Monday, June 21, 2010

Day 6 ICU Morning Report from ICU doctor

Susan looks good; her color is fine; her eyes are sparkling; she is animated and engaged when spoken to. The XRay of her chest still shows a lot of congestion; therefore, Dr. Hamm has decided that the tube will not be removed today. Procedures will continue unchanged. Susan will spend the rest of this week in the ICU. High level nursing care continues as well.

When the doctor decides that the tube can be removed, feeding will stop, the stomach will empty and the tube will be removed the next morning.

The colostomy specialist came today and changed the bag on one side; Pam changed the other side while I watched. She was a good teacher and provided lots of information for our use.

The three of us, and by extension all of you, are a little disappointed that the tube needs to stay in. Dr. Hamm said it was a precaution. He does not want a situation where he is forced to put it back in if Susan shows that she cannot independently breath. Susan appears to be more comfortable with the tube, and the nurses are suctioning it frequently. The saliva in the mouth continues to come, which means there will fluid to remove.

As of this time, 1100, Dr. Palmer, the surgeon, has not reported the results of the biopsy.

Thank you to all of you for your caring and love. We deeply appreciate it.

Much love from Pam and John and Susan too.

3 comments:

Mary said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Mary said...

John: Thank you for setting up this blog so we can follow Susan's progress. My whole family is sending get well thoughts. Please let me know how/when I can help. Mary Ridgely

Nanette Goodman said...

Hi John,
I just got back into town. My prayers have been with you and Susan since last week but now my services are available. Please let me know if I can be of help. Also--If you need someone to babysit Lucy, she's welcome to come live at my house for as long as needed...Nanette