Thumbs Up

Peter had a chest x-ray around noon that showed his lungs weren’t as inflated as they’d like. Although it didn’t cause any alarm, they put him on the BiPAP (a bigger face mask that gently assists breathing) as a proactive measure. He was doing well without it, but they want slightly bigger breaths to keep the lungs inflated. He also had a fever in the early afternoon, so antibiotics are being administered.

Overall he’s doing great. His fever has been gone during the late afternoon and evening. Shortly after the fever broke and he woke up, his parents coaxed a few smiles out him with some friendly teasing. It’s hard to see the smiles beneath the mask, but they were there. When he’s awake, which is less than half the day, he’s often agitated or uncomfortable. During this time, he’ll roll himself over, kick his legs, try to boost himself into a sitting position, or try to lunge himself further up the bed. It’s not fun to watch him struggle, but we decided this type of agitation is great, because he’s using his muscles, his heart rate rises, and he’ll be naturally pushing his lungs along. In that context it’s phenomenal to see him so active.

Before we left tonight, we had him smiling more. He’s by no means chipper. But he’s on his way.

To all of you, Peter sends a “thumbs up”.  This was taken late evening on Wednesday (his left thumb has a monitor taped to it).

I'm coming back!!!

35 Replies to “Thumbs Up”

  1. Dear Ty, Erika, Peter and all,

    Wow, what great progress: smiles and a “thumb’s up” all in one day. Getting off the vent is huge! We are thinking of you and praying for you all of the time.

    “With God, all things are possible.”

    Freemans

  2. It’s great to see a new picture…lookin’ good, Peter! Love the thumbs up and smile!! You remind me of Uncle Matt when he was a little guy. Who’s that blue guy next to you? You’re doing great, Peter….so much good news today!!

  3. It was so good to see those thumbs up this morning when I checked the web site. Keep up the good work and take deep breaths. God Bless, Cheryl Bailey

  4. Ty & Erika, this photo is heart-melting. It makes us appreciate what you have endured the past two weeks and how far Peter has come.

    Peter, you are a CHAMP (not to mention absolutely adorable)!

    Keep on fighting.

    Love,
    Sara and Kevin

  5. Absolutely remarkable! Fighting my emotions all I can say is;

    The thums up, the mask, the atititude……Peter looks like a “Top Gun” Pilot.

    Push the envelope and ……”Bust on through to the other side”……….Peter.

    We love you

    “Heartprints” to you

  6. GO PETER! What a brave boy you are, it was great to see those beautiful blue eyes of yours. Keep amazing your parents, they need it right now. Good job- we are thinking about you and your family.
    Take care-Krista

  7. Oh my gosh!! How exciting to check the site out today and see that picture – ONLY YOU PETER!! Can’t imagine anyone else who could have an attitude like you do at a time like this. It is so very good to ‘see’ you buddy!!

    We will hope, pray, beg – do whatever it takes – to help you heal quickly!! You are one very special little person – do you know that???

    Ty and Erika – Hooray!!! Thinking of you all!!

    Love and prayers – Peg and Ron / alias Papa and Monga!!

  8. Ty, Erika & Peter
    Wow this is the best picture ever ! We are thrilled to see the thumbs up and off the vent as well yahoo. We will continue to pray for quick healing and lots of big breaths to help those lungs along. GO PETER as we think of you all back in Mn.
    Gods Peace,
    Dean ,Denise ,Blake ,Bren & Tiffany

  9. I agree – how fantastic to see your picture! It’s very foggy here this morning, so this is an awesome pick-me-up. You look like you’re practicing for a thumb war….

    I can’t wait to plop Jack on my lap when I get home and show him this photo of you – we were talking about you last night during dinner, and sending our prayers at bedtime.

    Keep up the fight.

    Kristi, Bob and Jack

  10. Yeah! It was so nice to see your picture Peter! Love the “thumbs up!” You are looking good Peter. You are a cutie! Thanks for sending it Uncle Matt! God Bless you and the rest of your family. Our prayers are still with you each and every day. Keep fighting and healing.
    Love to all,
    Sandy and Pat Westrum

  11. Wow, I’ve been traveling for work this week, and didn’t get a chance to check this site since Sunday. What progress in just a few days – Way to go Peter!

    Erika and Matt (and the Hanson family) – I’m so sorry to hear about your Grandpa Art. I think Ty is right though, Peter will have one more angel looking over him.

    Our thoughts and prayers continue daily for your families,
    Love from the Swansons
    Lori, Cary, Luke, Brooke and Erica

  12. Oh, Peter! What a great picture of you! I look at this picture and see all those tubes and wires and patches and tape – yet right through it all, I see you, sweet beautiful you!! Your resilience and strength shine right through all that medical overlay. You are such a brave and courageous little boy! 🙂 As a mommy, I try to imagine what it would be like to witness one of my 3 kids sitting (or laying!) in your situation. I can’t. I really can not imagine what it must be like. My kids (atleast Emily & Lily!) are such chickens! They would never have the courage…. the bravery… or the wisdom that you do. And I KNOW that I wouldn’t have even a morsel of the strength that your mommy & daddy do! You are certainly one heck of a special kid. You Eigner/Hansons’ are truly a one of a kind breed! (and I mean that in the most complimentary sort of way! 🙂 )

    I can only imagine the aggitation and discomfort that you must be struggling with Peter. Ya know what – I don’t blame you one teeny bit! I would be downright aggitated and mad and scared and uncomfortable too! Yet, through all this – you still manage to smile and raise your thumbs up! Incredible!!!……………

    Thinking of you today and hoping, as always, for a most magnificent day and even a greater tomorrow!
    All our love and continued prayers~
    The Kelleys
    -Jen, Ryan, Emily, Lily and Parker-

  13. Peter;
    Thanks for the “thumbs up”, you are doing great.
    A daily prayer is said for you and your family.
    Bob and Karen

  14. Peter–

    You are one amazing little boy and we are so proud of the progress you are making. Can’t wait until you can get out of that hospital bed for good!

    A big thumbs up,

    Andi, Dave, Jesse and Bailey

  15. Peter,
    You look WONDERFUL. That’s the best thumbs up we’ve ever seen. Keep getting stronger Pete……..you are our “superman”.

    Love,
    Uncle Ed and Aunt roz

  16. Hey Peter,

    What great news.
    Thanks for the picture, you are the best looking guy I’ve seen all
    year, and by far the strongest! Keep fighting and keeping those
    doctors and nurses on their toes.
    I’m sure Great Grampa Art is keeping a very close eye on you, so keep
    showing him how strong you are.

    Love,
    Jan

  17. Thumbs up rigth back at you Pete Bud. That was an awesome way to start my day, to see you. Yahoo!! I am so happy that you are starting to feel a little better. Take deep breaths and relax today and maybe tomorrow will be even better.
    Great News.
    Keep up the great work Pete, you can do it.
    Love ya
    Jill S.

    P.S. Everyone at the bank if cheering for you. We talked about you in our meeting this morning and everyone is going to continue to pray for you to get strong.

  18. Many smiles and thumbs up back at all of you. The human spirit is an amazing thing. Our continued thoughts and prayers!

    The smiths

  19. How wonderful to see a picture of you today. You look like a thimbs up champ. Keep up the fight Pete. Sorry to hear about Grandpa Art. One can never have too many angels.

  20. Wow! How cool to see a picture of you, Peter! Boy oh boy, it looks like you’re an astronaut with your breathing mask on! Those wiggles have to come out sometimes don’t they? Brave little boy, you are. It’s clear that love leads you, Ty and Erika, the rest of Peter’s family, friends. Keep tuning into the love and support, the prayers winging your way.

  21. Hey Peter,

    Thanks for giving the thumbs up. You are amazing and so many are inspired by your determination. I have to say your good looks and positive attitude make it easy to see right through the tubes. Our prayers are for you to see yourself right past the tubes and onto a ball field or hockey rink in the not too distant future.

    Blessings to you buddy,

    The Bastians

  22. Way to go, Peter!! It is so good to ‘see’ you again. Gavin wanted me to tell you that he is so sorry you are sick but that he prays for you every night when he goes to bed! He also said he wishes he could play with you again. When you get better I told him we would get together. So get lot’s of rest and continue to breath deep so your lungs heal. Gavin said that your mask looks kindof like his nebulizer mask. He knows how it makes him feel better, so he is glad it helps you too. Keep up the good work! Sending many prayers your way!!
    Love you all, LaCoe, Dan, Gavin and Lucas Inwards

  23. Good job Pete-Man!! We all knew you were a fighter! That picture is AWESOME!! Keep up the good work!!

    You are always in my prayers!

    take care Eigner family!!

    Jill

  24. Thumbs Up to you Peter! Way to go! Keep up the good work of inflating those lungs and moving those muscles.

    Erika – Our thoughts and prayers to you and your family on the loss of your Grandpa.

    Think of you often,
    Jen, Andy, Jacob and Brady

  25. Peter, You are such a brave boy. Sending you a back a big Thumbs Up. We can just imagine all the stories you are going to have after all you have been through. You will help many, many people. Lots are praying for you here in Hawaii.
    Lots of Aloha,
    Ruthie and her family
    Kailua Kona, Hawaii

  26. Peter you are right there shining through–keep clawing your way back. We are sending prayers to you and your family. Mary is at the Fair this weekend–sometimes you just have to live your life. Take care all–Mary’s aunt, Ann

  27. Keep fighting pete. Everyone you and your mom and dad know is gunning for you to get better. Love from Eagan
    Chris, Traci, Jordyn and Tyler

  28. Hi Eigners –

    We are so happy to hear that things are getting better for Peter. What a brave little boy! Most adults would not have the courage that Peter has! Each small break thru is such blessing and we pray that Peter is out of the hospital and home in MN soon.
    Thumbs up & take care,
    Holly, Dave & Cullen

  29. Dear Ty, Erica and Peter,
    We have been following Peter’s progress since his illness began, and want you all to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers daily. We are so thankful to God that Peter has pulled through this latest crisis, and we will continue to send many prayers your way.
    Connie and Bob Bender

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