Day 23, 11 p.m. medical update

From the end of this particular week and day, we send greetings from Room 12.
Sage is resting peacefully under the caring touch of Nurse Jen who is with her tonight. Nurse Molly was with her all day long - two of the most wonderful nurses that care for Sage on the weekends. She looks as though she could be tucked in her own bed right now, head resting on a pillow, Peter Rabbit under the covers, blanket pulled up snugly. The night can bring rest, which is what Sage needs a lot of right now.
It has been a week for road trips! Sage went down this morning at 8:30 for a repeat CT scan and did very well during it. The informal results came back before noon and showed that there was no change from the first CT scan on Thursday evening. The original scan had shown that there was petecheal hemorraghing, which means essentially a very small brain bleed, and the finding is the same from this morning's scan. This is favorable news, as it means that nothing is getting worse. There is also a normal amount of circulation in Sage's head, which is also favorable.
The neurologist is still considering whether or not this finding is cerebritis - an inflammation of the cerebrum secondary to, or a result of, infection - or an infarct, caused either by a low flow state of blood and/or hypoxia (decreased oxygen). Either way, the course of antibiotics Sage has been on would cover cerebritis.
Sage continues to be weaned from the course of sedations she has been receiving. She is becoming more and more aware of her surroundings and what is going on around her; she opens her eyes, tries to focus, follows commands and hangs on tightly! with her left hand. While these are all very positive signs,  this weaning down from her high doses of sedation causes agitation and a degree of discomfort, due in part to her awareness that she is uncomfortable. So it is not only the actual discomfort that causes her agitation but also the realization of this state. It is, as one can only imagine, a scary thing to wake up in such a state with the realization that something feels a bit different.
The settings on the ventilator continue to be lowered, which is excellent. Sage continues to breathe above the ventilator; this means she is taking some of her own breaths. She is doing remarkably well with her lower dependency on the ventilator. She will, however, need a tracheotomy, as she is not at present able to support herself in her own breathing. It is hoped that this surgery will take place on Monday, after Sage undergoes another MRI.
Sage received a transfusion of one unit of blood yesterday, so her blood count today is better. Her daily lab results continue to hold steady with a normal white blood count.
Again, deepest thanks to all of you both near and far. Sage continues to sleep, peacefully. Amen to that....
Blessings upon you and your loved ones.