Yesterday started out with such promise.  We were all expecting a great day but unfortunately Lexe suffered a setback around 1:00 pm.  Lexe's left lung collapsed causing her oxygen saturation rates to drop to life threatening levels.  It was a very tense situation as the team of providers in the ICU worked hard to stabilize Lexe.  It was very hard to watch.

The decision was made to perform a bronchoscopy.  The pulmonary team inserted a camera and cannula into her lungs to deep suction her lung fields.  She has very thick secretions in both lungs making suctioning difficult.  The physician removed as much of the secretions as possible.  Lexe tolerated the procedure well.  Later in the day her left lung re-inflated. Both lungs still contain secretions affecting Lexe's respiratory output.  She remains ventilated and sedated.  However we hope her oxygen saturation level will improve.

Today the pulmonary team performed another bronchoscopy and removed more of the secretions.  At present Lexe remains critically ill.  We are very hopeful that Lexe can have a quiet evening.  Her heart continues to beat strong and hard, and her fluid output is improving.  At some point, most likely today, Lexe's paralytic medication will be reduced.  She needs to start moving to prevent secondary problems associated with her paralytic state.