Updates...

My mother in law emailed everyone about the status of my husband's cousin, who is currently in a coma at Baylor. Here is part of her updates...

"Here's the latest I know regarding [my husband's cousin]. When the accident happened last Tues, it was raining hard all day. [my husband's aunt and cousin] were coming home from downtown. [She] was traveling along beside a huge 18-wheeler and she hit a "slick spot" in the road and hydroplaned in front of the 18-wheeler. The truck hit her car broadside (T-boned) on the driver's side. I don't know how fast they were going at the time; but, it completely caved in the driver's side of the car and killed [my husband's aunt] instantly...

[my husband's cousin] C-1 (right at the neck) vertebrae was severely damaged while being knocked around during the accident...He developed "Noxess" which is not getting enough oxygen to the brain when he passed out from shock. He was rushed to Big Baylor...The accident happened around 2pm on Tuesday afternoon. They (doctors) determined that he also has "Shearing" which means the same thing as when someone shakes a baby too hard and the brain hits up against the skull causing bruising and damage. The Shearing combined with the Noxess and damaged C1 vertebrae is his diagnosis...

He is now moving his arms and legs and feet and responding to touch in some areas. He's now warm tot he touch and his tongue is moving. The swelling is almost gone in both eyes. He doesn't have any injuries from the neck down. The doctors say his damage will be in "one of the 3rds" level. The 1st third being that he only has surface shearing which didn't go too deep and when he wakes up he will be mostly back to the status he was before the accident and will have to have some therapy. The 2nd third being that he has deeper shearing and when he wakes up he may not be at the intelligence he was before the accident and will hae to have a lot of therapy to bring him back to the status he was before the accident. The 3rd third level being that when he wakes up, if he does, he will be close to 'brain dead' and be doubtful if therapy will work at all. The doctors placed a "shunt" on the top of this head to relieve any fluid buildup. However, there was very little - which is a good thing. His temperature hasn't gone above 101, which is also good. His left eye has tried to come open at some points. The doctors have backed down the breathing machine some, since he is trying to breathe on his own. He has an arterial IV that goes straight into his heart so they can get exact readings. He is being fed through a tube and has a catheter.

He was to graduate 5/31. His school principal took his diploma to the hospital last weekend.

His family and over 80 friends have visited him. His oldest sister has never left his side. His aunt's are taking care of the family's finances and insurance issues. His dad' and mom's co-workers and bosses have set up a savings account for him and for his new 4 month old sister."

Thank you for all of your prayers.