July 29 (Sunday) - 1130am

Another quiet day so far, with a few more positive things to report.   Jeannette's ventilator settings were changed to a "spontaneous" setting, which basically means she does the breathing and the machine is there as a support.   It seem like a small thing, but of course it's not--the idea she is breathing "on her own" to me is another sign that small steps are being made.   The meds have changed somewhat too, and they are still reducing the level of the narcotics (my term) so her "level of consciousness" can improve.   The pain meds continue of course and she's a long way from "waking up" I think.  But she does tend to surprise us, so whose to say?  There is talk of more surgical  repairs early in the week (perhaps Monday?) and I take that too as a good sign.    Her adominal incision still must be closed, and her broken legs and arm and back will need work from her doctors at some point too.   But the good news for today is she is doing ok today, getting stronger.    One thing at a time.   Sam is far more in tune with the numbers than am I, as they tend to come in a blur to me.  I was staring at her temperature yesterday for example, and 37 had no meaning to me.  Finally I realized that was in centigrade, and after that I figured out it was normal.     What I can share is the overall feeling that things are steady or 'getting better' and there are no extra worries for today as I write this midday note.

Rich is still asleep, but his kidney function has improved, and his liver function numbers are getting better as well.  The "touch of pneumonia" they were concerned a couple of days ago is still there, as is the urinary infection as well.    But the output "numbers" are all good and so whlie there are concerns they appear to be well under control and are responding to the treatment plan.    In short, as noon approaches things creep forward in the right direction both for Jeannette and for Rich.