JPF Home Page Forums Lyric and MP3 Feedback Lyric Feedback Forum 3 Please Pray for Alan and Helen!! Not a lyric!

Oh Alan, I'm so sorry to hear about Helen's setbacks. If there is a silver lining to any of this sadness, it is that Helen is being sedated so she hopefully is not in any pain.

I sent you a PM, and I'm here if you need me.

{{{BIG HUGZ and more prayers}}}
Cindy

My thoughts and prayers are with you and Helen, Alan. I'm sure it's small comfort to you that she is not in pain with being heavily sedated but it does help to find small rays of sunshine in critical situations. May God surround you both with His love and healing!

Mary Lou

Oh, Alan. I didn't know how bad it was. I just knew "ICU" and that's bad enough. I pray that you will have the strength to make informed decisions and that Helen will rally. Please know you both are in my prayers. The good thing is that Helen is a fighter and so are you. God bless you both, right now. If you need to talk or cry feel free to call me night or day. 318-617-8240. You know I'll cry right with you.

Oh dear Alan, I know that this is so hard to bear, I am only grateful that Helen knows none of it at the moment and that she is in a place of greater peace under that sedation. Thank God they caught the pneumonia early, that can be such an insidious infection.

I continue to pray and think of you both. Through God's grace and healing, may the fighter in Helen prevail.

God Bless,

Rachel

HI Al,

Again, sorry to hear about this latest turn of events. The only words of comfort I might be able to offer you are these: when my daughter Samantha had a laryngeal cleft surgery at age four, she actually HAD pneumonia going into surgery (the only way to get rid of it was to make the repair, as every time she ate, small bits of food were going thru the tiny hole into her lungs, creating the environment for constant pneumonias to develop.)

My point is that she too was intubated post-op and also treated for several days with antibiotics. She was kept sedated for I over a week -- again, so as not to be freaked out by the experience and also in her case, to prevent her from breaking the sutures from her very delicate procedure. You'll likely see them doing some fairly vigorous chest P/T on her...to loosen up the mucus....and then suction. While certainly Helen has other more serious issues to contend with and compound the situation, it's pretty tough to watch...but after 13 days, Samantha came out of intensive care.

So remember that hope still lives. Just try to make sure they are VERY READY to extubate, b/c she needs to be awake for that, and if she's not able to breathe on her own, they'll need to reintubate immediately. NOT FUN.

I hope I'm not giving you too much and/or erroneous information. I am just a firm believer that information is power and ultimately, you are Helen's best advocate.

So please, try to stay calm, and keep us posted as best you can....our thoughts are with you both...

Beth

Hey Alan, I have never met you or Helen in person, but I dreamt that I met both of you last Saturday night probably because you were on my mind that day. I don't remember the dream but I know that I met you and that it was not sad. I've heard it said that a person is closest to God through their conscience or their subconscious world. Maybe the dream was a message from God that he hears our prayers. All the best to you and your family. Ben

Hi Again, Folks.

I do look in on the boards several times a day...particularly this thread. Sometimes I do not have the time to reply or to comment. And, to be honest, sometimes I just don't have the emotional strength to do so...even if I have the time.

A small bit of good news. I just called the hospital to get a progress report. Helen's kidneys seem to be on the rebound. They ran more tests on her this evening and they were surprised and delighted to see a rather significant increase in her renal function, as well as a noticable increase in urinary ouput. That is the first really good news. So, the possibility of total renal failure is not out of the picture...but it moves much closer to the bottom of the list of immediate concerns. She otherwise remains consistent in her condition. So, there is a little more light at thge end of the tunnel! And it doesn't appear to be an oncoming train.

One other thing I want to say. I know that many of you have a very deep faith in God. Some of you are very spiritual but not particularly religious. And some of you do not believe in a God, in the tradtitonal religious context. I just wanted to assure those of you who send warm wishes for Helen's recovery and additional strength for me, in lieu of prayers per se....your compassion and support is equally appreciated. Being a person of faith in the Christian God, I know that prayers are a wonderful thing and are answered...although sometimes in ways we do not understand. But, I also believe that the goodness of the human soul has its own worth and value and can be a powerful force as well. So, no matter where you are in that set of beliefs, your messages of encouragement and strength are equally appreciated.

I thank each and every one of you. Of the JPF family, I know that Bobbie, Vanessa, Danny Harbour and a few others have experienced the power and strength that all of you give in your words and your hearts in times of need and crises. I am sure that they would attest to the significance and power of each and every word from all of you. It is an awesome and incredable thing that you folks do for others. I hope you know and realize what a wonderful family of folks you are. I know that I sure do!

I wish each and every one of you strength, happiness and contentment.

Alan

Alan,
Cast all your anxiety on Him, for He cares for you. And remember the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. You folks have been in mine anyway. I will continue to pray for Helen's comfort and the doctors' wisdom.

God's love,
John

Alan,

Still praying. Keep us updated.

Skip

Alan....Terri and I will be praying for you and Helen....hang in there....I know it's tough for you both....Bob

That is a ray of good news....Alan....!! thank you for keeping us informed.....

take good care of 'you' too.....

prayers and hugs,
Kaley....

Hi Alan
That is some encouraging news. Our bodies heal a little at a time in stages. Lets keep our thoughts and energy positive in this.
Keep us posted.
Sylvia sends her love.

hang in there, friend.

prayers, thoughts, & hugs.



markus

HiDee SideGuy!

Dunno how I've missed this but it's been a Weird Weekend. I've never quit askin' The Deity to help you two out...& looks like a wee bit of Answered Prayer IS coming Your Ways...I'm so glad.

Here's prayin' for some More!

'Nuther Prayerful Hug, Amigo,
Stan

Alan, that's a relief and such good news. Will keep checking on ya'll.

I'm glad to hear there's a little good news... whew. Beth, if I was in this situation, I would appreciate so much your words of similar experience and what to look out for and know ahead of time. Thank you, from me, for taking the time to share that information. (and I'm so glad your daughter did fine!)

Alan, I hadn't seen a picture of Helen before you changed your avatar. Thank you so much... she is truly a beautiful woman, and it's just a lovely picture of the two of you. She reminds me just a tiny bit of my mother-in-law, whom I love very much.

I also appreciated your words on kind thoughts as well as prayers being felt and having power. I too believe this. You expressed that so nicely.

I know you'll be reading along, and I understand as do we all (I'm sure of this!) that it's just too tiring to respond to everyone right now. We so, so understand. It's good to know you're getting our messages, and we know that it's 100% OK if you just pop in for a sec when you can manage it.

Before I go I just have to say how much I love this JPF family. I truly feel treated as a family member here, and have come to love many of you as if you were real family... even though I have met very few of you in person. You're all so terrific. I'm so happy to have met you and added you to my circle of friends. It is a remarkable, wonderful thing to watch so many good and caring people, caring for one another and bearing each others' burdens when in need.

That is just such a wonderful miracle in and of itself.
Still praying hard over here.
love,
Linda

Hi Alan,

You are so sweet to keep us informed during this time of stress. You are also so right that I have personally been the blessed recipient of so much love and support from my "family of choice" here on JPF. You folks have touched a LOT of hearts, many of whom you will never know or even know about...but it really HAS happened. When Corky passed away, I printed off all your comments and songs and put them in a notebook for each of his sons and his mother and sister. His mother was so touched, she put the notebook on a pedestal at his memorial service. The folks who stopped to read your thoughts and remembrances often commented on things you conveyed. Love is always a good thing...and it is always best when shared.

Alan, you have given so much of yourself to the rest of us...that there's no way to ever repay that. So all any of us can do is offer our love and support during this incredibly stressful time. This tiny bit of good news means SO much.

I am praying that our Lord will hold you both in His loving hands...and that his wisdom will guide the medical team that is caring for Helen!!

Hugs & blessings,
Bobbie

Back again with a little more news. Helen has enjoyed 2 small improvements and one setback. Her kidneys are functionaing at near normal capacity. And they have reduced her support on the respirator to just 50%...that's down from 100% on Sunday. So, those two items are encouraging. The one setback may or may not become a bigger issue. Her pneumonia is slightly worse. The most recent X-rays, noon today, indicated a little more cloudiness in the lungs. But, it wasn't a dramatic difference. So, although a setback, it is not as bad as it could have been.

I spoke with the cheif of her medical team. He said that Helen would be in ICU a minimum of 2 more weeks...and that is if all goes well. She will need a few more days on the ward after that. So, it appears that she will be in the hospital at least three more weeks. Thank God for good insurance! Yes, I am attempting to expereince a little bit of levity. Although I have my moments, all in all, I am doing reasonably good. I treated myself to lunch at a really nice restaurant today. It was good!

Thanks again to everyone. And Bethm your post was so encouraging. I can't tell you how much I appreciate you passing that on to me.

I have changed my avatar to include Helen in the picture. It is a bad photo (splotches and so forth...came out of my wallet). But, now everyone can see what lovely lady she really is. Thanks again, everyone!

Alan

Glad to hear the update Alan....and treat yourself more. I know from experience that breaks up the day in a way that makes sense. Thanks for keeping us in the loop.

Hey Al,

I'm so glad sharing our experience with Samantha has given you a little encouragement...that was my intent . I'm a firm believer in Knowledge Is Power....and though I know everyone reacts to these sorts of situations differently, I had no doubt you'd be interested in hearing possibly pertinent information. It is such a physically and emotionally draining experience...we found that by having a bit of an idea about what to expect, you can at least regain some sense of control....

In fact, the importance of this sort of "outreach" can't be underestimated. Our surgeon -- who performed only the second surgery of it's kind on Samantha -- has put us on a "referral list" for parents of his patients, so we can give them the inside track. And no holds barred -- he has given us license to tell the good, the bad, and the ugly. Not only about what to expect immediately post-operatively and MEDICALLY during their stay...but also non-medical tips: like which P/T's they should angle for (if possible), a bit about the different nurses, the best times to go to the cafeteria, and even how in a weird way, it can feel like Las Vegas...no windows, you're there 24/7, and you have no idea if it's day or night.

I'm sorry to have digressed so much, so let me just reiterate my hopes for a peaceful resolution of these current circumstances. Whether it's your daughter or your wife, the uncertainty can be agonizing. Please know that we're all sending prayers and positive energy your way, and look forward to hearing more good news.

Hang in there...

xoxo,
Beth

big hugs and prayers


markus

We're grateful to hear Helen has improved. We thank you Lord for this blessing. I sincerely hope you are doing your best to stay rested and healthy. I know how such things can wear on you. Being the oldest of five the majority of the burden fell upon me when my father dies. That's a lot to carry. Faith pulled me through as it will you & Helen. I pray the good Lord will take you both by the hand and deliver you from this troubled time healthy and strong. I pray that he bless you both in heart, soul and body in the name of the father, the son and the holy ghost. Amen


Love & Sunshine,

Teddie & Robin Cochran

Okay, some news on Helen:

She is doing somewhat better. Her kidneys are back to normal efficiency and it appears that they have abated the progress of the pneumonia. Her lungs were slightly clearer today.

However, I did get a bit of a shock when I spoke with the doctor and the charge nurse this morning. Helen probably won't be coming home for at least two more months, possibly longer. The tube in her throat has to come out no later than next Friday. If she is unable to maintain good breathing on her own, they will put her on a long term trache...long term meaning a couple of weeks or longer. If they do indeed have to do that, and they are rather certain that they will, they will monitor her for one additional week in the hospital. If she still isn't capable of breathing adequately on her own, they will be sending her to a special respiratory hospital where they will attempt to wean her from the trache. She would be there two to three weeks. She would then have to be moved to a care facility for in-house physical and occupational therapy. That would be another two to three weeks. So, this is a very long term process. There is but a minimal chance she will be home for the holidays.

That's about it for now. I know that a few of you are probably getting tired of all this. But, I also know that many of you are truly concerned and wait for the updates. I will contunue to update as I find out more. Thanks again for everything. The caring words, prayers and warm wishes from all you do make a difference for me...and I am convinced that they find their way to Helen. So, thank you very much.

Alan

Al and Helen,

I am continuing to keep you both in my prayers. Every good wish goes out to you both from everyone here on the boards. It sounds like things are starting to look up somewhat. We are glad of that. I know that that time in the hospital is grueling for both of you. I pray that both of you continue to stay strong and firm in the faith that she will be home with you as soon as God allows.

Hugs and prayers to you both,

Jan

Hi Alan,

My heart goes out to you...for I know how difficult this is for both of you. I pray that the good Lord will touch Helen with His hands of healing and will bring her safely back to you in good time. Spending the holidays in the hospital is never enjoyable...but she is still with us and for that we all give thanks.

Bless you...
Hugs,
Bobbie

Al we don't get tired of worrying about friends updates good or bad keep us sane...

Prayers man... Glad to hear there is a light at the end...

Cheers

Alan,
I can only send prayers to try and help you guys through this nightmare. I can imagine how bad it must hurt to see your love so helpless. God bless you guys...Moker

Hi Alan

I kept wondering about any updates then saw this thread, better than staring at that shout out box...
Our prayers are with guys as you already know.

I've been reading this and just riding on waves of emotions. It takes me 10 seconds to become sad without reading this at all so boy this is tough.
Stay strong Al for both of you, You are incredible & wonderful people and an inspiration to us all.

God Be With You

Just a comment about Alan. I met him at Pinevest this summer and I ask him about what it is like to live with a woman who is so critically ill, totally dependent on him, and whose medical expenses are staggering. Alan just smiled and said something to the effect of: "It's not a burden because I love her"

If it wasn't for my love for my handicapped daughter, I wouldn't have a clue about what he meant. His situation isn't easy but Love makes it bearable.

Alan, I'm sorry to hear it's going to take so terribly long for her to recover.
Thanks for posting the updates.
Yes, at least as hard as it is, she is still with us.
Hold on tight...
Love,
Linda

And sometimes we cry.

Damn I just don't know what to say.

Alan I am so sorry.

Hey Al!

As long as there is need I will continue to pray. Just know that we are thinking of you and sending our love and prayers over the miles!

Charlann

Hey, SideGuy, I never get tired of Hopin' for The Best for Yas!

Most Good Things "Take Time"..& I can't think of Anyone More-Deservin' of Good-Things-Happening than Yourselves.

Never get tired of Big Hugs Backatchas, Too!
Stan

Alan, glad to know her kidneys are working properly again. Sorry to hear she will need a trach, though. What they are telling you is that Helen will need to go to a long term acute care hospital. The upside is she will be able to get some physical therapy to get her stronger. They will be able to give her that sort of special attention. Being in the bed and being so sick will zap a person's strength.

There are 3 different levels of care. The lowest level is LTAC, or long term acute care. They take care of the sickest folks that no longer meet acute care criteria. IE patients can't just stay in the hospital. They have to "go" somewhere. These patients are usually, like you say, ventilator dependent and usually are on IV antibiotic therapy or other IV medications that are given around the clock.

The upside is that Helen will be able to start getting some physical therapy to help build up her strength. PT, meaning that they will start sitting her up on the side of the bed, then get her to stand, then start progressively allowing her sit up in a cardiac reclining chair. Then, they will get her to take some steps, etc. All of this is based on what she is able to tolerate. When most folks think of therapy they automatically think "treadmill" or stuff like that. Know that it will be done kindly and gently and they will be monitoring her respiratory rate, her heart rate, her blood pressure and her oxygen saturation levels before, during and after therapy. They will monitor her weight and her nutritional status. All this factors into getting well.

She will need physical therapy and then they will add occupational therapy. She will most likely need speech therapy, as well. Endotrachial tubes (the ones in the nose) and trach tubes (the ones in the neck) are notorious for doing some damage to the vocal chords and weakening the swallowing anatomy in the throat.

All this therapy to build her up will be a process and that's what will take so long. There are 3 levels of "rehab" care. Long term acute care setting, which is the one she's going to. Then, there is what we call "skilled" or SNF-skilled nursing facilities are for someone who is higher functioning but can not tolerate 3 hours of intense acute inpatient rehab. They are usually nursing home based. Don't let that scare you. Some of these patients actually transition home or go to acute inpatient rehab. Sometimes, a patient in an LTAC setting can go directly to acute inpatient rehab. Her functional status and her insurance will dictate where she goes and when. They also take into consideration what her pre-hospital functional status was.

IE-how much did you do for her before in terms of bathing, dressing, feeding, what sort of equipment did she use before? Be prepared to answer all these questions because they will ask them.

Get to know her social worker and her case manager. They will be able to help you make informed decisions about her care. They will be able to answer questions and give you reasons for what they are doing when they are doing it. Of course, I'm always at your service, too. Let me know how it goes.

Though not a happy occasion, very interesting Tricia. Thanks for keeping us clued in. Boy did I hate that tube in the nose
Wy

I don't want to overwhelm or scare Alan. Just to explain the why's and the what-to-for's.

Tricia, i just read this whole thread and i think it's really great that you offered such relevant advice. Our family went through a difficult time similar to Helen's & Alan's it was the faith and good care from people like you, who made a huge difference!

Best wishes to Helen & Allen. Even though i don't you both, you will be in my prayers.
tom

Hey Alan,

Sorry to hear about the latest two steps forward, one step back....but still, it sounds like she's headed in the right direction.

I must say, I was impressed, moved....and not the least bit surprised by Samuel's report of your words-as-caretaker. This is the downside of "the good times and the bad", which many people seem unwilling and/or unable to forge thru these days. Whatever those qualities are that allow you to persevere, you have them in spades...and regardless of her current circumstances, you and Helen are lucky to have such a special relationship.

Hang in there, and know that we're rooting for you (as well as for the Red Sox, of course....oh my, we're up 4-1, I can't stand the pressure!!)

Take it easy, and keep us posted as best you can....

xoxo,
Beth

Hi Alan

By all means be good to yourself!

Good to hear some progress is being made, if ever so slowly

Thanks Tricia, you're a good person!

Our prayers continue

Joyce&Rittman

Hi Alan, I would say what you have here is actually good news. You now have a prognosis and a plan of action - that means progress and progress is good. It must be reassuring when someone starts talking about the future in terms of Helen's care. If the medical professionals were hesitant, I don't believe they'd be making such plans verbally. I feel really good about this, Alan. Yes, it will be a slow and difficult journey, but with you by her side, lending her strength and support, I truly believe you will emerge victorious.

I hope you read and reread the first paragraph of Samuel's message, Alan. You know it's what I've been trying to tell you all along. You are a Noble man.

Take care of you,
Cindy

Hi Al.... am sorry to hear that Helen's stay is going to be
so long....but am also happy to hear there's been some encouraging improvement.

I can't imagine anyone not wanting to know.....how both of you are doing...so thanks so much for keeping us informed...

Please take good care of 'you', too.

Hugs...
Kaley

Just a very quick note.

Thanks again to all of you. I am going to try to become a little more active on the boards again. I might do a little critiquing and such. Although almost all of my strength goes to Helen's assistance, there is only so much I can do. The healthcare team is doing the bulk of it. I think that the only way I can maintain for such a long period of time is to try to continue my other activities to some degree. So, I will be in and out with my posts. I hope to reply to all of you soon.

BTW Tricia, your post was marvelous! Helen's lead physician and Charge Nurse spoke with me at great length this afternoon. You reiterated so eloquently, and almost literally, what they explained to me. You informed everyone else in a manner in which I would never have been able to do.

Another dear freind of mine is going through a serious health crisis with a family memeber right now. I just got the message less than anhour ago. It seems like it comes in bunches. Although it is someone many of you know, I do not feel at liberty to say who it is. Just include a prayer for the family memeber of Alan's friend, if you feel the inclination to do so.

Joe (Samuel Harris), you are very kind with your post. But it is true, if you love 'em, it's not a burden...it's simply the next thing on the schedule.

Looking forward to coming back a little more at JPF. You guys are great!

Alan

Hi Alan,

Thanks for the updates. Glad to hear of any progress, sorry it is not faster. Tricia did a great job at clarifying things I think and I continue to pray for Helen and yourself.

Treat yourself when you want to, laugh when you can and cry for any or no reason at all....after all you're human. Stay strong and and I know you must feel the love here on the boards.

You're both GREAT PEOPLE and we don't have enough of those in the world.

Blessings and love are coming from one in JA tonight...

Rachel

Alan,
the pneumonia improving, having a prognosis, and treating yourself are all wonderful positive news. Thank you for sharing. You folks are still in my prayers as is Vanessa's family.

God bless you,
John

Alan,

Taking care of yourself is one of the best things you can do to take care of your wife. I learned that myself when I had Judi in the hospital seriously ill in Hawaii, and had just begun a new job as chaplain and Bible teacher for high school students. I would do her no good not doing well myself. Best thing I could do for her was to care for my own life, and keep our home going in her absence. Just the same, there is no way you don't feel this and are affected by it as much as she is, only in a different way. When one person in a couple or family is ill, it affects everyone.

My prayers are with you.

Skip

Dear Alan,

Your updates mean the world to us who love you and Helen so much!! I am delighted that you recognize the need to care for yourself and to regain some semblance of normalcy in your own life. Spending a bit of time here among friends will help you more than you know.

The insights from folks who have been through this like Beth and explanations from Tricia are most helpful to those of us who are clueless regarding what all the medical terminology really means. Thanks to everyone for sharing. This place truly is tremendous. We are family here.

You know we are all continuing with our prayers!

Hugs & love,
Bobbie

Just got back from the hospital. Helen is still stable. Although she is not better than yesterday, the fact that she is not worse is actually reasonably good news.

I just spoke with my daughter who lives in Hilton Head Island and she will be coming up real soon for a couple of days. Helen is her step-mother. They get along very well.

I want to say what a great job the hospital has done so far. They have been very informative and seem to be doing as good a job as I could hope for in their care for Helen. Heck, they've even given 3 passes for a free meal at the hospital cafeteria!

I also want to publicly thank all of you who have sent PM's expressing your concern and offering prayers and love. They do mean a lot.

Will get back to you guys when I have more. Again, thanks for everything.

Alan

Hi Alan,

Thank you for keeping us all updated. You actually got a chuckle out of me with your "free passes to the hospital cafeteria" comment. Not sure if that was a good thing or not???

We are pulling and praying for you both!!

Love,
Bobbie

Hi Alan,

I'm relieved to hear Helen is recuperating. Thanks for sharing this news here. Also, I'm still praying for you as you continue to wait patiently for her ongoing recovery. I'm glad to hear you will be critiquing. I really believe critiquing was a great form of stress relief for me when I was able to do it. Now, I'm way too busy and am beginning to see the effects of that. So, let me encourage you to take the time to post here and take care of yourself. Like Pastor Skip says, that's the best gift you can give Helen----yourself. Big hugs sent yours and Helen's way today.

Love,
Vanessa

Okay, this might be a little lengthy. But, Helen's medical team has to make some very important decisions about her within the next week. It pretty much falls in line with Tricia's wonderful explanation a few days ago. But, here are the specifics on Helen:

Helen is currently on a respirator to assist with her breathing. For the first couple of days, she was at 100%, meaning the machine was doing 100% of her breathing for her. They are trying to slowly wean her from the machine. As of last night, she was 40%...the respirator was furnishing 40% of her breathing capabilities; she was contributing 60%. That's fairly good at this point.

Helen can stay on the machine but 2 weeks...it has already been 8 days. The tube they have in her throat MUST come out no later than a week from today. There is no alternative to that. If she has regained the strength to breathe on her own, 100%, by then, that is very encouraging and will make the followup treatment shorter and easier. If she cannot breathe 100% on her own, they will perform a trach. They will then monitor her closely. If her breathing improves adequately, such that the trach can be removed within a week of its placement, they will keep her a few more days to ensure that she is stable. They will then send her to a facility for Occupational and Physical therapy. I will also get some training on how to best asisst her when she eventually does come home.

If Helen's breathing on the trach does not improve enough for them to remove it after one week, she will be relocated to a special hospital here in the area that specializes in respiratory treatment. She will stay there as long as it takes for her to breathe adequately on her own. That could be a week or two, or a month or two. After that, she would then go to rehab as I mentioned above.

All of this is predicated on her being stable enough to leave ICU, i.e., the pneumonia is fully arrested, her heart rate, blood pressure and so forth are reasonably stable. Her basic vitals have to be relatively stable for several days before they will release her from ICU.

Either way, at least she will have that tube out of her throat by the end of nest week and then will not have be 100% sedated all of the time. They actually cut off her sedation to allow her to be conscieous for about 3 minutes each day. This is so they can check on her cognitive skills. While she is under total sedation, they would have no idea whether or not she might have suffered a stroke, or something similar. So, they wake her to see if she reacts. And man...does she react! It is very sad to see the desparation in her eyes for those few minutes andf to watch her struggle because the tube is so incredably painful. But, it is a necessary evil.

I just spoke with the Charge Nurse a little while ago. Since my morning visit, they have cut her respirator back to 35%. It is a bit of a struggle for her, but she is maintaining her 65% most of the time. They are monitoring her very closely to see if she can more easily maintain at that level. If so, they will keep there until tomorrow. If not, they will go back to the 40% she did okay with last night and this morning.

Last night's X-ray of her lungs indicates that they are having success abating her pneumonia. Her lungs were clearer and her chest sounded better.

Well, that's about it for now. There are a lot of major decisions that will be made within the next week or two. And each of those decisions will have a significant bearing on the path of Helen's recovery. A best case scenario gets her home in early to mid December. A likely scenario is late December or early January. The possibility of a couple of months longer than that is possible. At this point, there is no way of telling. We'll just have to see how she responds along the way.

Thanks again to everyone the continued prayers, warm wishes and kind thoughts. Several newer JPF members who do not know Helen and me at all have passed on their prayers and wishes. I want to thank you very much, as well. I am old fart who has been around JPF for 7 years and some of the older folks here know us fairly well. They love Helen dearly and cordially tolerate me! But, those of you who do not know us but care anyway, that is very kind of you. Thank you. We do appreciate that!

Alan