Quick Update on Dad and Titus

*** Afternoon Update***
Dad does have pneumonia, but is having a good day. The doctor stated he is twice as good today as he was on Tuesday. He's doing his exercises (lifting his arms over his head) and communicating more clearly with Mom on what he wants. He'll still be on the ventilator a few more days, but they are beginning to wean him off.

Not much has changed for Dad. He has been moved to a different ICU ward - one that provides a room with a door, tv and chair, instead of a curtained off area. It's much quieter and provides dad with more privacy.

He is still on the ventilator, but is alert and over breathing the machine a bit. For a few days, he was very agitated when awake (the vent can do that) and his blood pressure/heartbeat would elevate. A cardiologist has done an EKG and echogram to check out his heart. We have not heard the full results, but prelim results is that his heart is fine. It's just reacting to the stress of what is going on right now.

They did a culture to test Dad for pneumonia, and we should receive the results today. They have started him on antibiotics and will change/fine-tune the prescription once they receive the test results.

The two main concerns right now are still his lungs and kidneys. All of his blood levels are showing normal levels, so there is no concern there (or concern with the reaction to be given the wrong blood rh). Please continue to pray for healing of the bones and strength for his lungs/breathing. Please continue to pray for strength for Mom. She is there as much as she can be and appreciates all the support and friends that have come by.

Titus has pre-op checkups all day today in preparation for his surgery on Monday. He has been doing great this week with his cochlear implant. He just smiles when you talk to him, but he is so alert with it on. What a joy it is to see his face light up when we put it on in the mornings. We are also mentally preparing for next week. We know the stress that surgery puts on his little body - and this will be probably one of the more intensive surgeries that he has had. Titus seems to do well with the surgery, but it's extubated him from anesthesia that always seems to be a problem. Fortunately, we are with doctors that have been with him since birth (14 months yesterday) and we will be back at Medical City which we are very familiar with. Even then though, it's tough when all my boys are spread out and not under one roof. It's only for a few days, and we know to take it one day at a time, but your prayers are appreciated.