This will be short and sweet so that I don't just repeat what was in last weeks update.
Judi continues to show progress on a slow and steady basis. She is visibly stronger physically and this is probably her area of greatest improvement. She is able to sit with minimal assistance for several minutes (sounds small, but is a huge accomplishment from where she was just a few weeks ago). We are still waiting to get the standing frame (long saga), but we continue to stand her up with assistance from 2-3 of us and she tolerates it well.
Mentally she continues to become more aware of what goes on around her. She clearly understands most of it, but still struggles with the "yes/no" responses. I did get her an electronic switch setup that provides audible feedback and we will continue to work with her on this front. Her laughter is still the best medicine for us and I can tell it does her good as well. We did take her back to her old office at Augusta Oncology Associates this weekend and she clearly recognized the surroundings and several memories were obviously stirred (thanx Jules for your support). We will continue to expose her to these types of things to help her "snap back," but in a controlled fashion.
Speech - any minute.
She is eating well and for all practical purposes is off the tube feedings. We do still supplement her when we are concerned whether or not she is getting enough calories based on "what" she eats as opposed to "how much." Please don't tell her!
Thanx again for all the prayers and support. Don't hesitate to call and visit. The only reason I ask that you coordinate with me on them is to ensure there is no conflict and that she is physically ready for a visit (she still gets tired easy).
Steve
Monday, October 26, 2009
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Slow and Steady
Judi continues to improve at a slow and steady pace. My world on the other hand seems to constantly pick up speed. I just realized last night that I had missed a week on updating the blog. It just seems like I run out of hours before I run out of things on my "to do" list, so bear with me as I try to establish a new routine.
Judi continues to grow measurably stronger on almost a daily basis. PT/OT continues to focus on her core and she is visibly more comfortable and confident during these sessions. We have a standing frame coming in from Louisiana this week and we are looking forward to getting this therapy back in her routine. Having one here will allow her to spend as much time standing as she can tolerate while doing other things as well (TV, eye/hand coordination activities, etc.).
Speech - any minute!
Mentally, she is still coming back to us slowly. She obviously understands most of what goes on around her and we are able to get her laughing on a fairly frequent basis. This can be in response to sounds, comments and even spelled words. As I said before, hearing her laugh does all of us a lot of good. We have still been unable to establish a reliable yes/no response system with her. We are wondering if Judi needs some specific auditory feedback when she answers to help her become consistent. What I mean by this is the use of a switch that when she presses it responds audibly "yes" or "no." If anyone knows where I can get a system that does this, please let me know ASAP. If not, I am going to try and build one myself (ideas are welcome).
She is eating well and is helping a great deal in the routine daily tasks (getting dressed, brushing teeth, etc.). We did get a van and she has enjoyed getting out of the house. We planned to have a picnic this weekend, but the weather has not cooperated. She has enjoyed visits from many of you and she always seems to improve a little after spending time with her friends. Just drop me a line if you want to come by and we'll figure out a way to make it happen.
I did go back to work this week and it was one of the most difficult things I have had to do in a very long time. Both of us had some adjusting to do, but it is working out fine. She has a huge smile waiting for me when I walk in the door and I can't describe how much that touches me. She has bonded well with the lady that stays with her so we are considering it a "win-win" for now. I want to thank everyone for the continued prayers and well wishes. I know we wouldn't be this far along without you!
Steve
Judi continues to grow measurably stronger on almost a daily basis. PT/OT continues to focus on her core and she is visibly more comfortable and confident during these sessions. We have a standing frame coming in from Louisiana this week and we are looking forward to getting this therapy back in her routine. Having one here will allow her to spend as much time standing as she can tolerate while doing other things as well (TV, eye/hand coordination activities, etc.).
Speech - any minute!
Mentally, she is still coming back to us slowly. She obviously understands most of what goes on around her and we are able to get her laughing on a fairly frequent basis. This can be in response to sounds, comments and even spelled words. As I said before, hearing her laugh does all of us a lot of good. We have still been unable to establish a reliable yes/no response system with her. We are wondering if Judi needs some specific auditory feedback when she answers to help her become consistent. What I mean by this is the use of a switch that when she presses it responds audibly "yes" or "no." If anyone knows where I can get a system that does this, please let me know ASAP. If not, I am going to try and build one myself (ideas are welcome).
She is eating well and is helping a great deal in the routine daily tasks (getting dressed, brushing teeth, etc.). We did get a van and she has enjoyed getting out of the house. We planned to have a picnic this weekend, but the weather has not cooperated. She has enjoyed visits from many of you and she always seems to improve a little after spending time with her friends. Just drop me a line if you want to come by and we'll figure out a way to make it happen.
I did go back to work this week and it was one of the most difficult things I have had to do in a very long time. Both of us had some adjusting to do, but it is working out fine. She has a huge smile waiting for me when I walk in the door and I can't describe how much that touches me. She has bonded well with the lady that stays with her so we are considering it a "win-win" for now. I want to thank everyone for the continued prayers and well wishes. I know we wouldn't be this far along without you!
Steve
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Things Are Moving Fast
Just a short post this week.
Judi's therapy sessions are going well and we continue to make progress. We were able to get a mat table where she can do a huge number of exercises focused on strengthening her "core." Thanx to Michelle Jones for allowing us to borrow one for a while. We are in the process of getting her a standing frame to use at home. Hopefully we can find one to rent since they are so expensive, but the benefit is potentially so great for her we will buy one if necessary. These two pieces allow us to focus a lot of "load bearing" exercises to her left side which is the traditional therapy to activate the nerves in these extremities.
Judi continues to eat well and improve at eating on her own (most days). We hope to have her off the tube feeding next week. We will probably keep the PEG in until she is capable of eating/drinking all consistencies. This provides a reliable method to ensure she gets her medications and a backup to feed her if necessary.
I think we have figured out why she isn't talking. She has difficulty opening her mouth when you ask her to (e.g. to brush teeth). When it is a reflex (e.g. yawning), she opens it fine so we know there is no mechanical reason. She is very vocal, but most of the time she keeps her mouth closed. We'll keep working here to help her restore that control and maybe that will open the "flood gates."
Mentally Judi continues to grow. She clearly understands most of what goes on around her and memories are returning at an increased pace. We have started looking at picture albums from way back to the time when we started dating. She stays totally focused on these and there are tears at times as well. I'll admit it brings back some emotional memories for me as well. We continue to work numbers, colors, shapes and letters and she is doing very good in this area. We have still not been able to establish a consistent "yes/no" system where she can communicate with us.
I plan on going back to work the week of 10/12 unless something new comes up. That is going to be very hard for me to do for many reasons. I am eternally grateful for all of the support from my bosses and co-workers over the last several months. We have identified a wonderful lady to take care of Judi during the day while I am away. She is very experienced and will be able to help Judi a great deal. I'll also admit that I need to get some balance back in my life as well. If you want to visit, just drop me an e-mail so I can coordinate it. Most people tend to come at the end of the day, but if you can come during the day, she usually has more energy.
Thanx again everyone,
Steve
Judi's therapy sessions are going well and we continue to make progress. We were able to get a mat table where she can do a huge number of exercises focused on strengthening her "core." Thanx to Michelle Jones for allowing us to borrow one for a while. We are in the process of getting her a standing frame to use at home. Hopefully we can find one to rent since they are so expensive, but the benefit is potentially so great for her we will buy one if necessary. These two pieces allow us to focus a lot of "load bearing" exercises to her left side which is the traditional therapy to activate the nerves in these extremities.
Judi continues to eat well and improve at eating on her own (most days). We hope to have her off the tube feeding next week. We will probably keep the PEG in until she is capable of eating/drinking all consistencies. This provides a reliable method to ensure she gets her medications and a backup to feed her if necessary.
I think we have figured out why she isn't talking. She has difficulty opening her mouth when you ask her to (e.g. to brush teeth). When it is a reflex (e.g. yawning), she opens it fine so we know there is no mechanical reason. She is very vocal, but most of the time she keeps her mouth closed. We'll keep working here to help her restore that control and maybe that will open the "flood gates."
Mentally Judi continues to grow. She clearly understands most of what goes on around her and memories are returning at an increased pace. We have started looking at picture albums from way back to the time when we started dating. She stays totally focused on these and there are tears at times as well. I'll admit it brings back some emotional memories for me as well. We continue to work numbers, colors, shapes and letters and she is doing very good in this area. We have still not been able to establish a consistent "yes/no" system where she can communicate with us.
I plan on going back to work the week of 10/12 unless something new comes up. That is going to be very hard for me to do for many reasons. I am eternally grateful for all of the support from my bosses and co-workers over the last several months. We have identified a wonderful lady to take care of Judi during the day while I am away. She is very experienced and will be able to help Judi a great deal. I'll also admit that I need to get some balance back in my life as well. If you want to visit, just drop me an e-mail so I can coordinate it. Most people tend to come at the end of the day, but if you can come during the day, she usually has more energy.
Thanx again everyone,
Steve
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