Courtney has been breathing on her own since 6pm last night. Respiratory therapist continue to turn down the amount of support that she is getting from the ventilator.
Doctors removed the first of 2 chest tubes in her right lung today.
The 2nd chest tube - inserted just 2 days ago continues to 'leak air' - meaning that there is still air leaking from Courtney's lung. The amount of air seems to have dissipated today. Doctors have decided to leave things as they are through the weekend then evaluate her situation on Monday. We pray that her lung will have healed significantly during that time so that she can avoid surgery.
Staff will continue to work on wheening Courtney off the ventilator.
Courtney sat up in a special chair today. She did very well with the transition - her blood pressure (which often drops when people sit up for the first time) remained stable and even increased. Her neck was stable and did not require any support which is good considering the fractures. Since she is very short her feet did not touch the floor but the chair has a platform that allowed her to have the sensation of her feet on the floor.
We set the chair facing out the window and she seemed to be taking it all in. Nurse Tracy brought in a great blow up unit that allows us to wash Courtney's hair with lots and lots of water without soaking the bed. I gave her a scalp massage and used her own shampoo and conditioner. She seemed to enjoy it.
Courtney's Auntie Bean came up with the great idea of hanging her cards on the curtain in front of her bed so that she's not just looking at a drab tan curtain. She looks at the cards when she is alert.
These small steps are important. We continue to pray for her right lung to heal itself and for Courtney's lungs to be strong enough so that she no longer requires the ventilator. This is the only thing holding her from transferring to a rehab hospital.
I read this morning that Advent is a time of waiting. Our waiting is excruciating. Your prayers bring us strength to carry on. Thank you.
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4 comments:
We are here for you in prayer and spirit. We ask that God continue to heal Courtney and give you, Craig, and the girls strength. You are always in my thoughts and prayers -
Lisa
Hey Diane
I just got back from being out of town visiting a couple of our other malls over the last couple of days. Today has been crazy between the Holiday business and trying to catch up from being out the last couple of days but I had to jump on before I head home and see how Courtney is doing. I am so excited to read about the great progress she has made just over the last couple of days I was gone.
I am sure with you and your family being there every day it is hard to look at these steps and see the progress they way I did having not been on the blog for a few days.
Courtney is doing a great job and the strenght and support that you, your husband and daughters are showing during this difficult time is clearing helping to keep her pushing to make the great strides that she is making.
We continue to pray for Courtney and your whole family.
We are so happy to hear that Courtney is doing well. I am sure she appreciated the fine salon treatment!
Please know that Courtney and your family continue to be in our prayers!
Love
The Fox Family
courtney, you are making great progress and have so many good people cheering for you. I read your blog almost everyday and hope that my prayers have been answered. Though I've never met you, I urge you to keep fighting like the strong-willed person your family describes.
Alexa
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