Elena Update, 10.30.09, Fri, 11:40pm

Elena Update, 10.30.09, Fri, 11:40pm:

Dr. Sanchez told us that today's x-rays are 50-60% better than Monday's x-rays!

Turned PEEP (Positive End Expiratory Pressure) down another notch to "6". They want her PEEP down to a "5".

Possible extibation (removal of ventilator) Sun or Mon.

Then, monitor a day or two & remove chest tubes.

Then monitor another day or two in an intermediary step-down room across the hall from the PICU.

Hematocrit was down just a little today (An indicator of how much O2 is getting delivered to the blood). No worries, though. Just said it was due to how hard her little body is working to heal, but overall, it's not abnormal for us to expect an extra dose or two of blood during the recovery process, but so far, they haven't requested more blood.

Her blood gases, vitals & temp are all still normal.

We had Lauren today (& Amy watched Daylen).

Tonight we've got Deborah & Alicia is taking care of Daylen. All have been super to work with!

Some of you after asking how Elena's doing have graciously inquired about Kathy & me.

Well...just refer back up to the pic at the top of this page...how "used" to seeing that every day for the past 2 weeks would you get? Well...at least for me...not very. It still sucks with the same suck as it sucked on Day 1...sucky. It hasn't gotten any easier to see your little 2-yr old bundle of joy still strapped down to a little bird cage crib looking deal with a plethora of plastic profusing from her petite nose, mouth, ribcage, toe, groin & leg.

Again, I know...from those of you whose faith rises up into the sky like Mount Everest & are totally invincible & unflappable in the face of mad flapping...I should be thus...however, I must confess that there are definitely tidal waves of large mustard seed like faith intermixed with smaller lappings of emotions & weaknesses on the seashore of my being. I want her to hop up out of her stupor, jump up on her little wabbly chicken legs, beat her little chest & yell a little Tarzanesque yell & say "Vaminos the hell outta here, Papi!" (Which is Spanish for "Let's get the hell outta here Papi!) Of course, if she ever said that at 2-yrs old, I'd smack her little arse...& THEN we'd quickly exit stage left like Mr Incredible w/his feisty sidekick son, Dash!

We do know & appreciate that our original small teeny anatomical faith muscles are on the grow after still participating in the Faith Full Metal Jacket bootcamp. We may have started out as the laughable Nacho Libre of Faith with a rapid transition towards a possible Popeye The Sailor Man of faith...quickly on our way to the Optimus Prime of faith...although that 'transformation' will most likely require some more supernatural gym time. No worries...I've got a sneaking suspicion that the "Gym Owner" keeps His doors "open" 24x7...year round!!

And with all that little snipit being said...we are ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLY THANKFUL & EXSTATIC that she is on the healing side of all this!! And THAT is the bottom line!

So, yes, in true sanguine locquaciousness (that's for you, Matt!)...after a 5-10 min rant of rubble, do summarize with: Kath & I are incredibly thankful & happy her healing is manifesting in her body, though it's still difficult seeing her like this & challenging to have the patience in anticipation of her complete recovery. I've wanted the microwave healing & this time God is interested in the crock pot healing. At this point, I'm just TOTALLY stoked about the healing!!!

Thanks for your continued support & prayers!

We love & appreciate you all!

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Always remember that the faith to move mountains always carries a pick.

Worry is like a rocking chair. There may be a lot of motion, but it doesn't get you anywhere.

'Fear' is faith...in the negative.

Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for & certain of what we do not see.

Hebrews 11:1