getting the word out!

The following text is the email I just sent to my family, summarizing the conversation I had with my dad tonight. I've been put in charge of gathering information from Dad and passing it on. Here's what I learned tonight.

Spencer's status just keeps getting better. He'll open his eye now when they come in to see him and he is recognizing his visitors. It sounds like they're cutting back a bit on the sedatives and he's able to nod or shake his head when asked yes/no questions. This morning, Jen said something to the effect of, "If you still love me, squeeze my hand 3 times," and Spencer gave her three strong, deliberate squeezes. As they were about to leave tonight, even being exhausted, Jen could tell Spencer wanted to say goodnight. He held her hand and squeezed three times again for "I love you." I'm so happy to hear that the Spencer we know is still in there. Telling Jen he loves her has always been high on his priority list.

I learned today that Spencer's blood count was down on tuesday, requiring 4 units of blood to be given. They did a neck to pelvis CT scan (after the MRI) to see if any of the internal organs were injured, but everything came back normal (YAY!). The team finally figured out that his blood was too thinned out due to the sheer amount of fluid they've been pumping into him. Once he was given a diuretic medication, they were able to ascertain that his kidneys are working VERY well, and his blood count is normal again. Evidently, the nurse was emptying his "output" all night long. Nurses have fun jobs! And their job is going to be even MORE fun now that they've got him on a feeding tube and he's exhibiting "good bowel sounds!" Apparently, the feeding tube exploded ALL OVER the nurse and Spencer today (for the record, most nurses get totally grossed out by anything that comes out of the mouth!). The story made me throw up a little in my mouth, so I'll refrain from sharing it here! I'm sure Dad will be happy to repeat it for anyone who asks, though!

Spencer's hand surgery is tomorrow (Friday) morning at 9:45. His is the 2nd surgery of the day and should get started right on time. They've talked to the respiratory therapist a lot today and she's saying that depending on how he does post-op (how quickly he wakes up and recovers, how he responds to them weaning him off the oxygen), they may consider taking out the intubation tomorrow evening or at the latest Saturday morning. Again, can't wait!

The rehab specialist said that Spencer was able to execute every command given to him as far as movement goes. Megan and Jen were able to hunt down some very promising information about where he'll be going from here. Once Spencer is transferrable, he'll take a ride (either via ambulance or helicopter) to Swedish Hospital in Denver. Kaiser has thankfully approved that if he requires rehab services, he will receive them from Craig Hospital, the number 1 place we would want him to be. What a relief.

Dad wanted me to be sure to express our thanks to Spencer's coworkers at Ball Aerospace. We're happy that they are reading this blog and wanting to be connected with what is happening with Spencer. We appreciate the help that they are offering and are relieved to know of the army of friends anxious to be of service to Spencer, Jen, and their girls.

I also want to mention how wonderful the Gebhard family has been. Even with more of their kids coming back into town this weekend, they (especially the kids) have insisted that our family continue to stay with them. It turns out that Dad is going to join their family Academic Olympiad team on Saturday afternoon, strengthening their team with his extensive knowledge on American history and political science. It sounds like it will be a pretty formiddable team and I hope they kick some butt!

That's about it for today's updates. Thanks again (and again and again) for everyone's prayers and support.