Update 12.20.18
Yesterday we received Michael’s Dec.16th blood results showing the adenovirus count is down from 8 million to 457,000! The infectious disease team expects this to continue to decline.
Overall, Michael’s condition remains critical and hasn’t seen much change in the last week. The road to recovery is focused on healing Michael's lungs, supporting all other organs and vitals, as well as treating and preventing secondary infections.
Michael’s lungs are still not working. The left lung is severely damaged and the right lung slightly damaged. Doctors continue to support Michael’s oxygenation by balancing a combination of the ventilator, ECMO, and now blood transfusions. Doctors are not able to predict an outcome or timeline for lung recovery (could be 3 days, could be 6 months).
The other areas of concern are Michael’s failed kidneys, which are being supported by dialysis, and complications to Michael’s GI tract.
While Michael has not been able to speak with us for the last 22 days he has been in this medically induced coma, he has shown his fighting spirit on several occasions. When the nurses move Michael’s position, change an IV, etc. he becomes agitated like he is fighting and wants out. At certain times, the nurses allow the sedation to let up, and Michael becomes “aware.” He follows simple commands like wiggling his toes and squeezing hands. He shakes his head to say he is not in pain. He nods his head when we tell him everything will be okay. Yesterday, we even saw the corners of his mouth turn up in a sort of gentle smile! We know Michael is in there staying strong and steady throughout this challenge of his life. We can’t wait for the day he is happy and healthy, truly awake and smiling! We pray this day comes quickly.
“Dear Lord, thank you for laying your healing hands on Michael. Eradicate the rest of the adenovirus from his body. Heal his lungs. Heal his kidneys. Fix his GI tract, and keep him safe from any new complications and secondary infections. Amen."
Comments (24)
Thank you for your update. Prayers are still being said for Michael and your amazing family. So so happy his brain function is great. Now everybody let’s take care of those kidneys, GI Tract and lungs!!! God please heal him.
Sending continued love and prayers. The Kellehers
Thank you for the update, Sarah. So happy to hear the wonderful responses you are getting from Michael. We will continue to keep Michael and all of you in our prayers for a full recovery. Please give Melissa a big hug and Michael a firm handsqueeze from The Robies. All our love, Glenn, Beth, Carlton, and Forrest
Thank you for this update! Many continued prayers for an expedient and complete healing. Please Lord, hear the prayers of so many for Michael and continue to give his family continued strength and incredible faith! Allow this healing miracle to unfold to magnify your name! God bless you all! 💓✝️🙏 Jesus conquers, Jesus heals. Amen
AMEN!... God's timing is perfect. Team Jannotta has complete and total FAITH in Michael's full recovery. We are all praying that he is surrounded by believers and that he feels the divine, supernatural, healing of the love of the Lord. Hebrews 11:1 New King James Version (NKJV) By Faith We Understand Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Mike, we are with you all the way. Dr. and Mrs. Bonin, and Sydell
Sarah, Thanks so much for the update. Keep fighting Mike. Dan misses you. Thinking of you and your family during this very difficult time. Lots of prayers heading your way. The Teravainen’s
We are ALL praising God for this progress and know that God's timing is perfect!! I wish I could wrap my arms around ALL of you and assure you of our Lord's loving mercy. Michael, we trust implicitly that God will restore you to perfect health so that you can fulfill His unique purpose for your precious life! Love, love, love from the Anastas family
I am a stranger to you, but I am very moved by this. We will pray for Michael.
Continued prayers!
Thank you for the update, Sarah. Praying daily for Michael's recovery. I wish I could do more. Richard Hall Culpeper, VA
Thank you Sarah for the update. We will continue to keep Michael and your entire family in our prayers. If i can do anything for you all please let me know. Merry Christmas! Paula
So glad to hear of improvements with the infection and his strong spirit! Prayers and love for all of you! The Jacksons Beth, Colin, Karl, Ian, Thais
Prayers and many positive thoughts with you all, so glad to hear Michael is fighting .
The Doyle family covers Michael in prayer every day. Praise God for lovingly holding him each day, each hour, each minute. He is the breath in Michael’s lungs and the strength in his body. He is the strength in you all. Feel our prayers surround you.
Sarah, how kind of you all to keep us up to date on Michael’s present condition. It really helps to know & be able to pray more specifically. ***That is a bold & fantastic drop in the adenovirus numbers. Thank you Lord, for fulfilling that prayer. **What great news concerning his brain function & response to nurses, a smile, etc.. Thanks be to God. Our bodies are so fragile, yet also so resilient.. We Will now concentrate on healing if his lungs, kidneys & keeping any infections from surfacing. Stay Hopeful & Prayerful. The fact that he’s made it this far & is still fighting is a positive sign. I prayed at adoration today for Michael’s Healing. Your family is so very SPECIAL. Love, The Brick Family
Sending love & prayers from the Holland family ❤️🙏🏼
The monks of the Abbey will be offering Saturday's Mass for Mike. He is in our prayers every day.
Thank you for the update. Mike is in our thoughts and prayers ❤️ - The Reetz family
Continuing to pray and send love. Mike, I want you to know how many teachers, parents are friends are pulling for you. With love from Paula and Jack Reetz, Jack, Owen and Collin
We continue to storm heaven for a Christmas miracle for Michael. May the Divinie Physician completely heal him! The Mantooth Family in Virginia
Stay strong Mike. You were one of my best friends in elementary school. I hate to see this happening to you.
Sarah, this Noelle Alix. Our prayers are for Michael and healing and strength and love and faith that fills up Michael and you and your family. All of our prayers are offered for you. Love, Tim, Noelle, Caroline, Cate and Claire
Thinking of your family on this day and praying that the miracle of Christmas will make its way to you all and that 2019 will bring health and happiness. With love, the Gibbons Family