Monday, March 25, 2013, Vanderbilt Children's Hospital, Nashville, TN., 3:55 p.m., D.S.T.~

Dear Journal~

Louisiana Sandusky again.  Sorry for my writing so often (this isn't usually like me), but I said in past entries if anything changes regarding Camille's overall condition, I would write.  So here I am.

While our daughter is still very sick, she is starting to come back to us.  The medical staff has started weaning off the paralytic medications that put her into a coma, so her body could fight the MRSA and septicemia that invaded her system nearly two weeks ago.  She is starting to move around more and she has even opened her eyes a few times, much to our delight.

Her vital signs have remained fairly stable and the numbers are rising, which is a very positive sign.  Her organs are starting to funtion on their own again (with some help); they never did shut completely down, which has been a huge answer to our prayers.

Of course, Camille cannot talk yet (due to the ventilator in her throat), but she is starting to let us (and the staff) know that she is not very happy with being poked repeatedly or having the breathing tube down her throat.  I honestly can't say that I blame her.  It is not very comfortable, and I know she needs all the rest she can possibly get, but when one is in the hospital, there's no such thing as rest as the patients (not to mention the visitors) are bothered at all hours, day and night.

If Camille continues to improve, she may be moved out of the PICU within a day and into the PPCU (Pediatric Progressive Care, where she would still need a lot of care; just not nearly as much as she got while in the PICU).  That is a huge step forward.  She may also get the nose hose taken out and the ventilator and may be put on regular oxygen (via nasal cannula) and may even start getting her first liquids. 

It has been a very rough 12 days or so for all, but the doctors think that Camille may have turned the corner and is on the road to recovery.  I hope so; this is not the way to spend Easter break!!  Talk about the meaning of Easter:  our daughter may not have died as Jesus did on the Cross, but in a way, she is having a resurrection of her own: a resurrection of strength and renewing health!

Just keep all those prayers coming; they are working!! God is soooo good!!!!  Hallelujah; I am so happy right now I feel like shouting and doing a praise and worship number right here in Camille's hospital room!!  LOL 

Take care and may God bless you as much as He's been blessing us!! Even in our time of darkness, God's presence has never wavered and His light and power are stronger than ever!!  Glory!!!!

~Love, your friend in Tennessee, Louie May.  :D

~To be continued!~