Some updates on Andrew McCallum, taken from his brother David’s notes in Facebook (for more on Andrew, see here and here):
Thursday, April 10, afternoon — Coasting
No change to speak of, today. Andrew’s nurses and doctors are trying to deal with a fever and keep his temperature at a safe level.
It occurred to me that I may have been a little overzealous with the “thumbs up” news. Andrew is by no means in the clear yet, and I was told that the thumbs up was really just him raising a thumb on command while still being out. This is great news, but he still has a long way to go. Please keep the prayers coming.
I got the CDs playing to him today, and will print out more of your wonderful comments for him. I’m having trouble keeping up with all of you!
Thursday, April 10, late afternoon — Infection
Andrew’s developed an infection in one of his lungs and is now being dosed with antibiotics. You smokers out there, take note: the nurses tell me that smokers are more likely to develop infections in their lungs in critical care, and infections are serious problems in this state.
So, why don’t some of you target your prayers to his lungs, and the rest of you keep focussing on his head? Let’s make sure all of him’s covered.
We seem to have amassed a large group of people who are all directing positive energy towards Andrew, and it’s a very lovely thing. I also realise that there are many others out there also in need of positive energy, and I think Andrew would love to be able to make use of this situation to help others. I can’t ask him, of course, but he’s an upstanding chap and I’ll just assume on his behalf.
If anyone out there has someone in need of prayers and good energy, please post about them on the discussion thread that I’ve started so we can all send some good vibes their way. All of you sending positive energy out, please add these people to your prayers.
Friday, April 11, noon — Stabilizing
This morning, Andrew gave another raised thumb to the nurse, but it apparently wasn’t repeated. She suggested that this may be because he is simply exhausted. Still, we’re taking comfort in this gesture.
He also has a fever that they’re treating, and this too is apparently improving. Little steps for Andrew.
I updated the group description because it was a few days out of date.
A photo collage is being organised for Andrew. If you’d like to contribute, please see the discussion thread about it (which will be created, if it hasn’t already been).
Please keep your prayers coming, and tell your loved ones that you love them.
I’ve done my share of sitting in a hospital, hoping that a family member will recover, so my heart goes out to the McCallum family. Stay strong, folks.