Update #3

I just got a phone call from Maggie - they just got a briefing from the Dr. on the MRI.

They came back with the MRI - the main positive is that the ventricles are open, and there is not a lot of swelling in the brain. That is good because swelling would put too much pressure on his brain, and they would have to relieve it. At this point, we have passed the critical time where we would have seen swelling if there was going to be any. So, they will not need to put a bolt in to relieve pressure.

There were a lot more blood clots than originally thought. The MRI showed one large spot on the left side, and a dozen or so others around the deep area of his brain - called the basal ganglia. The basal ganglia is the main trafficking spot as far as commands go to and from the brain, and that is where a lot of his bleeding is.

The next critical thing is movements. The doctors are looking for asymmetrical movements ie - just moving one part of his body - like just his left arm, not both at the same time. There hasn't been much asymmetrical movement. It has mostly been symmetrical - moving both arms at the same time, or tensing his whole body.

He has also been doing what is called posturing, when they squeeze his right shoulder, instead of just that arm moving, he hyperextends and twists both arms at the same time. This signifies a deep coma that is not drug induced. That his body is putting him into a very deep coma, that it is not just the medications.

At this point, we are assuming there is going to be some nerve damage. We don't know what that damage is going to be. We don't know at this point if he will ever wake up. And, if he does wake up, there is no way to know what the damage will be.

If we have any updates about movement, or anything else - we will post it as soon as we know.

Jen and Justin are really appreciative of everyone's support. Maggie is checking all the comments on the blog posts and reading them to Jen & Justin at appropriate times. Please leave comments here, and Maggie will relay them to Jen & Justin.

Also, Maggie said if you have any questions, please post them here, and she will do her best to get them answered. I am posting information as soon as they have it here - so if there isn't an update here, they don't know anything new at the hospital either.

A lot of people have been asking what they can do to help. Primarily, your thoughts and prayers are appreciated more than you know. Please use this blog to let Chase, Jen, Justin, Brianna, Brooke & Bailee know you are praying and thinking about them.

There is an online gift shop for the hospital - here is a link. Please note that in the ICU, flowers are not allowed, and only mylar balloons are allowed - no latex. You can also call the gift shop to place an order at this number: (801) 662-6565.