It's Kentuckyy Derby Eve in room # 879 of the Chandler Medical Center in Lexington, Kentucky. The discussion is not about horses or jockeys but about another race. This race is much longer that the two minute Run for the Roses which Lance had opportunity to attend four times while playing saxophone in the University of Louisville marching band. Lance is on this incredible race that seems to be more like a coast-to-coast run or an endurance run in Death Valley. Lance admired individuals who put their bodies through incredible stress while participating in such events.
A week has passed since the day of seizure activity. Lance received excellent medical care; it was very aggressive management, but what was indicated for the magnitude of the circumstances. He has had no recurrent seizures - this was important to avoid. Now the anti-seizure medicines are being titrated so that the control continues without over-medication. Other concerns have been overcome as his lungs are clear. Administration of IV anti-viral meds will continue for several days as viral infection was part of seizure etiology.
On Wednesday, he and Gena watched a movie - the first hint that he was feeling better. Thursday brought many good signs as he attempted to form the sounds for "mom" to Jill, listened to Chelcee and Brock on the phone, and blew kisses to his mom and step-mom. I had the night shift; he and I got some much needed sleep from 10 till 2. We both were awake when nursing staff entered room at 2:00 AM; then Lance stayed awake..........watching me sleep till about 7:00 AM. That's when we had first doctor visit of the day.
Since that time Lance has been sleeping and I thought I should give an update to each of you who have followed him during his recovery and have prayed for God's touch and watchcare in his life. I also want to express my appreciation to all our patients in the dental practice. These past few months have brought many challenges there. The patients have experienced rescheduled appointments and often appointments during times that were less than convenient. When I am at the office I am in a rush as I try to provide consultations and treatment in most efficient manner. I have less time to talk and that probably makes me aloof; thanks for understanding and thank you for continuing to use our office for your dental care. I say a major thank-you to each member of our staff as they have walked through this valley with Gena and me. They have provided much friendship and fervent prayers while tolerating my emotional times and much inconvenience as we constantly modify the schedule. To Dr. Jill Price - you have been a blessing in so many ways; thanks for stepping up in difficult times. I appreciate each and every one of you - to say thanks is a huge understatement.
Where is Lance on Friday May 6, 2011? He (and we) have had a setback. It is our continued prayer that he will return back to April status quickly. Arrangement have been made for him to be transferred to Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital here in Lexington. This was not the ticket into rehab for which we had hoped, but it is what is needed at this time. The staff there will provide 3 hours of therapy each day as they help him bounce back to "pre-setback" level. Once that happens he will be re-evaluated; following that he may be ready to enter a more aggressive rehab program (6 hours per day) or he may need more time at home for healing.
This is a good place to discuss rehab hospitals; we certainly experienced great treatment at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Georgia and now Lance is about to enter another facility with a national reputation. The staff at Shepherd were fabulous and the many friends we made while in Atlanta continue to follow and support. The nice advantages are: Lexington is two hours from home instead of eight and Lance does not have to bounce down I-75 in an ambulance for the 6 hour ride from Lex to Atlanta. Back in December, as we watched him lay in coma, we anticipated that his next stop would be Cardinal Hill. However his status at that time made the Shepherd Center the most appropriate choice. Now the best decision seems to be Cardinal Hill. The future may include Atlanta, Lexington, or other locations; we certainly hope that God continues to open doors that lead to wonderful opportunities for his recovery. We put it in His hands. The move to Cardinal Hill could occur over the weekend - we will wait for the call. Lance's past certainly was filled with chances to travel and meet new people. Leave it to Lance to find the one place in Lexington, Kentucky where the word "Cardinal' can be spoken aloud.
-John
Friday, May 6, 2011
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
72
I enjoyed the seasons of 24 and watched them more than any TV over past 10 years. The last 72 hours, since I last blogged, have unfolded much like that series. The clock ticks off the seconds/minutes in "real" time as we live out this reality which seems more like a nightmare. Lance was on the ventilator until noon Saturday which was when the 20 hours of continuous EEG monitoring ended. I have a whole new appreciation for patients who spend long periods on an emergency room stretcher....which is what was wheeled in the room-for visitors use . (Actually it felt like a Sealy at 4:30 AM.)
He quickly weaned off the ventilator; it had been used only during the heavy sedation that was needed to stop the seizure activity and to monitor the brain waves. We transferred to the Critical Decision Unit which is one of the intensive care areas of the UK Hospital. Lance was very unsettled and inconsolable during the next several hours as we awaited diagnosis. Each real time minute seemed to contain more than the 60 seconds on which our time system is based. During neurology consults on Sunday morning we were advised that white blood cells in spinal fluid indicated a viral encephaltis. The physician said that this level of virus, for most of us, would cause little more than a 2-3 day headache. For Lance, during this healing phase, this was significant. Different medical opinions exist; it is known that many patients experience seizures after an acute brain injury. Lance had been fortunate to be seizure free during this past 5 months and it is possible that scar tissue, in areas where healing is underway, could be a contributing factor. Regardless of cause, the seizures ceased and did not re-occur over the weekend. There are multiple medicines for seizure management-some are recent developments We will do recommended trials, then we will know which medications offer him the best protection with the least side affects.
Aspiration occurred during seizures and caused lung problems(pneumonia). This seems to be improving by the hour. The unpredictable sequalae of the seizure activity is where Lance will be in the next day, week, month. Tonight, this is a difficult report to share-because of uncertainty. The good news is that 2 of the neurologists feel that he will return to baseline(where he was last Thursday) in a relatively short period of time. The scary news is that there is a variety of different outcomes. As I sit here beside his bed and observe him sleeping soundly, I do not know if it is a post seizure response or .......response to new medications or.......a return to a lesser degrree of consciousness.
Tomorrow (Tuesday) holds multiple consults and these should enlighten us. We will continue to keep our eyes on Christ and to know that faith is what we need to experience miracles in life.
-John
He quickly weaned off the ventilator; it had been used only during the heavy sedation that was needed to stop the seizure activity and to monitor the brain waves. We transferred to the Critical Decision Unit which is one of the intensive care areas of the UK Hospital. Lance was very unsettled and inconsolable during the next several hours as we awaited diagnosis. Each real time minute seemed to contain more than the 60 seconds on which our time system is based. During neurology consults on Sunday morning we were advised that white blood cells in spinal fluid indicated a viral encephaltis. The physician said that this level of virus, for most of us, would cause little more than a 2-3 day headache. For Lance, during this healing phase, this was significant. Different medical opinions exist; it is known that many patients experience seizures after an acute brain injury. Lance had been fortunate to be seizure free during this past 5 months and it is possible that scar tissue, in areas where healing is underway, could be a contributing factor. Regardless of cause, the seizures ceased and did not re-occur over the weekend. There are multiple medicines for seizure management-some are recent developments We will do recommended trials, then we will know which medications offer him the best protection with the least side affects.
Aspiration occurred during seizures and caused lung problems(pneumonia). This seems to be improving by the hour. The unpredictable sequalae of the seizure activity is where Lance will be in the next day, week, month. Tonight, this is a difficult report to share-because of uncertainty. The good news is that 2 of the neurologists feel that he will return to baseline(where he was last Thursday) in a relatively short period of time. The scary news is that there is a variety of different outcomes. As I sit here beside his bed and observe him sleeping soundly, I do not know if it is a post seizure response or .......response to new medications or.......a return to a lesser degrree of consciousness.
Tomorrow (Tuesday) holds multiple consults and these should enlighten us. We will continue to keep our eyes on Christ and to know that faith is what we need to experience miracles in life.
-John
Friday, April 29, 2011
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
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
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
You Are Praying / God Is Listening / Lance Is Healing
Sorry I have been MIB(missing in blogging) but I continue to be grateful to each of you who follow the blog and pray for Lance. He has been home for six weeks and three days and each day has been interesting as we watch....and wait, as we actively help in therapies, as we sleep intermittently, as we pray. My admiration for care-givers grows with each passing week; it's incredible how many manpower hours it takes to provide a person the care you think he/she deserves.
Lance made two trips to Lexington doctors in past week; last Wednesday he saw Dr Karandikar at Cardianl Hill and today was seen by Dr Owen at University of Kentucky after a CT scan was done. Both doctors gave favorable reports on his progress and noted that a full-scale inpatient rehabilitation is in future. It is still hard to predict when he will be ready and when it may begin, but obviously, you are praying, God is listening, and Lance is healing.
I've watched Lance take his first steps as an infant and run a marathon(one year ago this weekend). I've listened to stories about running 1.5 miles, eating a dozen doughnuts, then running 1.5 miles to the finish line in Krispy Kreme Challenge races in North Carolina and Kentucky (he actually won the 2010 Lexington event). Finally, after many months passed, Lance shared details of how he walked over a week on a lonely path in Turkey called Lycian Way. He took off in August and he traveled alone, both against published recommendations. All of these were interesting "steps in his life" but none brought more excitement than his three "walks" since the accident. The first two were with therapists Sue and Trish. #1 was 10 feet - from bed to family room door. It was slow and manipulated with the ladies manually moving left and right legs. # 2 was 30 feet - from his bed to the kitchen, where he rested on his forearms as he leaned forward on the counter. # 3 was 21 feet with Shauna and me alternating right and left legs but this time was different. Several times as we shifted weight to right foot, the left leg twitched and shakily moved forward - likewise with the right. Celebration followed, especially as we recalled the number of weeks we watched the left leg lay lifelessly on the bed with the foot turned in an un-natural position. Excitement and dancing now replaces some worry as we remembered fastening a velcro boot or bivalve night after night on that left foot and leg.
Today was another first. Of all the trips we have made in the van, this was the first one in which he actively looked out the window at the sites. I narrated as we drove to Chandler Med Center, especially as we moved along the streets of Lexington. We returned home a different route and he watched closely as we drove by horse farms on a beautiful spring day. While at the hospital we moved between buildings; he was enjoying the day so we stayed outside all we could. He took all the people, all the confusion, and the changing conditions in stride. This paragraph describes observations that are less tangible, but extremely important from my perspective.
Tonight as I lay down I feel very blessed. I am blessed with friends, and Lance is blessed with friends, and all of us are blessed with people who care - some we didn't even know before the events of Nov 28th. Max Lucado said, "The people who make a difference are not the ones with the credentials, but the ones with the concern." I thank you for your concern; thanks for caring....and praying. I thank God for hearing our prayers AND for His miraculous healing power. All the glory goes to Him for what is happening right in front of our eyes.
Psalms 33:22 "May Your unfailing love rest upon us........since we wait with HOPE for You!"
-John
Lance made two trips to Lexington doctors in past week; last Wednesday he saw Dr Karandikar at Cardianl Hill and today was seen by Dr Owen at University of Kentucky after a CT scan was done. Both doctors gave favorable reports on his progress and noted that a full-scale inpatient rehabilitation is in future. It is still hard to predict when he will be ready and when it may begin, but obviously, you are praying, God is listening, and Lance is healing.
I've watched Lance take his first steps as an infant and run a marathon(one year ago this weekend). I've listened to stories about running 1.5 miles, eating a dozen doughnuts, then running 1.5 miles to the finish line in Krispy Kreme Challenge races in North Carolina and Kentucky (he actually won the 2010 Lexington event). Finally, after many months passed, Lance shared details of how he walked over a week on a lonely path in Turkey called Lycian Way. He took off in August and he traveled alone, both against published recommendations. All of these were interesting "steps in his life" but none brought more excitement than his three "walks" since the accident. The first two were with therapists Sue and Trish. #1 was 10 feet - from bed to family room door. It was slow and manipulated with the ladies manually moving left and right legs. # 2 was 30 feet - from his bed to the kitchen, where he rested on his forearms as he leaned forward on the counter. # 3 was 21 feet with Shauna and me alternating right and left legs but this time was different. Several times as we shifted weight to right foot, the left leg twitched and shakily moved forward - likewise with the right. Celebration followed, especially as we recalled the number of weeks we watched the left leg lay lifelessly on the bed with the foot turned in an un-natural position. Excitement and dancing now replaces some worry as we remembered fastening a velcro boot or bivalve night after night on that left foot and leg.
Today was another first. Of all the trips we have made in the van, this was the first one in which he actively looked out the window at the sites. I narrated as we drove to Chandler Med Center, especially as we moved along the streets of Lexington. We returned home a different route and he watched closely as we drove by horse farms on a beautiful spring day. While at the hospital we moved between buildings; he was enjoying the day so we stayed outside all we could. He took all the people, all the confusion, and the changing conditions in stride. This paragraph describes observations that are less tangible, but extremely important from my perspective.
Tonight as I lay down I feel very blessed. I am blessed with friends, and Lance is blessed with friends, and all of us are blessed with people who care - some we didn't even know before the events of Nov 28th. Max Lucado said, "The people who make a difference are not the ones with the credentials, but the ones with the concern." I thank you for your concern; thanks for caring....and praying. I thank God for hearing our prayers AND for His miraculous healing power. All the glory goes to Him for what is happening right in front of our eyes.
Psalms 33:22 "May Your unfailing love rest upon us........since we wait with HOPE for You!"
-John
Monday, April 11, 2011
looks like its just me...
Brock has been super busy the last several weeks with school and trying to come home to visit with Lance every chance he gets and of course, music. Dad has gone back to work, working at least 4 days a week. So, it looks like its just me left to blog. If you know me, you know that I am always busy. With everything that has been going on with Lance, it seems that my life just became more busy.
Lance is doing great. We have continued with just standing and pivoting him instead of using the hoyer lift to get him in and out of bed. It gives him the extra exercise every day. The other day, I told him that I was tired and I really needed him to help stand up. Usually we count to 3 and then stand up, however, he was already on his feet before I even started counting. I think he really knows whats going on. He is becoming more attentive to the iPad and a couple music apps thats we've downloaded. Such as, a bongo drum, a piano and a guitar. He always moves his fingers and sometimes reaches out for the screen.
Lance has had several visitors this week. Old friends and college friends. I haven't been able to be there for most. But Dad has told me that he thought Lance really enjoyed them. Today, mom told me that Lance was trying to turn over. I haven't seen him for 4 days, so I'm looking forward to tomorrow, to see what all has changed.
There are so many people to thank every single day. People who are still... sending cards, and emails. and bringing food. and doing anything they can do to help. We can't express our gratitude enough.
Also... tshirts.
ok, so if you came to the zumbathon and you ordered a red Dance 4 Lance shirt, they are here. I'm pretty sure that I've delivered them to everyone that ordered.
If you ordered a tshirt after the zumbathon, from Tara Lewis, at the Dental Office, or if you sent me an email or a facebook message, you were ordered a Live the Lion shirt, shown on the right.
I think that I've spoken to almost everyone about this. If I missed you, I'm so sorry.
The final order will be placed on this Friday. April 15th. No need to have money by then, but I need to have a final number for Impact to make them.
The smallest we can order is a child's extra small, which is a 2/4.
You can email me at chelceeocull@gmail.com with your size or if you have any questions.
Lance is doing great. We have continued with just standing and pivoting him instead of using the hoyer lift to get him in and out of bed. It gives him the extra exercise every day. The other day, I told him that I was tired and I really needed him to help stand up. Usually we count to 3 and then stand up, however, he was already on his feet before I even started counting. I think he really knows whats going on. He is becoming more attentive to the iPad and a couple music apps thats we've downloaded. Such as, a bongo drum, a piano and a guitar. He always moves his fingers and sometimes reaches out for the screen.
Lance has had several visitors this week. Old friends and college friends. I haven't been able to be there for most. But Dad has told me that he thought Lance really enjoyed them. Today, mom told me that Lance was trying to turn over. I haven't seen him for 4 days, so I'm looking forward to tomorrow, to see what all has changed.
There are so many people to thank every single day. People who are still... sending cards, and emails. and bringing food. and doing anything they can do to help. We can't express our gratitude enough.
Also... tshirts.
ok, so if you came to the zumbathon and you ordered a red Dance 4 Lance shirt, they are here. I'm pretty sure that I've delivered them to everyone that ordered.If you ordered a tshirt after the zumbathon, from Tara Lewis, at the Dental Office, or if you sent me an email or a facebook message, you were ordered a Live the Lion shirt, shown on the right.
I think that I've spoken to almost everyone about this. If I missed you, I'm so sorry.
The final order will be placed on this Friday. April 15th. No need to have money by then, but I need to have a final number for Impact to make them.
The smallest we can order is a child's extra small, which is a 2/4.
You can email me at chelceeocull@gmail.com with your size or if you have any questions.
Monday, March 28, 2011
i know, i know... its been a while!
i've been a slacker blogger. i apologize.
busy days, sleepless nights, and crazy schedules equals not much time for blogging.
Lance is doing wonderful!
Most of you remember from our postings when Lance was still in Atlanta, he was moving his right hand quite a bit and his facial expressions were more pronounced than ever. However, when Lance was readmitted to UK a couple weeks ago, all of those things ceased. Lance's therapists assured us that if he did it before, he will do it again. So... we had to be patient, and let him rest.
Finally, this week we think that he is where he was before, and possibly even succeeded.
He can mimic the frown face on demand. I can't make the frown face very well, but when he looks at me, he crinkles his nose up. He has also given us a couple smiles. Not as big as they were before, but its an improvement. Lance is also moving his hand a little bit more. Saturday evening, I had him hold up one finger, then two, then three.
In early January, I started writing to him on a small dry erase board because I was convinced he could read. Knowing Lance, it only makes sense that he would read before he talks. I have a feeling he may even write before he talks. That was second nature to him.
Three of Lance's friends went in together and bought him a pretty sweet birthday present. An iPad. We've been downloading apps to help him in his communication. I also found some music apps, a piano and bongo drums. Thank you Ben, Derrick and Noah! If anyone has any information on more apps that we could use to help him, please let us know!
Brock was on spring break last week, Lance responds really well to him. He was able to get Lance to form some words with his mouth, even though no sounds are coming out, I think he is trying to talk to us.
The most exciting thing is that we haven't had to use the Hoyer lift to get Lance in and out of bed in a week! He is transferring with just one person. Its much easier on him to not put him up in the lift all the time. His legs are getting much stronger, and he is putting weight on the left leg. Which we have been so worried about. Today when I put him back in bed, he was reaching his right arm around my back.
He is still wearing the splints at nights, which causes nights to be restless. They will help the tone in his arms, so we want to keep them on as much as he can stand it.
His trach site is getting smaller every day. I don't think he will need any further medical treatment for it. Just covering the opening with a small piece of tape.
A huge thanks to everyone who has called and brought food and sent cards. We really appreciate all thoughts and prayers. Its awesome to be a part of a small town!
I will try my best to be better at updating.
~chelcee
busy days, sleepless nights, and crazy schedules equals not much time for blogging.
Lance is doing wonderful!
Most of you remember from our postings when Lance was still in Atlanta, he was moving his right hand quite a bit and his facial expressions were more pronounced than ever. However, when Lance was readmitted to UK a couple weeks ago, all of those things ceased. Lance's therapists assured us that if he did it before, he will do it again. So... we had to be patient, and let him rest.
Finally, this week we think that he is where he was before, and possibly even succeeded.
He can mimic the frown face on demand. I can't make the frown face very well, but when he looks at me, he crinkles his nose up. He has also given us a couple smiles. Not as big as they were before, but its an improvement. Lance is also moving his hand a little bit more. Saturday evening, I had him hold up one finger, then two, then three.
In early January, I started writing to him on a small dry erase board because I was convinced he could read. Knowing Lance, it only makes sense that he would read before he talks. I have a feeling he may even write before he talks. That was second nature to him.
Three of Lance's friends went in together and bought him a pretty sweet birthday present. An iPad. We've been downloading apps to help him in his communication. I also found some music apps, a piano and bongo drums. Thank you Ben, Derrick and Noah! If anyone has any information on more apps that we could use to help him, please let us know!
Brock was on spring break last week, Lance responds really well to him. He was able to get Lance to form some words with his mouth, even though no sounds are coming out, I think he is trying to talk to us.
The most exciting thing is that we haven't had to use the Hoyer lift to get Lance in and out of bed in a week! He is transferring with just one person. Its much easier on him to not put him up in the lift all the time. His legs are getting much stronger, and he is putting weight on the left leg. Which we have been so worried about. Today when I put him back in bed, he was reaching his right arm around my back.
He is still wearing the splints at nights, which causes nights to be restless. They will help the tone in his arms, so we want to keep them on as much as he can stand it.
His trach site is getting smaller every day. I don't think he will need any further medical treatment for it. Just covering the opening with a small piece of tape.
A huge thanks to everyone who has called and brought food and sent cards. We really appreciate all thoughts and prayers. Its awesome to be a part of a small town!
I will try my best to be better at updating.
~chelcee
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
road trip
Lance's first full week at home went much better than the last attempt in February...
Home health comes to see him, the nurse as well as all of the therapies. Gena is here in the morning usually with someone helping her. Then my mom is here for the afternoon shift. My grandmas come to help, and my aunt Sue Jane. I've been trying to help out at night, when I'm not working. My dad has gone back to seeing patients on a semi-normal schedule. Basically, we are just trying to figure out what works for all of us and our schedules and most importantly, Lance.
On Sunday, Lance was exposed to a normal right after church dinner here at the O'Cull house. All four grandkids running around, food cooking, leftovers being warmed up, other visitors stopping in from church. It was good. and he actually did very well with it all. We have stood him up several more times since the initial time on his birthday. He has done exceptional. He amazes me....
So, lets get to the road trip.
When Lance was discharged from UK on March 4th, the doctors scheduled a couple follow up appointments. The first one was with the Blue Surgery Team on March 15th at 1150am. I thought, oh thats good... that gives us plenty of time to get there. yeah right.
We recently purchased a van from the McKinney's. Some of you may remember Drew McKinney. He was involved in a very serious accident last year. He fell from Lockegee Rock in Rowan County. After UK, he also went to The Shepherd Center for rehabilitation. Drew is actually walking and no longer needed the handicap accessible van. This worked out great for both of us. He no longer needs it and we were able to get it very quickly. The problem was with all that had been going on lately, we hadn't been able to practice with it. So, on the evening before, my papaw was the guinea pig and climbed in the wheelchair for multiple lifts up into the van. I was at work... or you know there would have been pictures :)
The plan was to leave at 830. We pulled out at 9. Before we got to Black Oak Market, we realize we forgot something, turned around and we were off again. We only made a couple stops. repositioned... parked. and somehow once we got into the waiting room is was 1145. sheesh.
Lance is used to being up in the wheelchair for around 6 hours a day. But not 6 hours a time. Usually just 2 or 3 hours at at time. So, at 1:00 I was thinking, he's been up since 830 and he won't be able to lay back down until at least 4... thats almost 8 hours... But as usual, Lance was doing great. and we were the ones worrying. In just a few minutes, his surgeon came in. He feels that Lance will go back to where he was before the bowel-pneumonia-sodium issues. He also thinks that with Lance's activity he doesn't have to be on blood thinners anymore. And then... the big thing. We said, what about this trach? When can it come out? I'm sure many of you remember that we were anxiously awaiting the removal of the trach when we were still in Atlanta. The pulmonologist felt like his cough had diminished and it wasn't the right time. Dr. Chang decided it could come out. and it about 90 seconds, it was gone. Just like that.
He put a piece of tape over it, told us to have a good day, call him if we had any trouble and we were off. Lance gave us the strangest look. I'm sure it felt very strange for him to not have a tube in his throat.
The trip home was very rainy, but we made it safely. Since I had worked the night before, I crashed as soon as we got him settled. Mom came up for the evening shift with him. I've checked on him a couple times during the night. He doesn't sleep well when he has to wear his splints on his arms. Hopefully, as his arms stretch that will feel more comfortable to him and he will rest better.
My cousins, Robbie and Bopper Stenzel are playing in the state tournament today. Lance loves going to the ky state tourny. He actually likes to go, pick a team, buy a team tshirt, sit with their fans, and cheer with them like he lived there his entire life during the game. I probably won't do that.
I'll just stick with Clark County.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Happy 25th Birthday Lance Harrison!
As I mentioned before, March is full of birthday for our family. Today, Lance celebrated his 25th.
I remember sitting in the waiting room during one of Lance's surgeries in early December and thinking about how much he was looking forward to his quarter of a century birthday. Even though he didn't celebrate it like he usually would have, He is here. and He will celebrate again.
We had a busy day today, with physical and occupational therapy visits this morning. My aunt Christa came with lunch and cheesecake. Ben stopped by on his lunch break. Home health nurse was here this afternoon. Tom Cox came by, followed by Jasper who is in for spring break. However, the most exciting part of our day was when Shauna came by for second shift therapy.
We stood Lance up!!!
Shauna set Lance up on the side of the bed with this feet on the floor. After Dad, Gena and I were in place behind him and on both sides, Shauna wrapped her arms around Lance and lifted him straight up in a standing position. We did this three times. The first time, he leaned a little to the right. The second time, Shauna told him to try to stand up... and after a couple of seconds, he did. I could feel his leg tightening, trying to make himself stand taller. and I was on his left side, where most of the damage occurred. On the third time, he stood for two whole minutes. Dad was behind him and could feel him moving his hips forward to get his back in alignment. During this time, his left heel was on the floor. Gena was on the other side, that heel was on the floor as well. She asked him four times to stand up, and four times, he did.
This is the first time in 103 days that Lance has been on his feet!
Dad, Gena, Shauna and I were all crying. I think our home health nurse had some tears in her eyes. and Peyton was at the door, taking pictures.
It was the best birthday ever.
Today is also Kim Lykins' birthday. She has doubled Lance's age. and now I'm very concerned she will never make me zucchini bread again since I announced her age on the world wide web. Happy Birthday Kim!
hope everyone has safe travels. I hear there is snow on the way.
Goodnight. and God Bless.
I remember sitting in the waiting room during one of Lance's surgeries in early December and thinking about how much he was looking forward to his quarter of a century birthday. Even though he didn't celebrate it like he usually would have, He is here. and He will celebrate again.
We had a busy day today, with physical and occupational therapy visits this morning. My aunt Christa came with lunch and cheesecake. Ben stopped by on his lunch break. Home health nurse was here this afternoon. Tom Cox came by, followed by Jasper who is in for spring break. However, the most exciting part of our day was when Shauna came by for second shift therapy.
We stood Lance up!!!
Shauna set Lance up on the side of the bed with this feet on the floor. After Dad, Gena and I were in place behind him and on both sides, Shauna wrapped her arms around Lance and lifted him straight up in a standing position. We did this three times. The first time, he leaned a little to the right. The second time, Shauna told him to try to stand up... and after a couple of seconds, he did. I could feel his leg tightening, trying to make himself stand taller. and I was on his left side, where most of the damage occurred. On the third time, he stood for two whole minutes. Dad was behind him and could feel him moving his hips forward to get his back in alignment. During this time, his left heel was on the floor. Gena was on the other side, that heel was on the floor as well. She asked him four times to stand up, and four times, he did.
This is the first time in 103 days that Lance has been on his feet!
Dad, Gena, Shauna and I were all crying. I think our home health nurse had some tears in her eyes. and Peyton was at the door, taking pictures.
It was the best birthday ever.
Today is also Kim Lykins' birthday. She has doubled Lance's age. and now I'm very concerned she will never make me zucchini bread again since I announced her age on the world wide web. Happy Birthday Kim!
hope everyone has safe travels. I hear there is snow on the way.
Goodnight. and God Bless.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
ok folks, let try this again
we are back in Vanceburg!
after two nights in Fleming County Hospital and ten at UK, and what seems like 50 tests and 20 blood draws, Lance is back home.
the bowel obstruction has resolved, potassium is up, swelling is gone, pneumonia has cleared and sodium is down. OH! and the weight bearing restrictions have been lifted!
On Friday morning rounds, the doctors told my parents that he was going to be discharged. This sent us into somewhat of a whirlwind. However, not as chaotic as when he came home from Atlanta. Mom stayed with Lance, Dad packed up Lance's belongings and Gena headed home to help me get the house ready.
This trip home on Friday evening was hopefully a little easier on Lance's body. only 2 1/2 hours on a stretcher instead of the 10 hour trip made a couple weeks ago from Georgia. Plus my dad was riding in the ambulance as well. I was in the driveway when they rolled the stretcher to the new ramp on the side of the house. Lance was wide-eyed and looking around. I think he knew he was home. When he arrived in February, I don't believe he realized where he was. It was so extremely wonderful to see him, to see him look back at me.
Over the weekend, Lance seemed much more restful than he was when he came home before. He watched the Louisville-West Virginia game. He tolerated the wheelchair very well. He hasn't been out of bed since the Sunday we took him to the hospital. Although, he is skinny, he looks more like Lance than he has in 3 weeks.
We have once again been overwhelmed by the support of our community, people bringing us food 'by the truckloads' as my dad said.
So, its March... when means that everyone has a birthday. everyone but me. My mom's was last week, on the 1st. She usually gets a Lewis County win on her birthday. My dad's was yesterday. Brock and Peyton share a birthday, today. Brock is 22. geez...
Lance's 25th birthday will be on Thursday. He has done more things in a quarter of a century than most people do in their lifetime.
My aunt Christa's is Friday, and Shauna's on the 31st. Do you think this family might get tired of birthday cake? no way.
Because of Lance being in the hospital, I was driving from Lexington straight to work. Which left me zero time to deal with the tshirt orders. I have a mini-vacation coming up at the end of this week, so I plan on getting all of the orders in for the Dance 4 Lance shirts.
Also, Brock has designed another shirt. These will be gray with red lettering. They will just simply say Live the Lion. If you would like to order one of those, just let me know. chelceeocull@gmail.com
I apologize for the delay in ordering the shirts and if you haven't received a bracelet yet. There are some at Dad's office, you can just ask the girls up front for one. Also, if you know either of my grandmothers, they should have some at their houses. If you can't pick it up at any of these locations, let me know. email, facebook, text.
I think thats all I have for now.
Prayer is powerful.
-chelc
after two nights in Fleming County Hospital and ten at UK, and what seems like 50 tests and 20 blood draws, Lance is back home.
the bowel obstruction has resolved, potassium is up, swelling is gone, pneumonia has cleared and sodium is down. OH! and the weight bearing restrictions have been lifted!
On Friday morning rounds, the doctors told my parents that he was going to be discharged. This sent us into somewhat of a whirlwind. However, not as chaotic as when he came home from Atlanta. Mom stayed with Lance, Dad packed up Lance's belongings and Gena headed home to help me get the house ready.
This trip home on Friday evening was hopefully a little easier on Lance's body. only 2 1/2 hours on a stretcher instead of the 10 hour trip made a couple weeks ago from Georgia. Plus my dad was riding in the ambulance as well. I was in the driveway when they rolled the stretcher to the new ramp on the side of the house. Lance was wide-eyed and looking around. I think he knew he was home. When he arrived in February, I don't believe he realized where he was. It was so extremely wonderful to see him, to see him look back at me.
Over the weekend, Lance seemed much more restful than he was when he came home before. He watched the Louisville-West Virginia game. He tolerated the wheelchair very well. He hasn't been out of bed since the Sunday we took him to the hospital. Although, he is skinny, he looks more like Lance than he has in 3 weeks.
We have once again been overwhelmed by the support of our community, people bringing us food 'by the truckloads' as my dad said.
So, its March... when means that everyone has a birthday. everyone but me. My mom's was last week, on the 1st. She usually gets a Lewis County win on her birthday. My dad's was yesterday. Brock and Peyton share a birthday, today. Brock is 22. geez...
Lance's 25th birthday will be on Thursday. He has done more things in a quarter of a century than most people do in their lifetime.
My aunt Christa's is Friday, and Shauna's on the 31st. Do you think this family might get tired of birthday cake? no way.
Because of Lance being in the hospital, I was driving from Lexington straight to work. Which left me zero time to deal with the tshirt orders. I have a mini-vacation coming up at the end of this week, so I plan on getting all of the orders in for the Dance 4 Lance shirts.
Also, Brock has designed another shirt. These will be gray with red lettering. They will just simply say Live the Lion. If you would like to order one of those, just let me know. chelceeocull@gmail.com
I apologize for the delay in ordering the shirts and if you haven't received a bracelet yet. There are some at Dad's office, you can just ask the girls up front for one. Also, if you know either of my grandmothers, they should have some at their houses. If you can't pick it up at any of these locations, let me know. email, facebook, text.
I think thats all I have for now.
Prayer is powerful.
-chelc
Friday, March 4, 2011
No News......Good News ????
"No news is good news"; that old saying is usually used by the person who is busy, or having fun, or doesn't want to use their travel time to give report on their cell phone or by changing their Facebook status. I cannot say that these are excuses I can use as it has been a few days since an update; I realize it caused consternation. I was in tension as to how to report what was occurring. That is why I shared a simple report and asked for prayer during last blog. It has been hectic - spending time with him, discussing his condition with medical staff, thanking folks here at the Chandler Medical Center who provided Lance's acute care during November and December, quick trips home to work a few hours, and occassionally laying down for a 2-5 hour nap.
Lance is much better and has been improving for the past 72 hours - slowly. The improvement seems sustained and if progress continues, we will be home soon. The intestinal blockage resolved after much pain medicine to give him relief. It has taken several days for the digestive system to work again and entire episode caused more weight loss as there were several days without receiving nutrition in his stomach. The lungs have cleared significantly and we hope will continue as he becomes able to sit up again and resume therapy activities. The bizarre part of this cascade of medical events was the imbalance in his sodium and potassium levels which had huge impact on his overall appearance and body function. His entire body, but most noticeable in his face and neck, was swollen for several days. The anxious (and scary) part for us was the impact the illness had on his level of consciousness. It was like we rolled back several weeks in time. Lance was once again in the darkness (more like a coma) for several days and this was painful to accept and difficult to explain to you who contiinue to pray and trust God to be at work, healing Lance, restoring him with His miraculous power.
Lance is now interacting again. He is not back to level which he had attained one month ago but has made large strides Wednesday and Thursday. Today medical staff members were able to witness what we had been describing; it seemed hard for them to believe until they saw for themselves. Our journey continues; this has been the most significant setback Lance has had, but once again he amazes me with his resilience.
I remember telling Lance, "No news is NOT good news; no news is scary!", before he left for extended trips. The long ones were to Italy for a semester during his undergraduate years at UL and Turkey during his graduate work at UK. I could usually depend on him to call, with news updates, so that my worries and sleepless nights were minimized. As you read these verses from 2 Cor. 4:16-18, remember that the grace that Christ offered on the cross is available to all who will receive. The love God has for us is better than good; it is GREAT NEWS. Because of that love, He commanded light to shine out of darkness - when we allow the light (Jesus Christ) to enter our darkened hearts, you and I awaken to our created purpose and reflect the glory of God. "Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal."
"Here is Our King" is a David Crowder song that held one of Lance's favorite lines. The chorus goes like this: "He is our King, He is our love, He is our God who's come to bring us back to Him, He is the One, He is Jesus". Lance's fav lyric was hidden in the second verse...."And what was said to the rose to make it unfold....was said to me here in my chest....so be quiet now and rest." A rose, that can reflect God's glory, lies within each of us. We just need to allow a hush...........some quiet time with God and scripture.......so we can soak up His power and His light. The light, as it enters our heart, will unfold the rose that He created when He made you. The miracle that occurred when you were formed in your mother's womb will be followed by the miracle of your unfolding rose. Then the miracle of continual inward renewal, as promised in the scripture, can begin. Now that is eternal good news we can all celebrate regardless of our temporary circumstances.
-John
Lance is much better and has been improving for the past 72 hours - slowly. The improvement seems sustained and if progress continues, we will be home soon. The intestinal blockage resolved after much pain medicine to give him relief. It has taken several days for the digestive system to work again and entire episode caused more weight loss as there were several days without receiving nutrition in his stomach. The lungs have cleared significantly and we hope will continue as he becomes able to sit up again and resume therapy activities. The bizarre part of this cascade of medical events was the imbalance in his sodium and potassium levels which had huge impact on his overall appearance and body function. His entire body, but most noticeable in his face and neck, was swollen for several days. The anxious (and scary) part for us was the impact the illness had on his level of consciousness. It was like we rolled back several weeks in time. Lance was once again in the darkness (more like a coma) for several days and this was painful to accept and difficult to explain to you who contiinue to pray and trust God to be at work, healing Lance, restoring him with His miraculous power.
Lance is now interacting again. He is not back to level which he had attained one month ago but has made large strides Wednesday and Thursday. Today medical staff members were able to witness what we had been describing; it seemed hard for them to believe until they saw for themselves. Our journey continues; this has been the most significant setback Lance has had, but once again he amazes me with his resilience.
I remember telling Lance, "No news is NOT good news; no news is scary!", before he left for extended trips. The long ones were to Italy for a semester during his undergraduate years at UL and Turkey during his graduate work at UK. I could usually depend on him to call, with news updates, so that my worries and sleepless nights were minimized. As you read these verses from 2 Cor. 4:16-18, remember that the grace that Christ offered on the cross is available to all who will receive. The love God has for us is better than good; it is GREAT NEWS. Because of that love, He commanded light to shine out of darkness - when we allow the light (Jesus Christ) to enter our darkened hearts, you and I awaken to our created purpose and reflect the glory of God. "Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal."
"Here is Our King" is a David Crowder song that held one of Lance's favorite lines. The chorus goes like this: "He is our King, He is our love, He is our God who's come to bring us back to Him, He is the One, He is Jesus". Lance's fav lyric was hidden in the second verse...."And what was said to the rose to make it unfold....was said to me here in my chest....so be quiet now and rest." A rose, that can reflect God's glory, lies within each of us. We just need to allow a hush...........some quiet time with God and scripture.......so we can soak up His power and His light. The light, as it enters our heart, will unfold the rose that He created when He made you. The miracle that occurred when you were formed in your mother's womb will be followed by the miracle of your unfolding rose. Then the miracle of continual inward renewal, as promised in the scripture, can begin. Now that is eternal good news we can all celebrate regardless of our temporary circumstances.
-John
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