June 1, 2009

We were excited, but also nervous, when we learned this morning that they planned to transfer Bryce from the ICU to a regular nursing floor. He has been in one of three different ICUs for the past 4 1/2 weeks. This afternoon he was transferred to the 10th floor at Intermountain Medical Center.

It has been difficult for us to see him so much pain. The doctors are trying to find the balance with giving him enough pain medication to help him get through the pain, but not so much that his bowels will continue to not fully get going. Today Bryce was very anxious. A number of times he would as me if I would hold his hand as he felt a need for some assurance. What a sacred privilege to do so!

We were very concerned this evening as his heart rate continued to climb (over 150) and his blood pressure was dropping (70/38) and he got a low-grade fever (101 degrees). We hope that the doctors were not premature moving him out of ICU to the busy unit.

We think what has happened is that Bryce got dehydrated as he has not had dialysis for the last two days (he has been getting dialysis daily). Since dialysis takes so much out of Bryce he asked if he could have Sunday as a day of rest from dialysis. This morning they were going to do dialysis, but since he was going to be transferred out of the ICU it was postponed and they didn't get to him until this evening. Through dialysis they have been giving him extra fluids.

Kendra is going to stay the night with Bryce to be there for him as he is not feeling well and continues to feel such anxiousness with all that is going on with him. (By the way she is feeling much better than she did last week.) roomstaying with Bryce this evening.)

Today I took some time to read to Bryce some of these updates that I have sent out for the past month. He doesn't remember much beyond a couple of days ago. He was very attentive as he learned what had happened to his last 4 1/2 weeks.

We cannot express enough our deep gratitude at the service, love, and prayers we are receiving from you.