September 13, 2009

  • UPDATE ON TONTO #2....

    First of all, I would like to thank everyone for their prayers for Tonto and his family.  The prognosis now is *hopeful* after four plasma exchanges.  His white cell count is coming up slowly.  It is enough that they were able to remove the catheter.  He is one step from being able to leave the ICU.  He still has another 10-14 more plasma exchanges to go.

    One funny thing happened.  In order to figure the amount of plasma needed, Tonto had to be weighed.  They actually weigh him in his bed.  The weight of the bed, bedding and linens is known so they subtract that to figure the patient weight.  Well, it seem the nurse transposed the last two numbers so instead of having lost almost 60 lbs., he actually has only lost about 8 lbs or so from the last time he was weighed.  The nurse realized her mistake later and corrected it but it DID cause Tara quite a bit of concern for a bit.

    Tara said he was out of pain finally or at least it is now much more bearable.  He was even able to crack jokes about all the people they have heard from that his son contacted when he was called.  Tonto laughed and said, *Sure....all it takes is almost dying and they come out of the woodwork!*  Tara finally believes he really DOES have family and friends.  It's just that none of them live close.  Out of sight, out of mind I guess.  Only his son and family have visited them here in Alabama.

    So please continue the prayers.  He's far from a real assurance of getting well yet.  It's just *hopeful*.  Tara has taken a positive attitude.  She has left it in God's hands (her words exactly).    I believe in the power of prayer.  Thank you, my dear friends.  Love you all.