3.18.2023

Tuesday, July 18 - 10:30am (posted by CSM for Danna)

I’m sorry to post this here, but there’s no way to make phone calls to everyone we love.

Mike’s pressure started to drop about 4 am this morning. His blood pressure is now about 65/38. It is slowly (very slowly) dropping. There’s no more that they can do at this point. He’s on full oxygen and max pressors. He’s dying.

We’ve issued a DNR because his pressure has been so low for so long, there’s no doubt that his brain has been severely damaged. We’re just waiting for Lonia to arrive from Cleveland to start weaning him off the meds. We’d like her to be able to see him. She should be here this afternoon. We’ve thought of calling her cell phone to tell her what’s going on, but she was going to depart at 5 am heading here anyway, so calling her to tell her what has transpired this morning would only upset her and possibly make her not drive safely. It’s impossible to know what’s the right thing to do in this situation.

If you would like to come, please do - not necessarily to see Mike, unless of course you feel you want to – but frankly, it’s horrible. I just sit at the foot of his bed, talk to him and play funky music on the radio for him. We’re all here, just chatting, eating, laughing and crying in a little room on the 9th floor in the NICU of the Gibbon Building.

I have a feeling we’ll be doing this for days – chatting, eating, laughing and crying. I’m not a Jew, but I’m stealing Shiva. So there.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm finding this literally unbelievable. I'm so, so sorry. He's genuinely a one of a kind human being. Every one of us who's known him has wonderful, funny memories of him (even I who only saw you guys a few times a year in the past few years). He made a huge impression on all of us, you know? and Danna, you made mike one of the happiest people on earth.

Anonymous said...

Danna, when my Dad died in November, my Mum, sister and I sat with him for three hours, holding his hands, talking, laughing and crying. They were the most peaceful and comforting hours. We knew Dad was there with us. After all the hell you've gone through, make sure you have that time, when all those machines stop bleeping. My heart goes out to you all. Love, Claire W

Anonymous said...

Danna, we are so filled with sadness for you and Mike and Bax, and our hearts hurt. Words fail us. We hold each other and cry. You are all in our prayers. Love to all. Pat and Peg Walsh

Anonymous said...

I am so so sad. May heart goes out to Danna, Bax and all of Mike's friends and family, especially those who have been constants through this whole ordeal. I am at a total loss on how to process this information. But I will do my part to remember Mike is all his glory and to celebrate him. Nicole B

Anonymous said...

DANNA THERE IS NO WAY THAT MY SADNESS COULD EVER MATCH YOURS, SINCE I'VE ONLY KNOW MIKE A SHORT TIME (BUT IT SEEMS LIKE I'VE KNOWN HIM FOREVER). I HAVE BEEN SO PROFOUNDLY TOUCH BY YOU, MIKE, AND BAXTER'S LOVE STORY. THAT I HAVE A RENEWED FAITH IN PEOPLE AND LOVE. THE OUT-POURING OF LOVE FROM YOUR AWESOME FRIENDS AND FAMILY IS A BEAUTIFUL THING TO WITNESS. PLEASE KNOW THAT YOU GUYS WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY THOUGHTS, HEART, AND PRAYERS. SHAMELL

Anonymous said...

Danna,
Our love and thoughts are with you. You have a wonderful group of friends who adore you, let them hold you and and support you- you have been strong for so long. Cry, grieve, tell wonderful stories and know that Mike is always with you and Bax.
love,
Rachel, Peter and Nate

Anonymous said...

I am sad. Plain and simple.

-Don

Kate K. said...

You and Mike are one of the most fun, caring, and wonderful couples we know. Both of you have been absolutely tremendous throughtout this whole thing. Danna, you've been such a wonderful advocate and partner for Mike. No one could have handled themselves better. And Mike's will has been so strong...making his body work as best as it possible could under the circumstances in order to be with you and Baxter. Our thoughts are with you.
Love,
Kate and Jeff

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry.

All of you did everything you possibly could--Danna, Mike, the doctors, CSM, even Baxter. You all fought so hard, and so smart. This is unfair beyond belief.

My thoughts are with you.

MJC

Anonymous said...

Danna,
I am speechless. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Bax, and your family.

Much Love,

Kathleen

Anonymous said...

Danna,
I just got the news from Harris in the art department at DM. There are no words adequate to convey my sorrow. All I can do is let you know that not only are you loved and admired by your family and closest friends, but there exists a whole periphery of folk out here who have been following your family's trials and who were (and still are) pulling for you, sending you love and well wishes, and who continue to pray for you and Baxter. We love you Danna. I feel privileged to have shared those few months with you guys last year when Mike called to ask me to help you with your home search. I will never forget our fun times that we shared out there "on the hunt". Your love for, and dedication to, each other was as obvious then as it has been now while I've gotten to know you even more intimately through your postings. You guys share the kind of love that transcends time and space and it will endure forever.
Love and hugs to you and Baxter.
Kim B.T.