May 24, 2009

It is hard to believe that it was three weeks ago tonight that Bryce had exploratory abdominal surgery. It seems like forever ago!

Bryce actually looked better to me today than yesterday even though his bilirubin has now climbed to 22, which is concerning. He continues to be on oxygen, but otherwise he is maintaining his vital signs on his own. He was not nearly as restless and he seemed to have a little more strength. He is talking a little better, but it is still somewhat hard to understand what he says.

I thought it was cute what he said tonight to his nurse when he was talking about taking a wheelchair ride: "I don't know if I have the strength to do this, but I would really like to try." He did it and ended up being about to sit in the wheelchair for about an hour. (He had dialysis today and it really wipes him out physically - this is the second time he has done the conventional four-hour dialysis and he tolerated it well again.)

He still has not really had anything to eat or drink for over three weeks. A few days ago he was able to manipulate the doctor to let him suck on toothette swabs that were dipped in Dr. Pepper. Tonight he was trying to fanagle getting a few more swallows. It was pretty funny to listen to him. He spoke of some restrictions the doctors had placed on him several months ago about no snowboarding or no paintball games and said to the nurse - he didn't say anything about no Dr. Pepper. (I personally have never tried Dr. Pepper, but Bryce sure loves it.)

Tonight they moved him from Shock Trauma ICU to Respiratory ICU - the only reason is that they are expecting more trauma patients this holiday weekend and needed his room.

The oncologist spoke to Kendra today and is very worried about how Bryce will do with this second round of chemo - the effects could cause him to go into complete liver failure and kill him. The effects of chemo should start hitting his body anytime now. Our bishop and I gave him another priesthood blessing and I felt good about him surviving the chemotherapy and eventually being healed. We truly believe in miracles and are so grateful for the many prayers offered in his behalf that can make these miracles possible. As always our faith is that the Lord's will be done and that we will accept this