Sunday, January 24, 2010
Dr. Lester Speaks
Family members have requested that I provide a statement about Brian's medical condition since our multiple discussions over this week. I have had the distinct pleasure to care for Brian on several occasions while at St. Elias during the last few months. Unfortunately, Brian has progressively deteriorated despite all of our best medical efforts. In the last few weeks, it became obvious, that Brian was not going to recover to any level of significant function. The "Brian" that everyone remembers and loves, is not the Brian that is here today. Brian has significant deficits in his brain function from his previous infection(s) and a newly suspected stroke to his brainstem. As a result he is markedly impaired. His respirations are erratic, he is unable to communicate, he does not make any purposeful movements, and he is a shell of his former self. Many discussions with family and loved ones were held at the hospital over this very difficult week for Brian. Based upon decisions from family members who felt they knew what Brain would have wanted, he was made DNR (do not resuscitate). I believe Brian's wishes are being upheld by his devoted family and that the right decision is being made to make him comfortable, and not provide any further life sustaining treatment. Brian's medical condition is terminal, but he appears to be at peace. I believe Brian would be proud of his family's support, unrelenting devotion, and many prayers. It has been a privilege to care for Brian and interact with loving family members. I hope this statement is able to provide a since of peace for those who loved Brian. God Bless.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Thank you for your updates of Brian. And thank you for the words of Dr. Lewis. I know you all love Brian dearly--and have since the time he joined our family. My--our--love for him is great, too. Your love and support for him during this tragedy is wonderful. I feel everything possible has done for him. This isn't the way I wanted it to be. I have always prayed God's will be done but I have also told Him my desire is for Brian to be restored to his family, I know we have a God who can do miracles. Apparantly that isn't what God has in mind. It seems to me you all have made wise, tho difficult, decisions. I feel at peace with this and know God will do what is best for Brian. It is a comfort to us at times like this to now, that for the Christian, "to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord"! My prayer for you all will continue to be the words of Isaiah 41:10, 13. I pray Gpd's best for Brian and each of you. Aunt Frances
ReplyDeleteJennifer - Now Brian is with the Lord - The scripture tells us to rejoice when one goes to be with the Lord - very difficult, isn't it? Brian will be there to greet Bill. Bill should be passing any time now - in hours or at most days. We are at a hostice house in Portland Oregon receiving loving care as we wait for Bill's passing. Bill was treated at Oregon Health & Science University Hospital here in Portland. We are praising God for Bill and his life and dedication to God's word. My heart goes out to you and the children. I will call you when I get back to Alaska and we can visit about our husbands' homecomings. Love in Christ, LeAnn Stephenson
ReplyDeleteOh, God, what can I do to help?
ReplyDeleteLes Lorentzen 907-830-2222