Sunday, November 2, 2008

Day 6 - Watching and Waiting

This morning they took Luke off his sedation medication. He still hasn't woken up or really moved. He did have a couple slight toe movements when the nurse was touching his toes, but nothing significant. Luke is still pretty swollen. Although he got rid of about 1 gallon of fluid yesterday, his kidneys are still not functioning fully. They will continue to run blood work to make sure his kidneys are continuing to function at a satisfactory rate. There is a possibility of kidney dialysis if they feel his kidneys need more help.

He has also been started on a nutrient enriched liquid (like Ensure) through a feeding tube.

His respirator is still at 50% oxygen and he's been maintaining a satisfactory blood oxygen level. It isn't quite enough to reduce the ventilator to 40% (their ideal level for now) but his lungs are working well despite the trauma they received. He still has fluid/blood being drained from his lungs.

Luke is scheduled for another surgery tomorrow to do a final flushing out of his left femur (thigh). They will then close up all the incisions. There is a possibility they will not have enough skin to close and may have to do a graft from the right leg. Surgery scheduled for 11:30 PST (2:30 for all you easterners).

We will soon be heading back in to see him for evening visiting hours and if there are any changes I will make a late update.

---Bill

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dear Luke and family,

We continue to lift you up in our prayers, our family praying for continued healing for you this evening during our evening prayers. We saw your Aunt and Uncle this morning at church and they updated us on your progress. Know that many all over the world are praying for you. I will pass your blog to the guys who believe in Christ around the fire station and know they will be lifting you up.

In Christ,
The Pengra Family of Redmond, OR

4 Surely He has borne our griefs
And carried our sorrows;
Yet we esteemed Him stricken,
Smitten by God, and afflicted.
5 But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed.

Carly said...

Thanks so much for taking the time and effort to keep us all updated on Luke's condition via this blog. I know it's very much appreciated by everyone who loves and cares about him. He's so lucky to have such a wonderful support system. People in northern England are praying for Luke!!

DCChaplain said...

We are keeping track of all the progress on Luke from Border Patrol Headquarters DC. Thank you for being so thorough and timely with all the updates. Please know we are all thinking and praying continually for you all there. God bless!

Anonymous said...

Our hearts and prayer are with Luke and your family. Your faith, strength, and positive attitude is amazing at a time like this. He is walking with you in your time of need, and always by Luke's bedside. Our faith gets us through rough times like these.

The Donnellys

Anonymous said...

Bill & Paula,
I have been away for a week and am just now hearing and reading about Luke. This is every parents worst nightmare.
My thoughts and prayers are with you. There is a special prayer service this Friday evening at my church and I will attend specifically to pray for Luke. Stay strong and know that your are in our thoughts.
Mary Brown and the PN Program

Anonymous said...

Dear Luke and family,
It is so good to hear any little bit of good news. Thanks for updating us. This blog was such a great idea with you all so far away. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. God is our Healer and He's right there by your side. We'll be awaiting the next report. Take care Becki with that new little one that you're carrying.

tml said...

Dithrich Family, Hi this is Tiffany Leech (Wachowiak). I was so sorry to hear about this news. I remember when Becki and I used to play as kids, and Luke would pester us to allow him to play..Well he eventually always got his way. If Luke is still the same determined and strong person he was then, then he will pull through this. Please know that all of my family has Luke in our thoughts and prayers. All of us are still local, for if there is anything you guys may need please do not hesitate to contact us. Stay strong and keep praying. God has many miracles. With love the Leech and Wachowiak Family!!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for taking the time to give us updates on Luke! Luke and your family our in our thoughts in prayers!

KarenC said...

Bill, Paula, Becky and family, I was sorry to hear the news about Luke. My daughter Tiffany Leech called and informed me of this website. Thank you so much for keeping us all informed on Luke's condition. I know it must be hard to sit and wait, not being able to talk or touch Luke in a way that you would love to hold him. Time is a great healer, I am sure he knows the love he has in his family right now. He is a strong man, you are a strong family. I remember the days of ball and that great concession stand, and how Luke and the boys could put away them hot dogs and greasy burgers they all loved. I will keep you all in my prayers.
My best and love to you all.
Karen Coon (Wachowiak)

Anonymous said...

Bill and Paula and Family,

You are in my thoughts and prayers. From the times in our childhood, I can remember is Luke never giving up. Keep faith in God. You have my prayers. May God bless you and keep you in the palm of his hand. Always remember Philipians 4:13. I can do anything through him who gives me strength.

Brock Shaffer
Clearfield, PA

Anonymous said...

Dear Luke, Bill, Paula, Ben, & Becki,

We are so sorry to hear of this happening to Luke.
Our family & Home Bible Study Group are keeping you all in our hearts & prayers.
Thank you for your updates. It is good to hear of Luke's progress.

Love,
Larry & Laurene

Anonymous said...

Dear Luke and Family,

My name is John, I was the driver of the motorcycle riding in front of him. I was also the first person to reach him. Although I couldn't do much for him, I stood in front of him to keep him safe from any further harm from the on-coming traffic. Luke has been on my mind since that unfortunate event. I couldn't even imagine the pain he's going thru, I still have a big knot in my stomach, just thinking what I could have done to alert him. If there is anything that I can do please let me know. I don't personally know him, but I'd like to visit him when possible. My prayers are for you!! My cell phone number is at the Border Patrol Station at 7560 Britannia CT

Anonymous said...

This is John once again. This is the number that I called to get info on Luke. You guys can call them at Border Patrol Information Sector 619-216-4182 to get my cell phone number and call me at any time, Thank you.

Anonymous said...

Remember, little steps, God is in control, there isn't anything that Luke, or you guys are going to have to go through that God doesn't already know about. Therefore He is ready to give you what you need to make it through. When you need to, close your eyes and feel our prayers, you guys are covered, everyone I know is praying and we are praying without ceasing.
Love
Lizzy (Robin)

Anonymous said...

Bill and Paula, We are praying for you in Hartstown, Grove City, TN and GA. Praying for peace and healing for Luke, rest and comfort for the two of you, and expertise and compassion for the doctors and staff caring for Luke. Sincerely, Suzanne & Jim Laird