Two more numbers

First of all, let me say she is still holding at the levels from yesterday. I am still dancing...and I actually had a moment to replace the sad wilty flowers that were in the waiting room with some that reflected our optimism a little more. I would say, "I bought them for Tammy, but she just can't have them." But that would be a lie. I bought them for me! I am a color junkie and they make me feel better!

Some of you have heard me said that I am waiting for one step at a time. We have had to reach one goal before we can go on to the next. That helps me a lot because it is hard to look at Tammy and see any change, so I rely on the numbers from the reports to determine how she is REALLY doing. So I have a few more numbers for you to pray toward.

First Number: Her blood gas level is a little low. The Dr. said that they wished it was higher. There is a little confusion on our part as to what the exact number we are praying for should be, but we don't want to wait until we understand before we ask you to pray.

Second Number: Her PEEP level needs to come down. PEEP is an acronym for word that are too long for me to try to learn, but what it refers to is the amount of volume inside the lungs when they are expanded and how much air is held at maximum and minimum levels. She had been inhaling for 3 counts and breathing out for 1, now they have adjusted the rythm where she is breathing in for 2 and out for 2. Later today they are going to try to move it to a 1-in, 3-out rythm, which is closer to our normal breath. Then, once she holds well at that level, they will begin to adjust the volume of each breath so that the pressure will be more like the volume of air we actually breathe in.

Lowering her PEEP seems to be a tougher task at this point, because her lungs are "pretty stiff." Stiffer lungs require more physical strength to expand and contract. So pray for her strength. Pray for an easy transition. Pray for the Tammy-brand of "determination" to kick in and take over. Pray for her spirit and emotions as she comes off the vent. Pray she can "see God's goodness in the land of the living" too! OH, and don't forget to watch Cash Cab! (I hear she loves that show!)