Update 5 for Mike Pless: Feb 16, 2024 - 5:30 PM

Good day for dad.

Dr. El Deiry (one of the surgeons from dad’s surgery) came by earlier. He says he is “cautiously optimistic” from where dad is now.

Still a very long road ahead with several hurdles in the near future.

Dad’s blood pressure is still low. Still having some assistance from various fluids and drugs.

Dad also did a couple laps around the ICU floor today under his own power! He’s still tethered to oxygen and IVs and such, so there was a parade of sorts.

Dad said walking was painful, but he’s motivated to get moving.

Still getting the hang of communicating well. I (Jonathan) can’t read lips at all, so this method is not favorable.

There are a couple of apps which work well. The Personal Voice from Apple works way better than most of us thought. Glad we can still hear dad talk!

Doctors are primarily waiting on blood pressure to stabilize before sending him to a regular room. Secondarily, the O2 through the blow by vent (which is resting on his chest) needs to go down to 21%. He’s at 30% now.

Dad has been on a slow and steady feed today through his stomach feeding tube.

All is well for the Pless family at Emory this evening.

Thank you all for the continued prayers. The Lord hears them and has seen fit to answering them.

“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” Col 4:2

Soli Deo gloria.