Update on Michael...Day 79....

New update information on Michael from his father-in-law (Jim Brown) Please continue to pray for him and his family.

Last Thursday they removed Michael's tracheotomy tube from his throat. Which was great news. He was able to speak a little better along with allowing him to finally try and take some clear liquids via mouth.

My wife and I took Wyatt to see his Daddy again. Wyatt is such a good little guy. He knew where we were going and was anxious to see his Daddy. He picked out a ghost type stuffed animal for his Daddy to take to him for the upcoming Halloween. As we walked down the hallway heading for Michael's room, Wyatt was all excited and kept saying as we passed the other patients rooms, "not my Daddy". Meaning that these were not Daddy's rooms. When we got to Michael's room Wyatt declared, "there's my Daddy" and Michael turned his head and waved and said hello to Wyatt. They both spent a good bit of time talking and generally having a good time.

Michael's lunch then arrived. It consisted of some chicken broth, iced tea, grape juice and a popsicle.
His Grandma told me to go ahead and feed him if I would like. I guess on Thursday when he had his first lunch without the tracheotomy tube, he was using a straw and took too much liquid at one time and it made its way into his lungs, being the hole from the tracheotomy tube isn't healed over yet. So, by Friday when we were there the nurses insisted that all liquids be given to him with a spoon.

Michael's hands continue to shake due to weakness so he has to be helped with the feedings.
I began to give him a couple spoonfuls of broth then some tea and he looked right at Grandma and said, "Nana feed me".
Well now, who am I to stand in the way...chuckles.
I guess I was doing something wrong. No big deal though on my part. I stepped to the side and let Grandma continue with his feeding.
The amazing thing about his lunch was after about 4 or 5 spoonfuls of broth, 3 or 4 spoons of tea and one piece of chopped up popsicle he was full.
Seems his stomach has shrunk down so much that a mouse size meal is all he can handle.

We were so very happy to see him be able to have some liquids by mouth though.
It was kind of funny in which he has stated the whole time he has been awake that he wanted a mountain dew. Well, Grandma got him one and gave him a spoonful of it and he didn't like it. I am not sure if it was the strong taste or if it was the carbonation, but boy he sure didn't want that after all. We all kind of chuckled at that one.

The skin graft that was done to one of his ankles has taken well.
He also has been having some physical therapy in his bed. They are working his arms and hands to help him gain strength along with trying to get him to bend his knees.
He is in great pain through out these sessions, but it will go a long way in helping him to gain some strength.

Yesterday we were told that his abdomen is leaking still and that they are going to stop the liquid diet that he was allowed since last Thursday.
This is fairly disappointing. We are not quite sure where the leaks are coming from but the assumption is that it is from the small intestine.
It is amazing how long it takes for wounds to the intestines to heal.
His large intestine remains outside his body in the colostomy bag.

Tomorrow they are going to skin graft part of the opening that remains in his belly. They feel they can close up half of the opening for now and allow that part to start healing.
During this surgery tomorrow they are most likely going to place a couple of drain tubes into the abdomen to allow the leaks to drain.
We are not yet sure when he will be allowed to have liquids again by mouth but we hold out hope that it won't be for too long.

All in all Michael seems to be in good spirits. He asked if he could have his X-box gaming system hooked up to the TV so that he can play some. I think in the long run it will be a good thing to have it for it will help him to use his hands and gain some strength.

We hope and pray this surgery tomorrow and subsequent looks into the abdomen will produce good results.

It seems even though 11 weeks have passed that there remains a long long road ahead.

We as a family continue to receive all kinds of prayers, support, well wishes and such kind generosity that it leaves us in tears sometimes. Folks we don't even know that have heard of the accident are coming forward with help.

You all are a great inspiration to us and we thank you; from the bottom of our hearts.
Jim and Becky Brown


Let me also put a request in for this family (Michael McDaniel) for anyone who may like to help financially. Here is a link to his church website http://www.rockc3.com so you can look there and get the address to the church or call them and get an address of where you could send your help. I'm sure after 79 days and who knows how many more this family could use whatever help you could offer.
Thanks for your prayers and what help you have already given.