ICU update

Not much improvement yet re: Dad's condition - he knows we're here, he's able to open his eyes for really brief periods and he can say words softly. Mentally he knows exactly what's going on when you talk to him, but he's too weak to communicate. His nurse said he was able to swallow some crushed pills and applesauce this morning though, which indicates some positive progress.

After running many more tests, the doctors still feel he has a septic infection. His brain scans still look great as I mentioned in the previous post...but original results testing for blood clots in the legs were incorrect. Initially the tests showed Dad didn't have any clots in his legs, but when they ran a more inclusive test it showed he actually has many blot clots in his legs. They feel this is due to the cancer and the infection. Thankfully he went through with the filter last week, because if not he definitely would not be here right now - at least one of the clots would have made it to his lungs by now. Although his legs look better today, the blood clot issue needs to be resolved because it effects his circulation. We made the decision last night to start him on blood thinners to try to help with the clots. You may remember from past posts, the blood thinners are really dangerous to take in his condition because melanoma has a tendency to bleed and he's at an increased risk with his recent brain procedure. He's being monitored closely for brain bleeds, but so far the blood thinners are helping some with the condition of his legs.