A quick eyebrow wax at the PICU spa

So the chest closure isn't happening today after all. There is still 'too much fluid in his tissues' which they are waiting to drain. If we're lucky it will be tomorrow, but it still depends on him. Apparently he is doing really well and the only thing that's holding him back is this problem with the residual, post-op swelling. Dr. Cave said this morning that Ford is about two days behind their 'best patients' in terms of the anticipated time-line for recovery.

They was some concern about the oxygen saturation levels in the blood returning from his upper body (brain mostly) and so they've strapped an expensive (apparently $30,000) sensor to his forehead to get another measure of those levels. Dr. Cave wasn't too concerned that it was a problem with Ford, he was mostly worried that it was a faulty reading from the other sensor they have on his arm. After plugging it all in (it is really hard to find room to add new equipment around him as he is already so crowded with stuff) the initial readings confirmed his suspicion that all was indeed well. They will continue to monitor him with this over the next 8 hours just to be safe. It is good to know that his brain hasn't been deprived of oxygen all this time. Dr. Cave was also quick to point out that the adhesive used to stick the sensor to Fords head would act like a waxing strip when they take it off. So what little eyebrows he's had time to grow in will be removed in one painful tug. The tension never ends around here, and if things seem to be relaxing someone invariably shows up with some kind of vague concern that quickty turns out to be benign. Keeps us on our toes. Although I guess we should really hope we continue to be so lucky.

We're hoping to post more pictures soon. Maybe even some video. We don't have much access to comprehensive web browsing and basic desktops around here, so its hard to upload anything.