May 27

 Brian's oxygen levels are slightly lower today than they were the day before. His attending physician expressed some concern and, as we spoke this afternoon, wanted to have a small camera inserted into his lungs to look for any blockage that may be affecting his oxygen levels. The camera has an attachment that will remove any matter that may be beginning to building up. He said it is a common tool used on patients with Brian's lung condition. The physician also asked for clearance to insert a tracheotomy tomorrow. With the tracheotomy, Brian will be able to have the breathing tube removed from his mouth that goes down his throat.  With patients who are expected to receive care for a longer period of time, it is considered advantageous to have a tracheotomy inserted rather than to keep a breathing tube. The tracheotomy will be more comfortable for Brian and allow for less sedation. It will also be less irritable for his vocal cords.  They are lowering his blood thinners in anticipation of the percutaneous tracheostomy (this is the particular type of tracheotomy Brian will be receiving). The tracheotomy is a temporary device that will be removed once his condition is significantly less severe. He will also have the new picc line inserted into his arm that the doctors were holding off on for a few days. Nathan, Jillian, and I are looking forward to getting to the hospital tomorrow evening so that we can spend some time with him over the weekend!