April 1, 2008

Hi,

This is Jen Johnstun. I'll be staying here with Melissa until at least friday and helping her with whatever she needs. I promise to take good care of her. I also have today's latest on Erik's condition. We are SO happy as it is more good news today.

Erik had another CAT scan yesterday that revealed there has not been any new bleeding in his head. It appears that he is now in healing mode. He does have some stable bruising on his brain, but this should not cause him pain. However, the facial fractures he has will be painful (they are treating him with pain medication all the time). Erik will need at least 2 surgeries to repair the facial fractures but these won't happen for at least 2 weeks.

They have begun decreasing the amount of medication that is sedating Erik with the goal of stopping it completely even as soon as tomorrow and allowing him to become more wakeful. Erik will probably still be sleeping most of the time but may start responding more than what we have already seen. It is possible that he may even have his breathing tube removed tomorrow. Also, the pressure in Erik's head has been so stable that they have removed the pressure sensor (antenna) from his head.

The best news came from the neurosurgeon. Melissa spoke with him today and asked him if he thinks Erik will at some point become himself again-the Erik we all know. The surgeon said to her, "Yes, I really think so". Without a doubt there is still a very long road to recovery ahead, but this is really promising news. In my experience doctors, especially surgeons, don't say this type of thing lightly.

As I write this Melissa is cuddling with Tanner and putting him to bed. This evening Tanner was happy and playful, reading books with mom and chattering. I know that Melissa is so grateful for all the help and support she has received. It has taken so much of the burden from her shoulders so that she can be present and focused on Erik and Tanner. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You.