central fever," resulting from some of the inflammation in her brain. Those simply take time to resolve.

We're doing well, and are probably gaining weight at the Ronald McDonald house! Frank was able to spend the night with a friend last night. He probably didn't do much school-work today, but I know he enjoyed the chance to be with his friend.

Thanks to everyone who has volunteered to sit with Abby during our meal times. I think we have plenty of help through the weekend, and then we'll consider her status and wakefulness as we make a plan for next week.

We continue to be upheld by so many calls, emails, visits, and prayers--sorry if we miss you or don't get to respond, but we treasure the support that comes from each of you...

Love,

the Linams