Difficult Decisions

This morning we all met with Dr. Groves. He told us that even though Ben was responding a little bit more he wasn't really doing that much better. He said that we have come to a point where there really isn't much else we can do. He talked with us about removing Ben's breathing tube. He said when we do this Ben will either completely start breathing on his own or begin peter out (the term he used). He also said that even if Ben begins to breath on his own there will still be the risk of more infection because he will not be able to protect his airway and may get fluid in his lungs causing more pneumonia. We will not be able to tell how he does until we take the tube out. Once we take the tube out he will remain in ICU for a day or two and then most likely go to a regular floor in the hospital. From there he may go to a intermeidate place between the hospital and hospice. Eventually from there we will be looking at hospice. We aren't quite sure exactly how long everything is going to take or if it will all happen fast. It all depends on Ben and how he responds to everything. Tomorrow we are meeting with Ben's case manager to discuss all of our options and get some more answers to our questions. As of right now it looks like the breathing tube will most likely be removed sometime on Wednesday. Please keep Terry, Marla and I in your prayers over the next couple of days as we begin to make some difficult decisions. Also please prayer for strength and comfort for Ben. Thank you to everyone who has sent us all mail, care packages and letters. These have truely brightened our day. I couldn't believe when I checked the PO box for the first time how much we had already received. I hope you all know that we feel your love and God's arms wrapped tightly around us each day.