UPDATE on Rhonda Brandenburg Monday, September 30, 2019

Rhonda is still in ICU, but is showing some improvement. Her blood pressure and blood oxygen levels have risen to the point where they were able to remove the ventilator (breathing tube) yesterday (Sunday, September 29.) She is still on oxygen but Praise the Lord that the vent is gone.  As you can see from the photo, her spirits are good, but she wears out quickly.

She is still dealing with severe infections. The doctors have her on several antibiotics. Because of her chronic lymphedema she is dealing with many severe wounds. Her skin is very fragile. The wounds are very painful and make any movement difficult. The wound care team, along with the infectious disease teams are working together to create a plan of treatment. The danger of these wounds is the chance of additional infections, which in her weakened state could change things quickly.

Today’s schedule includes several more tests, including a CT scan on her right leg to check for additional pockets of infection. They had planned to do this test “with contrast” but her doctor is concerned about the rising numbers in her right kidney. They are also planning to do “doppler” scans on the same leg to check for blood clots. The cardiologist said he was pleased at her blood pressure numbers are going very well.  She began some occupational therapy today and was able to sit on the edge of the bed, with help. The occupational therapy is vital for her to regain her mobility.

Rhonda is facing a long recovery program. Please pray for her health, her strength and the ability to work through the occupational therapy that lies ahead of her. Pray also for our family as we care for her and help her though this great trial. We have heard from friends from around the country and the world. There are so many people that Rhonda has helped through the years and it is a blessing to heard from so many. Your prayers and encouragement mean more to us than we can express in words.

Please pray for our family as we stay with her at the hospital. We need the Lord’s help and strength. We are amazed at Rhonda’s sweet spirit in all of this. Her sense of humor, her feistiness with family, and gentle spirit are very evident. Thank God for His goodness.

-The Brandenburg Family