Bleeker Update 8/26/09

Brian had another very encouraging day.  The PEG Tube (feeing tube) procedure went very well with no complications.  In addition, this morning, when the nurses were moving Brian, the ventilator tube (the one that he's been chomping on) disconnected and surprise, Brian continued to breath fine at 100%.  He didn't hyperventilate and his respirations remained steady.  When Jenn came in later in the morning, Brian had no tubes on his face!  He's been coughing, but he did alright all day long without the ventilator.  The Doctor says they'll plan to do a tracheotomy if necessary, but Brian did fine today with no assistance.  At one point, he did start to have difficulty breathing and the nurse went to get respiratory therapy to assist.  But when the nurse returned, Jennifer had managed to calm Brian down by singing to him and he was able to bring his respirations under control without medical assistance.

Jennifer says that all day today Doctors and nurses kept taking a double take at Brian.  They couldn't believe his progress!  Praise the Lord.  Jennifer is thankful that someone has provided a CD player for Brian and some hymns for him to listen to.  She says he's really enjoyed the music and it has visibly relaxed him.  Brian was very tired and groggy from the feeding tube procedure.  He slept most of the day, but he is still squeezing with his hands and he's started to groan and make some noise.

The court proceedings this morning were quick and easy.  Jennifer was in and out in 10 minutes.  She thanks you for your prayers for her. 
It sounds like the Doctors are beginning to consider where to move Brian when he is discharged from the Critical Care Unit.  His discharge will likely not be for quite some time, but the Doctor that Jenn talked to today is leaning toward moving Brian to St. Elias for rehabilitation.  This location would provide Brian with highly skilled staff prepared to deal with neurological rehabilitation.  The Doctors don't believe that there is anyplace in the Mat-Su that would be able to provide the neurological rehab that Brian will need.  In addition, Alaska Regional doesn't offer the rehab.  Jennifer asks that we please pray for wisdom for her and the Doctors as they consider what is best for Brian.  She asks that we pray that the medical staff would not make any random, quick draw decisions, but that God would give them wisdom in their decisions for Brian.