Update from Michael, Wednesday, June 4 @ 10:14 p.m.

Day 99 in PICU, Children's Hospital of Orange County, California

Dear Friends,

God continues to be good and merciful to Melissa and us. Here is the latest:

1. The doctors placed Melissa back on the ventilation today after she breathed on her own for about 48 hours. This was done because Melissa had over an hour of physical therapy and decrease in medication and the stress had caused her to sweat profusely for 3 hours. In order to prevent her lungs from over-working, ventilation was placed back on. This is very positive.

2. We are currently considering Melissa’s eventual placement at Health Bridge rehabilitation center. This is an in-between home and hospital facility where Melissa can receive physical therapy and doctors feel Melissa can benefit the most. Positive attributes of this facility are a) its very clean; b) it is located just 5-7 minutes from CHOC; c) it has a contract with our insurance provider, Kaiser, which eases the insurance complications; d) ICU doctors from CHOC also cover that facility; e) Melissa can have her own room with a parent being able to spend the night.

Though Marlene and I would much rather have Melissa at home, we realize that we can’t be hasty or it may cause negative impacts on Melissa's recovery efforts.

3. Her most recent MRI of her brain stem was good. The doctors are continuously seeking answers as to why Melissa is not able to move her arms very much and why her reflexes are not as good as they would like. One of the speculations is that the shunt has some blockages. The doctors were pleased to note that Melissa resisted the doctors hand pressure. When the time is appropriate, perhaps the doctors will perform minor surgery to replace or clean the shunt.

4. Pray for Melissa’s continued recovery, in particular, that she will regain movement in her arms, be able to swallow and will recover her ability to speak.

5. Additionally, Melissa will need some equipment in rehab not provided by insurance, such as a wheelchair.

Although Melissa has shown drastic signs of improvements, please don't forget to praise God for His mercy and protection over Melissa.

In Him,
Michael