Welcome to week 4. Every week at the hospital has brought its challenges and we continue to be hopeful of seeing small changes each day despite any setbacks that present itself. On Monday, 8/11, Christopher finished his last plasmapheresis treatment (aka PLEX). The procedures last week (tracheotomy and g-tube placement) continue to help him on his journey to recovery, allowing him more comfort and security long term. He has been having exercise time during the day which really wipes him out. His daily exercises include something called a spontaneous breathing trial (SBT for short) that help him work out his lungs by breathing on his own without the ventilator. He also sits in a chair for a few hours a day. Although a lot of this activity in the chair is passive, the change in position seems to help his core muscles engage in some capacity and it shows because he gets a lot of good rest after. 

His neurological status continues to be monitored, but less frequently, which in my opinion indicates some sort of stability. It definitely doesn't indicate any worsening, which I am very thankful for. This has been supported by an updated MRI that was done early Tuesday, 8/12, that showed no new lesions, no bleeding, no swelling, and more "chronic" characteristics of the existing lesions. He opens his eyes spontaneously but has not shown us any meaningful or purposeful movement or responses. There are moments when I look into his eyes and feel like he knows I'm there. Maybe I'm biased but the day will come soon that he shows everyone. 

Looking forward, they plan to do another MRI next week to ensure that there is no further progression of ADEM. What they do with that information...TBD. I am also planning to shave his beard soon, maybe even hair, if I can muster up some courage. Will let you know how it goes, send tips if you want.