Update June 29th

Blood note: On Monday the dialysis machine got a little clapped up and withheld a bit of Jimm's blood. He was given about a pint to replace it. This is the first blood he has been given since the initial operations were done something like two weeks ago. All things considered, his blood needs have been relatively small.

General condition- back down to earth a bit.. The ventilator that was shut off was reactivated after about 7 hours. And, even though use of the 24 hour dialysis machine has been eliminated, he is put on a regular machine from time to time. His kidneys are making urine much better now.. but not enough to detoxify his blood to the necessary degree. The central line is going to be taken out. Blood glucose testing will now be done by finger prick. Jimm has contracted VRE* and is being treated for it. Because of this, gloves and gowns are worn by all who step into his room, for their protection. His blistered left arm(the result of an infected IV site) has been debrided, which means the devitalized skin has been removed. Grafting may be held off so it is done along with the abdominal grafting.. which will occur after the washouts are finished. We're not there yet. One was done yesterday and unfortunately it will not be the last. Word is that Jimm's recovery may take more than 6 months.. maybe 9. The abdominal site will have to be closed twice. Once initially, and several months later, opened and closed again. This of course will lengthen the time needed for thorough healing.

Depressing time frame estimates aside, the doctors say that Jimm's recovery is going as expected.

Jimm still opens his eyes every so often, and actually smiled at his daughter Jenna once. Needless to say, it made her day.

Generosity prevails from all corners. A luncheon and bake sale was held by Deborah's fellow associates at Wall Mart, and the proceeds presented to her.. and friends of Jenna got together and bought her a Wawa gift certificate, a welcome item since she is traveling so often from the Philadelphia area to spend time with her dad.

* http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_VRE_publicFAQ.html