Saturday, March 15, 2008

Update 22.5 from Rob and Linda

Hello everyone,

As indicated in the previous update, the nurses did get Steve into a chair today. They also took him off the vent and let him breathe on his own with 40% oxygenated air flowing across the trach opening. This is called a trach mask and it is what Steve was using before the left lung and infection issues. Steve definitely seemed more comfortable today and his vital signs showed it. His heart rate, blood oxygen % and respiration's are what we have seen previously.

Steve also demonstrated some "purposeful" movement today by moving fingers on his right hand and also moving his right toes when asked by the nurse.


At the time of this post, Steve is watching Top Gun with Beth who is doing the over-night.

All in all it has been a good positive day.



Thanks,

Rob and Linda

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Praise the Lord! Can't wait until he says "Hi Mom and Dad"! Lots of people in Las Vegas are praying for you guys! Love and Hugs, Barb

Anonymous said...

Linda and family,
My heart goes out to you all. When I look out at the beautiful view I have and the sunshine and all that I am blessed with I think about how it can change in a moment. You are an amazing family and I have no doubt at all that Steve feels your courage and love.
Take care,
Ann Kendall

Anonymous said...

Been thinking of you an awful lot today Steve. Keep up the great work and know that our prayers continue to be with you, Lin, Rob, Beth, Grandma and Danielle. The kids continue to share their prayers for great days ahead.

Aunt Cheryl and Uncle Rick

She-Ra said...

I just wanted to share with everyone what a positive experience I had when I visited Steve today. I had been anticipating a sick, and frail looking Steve based on reports from the family and the recent (hopefully to be cleared soon) infection, but I was so amazed to see how good he actually looked to me. He didn't look sick or frail, in fact the opposite, you could feel his presence. It gave me such a wonderful feeling when I spoke to him, he looked at me (I think) and I was filled with such hope and confidence in his recovery. He is surrounded by strength with his amazing family, and when you hold his hand you can feel his own strength inside. He has a long road ahead, but being friends with Steve, I have always been amazed at his patience and dedication.

I also spoke with a very young nurse, Katie, who is just a joy to speak with and I know he will definitely benefit from her presence and care. We talked about encouraging coughing and when I went close to Steve I told him "keep coughing, when your mom says 'cough', cough. Cough for your dad, just keep coughing" and lo and behold, Steve started coughing that moment. It was evident he was trying to work that stuff out. It was so powerful and inspiring, even if it was just a coincidence, I felt a kind of relief because I know and saw that he can do this.

I guess mostly what I got from visiting Steve was relief. He’s definitely present and his being emanates hope, and the whole environment is filled with strength and love.

Kyla Newman
(college friend)

Anonymous said...

Kyla - thank you so much for your thoughtful comments. We who are around Steve every day feel what you are describing, and it was such a relief to hear that you could sense his presence just as we do.

Love, Linda and Beth

Rob said...

Kyla,
Thank You for your thoughtful comments. This is what holds our family together. We have no time for pity or worry, only strong positive comments, thoughts and prayers.
Sorry we missed you, but I know Steve was glad to have someone there when we were not.
Rob Percha

grzebienik said...

We were so sorry to hear about what happened to Steve! Please know that we are thinking and praying for his full recovery. It sounds like he is headed in the right direction. This has been such a horrible 12 months for us "Percha's", it can only get better!!
Love,
Kim, Matt, Kyle & Jake Grzebienik