3 Steps Forward, 2 Steps Back...

Rene had some more blood tests in the past couple of days to determine what kind of bacteria is in his blood; results show that it is pneumonia in his blood (compounded with his existing Wegener's Disease). Rene was immediately put on intravenous antibiotics in the ICU to treat this infection in the blood, and will be on antibiotics for 14 days. A recent CT scan also shows apparent lung damage and a small "cavity" in his left lung. Although his doctors say that this cavity is non-repairable, it will not affect his ability to function with normal activities when he is healthier. However, this is something he will need to have checked periodically for any more growth within this cavity.

Rene's breathing seems to be getting stronger each day, as he diligently practices his breathing exercises several times a day. He is starting to get more physical therapy and rehab exercises and is gradually making progress. He displays remarkable strength for all that he has endured in this past month!

Rene has moved, once again, out of the ICU and into another room. He is now on the 4th floor in Room 4315.

"A new hope comes, with each new day,
for healing lungs, and a healthier Rene.
I know that God provides his care,
and every need to get him there.
With much prayer and positive belief,
my loving brother will feel relief.
Rene's FAITH in God, carries him through,
each struggle, setback, and triumph too."

-Janie Labrado

Back to Intensive Care Unit!

More blood tests have been taken on Rene recently, only to discover that he has infection in his blood ("Bacteremia"). This infection causes Rene to have spontaneous shivers and trembling of being cold which often lasts for 45 minutes, and cause his blood pressure to rise and breathing to become rapid. Due to this serious condition, Rene was admitted last night (Wed. night) back into the Intensive Care Unit with an intravenous line of antibiotics to help destroy the toxins in his blood. He will have this IV of antibiotic medication for the next 7 days. The "Rapid Response Team" of Sutter General Hospital is watching Rene closely around the clock, and ready to administer to his medical needs.

An oxygen mask is now over his mouth and nose to supply him with more oxygen. Rene has been so calm and good natured through each of these "very uncomfortable and terrifying episodes"; he has been a most gracious "guest" of the ICU department and they are giving him such personable and efficient care. Rene is in Room 3418 on the 3rd floor of the ICU.

This has been a setback in his progress, but we have peace and comfort in knowing that Rene is in the best care of competent doctors and ICU staff.

PLEASE continue to pray that Rene's blood infection is controlled and diminished and that he may be feeling better again soon. Please ask God to grant him inner courage, through his calm exterior.

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil; for you are with me;
your rod and staff- they comfort me."

Psalm 23: 4

"He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother..."

Rene has lost 35 lbs since he has been hospitalized one month ago... but he is determined to gain his normal weight and strength back again in due time. Now that he is able to eat solid foods again, and guzzling down "Ensure" drinks like it's going out of style, he will meet his physical goals eventually. Physical Therapists are working with Rene, at least twice a day, to help him sit up and walk with his walker. Just taking a few steps at a time requires all the physical strength he has with much effort, and Rene is making more progress each day across his room floor.

Early this morning, Rene was moved up to the 5th floor, and now has his own private hospital suite (Room 5304). Visitors are welcome for short periods of time, in between Rene's physical therapy sessions and replenishing "Ensure" breaks!

Alas, Rene has been able to enjoy some fresh air and sunshine this afternoon in the shaded patio area of the hospital (via his wheelchair). The outdoors never felt so good! Accompanied by Mom and Dad and a new fishing friend, they shared a pleasant afternoon's delight in the natural elements. This was definitely the highlight of Rene's day!

Rene's biopsy and pathology reports which have been sent to the Mayo Clinic are still in progress and will not have results back until a few weeks. Stay tuned for more updates....

It looks like the weather here in Sacramento will be in Rene's favor for the rest of this week, so he looks forward to more wheeling around outside.

The power of prayer is so amazing! Praise God for Rene's state of being and progress.



"As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God." Psalm 42: 1

Moving on Up!

Rene is doing Better and Moving on Up...to the 4th floor that is!

Rene will be moved from the ICU later this evening and into his new room at Sutter General (room number to be posted tomorrow). Wednesday, the ICU staff were treated to Mama Julie's homemade "World's Best Cookies" as a gift of THANKS for their special care and attention to our Champ.

Yesterday, Rene enjoyed his first meal made from solid food. His dinner consisted of ground turkey, mash potatoes and tomato soup which he thoroughly enjoyed. Rene even managed to top off his feast with 3 of Mom's famous cookies by persuading his nurse to smuggle them into his room only to be washed down with a glass of milk. While the "new" experience of eating real food was worth the wait it proved to be an exhausting experience as shortly thereafter, Rene fell into a deep sleep for hours...Zzzzzzz.

Rene has also started physical therapy, twice a day, to regain use of his muscles. Rene is definitely feeling more awake and coherent and welcomes his Prayer Warriors to stop in for "short visits" as he still needs plenty of sleep and rest.

Please continue to pray that the scientists and doctors at the Mayo Clinic complete their analysis of Rene's pathology report and provide positive outcomes of treatment for the Wegener's Disease.

Note: When visiting, please keep in mind that Rene's vocal chords are strained and is only able to whisper. Please encourage Rene to continue communicating by writing on his clipboard.

Psalms 28: 6-7

Praise be to the LORD,
for he has heard my cry for mercy.

The LORD is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.
My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.

I just talked to my Mom...Rene got off the ventilator today! He's eating yellow jello. Two bites and he's exhausted. The doctors are pleased! He can only whisper because the tubes have irritated his vocal chords and throat. He's only wearing the oxygen tubes that fit in his nose.
Praise God!

Rene spent the Easter weekend accompanied by his parents and family. Rene’s spirit remains high and his Respiratory therapist indicates his lungs are getting stronger.

Today, Rene had his first “T-Mist” treatment. T-Mist is a treatment in which oxygen is dispensed into a straw and Rene must suck in the oxygen using his own muscles. During this treatment, Rene’s ventilator is not in use but is set to kick in should he require its assistance. The original plan was for Rene to trial the T-Mist for 2-hours this morning. However, Rene was able to withstand 8-hours of this treatment on his own.

This evening, Rene will sleep with the use of his ventilator which is dispensing a smaller amount of oxygen pressure. He will need to rest his lungs from today’s workout in order to attempt another T-Mist treatment tomorrow. For now, Rene is tired and has earned his rest like a true Champ!

With the power of prayer, we should always believe that “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me”.

Philippians 4:13

Today, Rene had his 4th chemotherapy treatment. It took 6-hours to administer as opposed to the normal 3-hour process. This, as a result of his blood pressure going too low during the course of the chemo treatment.

Rene is extremely tired but resting as much as possible. His Pulmonary specialist did say that Rene's lungs are getting stronger (Praise God)! Rene is more alert today, but still very exhausted.

Rene has said he is too tired for visitors right now. He has realized how much he needs his sleep and rest. Rene will let us know when he feels ready for visitors once again. Thank you All for your patience and continued prayers...They are being heard!

AP

Tuesday, Rene had another episode where his vitals became unsteady. With sedation, he was able to be stabilized.

Today, Rene's respiratory therapist tested his breathing capacity in which Rene passed the tests required to be weaned off the ventilator. Unfortunately, the attempt was unsuccessful. After a few hours, Rene experienced rapid breathing related to anxiety. As a result, Rene was reconnected to the ventilator and was sedated to regain stabilization.

Meanwhile, if Rene's vitals and labs remain stable enough, he will be given his fourth round of chemo treatment this Friday. This will continue to require sleep and rest to build up his strength.

Please continue to pray that Rene's lungs get stronger and that he not become too anxious but trust in the Lord who is with him.


Psalms 38:21-22

Do not forsake me, Oh Lord; Oh my God, do not be far from me; Make haste to help me, Oh lord, my salvation.

Patholgy Results

The Pathology report came back and concluded that Rene’s lungs are damaged. Specifically, the left lung having more Granuloma than the right. The report also confirmed the finding of Vasculitis which is the swelling of the inner lining of the lungs. This is what they believe to have caused the bleeding in his lungs. To date, Rene’s lungs are still draining. However, the fluid appears to be clearer.

Rene’s team of doctors have also sent the Pathology report to the Mayo Clinic in Minneapolis to be studied by their medical experts. The goal is to have the Mayo Clinic thoroughly analyze Rene's case and collaborate on the best mode of treatment for his condition.

Please pray for the Mayo team of doctors and researchers in their study.

AP

Latest Update

According to his Pulmonary specialist, Rene has begun to take baby steps in the right direction. It appears that the heavy bleeding from his lungs is diminishing.

Rene was given his third chemotherapy treatment yesterday. His initial chemo treatment began two weeks ago. The chemo Rene received yesterday was more aggressive than the one administered last Friday and requires much sleep and rest in order to obtain optimal results. Rene's doctors and the ICU staff continue to request very limited and "very short" visits to not exert the energy Rene needs to endure his treatments.

The results from Rene's lung biopsy have not yet come back. Once the pathology report is available, Rene's team of doctors will be able to provide more information. As of yesterday evening, Rene was finally awake and coherent for a short period of time. The timing was perfect as Rene's parents were present when he opened his eyes.

The Labrado family is grateful for all your love, support and continued prayers.

AP

Much Needed Rest and Prayer.

The outpour of love and well wishes that have been offered to Rene and the Labrado family has been surreal. So many of us have been blessed by Rene's friendship and love that it seems only natural to return the "gift" and visit with him in the hospital while his body heals. However, Rene has pushed himself too hard in an effort to maintain a connection with his visitors.

This morning, Rene had an episode of sorts. His levels became unstable and he again was placed under Heavy sedation. As such, the ICU staff have asked that visits to see Rene be limited for the time being. Rene must independently re-gain the use of his lungs in order to breath on his own without requiring a ventilator. Please continue to pray that Rene's lungs be restored and that the Wegener's Disease be controlled. Thank you for allowing Rene this time to heal.

The results of Thursday's biopsy have not yet come back. Please also pray for expedited results and positive outcomes. Further updates to follow as they become available.

AP

Day after Rene's lung biopsy

It has been a little over 24-hours since Rene's lung biopsy and Rene remains heavily sedated with no eye contact. This morning, Rene received 1 transfusion consisting of two units of blood as a result of his low blood levels.

Rene is currently undergoing the same chemotherapy he received a week ago last Friday. We are hopeful that the chemotherapy will have an affect to the Wegener's Disease. At present, Rene remains in deep sleep. Again, Thank You to those who visited Rene and kept him company while sleeping today.

Please continue lift Rene up in your prayers.

James 5:15
And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up...

Clarification from previous Blogs

Previously, it was noted that Rene was able to breath on his own for 4-hours on one day and then again 5-hours yesterday. Unfortunately, Rene was not breathing on his own either time. On both these days, Rene's ventilator was slightly weaned down yet he required assisted breathing.

These tests are being done to determine the rate in which Rene's lungs will be strong enough to breath on their own. To date, Rene maintains his breathing by the use of his ventilator. Please pray that God restores Rene's lungs with His breath of life.

Our apologies for the miscommunication.

One Last Update for Today - April 2, 2009

Today, Rene was able to breath on his own with minor assistance from his ventilator for up to 5-hours. He has now increased his previous time from yesterday by 1-hour. This is a huge stride in the right direction!

Overall, his team of doctors and nurses have been outstanding. It's amazing to know that Rene has an abundance of friends and family who Love him and are praying. The voicemails that have been left on Rene's cell phone have truly lifted him up, as each one has been played for him to hear.

His Guest Sign-In book is also a huge hit! Three pages of love and well wishes were filled up just today!

Matthew 18:20
"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."

Today, Thursday March 2, 2009, Rene has been accompanied by a number of visitors. Thank you everyone for taking time out of your day to visit Rene. It does more good than you will ever know!

The doctors decided to perform a lung biopsy to determine if there is something that they are over looking in their diagnosis. The biopsy procedure occurred late this afternoon and was considered a huge success. The doctors expect to get results by Saturday. Rene is currently heavily sedated and will remain so for the next several days to help him recover from the biopsy and to help him rest.

Please continue to lift Rene up in prayer!

Last Friday the doctors and specialists discussed Rene's condition and all agreed to begin a series of chemo treatments to stave off any advancement of Wegeners. The chemo treatment was experimental and has never been tried with Wegeners. This type of chemo has been proven to work better than conventional chemo therapies against certain types of abnormalities. Rene has experienced complications with past chemo treatments, particularly with his kidneys, but the doctors assured us all that this new chemo should not have a negative impact on his kidneys. Rene handled the chemo treatments like a champ!

Yesterday the doctors decided to take Rene off the ventilator to gauge his response. Rene was able to breathe on his own for about 4 hours. The doctors also administered a CT Scan to compare his condition from the time he was admitted into the hospital up to now. The doctors were discouraged to see that there was little to no change with Rene's lungs since the chemo treatment. Both the breathing and CT Scan procedure, completely exhausted Rene.