Gabriel spent the night with his uncle and remained stable.
Around midnight, his platelet count was quite low, but a transfusion was done within the hour to bring it back to normal levels. This is probably due to the infection, his body’s slowed functioning, and the ECMO, which, from what I understand, also destroys some platelets.
This morning, the blood results seem to be improving. (Caution: this is ChatGPT’s opinion, so it doesn’t replace a doctor’s assessment — but what can you expect, his father is a geek!)
The CRP level (infection marker) has dropped to 51, compared to 240 a few days ago. And his arterial saturation is at 100%, which is perfect!
We’re waiting to see the doctor for a real medical opinion. I’ll keep you updated later.
Keep sending him strength, he needs it: the battle is far from over.
By the way, I explained to him that many people around the world are sending him love, and that he can store it in a little room all to himself. And when he’s scared or has doubts, he can draw from this reserve of love.
I like to believe that it works.
More news later.
Update at 7:07 PM
The day was long and challenging. The ICU was closed several times, notably due to a death… These are difficult moments for everyone to experience. The atmosphere, the tension, the grief… everything weighs heavily.
Today, the news is stable. Gabriel’s lungs remain severely affected, but the situation is not worsening. This is already a small victory in such a fragile battle.
The doctor told us that she has seen lungs in this condition manage to regenerate before. This gives us a glimmer of hope. For now, thanks to the ECMO, his blood oxygenation is perfect. This machine does all the work instead of his lungs to give them time to rest and, hopefully, repair themselves.
Regarding his organs, everything is functioning correctly for the moment. They are keeping a very close eye on his liver function and platelets, as the ECMO puts a lot of strain on his blood system. Transfusions are given whenever necessary to avoid any risks.
Tomorrow will mark 72 hours that Gabriel has been on ECMO. It’s an important milestone: we may know if this strategy is starting to bear fruit.
The secondary respiratory machine has also been adjusted: it now only sends 45% oxygen. This is a way to reactivate his lungs ‘in slow motion’ to gently stimulate them.
Gabriel is isolated in a special room since being connected to the ECMO. We can see him through a window, but physical contact is now forbidden to prevent infections. Someone is by his side permanently. Today, it was Tatiana who was watching over him, and she takes care of him with reassuring gentleness and precision. Even the little ear sticking out from under the sheet is carefully tucked back in.
I was also asked how we, the parents, are doing. The truth is, we’re holding up as best we can. Our son is an example of strength, and he’s the one showing us the way. But some days are hard, very hard. Each of us breaks down in our own way. For me, sometimes it’s the doors that take the brunt… but it releases the tension.
And thanks to all the friends who listen to us, I send you a kiss.
We know the road is still long. So we hang on. Again and always.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your thoughts, messages, and prayers. Please continue. Every word, every wave of love counts.
For Gabriel,
Manuela and Johann
