Memories

Today is April 29 which is sandwiched between two memorable days.  One year ago tonight Lance and I went to Louisville and checked into a downtown motel after I picked him up at the Lexington home he and Patrick shared.  The next morning Lance completed a marathon in his first attempt.  Good memory!

Yesterday, April 28th, marked the 5th month anniversary since Lance was injured.  Sunday, November 28th; I'll not soon forget that day.  It was the longest...and worst day of my life.  Bad memory!  In the wee hours of the 29th, as we sat tired and numb in a Chandler Medical  Center waiting room,  I recalled great moments with Lance.  I savored his smile and his hugs but confidently knew that if his life were to end tonight in this hospital, he would be moving to a better place - an eternity with God. 

Today, we are once again in Lexington, preparing to spend the night at UK Chandler Med Center.  Lance has had a restless week; we watched him closely each day hoping that this was just some "emerging" behavior.  Yesterday evening he was so engaged, so interactive, as we helped him prepare for the night.  It seemed he would break out in conversation any second.  I held my breath a couple of times as he was obviously trying to verbally share thoughts that were in his mind.  I went to bed thinking "Tomorrow we may make some memories in this recovery process!"

Gena and I checked on him first thing, as we do each morning.  We found him sweating profusely, even though  house temperature was about 66 degrees.  Then, as we attempted to cool him down, something happened for first time.  Lance experienced a seizure.  It ended a long 90 seconds later; we heaved a collective sigh of relief.  However a few moments later, the seizure activity started again.  We called ambulance and Chelcee helped as we prepared for quick departure.  I rode in the ambulance to Fleming County Hospital where we were greeted by friends and wonderful health care workers led by a very caring man named Dr. Carrera.  Enroute the medical crew, Brent and Larry, took great care of Lance.  After stabilizing him there and running some diagnostic tests, he was transferred to our current location.  Another fine paramedic, William,  provided the hands on care in the transport ambulance.

Lance has been treated in the ER since our arrival.  This is where he will be treatd overnight; the remodeled ER is very nice and the staff has been wonderful to Lance and to us.  His room is more like an ICU room than a typical ER room   The seizure activity stopped with medicines; he has EEG leads in place to continuously monitor brain activity overnight.  Since this was a serious first time event, neurology has been very proactive in trying to get answers.  A lumbar puncture was done to collect cerebrospinal fluid and test for meningitis.  Clinical appearance of the fluid was favorable but final determination will be made with lab work/cultures.  In the meantime he is being treated prophylacticaly with antibiotics.  Also, Lance was intubated and is being breathing assisted with a ventilator.  This sounds scary but should be a short term treatment with the expressed intent of monitoring brain activity while keeping him sedated and totally seizure free after having much seizure activity since the day began.

As I conclude tonight, I am humbled by each of you, your prayers, and memories......your memories that continue to keep Lance presented to God daily in prayer.  I thank you and challenge you to make a memory with someone you love.  Don't delay.

-John