memorial service

There will be a memorial service for Frank on Friday, November 18th at 1030 at the Bozeman United Methodist Church on South Willson. For anyone who is interested in contributions in memory of Frank, we are suggesting contributions to the WWAMI Memorial Scholarship fund. Checks should be made to the MSU Foundation and mailed to Montana State University; 308 Leon Johnson Hall, Bozeman, MT 59717.

Friday, November 11

It is with great sadness that I am reporting that Frank died this afternoon at 2:30. He fought a valiant fight, but his body had had enough. His passing was peaceful and painless. He was surrounded by the family he cherished. Memorial services are planned for next week, most likely Friday, November 18th. Thank all of you for your thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time.

thursday evening update

There is still no reassuring news to report. Frank is being ventilated with high pressure and high oxygen concentrations. Despite that, his blood oxygen levels are far lower than normal. His vital signs; including pulse and blood pressure are abnormal. His kidneys are functioning at half, or less than half of normal function. There is almost no chance of this process reversing itself. Although we continue to hope for a miracle, we are beginning to accept the possibility of loss. More to come......

Thursday afternoon update

Things have continued to worsen. There is evidence that other organ systems are failing. We've changed Frank's status to "do not resuscitate". We are continuing the other supportive care measures for now. The prognosis is very poor at this time. I will update with any news.

Thursday, November 10th update

Things are not looking good this morning. Frank's vital signs have deteriorated and at this point are not responding. It's hard to predict what this means, but it is not at all reassuring. I will try to post updates as frequently as possible. Please keep him in your thoughts.

Wednesday, November 9th update

No significant changes to report. They are going to have to replace the breathing tube as the one that's in has slipped a little and is kinked. I don't have a chest xray report yet, but probably will by this afternoon. Frank remains stable.

Tuesday, November 8

Again, the news is that there is no news. Frank's chest xray remains the same. His vital signs and other physiologic parameters are stable. His oxygen level is down to 70% which is a little lower than yesterday.

More information about ARDS (Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome)

Here is a website that give a great description of this diagnosis. It may help those of you who don't have a medical background understand what's going on with Frank and some ideas of what may lie ahead of him.
www.ards.org/learnaboutards/whatisards/harborview

You should be able to "copy and paste" this address in your browser and go straight to the article.

Monday, November 7th

Things remain pretty stable. No significant changes for the better or worse again today. Oxygen level remains at 80%, ventilator settings about the same. Frank's sedation level is still high, so he is not awake nor responsive. Please remember that he is in critical condition and that he needs rest. If you have questions or concerns please contact family and refrain from contacting the ICU staff. Thanks.

Nov 6, evening

Things remain stable. Various setting/parameters have been adjusted slightly up, slightly down, but overall, things seem stable. Not better, not worse. Under these circumstances, not worse is probably a bonus. We'll take it! More later....

November 6 afternoon update

Things are pretty stable but a little worse this afternoon. Frank's oxygen had to go back up to 80%. He is now a little more deeply sedated again. Otherwise, things remain about the same. Not great news, but not bad news either.

Sunday, November 6th

Frank is slightly improved this morning. His level of oxygen has been decreased. He is more awake. His chest x-ray looks a little better. These are all signs of progress, albeit slow progress. At this time visitors are discouraged, and will be until he is off the breathing machine. We will keep everyone updated on his progress.

Questions

If anyone has any questions about his progress, please do not contact the hospital. We have all the information and you can call or email us.

Lori- loribergumnewman@msn.com

Eric- newman329@hotmail.com

11/5/2011

On Wednesday November 2nd Frank Newman was admitted to the ICU at Bozeman Deaconess Hospital for pneumonia. As many of you already know, Frank is one of the toughest guys around. Over the first 24 hours of his hospitalization, his respiratory status gradually worsened requiring increasing levels of oxygen and help in breathing. On Thursday evening a breathing tube was placed in his lungs and a machine was attached to help him breathe. Since that time, he has been sedated while the machine helps decrease the work of breathing so that his lungs can start to heal. He is being treated with antibiotics for the infection. As of this morning, Saturday, November 5th, his doctor thinks he now has Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome. (ARDS) This is a condition that is much more serious and usually requires longer and more intense support and critical care than pneumonia. We are expecting several more days of ICU and ventilator support, at a minimum. Otherwise, things seem pretty stable. There's no indication of any big issues with other organ systems, and Frank is otherwise a very healthy man, so we are hopeful he will do well. We will try to update this blog at least daily. Please keep Frank in your thoughts.