Still in ICU - Stable

Wow, it has been over a week since Pam was moved to ICU.  It feels to me like time has actually stopped so I didn't even realize that much time has passed.  They had to put the breathing tube (respirator) back in yesterday morning because Pam was working harder and harder to breath with diminishing results.  They then took her for a CT scan to get a better look at her lungs.  The CT showed significant fluid around the lungs and signs of infection in the lungs.  They decided to go ahead and drain the fluid from around the lungs as they feel this was contributing to Pam's breathing difficulties. After explaining the risks of this (possible infection anytime they puncture the body) and getting my signature to approve they did this procedure.  They pulled 1 liter from her left lung and .5 liter from her right lung.  Those tubes are still in place and will stay until they have all the breathing/lung issues resolved to their liking.  They are continuing to try to drain fluids off her body.  She was at one point 40lbs above normal from all the fluids.  Images of Macy's parade balloons were starting to enter my head.

So....even though she is still in ICU, she is much stronger than she was a week ago at this time.  Her heart, blood pressure, and liver/kidneys are all strong right now (none of which was true 7 days ago).  The issue now is to continue to get the fluids off the body, and to watch the lungs and look for healing and improved function.  I suspect she will be in ICU for a few more days even if everything goes perfectly.

When she was awake on Friday she was able to tell me that I had bad breath and to get away from her.  I am taking that as a good sign.   I'll take any I can get these days.
Hopefully the next post will bring some news of moving forward.
Troy