Coughing Better

The last two days have been long, but Michael's cough has settled down greatly since about noon today. 
Michael's coughing had increased a lot two nights ago and the doctor did a bronchoscopy last evening to see if there was a cause such as bacteria or virus or if there was a return of bleeding from the alveoli (the tiny sacs in the lungs where the exchange of oxygen occurs).  
While we are waiting on cultures, there does not appear to have been bleeding from the alveoli.  They thought it looked like inflammation from the coughing. 
Michael has been breathing a lot own his own through what is called a trach collar--just humidified oxygen passing over the opening to his trachea.  Then at night he is put back on the vent, but he is breathing on his own with pressure (CPAP) to push in the oxygen to keep all the alveoli open.
Today, Michael has made progress getting off of his sedation and has remained more relaxed.  He has remained more aware of what is going on, but, we have mainly let him sleep today as the coughing was so tiring.  
What seemed to help Mike more than anything was Vi's visit--his Occupational Therapist who has been working with him.  She had him sit up in bed with his feet on the floor.  Not easy to do after being in bed for four weeks, but he was able to do some strengthening exercises for her.  After her visit, he slept soundly for over two hours with no coughing! 
We were to have a big meeting with all the new doctors coming in which did not happen today, but I did meet with a Nursing Supervisor to come up with strategies for his care.  They have already been working to keep the same nurses for Michael, which has really been helpful.  One of our goals is to increase his Occupational Therapy and more Physical Therapy (from therapist  Stacey).  Stacey and Vi are fabulous and will be a big part of Michael's recovery.
While we did not have the formal meeting with the doctors, I did meet the new ICU doctor, Dr PK--I don't know how to spell his name yet.  The good news is that he seems to be on board with all the nutrition we worked to get back to and he is big into lots of therapy as well and there were no major changes in his care. 
Michael has a long way to go, but he is moving forward.  With all of your prayers it helps us all so much and we can't thank you enough.  Special request for prayers:  for Michael's lungs to continue to heal (and continued settling down of his cough), all infections to resolve and that he be protected from any new infections, for his platelets to increase--they have been low, no more Graft vs Host Disease, and prayers for the decisions and care by all doctors, nurses and staff.
Thank you again, your prayers and concern help more than you know!!