Today was a fairly quiet day.  Landon’s Respiratory therapy was changed to bump up to 8 times per day.  4 times with the same IPV treatments, and 4 times with a new vest treatment.  He handles both well.  And they generally get tiny bits of junk from his lungs afterward.

They have lowered various vent settings throughout the last couple of days.  I think I mentioned recently that he is now initiating all his own breaths.  Today they lowered his peep pressure, and his oxygen %.  So in that sense he is making progress.  His x-ray tends to lag behind, which is fairly common.  There is an over all clinical feeling of improvement, but in general they aren’t thrilled with his pace of progress.  A bronchoscopy has been scheduled for tomorrow.  It is both therapeutic in the sense they clear a little out during the process, and diagnostic because they can grab a sample of what we are dealing with.  The plan is to keep moving forward, but hopefully at a better pace if we can make helpful changes.

Landon is being a trooper as always.  Speaking of troopers, daddy is holding down the fort at home.  He is taking care of the daily duties, AND changed out Nolan’s NG yesterday, AND made it to church today, arguably on time, despite a last-minute clothes changing/spit up episode, and an even more last-minute potty request.  I am proud of all of my boys.

 

I got some fresh air at dinner tonight, and found myself surrounded by an equally “alone” yet social group.  I learned that the gentlemen to my right was here for a kidney transplant this week, and the lady to my left was here for her niece’s lung transplant.  All scared, all hopeful.  All more aware today, than we were perhaps a few years ago, of the importance of making the most of each day, of appreciating health and happiness, and of treasuring each moment.  I was surrounded by medical stories.  But also surrounded by stories of survival, of love, and of making the most of each day.  Of thriving regardless of circumstance.  But I suppose we are all surrounded by those stories each day.  It doesn’t take a serious medical issue, or a dramatic history.   Survivors and thrivers are everywhere.  And I hope you decide to be one too.