Randy Cardwell Status #2

Monday, June 19, 2006
11:32 pm


For the past couple days Randy's heart rate has been level at about
130-140 bpm. This Monday morning it shot up to about 200. Doctors
added another medication to his regimen to try and bring it down but
it's a Catch 22. The medication that brings his heart rate down also
lowers his blood pressure which they have been trying to stabilize.
It's a delicate balancing act.

Dialysis machine is working to bring down some swelling. Kidneys are
still not functioning on their own yet. The antibiotics to fight the
strep are in full swing and beginning to work. The question at this
point is not whether the antibiotics will kill off infection, but
whether his body will bounce back and start taking over so that the
respirator can be removed. Lungs are still draining with fluid.

When Randy hears his mother's voice his heart rate seems to calm some so
she has been in talking and singing to him. Mostly just family in to
see him today. He is being told about everyone thinking of him and of
everyone that has stopped by to be there. Some of the medications that
have been keeping him asleep are being reduced hoping that it will put
less pressure on his heart. This means that when people are in the room
he is semi-coherent. He is shaking his head to answer questions, but
obviously can't talk with a respirator in his mouth. We all know he's a
fighter.

I am staying another day (Tuesday) and will update tomorrow night.
Thank you to all of you who have randy in your thoughts, prayers and
messages.

love ALL-ways,

j.r.me