The last nine days have been an emotional roller coaster for our family.  We have come to understand that things in the Intensive Care Unit change very rapidly.  Don't ever get comfortable because you never know what is coming next.  With that in mind, Lexe has had a good last couple of days.  We are afraid to even say that!!

Today Lexe's ANC count, a measure of her own bodies immunity, jumped from 300 to 1400.  It is rare to see such a jump over a 24 hour period.  It now means that Lexe can help herself in clearing out her own lungs.  Several day ago Lexe was placed on an oscillating vent to help break up the material in her lungs.  This type of vent sends small rapid infusions of oxygen into the lungs, shaking them, to help diffuse all the secretions.  Today Lexe was transitioned back to a regular vent.  She tolerated the transition and seems to be much more comfortable with the vent.  Lexe was also taken off the paralytic medication but remains heavily sedated.  Lexe continues to fever.  She remains on the cooling blanket, however, now she is off the paralytic medication her shivering reflex is active making the blanket less effective because shivering heats the body.

It was tough for us to leave her tonight because she was in pain and very disoriented.  She was trying to communicate with us but with the vent tube in her mouth it was impossible.  The next step will be to try and take her off the ventilator.  We don't know when that will be but we will keep everyone posted.  We are all praying for this ICU experience to be over.  We are so proud of Lexe.  She is fighting so hard her spirit and determination are amazing.