Saturday, March 24, 2007 - Quick Update

What a week we've had. Jack has had good days and bad but it seems like more bad then good. He is still having breathing problems and is still on oxygen. This pneumonia is really kicking his butt. The doctors have been giving him doses of Albumin (protein) with Lasix (diuretic) chasers to help reduce the fluid in his lungs as well as any other place that he really doesn't need it. We were seen by cardiology at the beginning of the week and thankfully they felt that Jack's heart is good and there is no fluid other then what is supposed to be around it. By mid week we found out that the peumonia is not bacteria but virual and was identified as Para Influenza, The FLU!!!! Not for anything, but when Jack gets something he has to get it good. It's been a little scarey at times watching his respitory counts (breaths per minute). Normal respitory rate is about 20 breaths per minute and Jack has been as high as 80 which is not good. When he gets the Albumin/lasix doses it helps his rate go down once he urinates. Its been crazy. My wonderful husband came down late Thursday night to relieve me so I could go home. Even though it was late it was really good for me to get out of the hospital. Christina and I have been spending some much needed time together, but it is still very difficult for me to be away from the hospital. Roy has it all under control, but I still worry, such is the job of a mother. There is no plan in sight other then letting the virus run its course, so discharge is not even discussed at this point.

We are always so thankful for the thoughts and prayers so please keep them coming.

FYI the Beef Steak Dinner is set. Friday, May 18 at the Russian Hall in LIttle Falls, NJ. More info will follow.