Flow

Tonight, around 6:45pm, I was told the results of something called a flow test. This test shows if there is still blood flow in the brain. Normally, they would measure brain activity, but because of all the medications Stephanie was on, they couldn’t ensure that wouldn’t affect the results of such a test.

I was told that the flow test came back and showed no blood flow in her brain, which is pretty much what I expected. Yesterday morning, her brain activity was much lessened according to the EEG, and her breathing was nothing above the ventilator, so she wasn’t doing any breathing on her own.

Later tonight, they will run some clinical tests to check her pupils and if she is really not breathing on her own. The results of that test will determine when she should be “pronounced.”

I picked out a spot for us in our city, which she loved. She always wanted cremation unless I felt I needed a place to visit her, and I think I do.

They’re going to take out her EEG leads and wash her hair, and make a spot for me on the bed, which is so nice of them. I need one more chance to cuddle her. Although, I just found out that there might be one more night before they do anything with her, so this might not be our last just yet.

58 thoughts on “Flow”

  1. I’m sorry to hear this news. We are praying for you and your family. May God continue to fill you and your family with his peace.

  2. Brad – you don’t know me – but through a common friend I have become aware of your ordeal. I have kept you all in my prayers continually. God Bless your family.

  3. we don’t know each other. i was mad at my husband yesterday and today. then i read all of this and thought about how i take it for granted. i’m sorry that you’re hurting for my lesson, but thank you. i’ll continuously pray for you and your children.

  4. Brad,

    I just heard from Chris Pruchnicki today about Stephanie going to be with our Lord. My wife, Joni, and I read many of your blog posts tonight and are keeping you and your family in our prayers. Your family has always had a special place in our lives since you were a student at BBHHS and we began to know you better after running into you at Myrtle Beach many years ago. We talked to your mom and dad for quite awhile after returning from the condo at MB this past summer. I always appreciated being kept up-to-date with your family since I remember “my” students fondly. My four years at BBHHS are some of the best in my career.
    We both had tears as we read the love that you so eloquently expressed in your blogs. Through your many efforts to see Stephanie healed in this life, your faith in the Lord is apparent. May this faith help you find peace and comfort at this difficult time. May you also find strength and guidance in the Lord in the coming days and beyond. May you be sheltered in his love as our understanding of this life will be shown to each of us who believes in the Lord some day. You have an angel in heaven who will be looking down with love and guidance. As time passes, I’m sure that Stephanie will reach out in special ways and at times of most need, to somehow share the glory of heaven with you.
    As we went to bed this evening, the little concerns and worries in life seemed to vanish. These little things will be distant memories tomorrow, but family is forever. Your situation quickly refocuses the importance of family, friends and our faith. Please let us know if there is ever anything we can do for your family. We extend our deepest sympathies and will continue to pray for you and your family. Most sincerely – Mark & Joni

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