I feel like every time someone called today to ask how Peter was doing, I had to stop and think a minute. He was up very early this morning, likely due to sleeping almost the entire day yesterday. He watched cartoons from about 6-8:30 this morning so by 9am he was exhausted and back to sleep. Early this morning he gave us the “thumbs down” on his throat and mouth, and “thumbs up” on tummy and head. Last evening his temp was up to 102.9 and it persisted through the night into mid-morning. When he was awake this morning he was a little more chatty than he’s been, which isn’t saying too much, but he showed a few “Peter-isms” that gave me a chuckle and I thought were a good sign. Later in the day they told us they’d be taking him down for a chest CT due to 3 days of fevers, just to be on the safe side (they have done 2 chest x-rays but the CT scans show more detail). The official report is pneumonia in both lungs. And despite that, the doctors continue to assure us that he is “well-covered” to handle this pneumonia, meaning he’s on a lot of antibiotics for bacterial, viral and other types of infections. I guess I do need to ask the question (the questions usually come to me about 30 minutes after the doctors have left the room!) – how does one get pneumonia when they are on these antibiotics already? I’m sure there’s a good explanation. We are very confident in the doctors here and appreciate how thorough they are, but we still like to ask lots and lots of questions. He’s asleep now, with another fever (his temp was down for most of the day) and is going to be getting some blood shortly. He had platelets early this morning. He continues to wear the oxygen mask around the clock as the numbers aren’t where they need to be without it.
So at the end of this day, I find myself feeling very calm; happy to be at Day +10 without major complications and things going well in the grand scheme of things. One time on 5B we witnessed the mad scramble of doctors, nurses with medical equipment and other staff answering the call of a “Code Blue” and it stops you in your tracks. Yesterday we witnessed it again (3 doors down) and this time the cleaning staff was in the room within hours of all the commotion. It is this kind of thing that reminds us quickly not only where we are, but also how fortunate we are. Thanks again for your continued prayers for Peter.
A journal of Peter’s journey
Our hearts go out to you and Ty with all that you are experiencing. Your letters sound positive and hope things remain that way. Again, our prayers go out to your entire family as you fight this with Peter. From the many letters we have noted on line, you have many friends in faith and love. We hope that Peter continues on the road to recovery and that his sense of purpose and humor continue.
Jeanne & Bob Boche
We are keeping up on all the updates and are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. We cannot believe how strong you all are; especially Peter! Know that we care….Paul & Nita
Peter, you are an inspiration to all who know you and who read your site. You hang in there buddy, there are so many people pulling for you.
Ty and Erika, My grandaughter was in the hospital last week for 5 days with some type of uncontrollable virus and I thought of you guys often. I can’t even imagine what you must have to go through. Abree’s issue was such a non issue when I thought of you. You are an inspiration as well as your son. Hang in there, things will be getting better soon.
Ty and Erika-
Thanks for the updates! We follow Peter’s daily progress. We so thrilled when good news happens. Your family is constantly in our prayers.
The Smith’s
Peter, Ty, Erika and family,
Peter you are a true inspiration too so many…including us. Our continued prayers and good wishes …you will beat this thing. As for the pneumonia, I’ve gone through 3 bouts of cancer treatments and have had pneumonia 5 times. Just hold on tight and “ride the waves” as my Doctor keeps telling me. Hang on Peter……..you can do it.
Love to you all,
Uncle Ed and Aunt roz
Hi Eigners –
We haven’t dropped you a note in a while but you are never out of our thoughts and prayers. Peter – hang in there buddy – when you feel better and are home again it’s BASEBALL time!!! We’re challenging you and your choice of other teammate. Jacob has started practicing already so he’ll be ready when you SMACK that ball over his head. I know I wasn’t a very good pitcher last time we tried – but I’m gonna practice cuz you were soooooo good. I need to be ready!!!!
So Peter – keep resting – we hope your sore throat goes away very very soon and your fever ditches too!! And then it’s time little man –
i sure hope you pick baby Kate to be your partner –
Love & Hugs
The Johnsons
I am confident that Peter the Dinosaur Prince can beat back a little thing like pneumonia. I am coming up from Winona on Sunday to spell Arden while Pattie takes the boys and Sara back to school on Monday. Easter is going to be quite a celebration for all of us this year. Eigners’ and Virnig’s will be dancing in the streets and shaking warrior sticks celebrating the risen Christ and the triumph of our Warriors over cancer. God Bless you all. Love Bonnie Ives-Virnig (Mary’s God-mother)
Hi Peter,
I hope you feel Peter and I hope the doctors will help you feel better. I have a hockey game today and if we win we will be the best team in mites. I will try to score a goal for you and I hope you feel better.
Love Buzz ( your my favorite cousin )
Hi Little Buddy,
This is Gramma Mary using Aunt Melissa’s computer. I am watching Buzz, Cole, Quinn and Van while Uncle Trnt and Melissa are out of town. (Arcelia is here also to help with these four boys.)
I hope you have a good Sunday. Look outside and see the sunshine. When I come up to the hospital I will play Hungry Hungry Hippo with you. I want to be the pink hippo this time.
Love Nana Snow (that’s what Buzz calls me)