Update from Virginia - Thursday

Thomas had an eventful evening. Some good news, some not good.

The not good:

Thomas has developed a lung infection. Virginia and Jim are requesting a resurgence of prayers for this, as this is cause for serious concern. His blood oxygen is already 90%. The infection (pneumonia) threatens to lower it further. The doctors are administering heavy doses of antibiotics to fight the infection. Thomas is coughing hard as well, perhaps due to the ventilator or infection. This is not good according to the doctors, so they are administering paralytic drugs to immobilize Thomas. Prior to the infection, the doctors were considering removing the ventilator.

The good:

Overnight, Thomas struggled and fought with the nurse to remove the tubes and probes. While that is not good, it did indicate though unconscious, effort made with intent. Virginia reports waking at 4am to hear the doctor instructing Thomas to "squeeze his hand, wiggle your toes." She thought this pointless due to the sedation, but she heard the doctor say "good" after each instruction suggestion Thomas, though unconscious, was indeed responding to instruction. According to the doctors, the amount of brain activity required to simply lift a finger is significant, so any response at this point is encouraging. Let's take this as encouraging news.

Please pray for Thomas' lungs. He needs us now and ongoing. Never let up. Thomas has the heart of a lion, and with the same strength, we will match that spirit with unrelenting prayer.