Oct 19

Susannah’s overall condition has not changed significantly. Her heart is continuing to slowly recover, and her lungs have been weakened by the pneumonia. Antibiotics will help the lungs to recover over the coming days.

Today, the doctors performed a CT scan to look at blood flow to her brain. The results showed that blood flow is generally good, and in the areas where there had been concerns, there has been some improvement. They are also giving her medication in an effort to stimulate her and see if she will show more neurological responses.

She is responding to stimuli with some movements, but the doctors have cautioned us that these responses may only be reflexive in nature and not an indication of higher level function. 

They performed another test called a Sensory Evoked Potential (SSEP). This test looks at whether electrical signals sent from the body can travel through the nervous system and brainstem to reach the upper parts of the brain. We will meet with the doctors tomorrow to discuss those results and what they may tell us.

We know that some difficult decisions may be ahead over the next several days. Please pray for wisdom, clarity, and peace for Karen and me as we listen to the doctors and consider what comes next.  We are still praying for a miracle!

We are especially thankful for the nurses and doctors who have cared for Susannah and have taken the time to get to know her through the pictures, videos, and stories we’ve shared. Their compassion means so much to us.

We continue to trust that God has Susannah in His hands. He is faithful, and we are leaning on Him and on all of you who continue to pray for our family.