Not quite Rocky�

Today Matthew was in training. In preparation for tomorrow he underwent a sprint. That�s when the respiratory therapists lower his ventilator settings to make his lungs work harder. They mimicked the settings of the CPAP he will be transitioned to tomorrow morning. Matthew�s oxygen and carbon dioxide levels stayed where they belong so it looks like it will be a go for extubation. Terri and I were shown the mask that he will be wearing after they take out his breathing tube. It reminded me of Hannibal Lector. While it won�t be flattering, the mask will be less irritating to his throat. Terri and I had been told numerous times by several trusted doctors that they were concerned about Matthew�s lungs when it came time to do his surgery. We naively thought they meant during his surgery. We never thought he would have such serious complications after his surgery. Our nurse Kniki (thank God for her and all the rest) said it was better for us to digest small bits of reality than to have faced the totality of the circumstances all at once.