Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Ok – here’s what we have as of 10:20 p.m. this evening.

Things are pretty much the same. Bo remains in ICU sedated allowing time to pass for the healing process of the new lungs. They remain swollen and fluid filled which is the cause for the immediate concern. He is on an ECMO machine in ICU. You can read about this machine at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ECMO. His ECMO machine is the VV type in case you are curious.

Christi likes to put things in simple terms so basically we need three major things to happen:
1. Fewer blood transfusions -to eliminate antibodies coming into the body.
2. Continued urine output -to make sure he doesn’t go on dialysis.
3. Fewer bronchoscopies (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bronchoscopy) -which indicates the body is ridding the fluid on the lungs naturally.

I sense the doctors are cautiously optimistic about his current status. They would like to see him come off the ECMO as soon as he can so the lungs can start doing the work on their own. Obviously the fluid must come down first.

Since Bo is now a regular ICU patient and not a post-op patient there won’t be another update from the staff at Duke until tomorrow morning. Updates come from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. while in ICU.

So everyone get some rest tonight and the updates will continue tomorrow as information is available. The entire family expresses their gratitude for the well wishes and notes and especially appreciates the extra prayers for Bo.

Brian

12 comments:

Ken and Mystina said...

The Zummach family is praying for Bo, for healing and renewed strength. Also for peace and strength for Christi. And for Addi as we know it can be so hard for the little ones who don't understand.

Blessings,
Ken, Mystina, Micah and Olivia

Jerrold said...

Bo sorry to be so late on the draw, I am in Chicago w/ the lung cancer advocay summit right now, that is great news, I have been talkiing you up every chance I get and will tell everyone in the morn the good news.

Jerrold said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

THank you so much for doing the updates Brian...being stuck in Georiga really blows!! But having the updates to well...update me is wonderful!

I love you all up @ Duke and I am praying for you as well...you are pushing positive energy his way!!

Bo...i love you, keep being strong!

once again
love
~~Favorite Cousin~~

Kathryn said...

This family is praying for Bo and for all his family and friends!

Robo Boogie said...

I honestly can say I have refreshed the page about 500 times today. I really have butterflies every time I see a new post. I know how the waiting and limited information in the ICU can be but I really think the next few days will bring some good news for bo. Here is to the first day of the rest of his life. Can't wait to hit refresh in the not to distant future and hear of his move out of ICU. All the Allen's thoughts are with you as I am sure half of lawrence is as well. God speed.

Anonymous said...

Bo, Christi, Addi, Bill, Jo and all: BJ and I have been keeping track of things via the blog. Glad to hear the lungs were a match and that the surgery is done. We've currently got fingers crossed and heads bowed, praying for for a full recovery and a healthy, back-to-his-old self Bo! You're in our prayers, and we'll hope to see you all again soon.

Jeff

Anonymous said...

Bo, Christi and Addi -
All of you are in our daily thoughts and prayers.
God Bless.
The Robinsons

Anonymous said...

Christi and the entire family,
As always you all and especially Bo are in my prayers. Bo is a fighter and he will be OK. Andrea sends her love and we will continue to monitor the progress.
Larry

Unknown said...

Best wishes to you & family through the recovery period - we are all praying for you here are Trade Street - Brent

Anonymous said...

Johnsons & family,

You are in my thoughts as well as all my family and friend, you are some of the strongest people I know and insire all of us.

Thanks Brian as well!

Mindy along with all my friends and family!!!

Anonymous said...

The entire FIG family, Bo's entire family, is in our prayers, in our hearts, on our minds every minute of each day. All of the energy that can be spent, all of the love that can be sent through prayer is out there. "There are promises to keep and miles yet to go" Doug and Mary Delaney