Saturday update

Hello family and friends,

I wanted to update today after I talked with the resident.  The main doctor team is not here today.  Some positives for Derek's healing are:  the white blood cell count that was less than 1 yesterday is 8 today.  They just want to make sure it doesn't climb too high too fast.  The goal is 11.  He was able to be weaned off one of the meds that raises blood pressure, and the second one was decreased by almost half.  The goal is to get off of these meds as soon as he can hold his blood pressure up on his own.  His fever is still wanting to rage, and we are keeping it in check with tylenol.  He's had discomfort with so many tubes to try to arrange around him and find a good position.  They changed a couple dressings that caused him to yell out in pain.  That's hard to take!  The outputs from his body are working, but he cannot eat by tube or mouth yet.  The tube is still leaking enough, they don't want to risk putting anything in his stomach right now, so all meds are by IV.  At times, he rests comfortably, but he starts to squirm and needs help readjusting.  He's taking pain meds as needed.  There is a lactic acid blood test that shows how bad the infection is.  If it's over 4, that's bad.  It was over 5 yesterday, and now it's 2.  So, I think we are making headway, but as uncomfortable as he is and the fever makes me say we are not out of the woods yet. 

I've appreciated the support and prayers expressed, and I thank each of you for caring so much for us.  I'm overwhelmed and thankful.  I'm heartsick to see him suffer, and I'm blessed to have a front row seat to observe his Walk of Faith.

"Be ye also ready, therefore be ye also ready.  For in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of Man cometh."

Love,
Leann