6/23 afternoon

Dear Ones,

I am back in the ICU with TJ where things are definitely looking up.  Hopes are that TJ will be transferred out of the ICU to a regular floor/room today when a bed becomes available.

Measurable Progress:  
TJ is off the insulin drip and doing his own diabetes management.
Oxygen SATS are at 97% on nasal cannula for oxygen and no Bipap.  TJ's breathing is much less labored.  All excellent and amazing progress.  It is especially amazing considering it was only yesterday that the doctors were considering intubation and being put on a ventilator.

TJ's cousin, Gary, was in Saturday and once again today.  He affirms that TJ look A LOT better!

Another lady in the waiting room was commenting on the quality of staff at the Bozeman Hospital.  She said, "They are on it before it even happens!"  That sums up the care that TJ received yesterday which allowed him to dodge being put on a ventilator.  (Remember, he has played that game a few too many times already in his life!)

TJ is getting up to the chair now.  Sitting up and having additional doses of Lasix is helping to stay ahead of the excess fluid.

Continue to pray!  TJ was encouraged that our Good Shepherd has been awakening some of you to pray even during the middle of the night.  It is a great comfort to know that he is being cared for in such tender ways both physically and also spiritually.

Stay the course.  Pray for:
Continue ease in breathing and healthy transfer of oxygen.
Fluid reduction.
Transfer to a regular room.
Rest. Rest. Rest.
...and for me as I to head to the mountain to pick up some things.

What a pleasure it is to bring you such great news.  Encourage one another.  Pray without ceasing.
~MaryAnn...maegan