Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Here's the latest update from Fr. Raphael's niece, Annette. As his health proxy, she has direct access to his doctors and all of his medical information. She has the inside scoop and also visits her "Uncle John" via FaceTime. To save time, she is now emailing updates, so I can pass them along in full:
On Sunday, Uncle John (Fr. Raphael) was able to breathe on his own for the limited time they allowed, as they started the process to get him back on track with his breathing. He still has the trachea tube in to assist with his breathing but they are beginning to ease off the oxygen so he starts to breathe more independently. He was tired by Sunday evening, but rested well through the night. Temperature is stable at about 99. His lab reports are all looking ok (renal and liver function ok), so he is holding his own, but is a little fragile. Some great news - when I did FaceTime with Uncle John Monday the hospital priest ( Father Pete) was in with him, which made me feel so good as I know that must have brought him some peacefulness.
He had a good day Monday. All things are trending in the right direction over the last few days. He has had no fever since Friday; major organ function is good/ stable, and he is working hard to breathe on his own ( day 2!). They will continue to wean him off the respirator. The next big hurdle is getting him on soft food. Still a way off but directionally he is headed that way. I expect him to be in ICU for few days yet. Please pass along our family’s gratefulness for all the prayers. I have passed them along to Uncle John.
There it is - from the horse's mouth. Keep those prayers and cards coming - maybe it's time to send another card....:
Fr. Raphael Iannone
c/o The Provincial House
30 Gedney Park
White Plains, NY 10605
Sincerely,
Pat Ruane, Parish Council President