Day Three...

September 4, 2008

Aloha Kakou,

Chance is making strides! Your prayers are being answered! They started taking him out of the coma yesterday (they said that would not happen until the end of the week) and he is breathing on his own (he is still on the ventilator). The preliminary report from the pediatric neurologist is unclear. There might be brain damage but nothing can be determined until he sees the MRI.

The test they gave Chance in the ER on Maui said that the Ph level was at 6.7 and the EEG yesterday was consistent for brainwaves that have a Ph of 6.7. The concern: when the Ph drops below 7 there is "usually" brain damage. The Dr. said this is just "part of the picture" and they are not sure yet. He was just reporting the data. His heart is not pumping like a 14 year old should (not moving enough blood through his system). In spite of a high heart rate. They think it is due to CPR compressions but will not leave permanent damage. The radiologist is looking at the MRI this morning and will give a report shortly. The attending physician who took a preliminary look at the MRI said it was not as bad a he expected and he can now start putting together a treatment plan with the other Dr.'s

These are all the reports of man....we're waiting for the report from the Lord.

The other night Tanya assisted the nurse is bathing Chance. They got all the sand and junk off of him. When the nurse went to "brush his teeth" with a special wipe, his nose twitched smelling the mint flavor! They thought he would be in the induced coma longer and he is mostly out of that now. Two factors contributed to the MRI being allowed: 1) Him breathing on his own 2) taking him out of the induced coma

I was in PICU a few times with Tanya. We prayed and anointed him with oil. I stood at the foot of the bed and massaged his feet. He can hear so we were talking to him the entire time. He is still heavily sedated.

Tanya is doing extremely well. Trusting in the Lord. Your prayers are sustaining her. I read her all the prayers and replies you sent. She was greatly encouraged.

There are many children in PICU and here are a few of them to pray for:
1) Maddie (12 yrs old) she is a Spina Bifida baby who's spinal chord is currently leaking fluid. She is a miracle baby. She has come through 23 surgeries already and has another big surgery scheduled at the end of Sept. I have been able to sit with her mom a few times and talk. She might come to church with me on Sunday. She also met a woman who is an intern at the hospital from Mississippi, who she invited to come to church with us! They are from Makawao on Maui.

2) Brittany (4 years old) she is having some respiratory issues. Her family is from Truk in Micronesia. Her parents have been taking turns in and out of PICU. Sandy her little sister 2.5 yrs has become my buddy. So I have been helping out with Sandy to give them a break. They are believers.

3) 14 year old girl from Maui with unknown sickness. My cousin talked to her parents. She was here on Oahu at a party when she got really sick and weak. They have yet to diagnose her-just trying to keep her stable.

The nursing staff has been incredibly accommodating and wonderful. Pray for them, especially the two flight nurses. They left last night at midnight to medi-vac another child in from the big island. Some of the nurses have been there for endless hours.

It blesses my heart so much to know that the prayers of saints are filling golden bowls, all times of the day, all over the world.