Raena is doing well. She is still communicating via hand signs to let us know if she is in pain or if she wants something. They are exercising her lungs through the weekend which means they are reducing what the ventilator is doing for her to make her muscles and lungs work a bit harder to breathe. They are still giving her steroids for her swelling and the goal is to have her go to the Operating Room on Monday or Tuesday to have the tube removed. They want an ENT to do this in the OR because they have special tools to assist to make sure it is a good time to remove the tube without first doing it and then finding out it was too early.
Raena absolutely hates the breathing tube and they have her sedated and on pain meds just enough so it doesn’t bother her. Unfortunately this makes her very sleepy so there is not a lot of time to visit with her while she is awake. Every time I want to start reading her Harry Potter she is too tired to listen, altho Dylan did play a Disney movie for her last night and she seemed to like it, but only watched a few minutes before falling back asleep.
She had another CT scan yesterday and everything looked good from what the neurosurgeon said. The swelling is down, her ICP level is under 10 for the most part and her drainage is still at 0, which is exactly where they want to see it. The next few days will just be rest for Raena so when they do extubate her, she will be ready and not have to be intubated again.
I am planning on spending the whole weekend with Raena in the hospital and hopefully she will be awake a bit for Easter and I can give her a new stuffed animal and an Easter Egg. I am trying to get Easter Eggs for the nurses too if I have time today before I head back to the hospital. They have been so awesome to Raena and myself that I just want to do something fun and nice for them. I will be headed back there early this afternoon for the weekend. I will try and get an update out while there, altho the internet and wifi there are not the greatest!
Sending Raena a huge hug, positive thoughts, and prayers from ABCD & Remy. I’m also getting other people and my mom’s church to pray. You have such a strong tough little girl. She’s gonna pull through this. I’m reading your updates almost every day and summarizing for David cuz u know your cousin is NOT a reader. We’re thinking of all of u daily and crossing our fingers for the best!!!
Praying for your brave girl!
Sounds like she’s getting stronger everyday. I just want her off that ventilator! Ugh.
I’m hoping Liane and I can visit her soon after my cold is gone. Still praying here in long beach.