We just left from our 9 pm visit and are happy to report that all consents are signed, and we are on the operating room schedule for a 1:00 pm tracheotomy tomorrow, Wednesday, Oct. 8th. The surgeon will be Dr. Nuss, a well respected ENT surgeon in the Baton Rouge and New Orleans area.


During our last visit of the day, Deedy was sedated in order to rest up for the procedure, so even though she did not respond much, she knew that we spent the entire hour massaging her hands, knuckles, fingers, arms and knees with baby lotion. I know she loved it even though she couldn't say so. I told her that in less than 24 hours all that junk would be removed from her mouth and throat. All her vital signs are good. At 11:15 this morning, she "converted" her heart and there is no more arrhythmia. Although she spent all day successfully initiating all her own breaths (through the vent), she is now back on assisted breathing to give her lots of rest overnight. Her fever (earlier up to 103) is now back to 98.6. If all goes well tomorrow , we will update you on our plans for the flight to Tulsa on Friday! Thanks for your continued prayers and the many, many good wishes you have sent her way.