Saturday, March 20th

Today is Brian's 24 hour test off the ventilator! Pray he crushes it like he has the last two days. If it goes well, they'll basically let him breath off of it, independently, for the next 72 hours and then test all his blood levels to make sure everything is functioning properly. 

I have no doubts he's strong enough and that it'll go smoothly, but let's continue to pray for that! The nurses and Dr feel confident because of how well he's done. I'm sure he's loving these challenges because we all know Brian loves (friendly) competition...and casually winning.

One Dr came in today to listen to his heart & lungs and he said everything sounded perfectly clear (take THAT, pneumonia)!

The sun is shining in his room today and I've got the windows open for some fresh air since it's finally warm out! He opened his eyes for me once after I put on his favorite band (Killswitch Engage...lol). And then I was able to have some time just talking to him while he had his eyes open and encouraging him that he's safe, strong, healthy, and loved! I told him I need him to help me with the spring yard work and that Layla's impatiently waiting for him to come home so she can play with her dad & bite his watch off (this is something she does nightly with him and he loves it). I also successfully trimmed his beard, so I'm basically a barber now too.

If it's at all helpful, I thought I would map out what I understand the trajectory should be for Brian's return to consciousness:

• Swelling in brain needs to come down in order for his brain to be able to 'wake' him up.
• Eventually, once all the swelling subsides, he will need to have surgery (cranioplasty) to replace the cranium/bone.
• Response to verbal commands need to start happening
• Breathing independently in order to transfer to rehab (he can go unconscious or conscious. If he goes unconscious, they put him through aggressive stimulation methods to 'emerge' him (ideally, though, he wakes up where we are now so we can dive into all the therapy --> this has been a big prayer of mine but I'm trusting the God will present the exact right thing for Brian).
• Once Brian shows signs of consciousness / wakes up -- we will have a whole new ballgame of challenges and rehab, but I'm praying that day is near so we can hit the ground running, get him healthy, and bring him home!

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Thank you for keeping up with us and for all the love, support and prayers! We are hosting another virtual prayer gathering tomorrow (Sunday) at 7pm CST for Brian - anyone is welcome to join us!:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88408700881?pwd=cUhkdmlVVmUxVzFhNVl1Rlo1aVJFUT09

-Lauren

Song of the day: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcDgUIy-lJY