Peter spiked a fever during the night, but it was quickly controlled and the plan was only slightly delayed. At about 9:30 AM eastern, the breathing tube was removed. We had to leave the room, which said to me that it can be a bit of a process, but it took less than a minute. We returned immediately to find Peter calmly breathing on his own under an oxygen mask. Ten minutes later, the oxygen mask was removed, replaced by a simple oxygen tube that blows some oxygen in his nostrils.
It was exciting to see more of Peter’s face and an unobstructed mouth and it’s very exiting that he’s breathing just fine and keeping his critical numbers in check. Since the excavation he’s had bouts of discomfort. We expect him to just tell us what the problem is, but sound and words remain difficult. It could be general discomfort in his throat or lungs, it could be withdrawals from the medications. But the spells of discomfort haven’t lasted too long. When I left to write this post, he was napping peacefully.
We don’t know what the next steps are, but little things would mean so much. His first sip of apple juice will be triumphant. Maybe he can try that in 12 hours or so. The staff is impressed with his progress and equally impressed with his demeanor. He’s cute, sweet and cooperative under very uncomfortable conditions. Imagine if they met the real Peter.
We found out about 30 minutes ago that Peter’s great grandpa Art passed away peacefully this morning. As Ty said, “Now Peter has one more angel watching over him.”
Everyone here at work thinks I am NUTS!
I just cheered YIPEE! Then I said aloud, oh no.
I am so happy for Peter being extubated today! In no time, he will be chatting all of your ears off! But, I am so sorry to the Hanson family for your loss. This is not an easy time at all, then to loose a loved one on top of it… crumby!
We all my love and prayers
Peter
I am so proud of you. Just take your time and go slow as you proceed ahead. You are doing so well. I am sure if it was me in that bed I would be crabby and a cry baby. Not you, you are one tough cookie, not to mention cute and charming. Keep going my little friend and in know time you will be home to happier times.
Ty and Erika, I am so sorry for the loss of your grandfather.
I bet you are extremely happy about Peters progress.
Take care and we will keep checking in to see how great things are going.
Love and prayers
Jill S.
Way to go Peter! We know you could do it!
With teary eyes I am SO relieved to hear the update!!!! How much more confortable for him to have just a little nasal cannula to help him along. That little guys is so amazing!!! We will continue our vigil until he ( and ALL of you ) are back home where you belong.
Jen called me about your Grandpa – we are very sorry to hear that. You are all in our hearts.
Love,
Peg & Ron
I was hoping to read this GREAT news….way to go, Peter!! You are such a brave boy…you amaze everyone!! Sorry to hear about Great Grandpa passing away.
Keep up the great work Peter! I look forward to reading about your progress everyday. You’re such a strong little man.
Sorry to hear about your great grandpa.
“Hello” to the rest of the family as well.
Love, Frank, Carrie, and Vincent VonBank
Peter,
What a man you are………your courage is remarkable. We know that you are a winner Pete. We are thinking of you and praying for your recovery everyday. Family, hold tight to each and other and Peter; the miracle is happening…………..
Love to you all,
Uncle Ed and Aunt roz
We’re sorry to hear about Grandpa Art……..
Yea Peter!! Keep breathing on your own and getting stronger! You’ll be at a Twins game before you know it.
Way to go, Pete!!! We’re all so proud of you! You’re such a strong and brave kid! Now get better soon, the Twins could really use you rooting for them…. Ty, Erika, and Hanson family- we’re so sorry about grandpa Art. We’ll step up the prayers a little more. Wishing you peace, Maggie
After checking several times this morning to see how the day was going, I was so happy to see the results. Thank you for the update. Stay strong and keep up the good work. I was sadden to hear about your Grand father, Erika, but I agree with the extra angel helping all of through this stressful time. My prayers will continue for all of you. God Bless, Cheryl Bailey
Peter, I’ll bet you’re sooooo glad to have all those tubes out of your mouth and nose AND I’ll bet it was good to have them in your nose and mouth when you needed a little extra help. Your great grampa Art is watching over you, giving you lots of huge love.
And to the rest of Uncle Art’s family: my heart is with you. I’ll miss him.
Peter:
AWESOME News! We are so proud of you! Not surprised at all how well you are handling everything. That is our Pete! You have won over another entire hospital staff.
We pray for continued breathing and comfort for you today.
To Ty, Erika and entire Hanson family – our sympathy on the passing of Grandpa Art.
Keep Fighting Pete,
Rod, Sue, Jenny, Ryan and Molly
Great news!! Peter keep breathing strong!!! You are one brave boy!!
Sorry to hear about Grandpa Art, he is now an angel helping you take those steps toward recovery!! Always thinking and praying for you!
Cassie
Good news today!! Ty and Erika, I don’t know where you get your strength but I am so thankful that it keeps coming to you. You are wonderful examples of how much parents love their children. My prayers continue for all of you. Diane
So sorry to hear about grandpa Art. May he rest peacefully knowing that his eternal strength & love will continue to live on in each breath Peter takes. He most certainly did instill greatness in all the family members that I do know. Rest peacefully, Mr. Walen —- Peter is incredibly lucky to have his very own guardian angel…..
And now —- a drum roll please!!!! Peter is OFF THE VENT! That is incredible…. phenomenal…… unbelievable…. awesome!! YIPPEE-KY-YAHHHHHHHH!!!! 🙂 Before I had a chance to read this wonderful news for myself, Auntie Tara called to fill me in. After I hung up the phone, (I first SCREAMED with delight…. and was washed over with the CHILLS), then I said, “Hey Ellie & Kate – Peter has no more tubes in his mouth!!!” Ellie’s eyes lit up – and she asked, “So, can Peter talk to me now??” 🙂 Kate just smiled and said, “Yah.”
Now for a little laugh – after I exclaimed “Peter has no more tubes in his mouth!” — a little boy who is here for daycare just for today, jumped up and with much excitement asked, “So – now is the tooth fairy gonna come??” Evidently he musts have thought I said “no more tooth in his mouth” or something like that!! 🙂
We are so proud of your super success over that last couple weeks. You certainly have made some GIGANTIC strides since this turn of events first happened 2 weeks ago. See, we told you – baby steps turn into huge strides. Slow and steady wins the race – and you are surely creeping down the right path. Keep going, buddy!
We love you and are looking forward to seeing you again~
With much love and happy thoughts~
Love, Jenni, Ryan, Emily, Lily & Parker XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
Congratulations Peter!!! We are all praying for you. This is a huge step for you… and Ty and Erika we are sorry for your loss on your grandpa. Take care and we are praying for you and your family.
Lakes Dental Care
The Eigner Family~
Sorry to hear about the passing of Grandpa Art, I agree with Ty, one more Angel in heaven is a wonderful thing!! Peter has a heck-of a team of Angels looking down on him.
We are happy to read that Peter is doing better.
Take Care and remember your entire family is in the thoughts and prayers of SO many people. May God continue to bless PETER and your entire family today and always.
Colleen Faacks and family.
Eigner’s,
Sorry to hear about the passing of your Grandfather. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Peter,
Glad to hear that you are off the vent, Rest well knowing that you have tons of people out there that are thinking and praying for you! Your bravery is inspiring to all of us!
Keep getting better!
James, Tara, Taylor, and Max Heinen
Awesome to hear that Peter can finally breath off the vent. I am overjoyed!! God continues to be good!! We will continue to pray for strengh for him. This is a huge step for him and I am so happy.
I am soooo sorry to hear about your Grandpa Art. I recently lost my grandpa too. I know how hard it is to loose someone you love so much. May God be with the whole Hanson family during this difficult time.
We are all rooting for you, Peter!! Keep Fighting!!
Love you, LaCoe, Dan, Gavin and Lucas
Great to hear the news going into the right direction again! Sorry to hear about your Grandpa / Great Grandpa. Hugs and Love from Milwaukee!
Peter it looks like your doing much better with that tube out. Continuing to pray for your complete healing. Special hugs sent your way in regards to the passing of Grandpa Art.
Aloha,
The Mersburgh’s from Hawaii
P.S. Ruthie says Hi
Matt and Erika : So sorry to hear about y our Grandpa passing. Ty is certainly right to say that now Peter has another angel watching over him.
Peter: Good news on getting the tubes all out, right? Hopefully each day will get better for you to talk and breathe. Just take it slow and easy. Cant wait to hear how the rest of your day and tomorrow goes for you.
Rest Well while the angels watch over you and help you breathe.
Love,
Uncle Chuck and Aunt Rose
Way to go Pete. I am always praying and I hope to see you really soon. I love you and keep fighting. Melissa Trent Buzz Cole Quinn and Van
Thank God that Pete is doing a little better and better everyday. All of our prayers are being answered. We are so sorry to hear about your Great Grandpa. We agree…
One more angel to watch over Pete.
God bless you all.
The Sullivans
Pete man,
Can,t wait to see you, me and the boys had an all-star wrestling match tonight, we always save a spot for you.
Love Uncle Tito