Bunk’s Status

Bunk’s very quiet and sleepy day began early this morning after a fairly uncomfortable night of repositioning and turning. His intestinal track isn’t cooperating as much as we had hoped, but the doctor thinks that this is probably because of the continued use of the antibiotics. Since Bunk didn’t make much headway in the sleep department last night, he took the opportunity today to catch up. He was helped with a bath, getting dressed and up into his chair - all without the blood pressure drops that had concerned us. Since Bunk was up in his wheelchair the entire day, the weight shifts that are so necessary to the healing of his pressure sores were practiced - with reminders from Mom and Derek - religiously today. It’s a positive step in the right direction: Bunk taking responsibility, even in a small way, for his care, wellbeing and recovery. Mom said he slept the entire day in his chair, rousing slightly when his friend Dmitri and his wife Courtney arrived around 12:30 for a wonderful and kind visit. While Bunk slept, they went out to get Mom some lunch, and upon their return Bunk would open one eye would on occasion to responde to a comment or question: just when you thought he was sleeping! We all appreciated Dmitri and Courtney’s visit today; not only was it was a very nice time (although Bunk slept through most of it), but it was a mellow way for Bunk to re-enter his social world of visitors and well wishers. Derek arrived after they said goodbye, around 2:00, staying for the remainder of the day and into the dinner hour, catching the second half of the Notre Dame game together. Derek is always wonderful for Bunk to have around: he’s great with the sports talk and helping with the turning, positioning, and weight shifts. Bunk is always more at ease with Derek around. While there isn’t much in the way of activities or traumas (fortunately) to report tonight since Bunk slept nearly the entire day. We hope the sleep is just all part of the recovery process from all Bunk has been through these past few weeks. Dad arrived around 8:00, Mom left at 9:00, and Bunk managed watching bits of television here and there. Today was a relatively good day in that Bunk had no fevers, fewer intestinal issues, and his lungs seemed to be doing well. Please pray for his rest to allow for some recovery and healing, for steps in a positive direction, for healing of the pressure sores and improvement with his breathing.

As you know, 2:00 brought with it the transfer back to Casa Colina and almost immediate relief for Bunk. Mom said instantly Bunk felt calm and comfortable, feeling and appearing to be more himself than any other time these past 3 weeks. There was a collective sigh of relief upon hearing of his departure from the ICU at long last, and especially upon hearing of his positively altered demeanor. He was even smiling again - something we have all so dearly missed. It was a positive day for Bunk from beginning to end, and he is looking forward to getting back into his routine. The infectious disease and internal medicine doctors, as well as the pulmonologist, visited Bunk shortly after his return, and they felt he was doing well and ready to begin his rehab program again. He will be using the vent that will go home with him -an effort to get him comfortable and reduce his anxiety while on thenew vent. Bunk is looking forward to this weekend’s football games and visits with friends, and to his eventual return home sometime toward the end of next week. Pressure mapping has been scheduled for Monday - to find his exact pressure points on the chair and how best to prevent them; in the meantime, he has been cleared for as much chair time as he likes, as long as he regularly does his weight shifts to prevent the problem with pressure points.
Mom, Dad, and Bunk felt this transfer back to Casa Colina was definitely the correct thing to do: immediately demonstratedby his demeanor, attitude, and of course, his smile. It will make all the difference in re establishing his routine of getting up into the chair, gettingto rehab, eating, drinking, visiting, and ultimately working toward the goal of recovery again. When Mom left, Bunk was watching “Failure to Launch”, and Dad was planning on joining him soon. Many prayers were answered today - Bunk got himself out of the ICU, arrived safely at Casa Colina this afternoon, and now feels that he has a new lease on life. Thank you now more than ever for your devotion to Bunk - he is aware of everything you do for him, and he is incredibly grateful. Please continue to pray for his breathing to improve and for some serious healing and recovery.

Bunk finally made his way to Casa Colina today, in a safe and uneventful transfer from the hospital. He is room 1207 now, and although he is exhausted, relieved beyond belief to be out of the ICU. Derek and Mom are with him now - it’s about 4:00 - and he is quiety resting. Derek had to bring the wheelchair back to Casa Colina, since he picked it up Wednesday afternoon to deliver it to Mom and Dad’s, anticipatingBunk’s return there. Thank you for your prayers for his discharge from the hospital and ICU, and for a safe transfer free of anxiety. If any of you would like to visit Bunk tonight or this weekend (ball games) it might be a good idea to give Mom a call on her cell phone first. Many of you know her number, but if not, send me an email at erica@bunkwurth.org and I’ll either call you with it or email it to you - I just didn’t want to broadcast it on the internet. Bunk is back on the road to recovery. I’ll write more in tonight’s update.

By the end of the day Thursday, Bunk remained in his bed at Pomona Valley Medical Center, struggling to deal with the reality of being in an ICU another day, unable to return home. The decision to not discharge Bunk was not due to his health, which was slightly better today - no fevers, no increased secretions in his airways - but rather the issue of training for Mom and Dad on patient / ventilator care and safety. They were unable to obtain any further training with the ventilator company, and are worried now that securing a company to help with someone in Bunk’s condition might not be easy. Quite a lot preceded Thursday’s stalled move, but prior to launching into the update, we would like to ask everyone to please pray for improved health for Bunk, and, most importantly, for peace and calmness to pervade his being. These past few weeks have been an immense struggle for Bunk, and our prayers and visits help to sustain him when he falters. It was an anxious morning for Bunk with more turns and repositioning - and thus, more medications - than usual. He is relying more on his meds to help deaden the anguish and anxiety of being in the hospital bed - he told Mom again that he feels “as if I am in a cage, unable to move, do anything, or go anywhere.” The thought of being permanently confined to a bed (which is not the reality for Bunk) overwhelms and crushes him. In the midst of Bunk’s soporific state, our cousin Nate graciously arrived to be at Bunk’s side and support him the entire day. Nate was a godsend today, and his calming prensence with Bunk, whetherhe knew it or not, helpedBunk persevere and get through his day feeling better at night than he has in days. It also allowed Dad, Bev and Derek to workon getting the bed delivered, the transportation arranged, and many loose ends tied up, while allowing Mom to attend a meeting arranged by the administration at Casa Colina. After they contacted her, she made certain that Bunk approved of her attendance at the meeting prior to going - he said it was fine. Surprisingly, they offered to re-admit Bunk and fulfill their obligation of helping him and our parents get stabilized and situated on ventilator training (a major issue in getting Bunk home right now), and help Bunk recover from his devastating stay in the ICU, enabling him to return home as soon as possible. Naturally, the apprehension is thick regarding the decision to return to Casa Colina, but Bunk, Mom and Dad all agreed that it is the surest path to home. It has become obvious that there is no way for him to transition from the ICU to home; there remain far too many issues to be resolved and Bunk’s incredibly limited tolerance of confinement in the ICU could not bear the burden of the extra days or weeks these issues require. In the end, it was agreed that Bunk will return to Casa Colina Friday, hopefully by noon. I will write an update during the day Friday to let everyone know his whereabouts, and confirm his safe transfer. We hope that the mere thought of getting up into his chair, going outside, getting a shower, and beginning his slow road to recovery once again will displace the desperation and instead bring hope, with the anticipation of sure health and strength. Throughout the day, Bunk repeatedly requested quiet, and asked to be kept on an interchanging but steady stream of morphine, Atavan and Valium. As expected, the use of the drugs helps Bunk cope with his current situation, but they are building up in his system and the time is ripe for his weaning from these as well - with any luck, upon his return to Casa Colina this will happen. It was a tough, emotional day for Bunk; Nate gently but consistently reassuredhim that he is stronger than any of us, and that we are here for him always. Indeed, it is true: Bunk’s uncommon courage and strength are manifest in the fact that he is still with us today. We are grateful for this, and we pray for divine mercy and immediate healing of Bunk’s broken - but recovering - body and spirit. Please pray intently for the specific issues of his breathing to improve, the pneumonia to subside, the breaking down of his skin (pressure sores) to stop cold so it can heal, for peace and strength of body, mind and spirit, and for an actual and safe transfer to occur. Also pray that the ventilator issues will be resolved in Bunk’s favor and that Mom and Dad will continue to manage the responsibility and pressure with their immense grace and faith - so apparent in their devotion to their son. Once Bunk has returned to the familiarity of Casa Colina, we would like to encourage any and all of you to visit as soon as possible. There is no denying your positive and encouraging influence on Bunk; his indomitable will and goodness is reflected in each friend and family member. He derives such great fortitude, courage and hope from your presence that it is impossible to quantify. By the end of the day, the meds began to wear off a bit and Bunk was actually feeling better, even asking to watch TV with Dad again. He, Mom and Dad had a great conversation about everything - his fears, their plans, goals, and what tomorrow might bring. Bunk even engaged Dad in his new plans for transportation once he returns home - he wants things to be as normal as possible, and was even requesting a large truck - hewants tobe helped into the truck and his wheelchair can go in the back - he’s thinking of any way to not use a handicap van! Whatever he’s thinking, the very excellent and optimistic news here is that Bunk sees a future, and is making plans for it - with himself in it. Dad reminded him that if he wanted to give the crazy truck idea a go, it wouldn’t be possible with a ventilator in tow; they agreed that losing the vent was a priority the very minute he is able to resume weaning. In large part, this whole process will be helped by the director of Respiratory Therapy at Casa Colina, Leonard - a person Bunk has come to trust and looks to for advice and encouragement. Thank you all very much for keeping Bunk in your prayers and hearts always. I will write another update as soon as we know anything about the transfer and possible visiting opportunities.

Today came and went with Bunk still aground at the ICU in his bed tonight, unable to return home. It was another tough day, with some minor complications for Bunk settling in with the new ventilator that he is supposed to go home on. His oxygen levels dropped to an unacceptably low level, preventing the doctor from writing the discharge order. Mom, Dad, Beverly and Derek worked very hard all day to get the details sorted on the delivery of Bunk’s bed, his wheelchair, shower chair, prescriptions, supplies, and all the other equipment needed for him at home. Bunk’s oxygen levels dropped in part as a response to increased secretions in his airway today, but an X-ray indicated that things looked OK. Perhaps anxiety played a small roll in Bunk’s inability to find a rhythm breathing on the new vent. Whatever the case may be, the pulmonologist said Bunk needs to be comfortable on the vent for hours at a time, as well as while sleeping, before he can consider discharging him. We are planning - again - for Bunk’s return home tomorrow. The plans remain firm in our book, but events of the day, administrative issues, and most importantly, Bunk’s wellbeing, come into play and often change the plans. Fortunately, Bunk’s mood was slightly improved today, in large part because he was feeling slightly better, and in small part because of the decision to employ some meds to help keep him comfortable, rested, and calm. Steve O’Donnell came by for a visit today around 1:00, allowing Mom some time to go out, have a little break, and get some lunch. Things were very quiet and restful in Bunk’s room today, but, while Bunk’s interaction was subdued, he was certainly very happy to see Steve and spend a few hours with him. The training for Mom and Dad on the ventilator was supposed to be completed today in order for them to be approved to take Bunk home on the vent. The training and the subsequent sign- off never occurred today, so Mom was madly working the phones trying to get this scheduled and completed. It never occurred today, but hopefully they will respond tomorrow. Dad arrived at 8:00 to settle in for the evening with Bunk, with hopes for some continued rest and comfort. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers for Bunk and our family these past few days; our grateful response at the moment is humbly to ask for more. Please pray for Bunk’s wellbeing, health, and for the transfer home to happen very soon. We are all hoping and praying that his return home will mark the beginning of a new day for Bunk - physically, spiritually, and emotionally. We ask for prayers for a good day for Bunk tomorrow, filled with peace, comfort and at least a few steps in the right direction - and a safe return home.

A rough night led to an equally difficult morning for Bunk today, when he was told he would be unable to leave the ICU again. He had it set in his mind that he would leave right away, and at five days and counting he has lost all patience and many of his coping skills as well. It is an ICU, not a rehabilitation hospital, so they are not equipped with lifts, shower chairs, wheelchairs - anything to make his life more normal and bearable. This morning he told Mom he couldn’t take it anymore - not for one more day. We are learning that the ability to be dressed and helped into his wheelchair, allowing him to be mobile - going out of doors, to his therapy sessions, and sitting upright to speak with people, read and watch TV - is tantamount at the moment to Bunk’s wellbeing. He feels trapped in his bed all night and all day. Mom, Dad, Derek and I are working furiously to make the necessary arrangements for the moment the doctors discharge Bunk. The debacle with Casa Colina has certainly exacerbated the frustrating issues of getting the bed, lift, and wheelchair delivered immediately, as well as securing nursing staff for the home on such short notice. Mom worked hard through the entire day yesterday and today to make coming home for Bunk as soon as possible a regenerative reality for him. Derek made arrangements for the transport from hospital to home, basing it all on the hope that the wheelchair will be delivered from Casa Colina to the current hospital, allowing for Bunk to be transferred in his chair via van instead of in an ambulance. A visit from Leonard, the head of respiratory therapy at Casa Colina, gave the anxious thoughts relief; he has been a good friend to Bunk through everything, and his encouragement on the breathing and weaning front have made all the difference. Although on the bright side of things Bunk said he was actually feeling better, and his white blood cell count had gone down tellingly last night and during the day, his fever, high temperatures and C-Diff symptoms were all negligible today, and he was breathing on the spontaneous setting on the vent all day, his mood was one of sadness and despondency this morning. It is so hard for him to try to cope with his illnesses, his prognosis, and the incompetent blundering of administrative issues on top of it all. Fortunately, timing could not have been better for a visit from cousin Pup (Adam), who arrived around 1:00 and brought with him some much needed distraction and, for Bunk, a renewed animation and hopefulness. Bunk enjoyed his time with Pup, their easy conversation and friendshipis a great gift. Mrs. Valentine arrived around 2:00 and stayed the entire afternoon; her visit was a much needed supportive break for Mom from the demanding issues currently on her plate. Brian Criss of course added to the up tick in Bunk’s disposition this afternoon with a brief but wonderful stay this afternoon after work. We are so grateful to Bunk’s friends and family for recognizing the absolutenecessity of themselves in his life. You are all generous, loving and selfless day in and day out with Bunk. After the visits and active diversions regarding his imminent transfer home, Dad arrived shortly before the ventilator trainer showed up at 8:00 to do urgent, last minute training for Mom, Dad and Bunk, which is necessary in order for them toreturn home. He stayed until past 11:00; he was very generous to help out in such a way in this difficult discharge / transfer situation. Unfortunately, it began as a fitful night for Bunk, with quite a bit of discomfort on his new ventilator, which has the ability to make him very anxious. He managed to keep things in check a bit with the continuous meds they are giving him - we are looking forward to getting him home and weaning him from those, too. After a few adjustments to the ventilator and some hard won but minor coughing, Bunk settled in to rest and eventually fell asleep around 11:00. Please pray for decent sleep for Bunk tonight, for his gifted soul tofind peace and courage, for his current infections to be things of the past, for a safe, positive transfer home to happen very, very soon, for Mom and Dad to weather the storm of it all, and for Bunk’s breathing and healing. The list gets longer and longer every night I write the update; thank you for loyally and richly answering our call for help and prayer. Please pray intently that Bunk will directly and immediately feel the results of all you offer up on his behalf. Godspeed Bunk; we love you.

Sorry for the delay in writing and posting yesterday’s update: travel days always throw a wrench into things. When I left Bunk around 1:30 in the morning on Sunday, he had finally settled, and with the help of a combination of different meds, was hopefully going to get a little rest. Bunk is continually plagued by nightmares and incredible anxiety when he tries to close his eyes. He awakes with a look of sheer terror calling out, “Help me, Dad, please help me!” about every thirty minutes or so throughout the night; his anguish is palpable and heartbreaking. It is the hardest part of Dad’s day -and certainly Bunk’s- and for anyone who stays with Bunk through the night. Dad gently reassures him that he is there and that all is well, and, usually after asking for his face to be wiped off or for some Chapstick, he resettles. This cycle is repeated through the night, until morning arrives and he finally falls asleep - the daylight is reassuring to him, as he has told both Mom and Dad many times that he just dreads the night. After about 3 hours of sleep Monday morning, Bunk woke up and was taken in for another bronchoscopy in an effort to clear out any remaining, tenacious secretions in his lower lungs. Bunk was very sleepy as a result of the necessary medications for the procedure, but it provided for even a few more hours of sound sleep. By the late afternoon, he seemed to be feeling fairly good - his breathing was slightly improved, he had no devastating fevers or high temperatures, no topical pain on the back of his head, and little in the way of C-Diff symptoms - a huge relief. Plainly, Bunk is a fighter: I forgot to mention that on Sunday, one of the most difficult days to date, he still managed to be on the spontaneous (just like CPAP, but on a different ventilator) breathing mode on the vent the entire day. Sunday night, while he was trying to rest, the alarm on the ventilator went off about every ten minutes, waking him up each time. During a rare, brief moment of sleep for Bunk, I had the respiratory therapist switch the ventilator setting to AC (assist control - the vent doing all the breathing) so Bunk could rest and the alarms would stop sounding. Bunk immediately woke up - he is more comfortable doing the breathing - and asked for the vent to be returned to its spontaneous setting.(Iwas) Busted again! I mention the Sunday ventilator settings and breathing efforts because Monday, after his bronchoscopy procedure, he again asked to be on spontaneous breathing, and in this endeavor, as with his many others, Bunk gets very high marks. It was a quiet, restful day - and the perfect time for a visit from his lifelong friend Donald Ward. With Don’s arrival around 4:00, Bunk’s spirits picked up - he really enjoys the time spent in the company of friends. Dad joined the team around 7:00, and he and Bunk were gearing up for a restful, calm night. It seems as if Bunk might very well be going home before the week is up, in spite of his fragile state. Although Bunk is more anxious than ever to get home, he recognizes the need to be stable in order to do so. Rather, the decision seems to have been made for us, as when Dad stopped by Bunk’s room at Casa Colina to pick up his razor, the entirety of Bunk’s personal effects, with the exception of his wheelchair and shower chair - where bagged up in large, black garbage bags and lined up in the hallway outside Bunk’s room. Without warning, Dad was obtusely and insensitively told to take the things away. I had been to Casa Colina on Saturday night to retrieve the DVD player, and Dad had also been Sunday night - with no mention or hint at this latest display of boorish and completely unprofessional behavior. In retrospect, it seems HealthNet insurance was on board for sending Bunk back to Casa Colina, and they simply needed to be reassured as to Bunk’s stability prior to doing so. The goal was to have him there very briefly in order to finish the necessary training and complete the ventilator and bed delivery arrangements. In this rather confusing set of circumstances, it would seem that Casa Colina has made other plans. As we know more, we will share more; suffice it to say that regardless of what happens, most assuredly Bunk will be returning home before the week is up, despite the many IV and feeding tubes in tow. As Bunk told Mom on Sunday, “It’s time; I need to get out of here. One more day, Mom - let’s do it.”
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When I left Bunk last night at 1:00 in the morning he was wide awake - we had just finished watching “Glory Road”. Dad said he finally fell asleep around 3:00, managing some rest until 7:00 this morning. Mom’s arrival coincided with that of Bunk’s fever around 9:15; the latter being a true menace the entire day: an uninvited guest that stayed far too long and caused an unreasonable amount of discomfort and pain for Bunk. It reminded us of the drug fevers Bunk had while at Kaiser so many months ago with the dark circles around his sunken eyes, his complexion flushed, pale and patchy all at the same time, accompanied by a terrible amount of exhaustion and fitfulness. Kind Yvonne Bergeon arrived around 10:00; waiting until rounds were completed before she was allowed to enter the ICU at 10:30. Her manual and massage therapy was a great benefit for Bunk this morning, allowing him some true and needed respite. For the remainder of the morning and into the afternoon, Mom was beside Bunk with the necessary ice packs and cold, damp cloths - in an effort to ease his discomfort and bring his high temperature down. Actually, his temperature never rose above 101.7, but it’s been quite some time since he has been in such misery. Aunt Kath and Uncle Ray arrived for a visit around 1:15, on their return trip from Northern California. Mom took a break from the constant wiping of Bunk’s brow, face, and head when Aunt Kath stepped up to the plate. Uncle Ron and Aunt Mary Catherine arrived around 1:30, and when I showed up at 2:00, Bunk was even managing some pleasant conversation and doing his best to keep things light. When Aunt Kath and Uncle Ray said goodbye close to 3:00, I took over the wipe down and suction duties; Bunk frankly told me that I need to take a page out of Aunt Kath’s book and get with the program. She has quite the knack for keeping Bunk cool and calm. He had a nice conversation with Aunt Mary Catherine about his teaching methods, our sweet cousin Kathleen and her new gluten free diet; he was very interested in how she is doing and whether or not it has positively effected her behavior. After Aunt Mary Catherine and Uncle Ron said goodbye, Mom’s good friend and colleague Lynnette Shnurr came by to visit both Bunk and Mom, bringing along some freshly baked gourmet macaroni and cheese and brownies for Bunk. It was a very nice visit for Mom, as they were able to go outside for some fresh air and a little break . Bunk’s temperature continued at a fever pitch through the remainder of the day (about 10 more hours), on the seemingly endless pursuit of his health’s demise. Unfortunately, Bunk never really found a place comfortable enough to launch any sort of real recovery or healing today. It was a very tough day, one of constant pitfalls and discomfort on his path to wellness. For the entirety of the afternoon, Bunk alternated between various combinations of medications to help him feel better, fight the infections, and achieve some rest. The meds were only partially successful, there are so many currently on his chart it would seem difficult to know which are working and which are not. Whatever the cause, whatever the reason - we ask God directly and urgently to let Bunk begin to heal - the hurdles simply continue to mount, and Bunk needs relief from the onslaught. Please never let Bunk be far from your hearts, and pray for a lull in the storm so he might have a chance to strengthen his grip once again. Please also pray for Mom and Dad; care giving in these circumstances is incredibly trying and exhausting. It’s about 1 a.m., Dad and I are here with Bunk, and Dad will be staying with him overnight. He finally has settled down enough to get a bit of rest; we’ll see how long the meds last. Thank you all for being there for Bunk in his time of need.

Anxious to hear of Bunk’s night, I phoned Dad early this morning before boarding the plane; he reported that Bunk had two decent stretches of sound sleep - amounting to a good 6-7 hours of much needed rest. A fever of 102 was fairly persistent last night, but by morning it had retreated and fortunately Bunk’s temperature held steady at 99 degrees all day. Frequent complaints of being hot were heard, but without the high temps or chills. The severe symptoms Bunk has been experiencing as a result of the C-Diff intestinal infection did in fact lessen today, allowing for a good stretch with fewer turns and less manipulation, which always translate into a better day. A little rest and a day without fevers and uncomfortable intestinal problems amounted to a few positive steps in the right direction today. Bunk’s lungs remained clear again today since they were cleared yesterday during the bronchoscopy, and all wheels were up for his discharge and return to Casa Colina hospital this morning. This was news he and our family had hoped to hear; however, when Casa Colina called HealthNet Insurance for approval on Bunk’s return transfer, they refused the request and forced him to stay in the ICU for the remainder of the weekend until their Medical Director could speak with the Medical Director at Casa Colina to sort through a few things. Bunk was absolutely livid and just fit to be tied. He was feeling well and ready to get back to his old hospital, recover, and prepare for his return home. To be told he had to stay in the UCI until the powers that be decided to take the time to review his case - apparently this all happened Friday, they left for the weekend leaving it unresolved until they return next week - was just too much for Bunk to accept, unconscionable, really. He said today he felt as if he were forced to take twenty steps back, and as he said it you could just see the frustration depleting him. Mom and I were on the phone through the morning and into the afternoon, making no headway, so here he’ll stay until Monday. Our chief concern at the moment would be some sort of stratagem that could possibly result in Bunk’s not being allowed to return to Casa Colina at all, being left instead with the only option of admission to a sub-acute nursing home until he is well enough to return home. We have been fighting vigorously against any nursing home option since Bunk’s accident. It may sound like an insignificant, short term problem, but with so much already taken, the smaller deceptions and disappointments can be very devastating for Bunk. He said he would never have left Casa Colina had he known (given his condition, he most likely would have been forced to go); he worries now that he will never make his way home - not while having to battle the current set of infections, quadriplegia in general - and now the machinations of the insurance administration. Derek and I spent the day with Bunk at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center, watching football and movies, chatting and joking - just keeping things facing forward for Bunk, really. He was understandably testy most of the day, but we successfully diverted him by reading guestbook entries, opening his mail, and reviewing all the artwork sent by his nieces, nephews and young friends. He and Derek entertained themselves with their customary football trivia, leaving me out in the cold on that one. A bright point in his day came when the untelevised (except for maybe on ESPN, which he doesn’t get) Notre Dame game suddenly appeared on network television for the last 15 minutes of the game. He was thrilled to see them intercept and score, etc — producing the biggest smile we’ve seen in a few days. Mom was in and out today; she was busy taking care of insurance and financial matters, returning around 5:00, while Dad arrived at 7:00 to take Mom out for some dinner prior to sending her home. I stayed with Bunk until 1:00 in the morning, while Dad slept in the miserably uncomfortable upright chair - a far cry from the extra bed at Casa Colina! Bunk was somewhat fitful - itches needed scratching, he was getting hot, then cold; the pain in the back of his head began to flare up, and his body has been inundated again with a long list meds, which he has fought so hard to avoid (sleeping/pain/anti-anxiety/antibiotic/allergy/decongestant/anti-spasm meds.) Please pray hard for Bunk to overcome these many obstacles and challenges - it seems so unreasonable to ask this all of one man. Pray for Bunk to be gainful in strength, health, well being, hope and even in good fortune, for a quick resolution to his administrative medical issues, and for him to be able to return home very soon.

As I reported earlier today, Bunk’s systems didn’t fare well through the night and, not long after sunrise it was determined that he would need to be transferred via ambulance and admitted into the ICU at another hospital. The plan was to have the bronchoscopy procedure as soon as possible in order to determine the nature of the increased, thickened secretions in his lungs and airway which were causing significant difficulty with Bunk’s breathing and oxygen absorption. He had been on 100% supplemental oxygen in order to keep his saturation levels at a barely acceptable level. With good fortune today, the very disquieting and humiliating issues that have been the troublesome part of the C-Diff intestinal infection decided to take the day off. Thisafforded Bunk a break from the sometimes painful but always uncomfortable and seemingly incessant routine of turns and repositioning that follow an episode. It made the transfer from bed to ambulance, emergency room and finally into the ICU much less traumatic than it otherwise would have been. The pulmonologist at Casa Colina was his admitting doctor at the new hospital, which also made for a tidy transfer - the end result gratefully being less anxiety and discomfort for Bunk. Upon Bunk’s arrival at Pomona Valley Medical Center, Dave Daley turned up out of thin air to ease Bunk’s mind and help focus his energies and thoughts on more pleasant subjects: namely, this weekend’s football games. Thanks very much, Dave, for your perfect visit. Dave stayed for a few hours and shortly thereafter Bunk went in for his bronchoscopy. The procedure doesn’t take long, but it took Bunk at least the entire day to recover from the invasive procedure. The pulmonologist extracted a fair amount of thick secretions from both lungs; it was sent out for testing and cultures with hopes for a better understanding of what is going on in the next few days. X rays will be done Saturday morning, and if things appear better, there will be no need to repeat the bronchoscopy. With any luck, which has seldom been the case for Bunk, he will be returning to Casa Colina sometime on Saturday (before the afternoon) - as long as he is stable and able to be transferred. He rested in bed for most of the day, attended by the many IV, feeding, and fluid bags and tubes that were so much part of the picture shortly after his accident. I still remember the day Mom called to tell us that Bunk’s last bag and tube had been removed, and how relieved and positive he felt to be rid of those tethers. We are all hoping for another moment of freedom like that for Bunk very soon. Physically, there is so very little left to take from Bunk; we pray that at some point very soon someoutcomewill finally fall in his favor. We worry and wonder frequently these days if the trend will ever change; on most occasions Bunk sets us - by his verbal, physical and emotional direction - back on the upward path of hope, positive thoughts and strength beyond compare. With the exceptions of the ambulance ride and during the procedure, Mom was at Bunk’s side, Dad went home to get a few hours sleep before returning around 7:00. Mom left a bit earlier than usual since the previous night she had remained at the hospital with Bunk and Dad and was now thoroughly exhausted. Bunk and Dad tuned into the Angel game and were hoping for a good night’s sleep - finally. Mom said she, Bunk and Dad felt very confident with the nursing staff and their positioning techniques, which, up until late in the evening when we last spoke, had all been done without causing too much discomfort for Bunk. I will try to write another update early to mid day on Saturday to inform you of Bunk’s whereabouts, as he is a traveling man these days. He is looking forward to visits from friends this weekend; they continue to keep him upbeat and stable - not to mention the fact that his oxygen saturations levels always go up when he has visitors! Truly! Please pray very hard for Bunk, his healing from these illnesses, his strength and naturally - for his recovery. Thank you for always keeping him in your thoughts and hearts.