Broncheoscopy Performed

This is Kathy Falk again.

An x-ray indicated that the pneumonia is in the lower parts of both of Shea's lungs. Because Shea's jaw is wired shut, she cannot cough up the mucus from her lungs, and the secretions with bacteria from her mouth are aspirated into her lungs. Dr. dela Cruz ordered a broncheoscopy 1) to remove mucus from Shea's lungs and 2) to obtain a specimen so that they know what bacteria is present and prescribe the right antibiotic.

Shea is being suctioned several times a day through her trachea tube, and this removes the mucus from her trachea, but it doesn't suction out the mucus which is deep in her lungs. In a broncheoscopy, a flexible fiber optic tube with a camera on the end is inserted through her trachea tube down through her trachea and into the lungs. This allows the doctor to see exactly where the mucus is and remove it. Because Shea cannot cough up the mucus deep in her lungs, that mucus can become a breeding ground for bacteria.

She came through the procedure very well. Grandpa Anderson and I were invited to observe it along with Susan [Steve is fighting off the flu, so stayed away from the hospital today.] It was good to see that Shea was entirely sedated so that it was not difficult for her. We watched as the scope traveled through her lungs and listened as the doctor described what he was seeing. There was not a great deal of mucus removed, but in 48 hours the culture will be ready, and the team will know just what they are dealing with.

Today has been a good day for Shea in that she has been sedated and is resting comfortably. The highlight of the day for me was to have her open her right eye, look at me, and then reach out both her arms to hug me. She did this twice, and each time I whispered to her how well she is doing and how she needs to just rest and trust that she is okay. It's hard to explain how absolutely wonderful it feels to have her initiate a hug!

Grandpa Anderson spent a fair amount of time with her. I wish you could see the look of love and tenderness he exudes at Shea's bedside. She responds with tears to Grandpa, so the feeling is mutual!

Amy, you asked the question why Shea isn't given a board to write her questions. A good question. She is not conscious enough yet to write. The picture board may even be ineffective at this point in her recovery. She is still in quite a fog from the sedation she is receiving.

There is more to say, but I will write more tomorrow morning. It is late, and we need to leave the Ronald McDonald House.

Before I leave, I want you all to know that Jeanne is leaving tomorrow morning because she received word today that her daughter Meredith's husband Jason is being taken by ambulance to the Eisenhower Medical Center in Augusta, Georgia, because of a suspected heart problem. Details are sketchy at this point, but we will keep you posted. Jason is only 28 years old, but this is particularly worrisome because his father died of a heart condition when Jason was only ten years old. Please pray for Jason and for Jeanne as she travels.

We just learned that Karen Grassmick, Susan's sister from Dallas, will be coming here on Monday. We will be staying here until she arrives.

Susan is with Shea now because nurse Laura called just as Susan was finishing supper to say that Shea wants her mother. Sweet words to any mother!

Thank to you all for praying for our sweet Shea.

Kathy Falk