We are continuing to work through the intricacies of Jake’s lung recovery today with a focus on patience and precision. While we aren’t quite at the “graduation” point yet, we are seeing the team fine-tune his care to help his lungs heal.
The latest imaging shows that the pneumothorax on the left side is now considered “trace,” which is great news. However, the air pocket on the right upper lobe remains more apparent. The medical team believes this is an active air leak and air is still escaping from the lung tissue into the chest cavity. The plan is to continue using suction on the chest tubes to pull that air out, allowing the lung tissue to stay expanded against the chest wall so the leak can “seal” itself over time.
In a significant move today, the team decided to try having Jake off the CPAP tonight and on high-flow oxygen overnight instead. While the CPAP provides great support, the positive pressure it uses to keep the lungs open can actually exacerbate an active air leak. By switching to high-flow, they hope to reduce the outward pressure and give the lung a better chance to heal.
We are also seeing progress with his older chest tubes. Three of his five tubes are now on “water seal,” meaning they are no longer connected to suction because they are not putting out any air. This is a huge step toward having them removed! The two newest tubes continue to “bubble,” indicating they are successfully doing the work of draining that active leak. Jacob remains a rockstar through the poking, the prodding, and the constant adjustments. We are so proud of him.
As we move closer to Christmas, our hearts are fixed on one thing, a Christmas miracle in the form of lung healing. We are praying that these leaks seal up tight, the tubes can be removed, and Jake can regain the freedom to move about without being tethered to suction canisters.
Lord, we’re asking for a Christmas miracle for Jake’s lungs. We pray specifically that You would seal the leak and knit that tissue back together. Thank You for the progress that he has made and for keeping him safe. Give the doctors wisdom as they transition him off the CPAP tonight. Let his breathing be easy and his “sats” stay strong. He is growing weary of the tubes and the tethers and we just ask for the gift of healing and recovery for Jacob. Amen.
For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, declares the Lord. Jeremiah 30:17
To Jake. Keep being brave & patient! We pray for you often! Including the healing miracle your lungs need. What a special Christmas gift you have received this year! Such a blessing to have received a new heart & liver and also to get to rejoice in the birth of the Christ child. Keep being strong & keep improving!
Amen.
We are continuing to pray for healing. You are making progress, look at all that has been accomplished through faith, hope, strong determination, skilled hands and of course your preparation and perseverance.