Today's been a tough day.  I'm pretty emotionally drained  and Cameron's situation has been fluxuating throughout the day.  This morning they removed him from the respirator, took out the tubing, etc.  He started out doing fairly well and everyone was feeling optimistic that he would take over the task of breathing on his own without problems.  Unfortunately, it didn't happen that way.  By this afternoon it was becoming apparent that the removal was in vain.  His respiration rate, and heart rate were continuously running too high.  They feared he would tire out soon and not be able to breathe, so now they are re-inserting an airway tube and putting him back on the machine.  Due to some soft tissue damage around his neck (from any number of possibilities during the crash) there's a lot of swelling and that is hampering the procedure, as well.  They had a very difficult time doing it the first time around and are anticipating this to be harder as he is already swollen from the first one.  The doctor that will be doing the procedure has a method that he thinks will work which involves putting the tube through his nose, instead of through his mouth.  I don't quite understand the whole thing, but a camera is involved in order to make the navigation of the sollen area possible. 

This is taking a real toll on Cameron and, hopefully, with him back on the respirator he can rest.  He's been in a lot of discomfort all day and is exhausted. There is a possibility that he may need to be on the machine much longer than originally expected as he has such extensive damage to that side of his chest.  There's still more fluid to get out of his lungs and there are blood clots that are more difficult to expell.  They basically suction them out, but the thicker stuff is hard to pull out. 

Some of you talk about me being brave.  I'm actually a basket case inside and feel lonely and afraid.  I'm just taking care of business and doing what needs to be done.  I do my best to have it all together when I'm with Cameron-don't want him worrying about me.  I guess when someone is put in this situation they go on auto pilot and are able to function because they need to.  That's the only way I can explain it.  I can't tell you enough what your support means to me and appreciate all the well-wishing and offers.  Cameron will read them all once he's able.  I'll add to this if it turns out the doctor needs to do anything else to him today.  Thanks again!

New news:  They got the tube in with a lot of difficulty, according to the doctor, it was really hard on Cameron.  Thankfully, they have him well sedated now so he can rest.  Unfortunately, When they suctioned out what they could, and tested it, they found some antibiotic resistant bacteria.  At this point they will be aggressively suctioning him frequently and I'm not sure about what course of treatment will be begun.  I haven't had a chance to speak with the doctor that handles that aspect of treatment yet.