I am glad to hear that he is doing better and they can move the ventilator and get him out of the ICU. I am sure being in a sedated coma was a nightmare for him. I have heard it can really mess with your mind. I am sorry I missed your previous updates as I was out of town and then somehow didn't see them till now. Continued thoughts and prayers and HUGS. Thank you for keeping us updated.
We're definitely glad you are updating us. Hopefully, the worst is over. I think of you all the time and will continue to keep you in my prayers. We love you, Raven!
The new CAT scan yesterday morning revealed that we've been fooling ourselves. His left lung looks just as bad as it did when he first arrived at this hospital. And now, his right lung is getting more fluid as well. Still no recognition or responses from him. One of the docs is going to talk with me this evening and give me the collective opinions of himself and his colleagues.
I am sorry just when you think there's a ray of sunlight. We will continue to pray for you and your family. Please keep us updated when you are able to.
The doc basically said that they are going to remove as much fluid from the plural sac of his right lung with a syringe today. If it comes back (like the left side is doing) then we have family decisions to make about whether or not to continue with the ventilator.
David and I have discussed this scenario many times, and I know what his wishes are. But - if it comes down to that, I would want to see if it's possible to bring him out of the sedation long enough to confirm. Frankly, I don't even know if he's still in there. He may already be off riding Kermit through the woods - white hair flying wildly with that maniacal grin that I love so much.
Still thinking and praying for you. From what I understand from when my father in law was in a similar position you might not want him to come out of sedation if his lungs have a lot of fluid in them. It could be terrifying for him.
I wish I had some wisdom to offer. I am still a baby and havent experienced enough extreme health issues, decisions or death to have any answers. I know that most nobody knows what to say or do at times like these. I admire that it sounds like you are prepared and that you can talk about it. It's probably very hard to not be selfish, and through your creative descriptions of David, he may very well still be in there fighting like the stubborn codger that he is. I'd think that if they can drain both lungs for you and then revive him so that he can try to fight one last time and also at least say goodbye if need be, I'd probably vote for that. But I am selfish.
I am lucky enough to have ridden Kermit. I know very well that maniacal grin. :)
Keep your wits about you Raven. No matter what happens here, there will be better days.
It is necrotizing pneumonia, so it is destroying the lung tissue as it infects - liquifying it. Apparently, there is no amount of draining that will bring back his breathing capacity. Also, there will be no bringing him out of sedation for goodbyes. We will sedate him even deeper for release from his private hell. His daughter Kathy is driving in from St. Louis today so that we can all be together. We will wait for her, then do what needs to be done.
I know that I sound mechanical and emotionless; but I am trying so very hard not to feel. The outpouring of support and love that you've all shown is appreciated beyond my capability to express. This has been my only outlet. After what happens today or tomorrow at the latest, I will probably not post for awhile. I know you'll all understand. I love you all.
I can't possibly express through words how incredibly sorry I am. I can't even begin to imagine how hard this has been on you and your family. I'm sending prayers and strength your way.
One thing we know you're not is emotionless. None of us are in any position to judge how you handle what you need to and we don't/won't...I promise you. We love you so much and would do anything to help you. Please, please let me know if there is something I can do. My heart just aches right now and I don't even know what to say except we are here for you.
Raven, we all have our own way of coping with difficult times. Sometimes, when difficult things like this happen, its hard to know exactly how you feel. Emotions can change from minute to minute. And sometimes we are so numb with shock and grief, we don't feel anything at all. No one can say what is right or wrong. We will never judge you. And we wont allow anyone else to judge you, either.
Please do your best to take care of yourself. Make yourself eat and rest. Allow your family and friends to do for you - it makes them feel helpful.
God be with all of you in this time of sorrow. <<hugs>>
Raven, you are so strong. I don't think anyone who knows you would ever be able to think you were emotionless. I pray for David, you, and your entire family, for strength and peace. There are no words that can express my sympathy to you. Just know that if or when you need to talk, we are here.
Sorry to see you going through all this Raven. Lots of love coming your way from the other side of the world! Just remember we are all here for you whenever you need it!
Raven, sometimes it's best to just let go. It's incredibly difficult, and that you have the strength to do it is something I admire. Remember that we who have never met you, love you. Whenever you're ready to come back, we'll welcome you. Until then, sweetie, take care of yourself and God bless.
Raven, even though I have only known you a short time, I know that you are not emotionless. In times like this it is hard to process everything and it is all we can do to just move ahead. I understand as I have been in a similar situation. The others here understand as well. No one judges you here. Everyone loves you. Again, I am just so sorry for all you are going through. I am so glad that we were able to provide an outlet for you. Thank you for sharing with us. We will all be waiting here for you when you are able to come back. Lots of love and prayers.
Raven - I am so sorry for all you and your family are going through. Be strong sweetie and take care of yourself. You have a great family to support you, let them. Take care and let us know if we can do anything at all for you. You and David are in my prayers. Marsha
I think it might be a while before Raven can come back here and update.
I know that there is much love for her here. Her son, Dave, posted this on his FaceBook wall last night:
For everyone who has been thinking of my dad's troubles: tonight at about 10pm we turned off the ventilator. The nurses made sure that he was comfortable and at 1034 he passed. Thank you all for your support and wishes.
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Still thinking and praying for you. From what I understand from when my father in law was in a similar position you might not want him to come out of sedation if his lungs have a lot of fluid in them. It could be terrifying for him. 
