Tuesday Update

Bill and Bob

Two words...MORE SHRINKAGE!!!! The CAT scan results came back with good news.  It looks like Bob's body is starting to absorb the blood from the hemorrhage in his brain a little at a time. Bad news is that the swelling has increased a bit.  The swelling will continue to be monitored.

Bob continues to take one day at a time.  He is now off both Dipravan (sedative) and Morphine (pain) and slowly beginning to make movements- especially on his left side and his eyes.  Bob's heart rate still jumps around and his blood pressure is carefully being monitored.  We believe the trach will happen tomorrow which should help with treatment for the pneumonia.  

Tomorrow will be the end of week three in this journey.  It all takes time and we are grateful for any sign of improvement even if we have a bump in the road on the way.  Bob is fighting to get better and return to all of us.  Please continue praying for him.

Monday Update

Today was a big day for Bob.  He had 2 procedures and also opened his eyes a few times very slightly.  Although we have not received the reading from today's CAT scan I am extremely happy to report that Bob's cranial drain was removed from his head today!  Hopefully the decision to remove the drain has something to do with a change in the CAT scan....tomorrow we should know.  Today Bob also had his PEG tube put in.  All nutrients will now be going through this tube.  

For those that do not read the comments that are posted, here is an update that Bob's brother, Bill wrote last night:

I took mom up to see Bob tonight, because she said that she would sleep better if she was able to see him. We sat quietly by his bedside and watched the monitors flash and beep. His BP was a little high because the nurse had just suctioned his chest. His ICP stayed below 15 and was at 9 when we left which is good without having to open the valve to release pressure. His eyes were trying to open a little and he moved his left arm a bit too. The nurse told me that his neurosurgeon was impressed with his progress. We are still trusting God for a miracle! 

Sunday Update

We are happy to report a calm day on this Easter Sunday. Today's quiet day is yet again another step in the right direction. Bob's oxygen level remains at 50% on the vent.  Tomorrow Bob will get another CAT scan.  Continued prayers for a shrinkage in the size of the hemorrhage and the swelling to be down.  I'll update tomorrow as soon as we get the CAT scan results.

Saturday Update

Today was another calm day, but we are hopeful that all the rest Bob has been getting will lead to progress in the near future.  Bob seems to be trying to open his eyes.  Up until this point he has been so heavily sedated that movements that have occurred were most likely involuntary.  His sedation has been decreased a bit more, but it did have to be bumped up for the evening.  Bob's energy reserve is extremely low so every movement takes a lot out of him.

Tomorrow Bob may be having a few procedures done.  He will be getting a tracheotomy and a PEG tube.  This means that the vent and feeding tube that have been going down his mouth/throat will be removed.  Now the trach will be Bob's source of oxygen and the PEG tube will be for feeding.  It should be more comfortable for Bob and easier to get him off the oxygen when the time is right.  

Bob is still very fragile and in critical condition, so please keep your prayers coming. 

Happy Easter from the entire Morden Family!

Friday Update

Bob (far left), Bill holding myself and Adrienne, Doug, Joan, Shawn, Mary Gay and Laurie

Today was another calm day for Bob.  His Oxygen level continues to be at 50% with the vent.  Bob's Morphine (5) and Dipravan (20) levels continue to be slowly decreased.  As we head into this holiday weekend please pray for Bob's continued progress.  

A heartfelt thank you to Bob's friends Mona Reis and the Presidential Women's Center staff.  Your kindness was felt throughout the family and hospital.

Thursday Update

Bob and Laurie

Today was another baby step forward for Bob. Bob's sedation continues to be lowered and the Oxygen levels made it all the way down to 50% today, although they had to be brought up to 75% at night. His morning chest x-ray was unchanged and he still has fluid in his left lung. Bob's steroids have been tapered down. He will continue to get the steroids. Tests did show that there is elevated Creatinine in Bob's kidneys. The doctors will continue to watch that. In the next few days Bob will be having an EEG, as well as a new CAT scan. Please keep praying for him, his family, and the doctors and nurses who treat him.

As many of you know, Bob is dedicated to his restaurant. He truly believes that the restaurant and all the individuals who make it up are an extension of his family. Today Bob's store had an inspection. Many thanks to Bob's dear Wendy's friends and family who helped make the inspection day a great one. We know Bob will be grateful and thank you in person as soon as he is able to. Hats off to Susie, Gary, Steve, Al, Denise and the entire Wendy's crew for making a difference.

Thanks to everyone for their prayers and kind comments on the blog. I intend on printing off all the updates and comments to make a book for Bob when he gets better. For those who have been wondering who I am, I am Bob's niece, Lauren. Here is a picture of part of the Morden crew at my wedding 3 years ago.

Wednesday Update

Bob in his earlier years

Bob prior to learning that mustaches aren't cool

I am happy to report that Bob is taking steps towards getting better, slowly, but surely.  His chest x-ray showed a little improvement since yesterday.  He continues to have his sedation (28) and Morphine (6) lowered.  His oxygen level was also brought down to 60% with the vent.  Bob is also doing much better with keeping the pressure of fluid levels in his brain lower.  

The trauma doctor made the decision today to give Bob an IV filter so that he doesn't get any blood clots.  They were concerned about the blood clots because he hasn't been able to move or turn over because of the respiratory infection and trauma to his brain.  The ultrasounds of Bob's legs showed no clotting, but it is now 2 weeks that he's been laying on his back and the medical staff is trying to prevent any additional problems.  The filter will now run through the main artery of his upper right leg.  Although the doctors remain cautious, we cling to the hope that these are all good signs.  Thank you so much for all your prayers.