Monday, June 30th

Morning update: Dave's white blood cell count is 73,000!!!! Wooohooo! The blood pressure and heart rate are good and his temperature is 99.9.
The doctors ran a fluorescent dye test this morning and determined the bile duct is leaking aside from the place where the t-tube was placed to drain the bile. They are going to talk with Dr Grant (liver specialist) and decide if they need to do the surgery soon to repair the bile duct of if they can continue to wait. (This was the surgery they were hoping to wait 2 months before performing.)
At this point the doctors' main concern is Dave's brain. During Dave's 3rd surgery there was an excessive amount of bleeding and this bleeding may have been the reason for the kidney failure. Dr Stothert explained to us that if the blood pressure was low enough to damage the kidneys it may have also damaged the brain at the same time. There is a possibility with time, that the kidney failure and the brain damage can be reversed, if there is brain damage. The concern is stemming from Dave's unconscious and unresponsive state as he has been off pain medication for 24 hours. Dr Stothert assured us that Dave is not feeling any pain in this state and if he would show any indication of feeling pain they will give him medication that can take effect within seconds. Dave has moved his arms, legs, head, and has opened his eyes half way. Occasionally he will move his head to the sound of a voice, but he has not moved on command.

Evening update: Dave continued to move his arms, legs and head more this afternoon and evening, but he has not moved on command yet. Keep praying! We haven't heard about the possible surgery to fix the bile duct leak. We are praying that if possible, the surgery can be postponed as long as possible to give Dave's body time to continue to heal. Currently, Dave is getting a break off of dialysis and will probably start tomorrow. Dave's vitals remain controlled by medication and with in normal range. He has however, spiked a temperature tonight. Dr Stothert did say that the bile leak may cause Dave's temperature to rise occasionally. It is now 101.5.