Larisa gets a new room!

It is amazing how each day is a new experience. Yesterday, Larisa was moved out of the trauma unit and put on the IMC - Immediate Care Floor. This is a transitional place between Trauma and ICU. This floor is set up for patients who still need lots of care, but the nurses now cover 3-4 patients as opposed to 1-2 patients. She has a roommate who is an elderly women and has the bed by the window, which will be nice.

Lots of great things happen yesterday. They had taken the ventilator off on Thursday, but Thursday night needed to hook it back up because she was working to hard to breath on her own. As of yesterday morning, they turned it back off and she was doing well. They will just monitor it and use it as needed while her lungs are strengthening and she retrains her body to breath easily on its own. They also took the feeding tube out, and introduced her to clear foods. She had applesauce, broth and some juice. She did great with it, they will watch to see how well she can digest it and add a little at a time.

Larisa met with a speech pathologist today. When she talks with the trach, it is either mouthed or whispered. The therapist taught her today how to talk by covering the hole. It will take some practice, but she was getting the hang of it. We don't know how long she will have the trach.

Nurses who had seen her when she first came in, have been by to see her and are amazed at how great she looks. Chantel sent me a picture on her phone today of Larisa, and she did look great. It was good to see her sitting up and smiling. Truly amazing to look at someone who has been through so much in such a short period of time and and see the blessings and know that the power to heal is real.

Many of you may already be aware that on Tuesday Oct 27th it is Larisa's 19th birthday. I have spoken to the hospital and to her nurse directly to find out what we can do to help her celebrate. She is still unable to have visitors, but you are more than welcome to send birthday wishes or get well wishes directly to the hospital and it will be given to her. A few guidelines.

1. YES to Stuffed animals
2. YES to cards
3. YES to Photos -- which she would really really love!
4. YES to things to read or do -- just remember, space is limited
   
5. NO flowers, plants or anything living
6. NO latex balloons - Mylar balloons are usually accepted
7. NO food

Here is how you need to address it for the hospital:

Larisa Menendez
C/O IMC 12-2
3300 Gallows Rd
Fairfax, VA 22042

Larisa is becoming more aware of how many people are praying for her and supporting her as she recovers. I know she is so appreciative of all the kind things and words that have been done on her behalf. As we continue to pray for her, not only are our lives strengthened but she continues to grow in faith and her desire to get better increases - truly a win win situation.