More tubes out

Today the doctors removed more of Kyara's tubes. They removed her urine cath, her right chest tube, and her arterial line (an IV that was in an artery in her wrist). She is more awake than she has been and has even uttered a few precious words to us. Kyara is still heavily medicated, and believes she sees bees. She is expressing the desire to swim, too. Hopefully that will come soon! Tonight Kyara has had some difficulties with increased heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature. They have taken an xray and her lungs still look good. We are not sure why she has these increases in her vital signs, but the doctors are on top of it and keeping close watch of her.

Dr. Coran is finally back in town... but only for a few days. He came in this morning/early afternoon, and said he was happy with Kyara's progress. He was unhappy that Kyara pulled out her NG (nasogastric - goes from nose to stomach) tube last night. Dr, Coran has scheduled another swallow study for tomorrow and if the esophageal leak is still there, he will probably put a new NG tube in. IF the leak has closed, he will probably leave it out.

Gunars and I spent the afternoon together with Skylar and Kassey. Although we missed Kyara a great deal, it was nice to be together again. Most of the time, when Gunars is here, and with my mom, we are "passing the baton." We call the key to our room at the Ronald McDonald House the baton. One of us runs in, gets the key, and the other runs out back to the hospital . So it has been nice to actually spend a little time together.

On top of all this, it is SNOWING again! I have been on a hunt for boots. My socks were getting wet in my tennis shoes from walking to the hospital. It has been miserable. So tonight, I finally got some boots to keep my feet warm and dry! The snow is sticking, and it makes me nervous to drive. Tonight, on the way back to the hospital, I actually skidded some in the snow. Scary! I slowed way down and gave myself about a mile head start on stoppping at any lights :)