Same Old Andy

Well Andy appears to be the same old Andy we know and love. Yesterday he was joking around a little, although he is still very tired. He is anxious to leave the hospital, and he is looking forward to getting back to normal life as much as he can (without about 15 extra pounds as far as I can tell).

His trach tube is out now, replaced by a nice oxygen tube in his nose (just like on ER) that is less intrusive than the trach tube and the oxygen mask he was sporting most recently. His blood pressure and other vital signs are returning near "just above" normal. Although doing better, he still has plenty of room for improvement and we are unsure what the ultimate permanent damage to his heart truly is. That said, however, he is with us and responsive again and we are all thankful for that blessing.

When you visit Andy, please do not offer him your cell phone, give him water (or Diet Coke), or poke fun of the short, blue, hospital skirt and cute gray booties he is wearing. He's still hooked up to many tubes, but he might take a little swing at you like he did us. When he's awake, Andy is alert and responsive; he can write notes and even type on a computer when necessary. He's bored out of his gord, though. The tunes on the iPod are helpful, but he is still trapped in that bed and you can tell he hates it not being out drumming and yelling at (encouraging) his kids.

All Andy talked about the whole time was his drum students and their progress and dedication to become better and making sure that we tell them he'll be back and has high expectations--admirable after what he has been through to think solely of others.

We'll see what the next doctor's update brings. His rapid progress during the past two days is encouraging, but we have to see what the ultimate test results determine. Nonetheless, what we do know is that Andy has one fewer chin and his wry smile and spicy attitude are returning quickly. If you get a chance, poke your head in and say hello; he will appreciate it and so will his family. Thanks to everyone who continues to support Andy with their donations, time, love and prayers!!

Donations Update ;o)

Everyone interested in donating to the "Andy Garcia Fund" can do so by going to any branch of the Bank of American Fork. For all of you computer people, electronic donations can be made via PayPal by accessing this URL click here. Thanks to everyone who has already made a donation. Every dollar helps--thanks!!

Trach Tube Re-Installed

After coughing nearly all day yesterday, doctors reinserted Andy's trach tube in order to pump more oxygen to his heart and other vital organs. He was not a happy camper about this, as he hated even wearing an oxygen mask. Andy did write a couple of notes to Vivian today explaining that the trach tube was too long and was touching his stomach and that he didn't like the way the nurse brushes his teeth. Other than that, he is still trying to relax, which is difficult for someone who has been used to doing something every minute of the day with little sleep. We have not yet learned the results of the neurology tests, but he answered every question. Additionally, we are awaiting the results of the ultrasound test they did on his heart. Andy still has a long road ahead, but we remain confident in his ability to overcome this setback.

Peter Pan?

Well the old Andy we all know seems to be coming back day by day, or at least his attitude does. He awoke today and tried to get out of his bed by himself. After having trouble with the IV tubes connected to him, he ... a ... ripped them out. After three hours of getting them reinserted, the nurses allowed us to visit him.

A box fan now blows a cool 60 mph breeze onto his usually bare chest to keep him cool as the nurses and his mother alternate putting his oxygen mask back on his nose and mouth after he rattles it off by shaking his head like a dog after a dip in a canal. His cough is much dryer now, but still consistent and strong.

We are not yet certain of the condition of his heart, but his stubborn nature has most likely enabled him to survive until now; he doesn't seem willing to give in. He wants to leave the hospital today and isn't very patient. For example, one nurse spent nearly 45 minutes doing an ultrasound on his heart. Andy was obviously restless, so I said that he needed to remain patient and still or we wouldn't be able to determine the gender of his baby. He laughed a little, but mostly coughed.

The ventilator has remained off, but the calf warmers that he hates so much remain on in order to increase blood flow through his legs due to his lack of movement. If you visit him, please don't give him any of the three things he constantly asks for in faint whispers through his mask: a glass of water, a cell phone, and to remove his oxygen mask.

Finally, the neurologist interviewed him to determine his sense of awareness and memory. He correctly answered his own name, the date (I didn't even know that), the month (she tried to trick him by saying July?), the current president, and president before him, and before him; however, when asked his mother's name, he replied, "Peter Pan." He usually calls her "Cubs" when he is happy and mom when is not, but sometimes something sarcastic when he's upset.

Ventilator Off

They removed the ventilator last night and Andy is now breathing on his own. He is stilling coughing, however, so they now have him sporting a very handsome oxygen mask. Diane said the doctors explained that the tests they conducted did not show that Andy had suffered any conclusive brain damage.

Andy continues to respond yes or no to questions, but he is not yet speaking. The nurses have sedated him again today because he kept trying to sit up and flail his arms (maybe drumming?), which was unhooking the IV tubes that feed him the medications that regulate his blood pressure, breathing, and urinary output.

I was able to speak to Andy over the phone this morning. Because of the loudness of his oxygen mask, however, our conversation sounded more like a weak plea from Luke to Darth Vader telling him to "be good" and rest so that he could once again rule his drumming Empire. Diane said he appeared to concentrate very hard on every word. When she asked if he wanted to stay in Utah for now, he shook his head "yes." Who knows? He is very committed...only time will tell...

Meanwhile, Vivian and Raymond are planning to stay in SLC for at least one more week, and two of Andy's cousins are flying into SLC in about an hour to stay a few days and help wherever possible.