As of yesterday evening, Ken is off the blood pressure medication and is also breathing much better on his own. In addition, his white blood cell count has been accelerated back to the normal range. The doctors were able to identify the source of the sepsis/infection yesterday from pathology on fluids extracted from his knee earlier this week. You may recall that Ken had knee replacement surgery a couple years ago. There are parts of his new knee that are plastic that are harboring the infection that has caused the septic shock (which he is still in). As such, we are trying to get his platelet levels high enough for him to tolerate a knee surgery to remove the infected parts of his knee. Given his current condition and very low platelet level, any surgery is a risk. The orthopedic surgeon will be ready to remove the plastic when we can get his platelet count to an acceptable level (hopefully early afternoon). Removing the source of the infection is very important and critical and they are hopeful to perform this procedure ASAP. This is one battle of several we will be facing over the next several days.

Even under normal circumstances, any surgery that requires anesthesia is a cause for concern but especially so in Ken’s current state. Your prayers are still needed and we have found great comfort and strength from these prayers and your comments.

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13