Mak Wows I.C.U.

Mak continued his improved responsiveness today. Amy got a solid thumb's up and a wave good-bye when she had to leave. Two of the doctors involved with Mak, who were skeptical of his abilities, were very impressed when he answered nurse Alicia with his hand and his expression. Then he joined the conversation when he heard John Murphy's name mentioned by shaking his head yes to indicate he knew him. This was a response to what he heard, without even being asked a question directly. The doctors also thought his eyes looked quite clear and focused. For the next half hour Mak was the talk of he ICU as word spread of his progress.

He's was breathing pretty well on his own today, and there was talk of his being extubated soon. However, that will be tricky because he has serious pneumonia in his left lung. The suction of the bad stuff from his lung stops when the breathing tube comes out, so he has to be ready to clear (cough up) that stuff on his own before they pull it. We'll have to see how he's doing tomorrow and how soon he can consistently follow commands, or do what the nurses ask him to do. So far he's a bit sporadic, not exactly obedient in that regard. If necessary he'll stay on the suction tube for awhile longer, which delays his being able to verbalize. After Saturday's crash, they're watching his chest closely and being very careful.

Thank you to all who've been visiting, sending cards and messages, and generally supporting Mak and our family. It's been a great help. Congratulations to two of today's Cal grads, Dave Koken and Allison Louie. Best wishes to Leah as she returns to Cashmere, WA. We hope to see her again with Mak back in Sacramento.