Uncle Roger Update

Roger has been in the CVICU for almost two weeks now. Since he was admitted he's been under sedation. Yesterday they lowered the amount and he woke up for the first time. He is still very out of it, and can't speak because he is on the ventilator ... however it's very encouraging to see signs of life! The kids made 2 posters for him that say "We Love You" and "Get Well Soon" with all 35 nieces and nephews signatures. The lab results recently showed that he has a rare disease contracted from the tick bite after biting a rabbit. Tularemia is also known as "rabbit fever". It has settled into his extremities and 4 of his fingers are turning black at the tips ... he may lose his fingers. Tomorrow the doctors will need to remove the ventilator and surgically place a tube directly into his throat as the tissue in his mouth and throat lining can begin to deteriorate. His body is tolerating lower levels of oxygen, however the vent is still doing 100% of the lung's work ... which means he will require this for a much longer time. His body is extremely swollen.
Having said all that ... it was great to see him look back! Our hopes are that he can hear us and understand what we're saying.