Today marks 3 weeks since Christopher was admitted into the hospital. As lab tests for other possible medical diagnosis trickle in, the Neurointensivists caring for him become more confident that what Christopher is dealing with is in fact ADEM, and that their treatment plan and interventions are appropriate. They continue to reassure us that his prognosis is hopeful and the entire recovery process is an extensive one that is difficult to predict timewise. 

With Christopher's prolonged need to protect his airway and continued unconscious state, he remains on the ventilator. This past Tuesday, they moved his breathing tube from his mouth to his lower trachea in a procedure called a tracheostomy/tracheotomy. Today, he took a field trip to interventional radiology to have a gastrostomy tube (G-tube) placed. This allows him to receive nutrition and medication directly through his stomach instead of through his mouth. He tolerated the procedure well and looks a million times more comfortable (I'm hoping he feels the same way)!

His fourth out of five plasmapheresis (PLEX) treatment is going to happen tomorrow and the final the following Monday. Hoping for continued improvement for him and we are all trying to be patient and remain positive in his recovery. He's still showing off how strong he is and giving the nurses a run for their money whenever they do something he doesn't like. Small and steady improvements are the highlights of our day. 

Thank you to everyone that has supported him/us through this all. You all have shown up in a capacity we never knew we needed. We are so appreciative and thankful for this community, for keeping him in your prayers, and for remaining hopeful alongside us. A never-ending amount of thank yous to you all!