Day 3

Today we had hoped to get the chest tube taken out but the x-ray showed some three different air bubbles around the lungs. They hooked the chest tube up to a suction for most of the day and retook the x-rays again this evening. It looks like one air bubble is gone, but the one that they are the most worried about is still there. It sounds like we will keep him hooked up to suction all night and take another x-ray tomorrow to see if it is gone (or at least not bigger). So please keep that in your prayers, as they may need to put a chest tube in the right side if this does not improve...and Jacob really could do without any more procedures.

I haven't asked about a date to go home as I think it is touch and go - just depends on what these air bubbles do. Otherwise, Jacob is doing well. He is eating more and had almost a whole hamburger for lunch and ordered another one for supper, which he is working on as we speak, along with his chocolate milk. The pain is controlled most of the time, though he has pain when he coughs (the deep intake of breathe causes pain in the incisions) and some gas pains.

I'm missing the other kids but in a vague sort of way. I know where I am needed and I am here, beside him, at all times. We are hoping that the kids can come for a visit tomorrow night so we can have a little Christmas Eve celebration in the room and then Ben and the kids can go to the Ronald McDonald House to spend the night and stop here again on Christmas. Our real Christmas celebration will happen once we all go home...after all, Santa is really good about delaying Christmas when needed.

No pathology report yet. I'm still dreading it while also hoping for some good results. Maybe tomorrow?

Keep praying, please. I've been warmed by all your thoughts, prayers, and well wishes. Keep them coming as we will need them for awhile.