Hi, friends,
I am not sure we have many "followers" these days - I have really slowed down in my blogging since starting back to school. WOW has it been hectic, but I am amazed once again that I have great kids and a wonderful school to work for.
Anyway, I wanted you to know that Stewart is doing so much better. He hasn't had a headache in many days, and is so anxious to get back to work, hoping to return part time in the next week or two. The trauma of the past 6 weeks is fading, giving way to cooler temperatures and calmer nerves! I am getting a little TOO used to him being home every day...getting a little spoiled, actually. I am so pleased when I see progress, returning to his life in stages. 2 weeks ago he could hardly turn his head due to the severe headaches, and this week he vacuumed and started unloading the dishwasher. (Oh yes, dreams DO come true, ha!) Needless to say I am quite happy about this progress ;) He works hard to try to relieve me of the many small tasks he couldn't help with for awhile, and I am very appreciative.
Driving: Yes, Stewart drove for the first time this week. Don't think I wasn't a bit nervous. I asked him if he could see the people on the sidewalk and he said, "what people? What sidewalk?" Glad he still has the sense of humor.
The girls are doing super in school, and I am very proud of their hard work. I gave the dog a bath for the first time all summer. I know. Gross. We all feel better.
Thank you if you are still reading our blog...honestly, I will be glad when we shut 'er down and move on with life. Not because I don't enjoy writing, but because I am ready to see Stew return to normal.
I think we all feel that way. :)
Have a lovely weekend!
Denise
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Progressive Recovery
Hey Everyone!
I apologize that it has been so long since we have posted an update. With my mom and I starting back to school, things have been crazy around here. My Dad is making slow recovery, but getting better. His strength is starting to come back, but eyesight is still blurry. Please pray that his vision will be restored. Starting last week, his doctor added a new medicine to his routine. He started having SEVERE headaches after taking it, and after three days was off of it. He says the headaches were even worse than when he got out of surgery. He literally can do nothing but sit in his chair with a cold rag on his head and his eyes closed. It is miserable for him, and of course we feel helpless in these situations. However, he has since stopped that medication, and also cut caffeine from his diet, and he thinks those could possibly be triggers. He hasn't had one since Thursday. He tries to stay propped up with pillows behind his head during the day, because when he lays down flat in bed, he has a very hard time getting back up without a major headache. He just has to take things VERY slow, even just getting up and down after laying. He also just got his stitches out almost two weeks ago from the area that was drilled on during surgery. So he is dealing with pain from that part of the healing process, which I know is painful for him. The doctor said the headaches are normal for at least the first two months or so.
He is starting to realize that even doing a load of laundry, or riding in the car to the store (just to get out of the house, mainly) is very tiring for him. Even a sudden move of his head to the left or right can cause a headache. I think we are all learning what a long and tedious process this is, and are adjusting accordingly. He is still spending his days resting and recovering, and taking his meds. That is about all he can do. He can read a little, but not for a long period of time. Thankfully though, from the rest he has been able to get, he is slowly gaining strength. He is making progress, these severe headaches just set him back a little. My Dad says thank you so much for your prayers, and please continue to pray for his full recovery. I know so many of you are already doing that, and we really attribute a lot of his healing to the prayers that have been said for him. The love of family, friends, and our church family has been SUCH a blessing to us. We would have had a very hard time getting through this without all of the emotional, spiritual, and prayer support. Thank you. I want to post a picture of my Dad soon, now that he is looking better and getting his color back. I will work on it! :-)
Sincerely,
Tiffany
I apologize that it has been so long since we have posted an update. With my mom and I starting back to school, things have been crazy around here. My Dad is making slow recovery, but getting better. His strength is starting to come back, but eyesight is still blurry. Please pray that his vision will be restored. Starting last week, his doctor added a new medicine to his routine. He started having SEVERE headaches after taking it, and after three days was off of it. He says the headaches were even worse than when he got out of surgery. He literally can do nothing but sit in his chair with a cold rag on his head and his eyes closed. It is miserable for him, and of course we feel helpless in these situations. However, he has since stopped that medication, and also cut caffeine from his diet, and he thinks those could possibly be triggers. He hasn't had one since Thursday. He tries to stay propped up with pillows behind his head during the day, because when he lays down flat in bed, he has a very hard time getting back up without a major headache. He just has to take things VERY slow, even just getting up and down after laying. He also just got his stitches out almost two weeks ago from the area that was drilled on during surgery. So he is dealing with pain from that part of the healing process, which I know is painful for him. The doctor said the headaches are normal for at least the first two months or so.
He is starting to realize that even doing a load of laundry, or riding in the car to the store (just to get out of the house, mainly) is very tiring for him. Even a sudden move of his head to the left or right can cause a headache. I think we are all learning what a long and tedious process this is, and are adjusting accordingly. He is still spending his days resting and recovering, and taking his meds. That is about all he can do. He can read a little, but not for a long period of time. Thankfully though, from the rest he has been able to get, he is slowly gaining strength. He is making progress, these severe headaches just set him back a little. My Dad says thank you so much for your prayers, and please continue to pray for his full recovery. I know so many of you are already doing that, and we really attribute a lot of his healing to the prayers that have been said for him. The love of family, friends, and our church family has been SUCH a blessing to us. We would have had a very hard time getting through this without all of the emotional, spiritual, and prayer support. Thank you. I want to post a picture of my Dad soon, now that he is looking better and getting his color back. I will work on it! :-)
Sincerely,
Tiffany
Monday, August 24, 2009
First Follow Up Appointment
Hi Friends,
Yesterday was Dad's first follow up appointment with the surgeon. He got his stitches out of the area where they drilled. Now he just has his scar, which I might add, is healing well. His hair is actually growing some, so it covers some of it up. The scar is still a 7 inch horse shoe shape. It's definitely taking some getting used to for him, but at least it's just cosmetic.
The appointment went well. They told him the headaches, low energy, fatigue and poor/blurry eye sight were all normal after such a major surgery. He also had a CAT Scan which they said looked normal. He has to go for a follow up MRI in 3-6 months. Thank you for the continued prayers. He is still getting used to being on new medications, and learning how to live with this "new" normal. We are so thankful that he is looking and feeling great, and has gotten his color back. He still has just a little bit of his black eye left, which has taken a long time to heal.
That is all for now. Thank you again for your continuted support everyone has given my family!
-Tiffany
Yesterday was Dad's first follow up appointment with the surgeon. He got his stitches out of the area where they drilled. Now he just has his scar, which I might add, is healing well. His hair is actually growing some, so it covers some of it up. The scar is still a 7 inch horse shoe shape. It's definitely taking some getting used to for him, but at least it's just cosmetic.
The appointment went well. They told him the headaches, low energy, fatigue and poor/blurry eye sight were all normal after such a major surgery. He also had a CAT Scan which they said looked normal. He has to go for a follow up MRI in 3-6 months. Thank you for the continued prayers. He is still getting used to being on new medications, and learning how to live with this "new" normal. We are so thankful that he is looking and feeling great, and has gotten his color back. He still has just a little bit of his black eye left, which has taken a long time to heal.
That is all for now. Thank you again for your continuted support everyone has given my family!
-Tiffany
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Wonderful Wednesday
Hi Everyone,
Your favorite blogger is back!!! ;-) I know my Mom updated last night, and I am sorry we have not been better about updating daily. Like my Mom said, my Dad is doing better. Each day is getting better. He still has some stitches left and his black eye hasn't gone away, but hopefully it will soon. Last night after we ate dinner I took my Dad on a walk up and down the street. It wasn't far, but he really looks forward to the evening when it's not so hot so he can get out of the house if only for a few minutes. It wore him out, but he is pushing himself to walk every day. He really is doing great. Still has the headaches, but they are on and off. The area where they drilled during the surgery is the most painful for him. I can't even imagine what that would be like! He had a headache very early this morning, but he is taking extra strength tylenol to help regulate them. It's alot better now that he isn't taking the heavy duty pain meds...it makes him foggy and drowsy. I'm glad that tylenol is helping him. He says it's the worst in the morning because he has been laying down all night. Once he gets up and around, it seems to get better.
Like my Mom said, my Grandma left yesterday to go back home to N.M. She has been here almost a month. It was a blessing to have her here, but I know she was ready to get back home. We already miss her! Now that Jazz is back at school, and my mom and I start school on Monday, things seem to be back to normal. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful job that I really enjoy and is stress free. I can't believe I start Seminary next week! I am really excited. I have a friend that is letting me borrow two of her textbooks..so I only have buy one! I am blessed to have such great friends! :)
Anyway, thank you to everyone who has been following our blog and keeping up with my Dad. Sometimes if he feels up to it, he is able to read some of the older posts, and we also read him entries in the guestbook from the hospital. He has been very touched to see what everyone who came to visit wrote..It's really cool to see that. He hardly remembers any of the time he spent in the ICU. Like I have said before, he loves the cards that he has been recieving--it's brightens his day every day to know people are thinking and praying for him. Since he is home all day, it's really the highlight of his day to go outside and check the mail. :) (Except when he gets bills..lol)It's hard for him to be taking it easy and resting all day, it really is. He wants to be up working in the garage, and back at the church! I have the upmost confidence that that will all happen very soon.
I hope everyone reading this today has a blessed day. We love you all!!
Tiffany
Your favorite blogger is back!!! ;-) I know my Mom updated last night, and I am sorry we have not been better about updating daily. Like my Mom said, my Dad is doing better. Each day is getting better. He still has some stitches left and his black eye hasn't gone away, but hopefully it will soon. Last night after we ate dinner I took my Dad on a walk up and down the street. It wasn't far, but he really looks forward to the evening when it's not so hot so he can get out of the house if only for a few minutes. It wore him out, but he is pushing himself to walk every day. He really is doing great. Still has the headaches, but they are on and off. The area where they drilled during the surgery is the most painful for him. I can't even imagine what that would be like! He had a headache very early this morning, but he is taking extra strength tylenol to help regulate them. It's alot better now that he isn't taking the heavy duty pain meds...it makes him foggy and drowsy. I'm glad that tylenol is helping him. He says it's the worst in the morning because he has been laying down all night. Once he gets up and around, it seems to get better.
Like my Mom said, my Grandma left yesterday to go back home to N.M. She has been here almost a month. It was a blessing to have her here, but I know she was ready to get back home. We already miss her! Now that Jazz is back at school, and my mom and I start school on Monday, things seem to be back to normal. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful job that I really enjoy and is stress free. I can't believe I start Seminary next week! I am really excited. I have a friend that is letting me borrow two of her textbooks..so I only have buy one! I am blessed to have such great friends! :)
Anyway, thank you to everyone who has been following our blog and keeping up with my Dad. Sometimes if he feels up to it, he is able to read some of the older posts, and we also read him entries in the guestbook from the hospital. He has been very touched to see what everyone who came to visit wrote..It's really cool to see that. He hardly remembers any of the time he spent in the ICU. Like I have said before, he loves the cards that he has been recieving--it's brightens his day every day to know people are thinking and praying for him. Since he is home all day, it's really the highlight of his day to go outside and check the mail. :) (Except when he gets bills..lol)It's hard for him to be taking it easy and resting all day, it really is. He wants to be up working in the garage, and back at the church! I have the upmost confidence that that will all happen very soon.
I hope everyone reading this today has a blessed day. We love you all!!
Tiffany
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Slowly but Surely...
I haven't updated much this week - we are in the slow curve of recovery, and I really don't want to bore you with statements like, "Stewart walked from one room to the other today." That just isn't very exciting! ;)
However, we are slowly returning to normal life. Jasmine went back to school yesterday, Stewart's mom returned to New Mexico this morning after staying 3 and a half weeks, and I went to my own first day of teacher inservice at school. Also, Stew stayed alone today for the first time for a couple of hours, and did just great. He is up most of the day now which is tremendous progress.
By far the biggest challenge is his desire to return to work, and the headaches. The headaches are fewer and farther between, and for the most part, not as intense. He talks about returning to the things he loves doing often, and we are steadily putting the events of this past 5 weeks behind us.
I know we all need to return to normal life and I am quite anxious for a routine, school starting next Monday, and Stewart returning to his own work before long. In fact, I can't wait to be bored! I will welcome normal, normal, normal. And yet I often think of the many friends in my life that weren't able to return to "normal" after their loved one became ill or hurt. Stewart's cousin lost his life in June in a car accident, leaving behind a family. My own mother died of cancer. Life doesn't come with guarantees, and I am deeply aware of this fact.
So, for now, we appreciate deeply the gift of restoration that is ours.
Enjoy the little things!
Denise
However, we are slowly returning to normal life. Jasmine went back to school yesterday, Stewart's mom returned to New Mexico this morning after staying 3 and a half weeks, and I went to my own first day of teacher inservice at school. Also, Stew stayed alone today for the first time for a couple of hours, and did just great. He is up most of the day now which is tremendous progress.
By far the biggest challenge is his desire to return to work, and the headaches. The headaches are fewer and farther between, and for the most part, not as intense. He talks about returning to the things he loves doing often, and we are steadily putting the events of this past 5 weeks behind us.
I know we all need to return to normal life and I am quite anxious for a routine, school starting next Monday, and Stewart returning to his own work before long. In fact, I can't wait to be bored! I will welcome normal, normal, normal. And yet I often think of the many friends in my life that weren't able to return to "normal" after their loved one became ill or hurt. Stewart's cousin lost his life in June in a car accident, leaving behind a family. My own mother died of cancer. Life doesn't come with guarantees, and I am deeply aware of this fact.
So, for now, we appreciate deeply the gift of restoration that is ours.
Enjoy the little things!
Denise
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Trust and Healing
I received a wedding invitation today from a high school friend that was actually in our wedding many moons ago...it really took me back to our oh-so-80's wedding, replete with white patten leather shoes and white tuxes. John Travolta would have been proud.
This comes on the same day that Stewart is beginning to come to terms with what he has been through over the course of just 4 short weeks...it seems we have travelled as many emotional miles in 30 days as our entire 25 years of marriage.
As I was helping him with the bedtime routine tonight, he thanked me, (for about the millionth time :) for helping him through this process. That's when it hit me -that marriage, above all else, should be a place of healing our wounds. And have we had a few over the years. I often think the greatest trial and error of any relationship is learning to trust. So, whether it's the challenges of career, family, or even a realllllly big cut in your head, ;) trust opens the doorway for healing. I am honored that he can sleep peacefully knowing that I will be there in the watches of the night. This of course means I will be so tired tomorrow I may kick the dog, but it is an honor to have such a wonderful husband to take care of.
Stew got all of his hair cut off today, boot camp style, and he looks exactly like his 1st grade picture. LOVE it. He has regained almost all of his eyesight...aren't you amazed? So am I. He got upset with Jasmine over spending what he deemed too much money at Target. I danced a jig in the kitchen. At least I know we are gaining some of our old life back if those two are arguing about money??! SO normal. And, he had the mother of all headaches, a little scary, but called the Dr. and learned that, duh, your head might hurt after brain surgery. I amaze myself sometimes over what I worry about.
I went ahead and put the dog up for the night, so no worries!
Love,
Denise
This comes on the same day that Stewart is beginning to come to terms with what he has been through over the course of just 4 short weeks...it seems we have travelled as many emotional miles in 30 days as our entire 25 years of marriage.
As I was helping him with the bedtime routine tonight, he thanked me, (for about the millionth time :) for helping him through this process. That's when it hit me -that marriage, above all else, should be a place of healing our wounds. And have we had a few over the years. I often think the greatest trial and error of any relationship is learning to trust. So, whether it's the challenges of career, family, or even a realllllly big cut in your head, ;) trust opens the doorway for healing. I am honored that he can sleep peacefully knowing that I will be there in the watches of the night. This of course means I will be so tired tomorrow I may kick the dog, but it is an honor to have such a wonderful husband to take care of.
Stew got all of his hair cut off today, boot camp style, and he looks exactly like his 1st grade picture. LOVE it. He has regained almost all of his eyesight...aren't you amazed? So am I. He got upset with Jasmine over spending what he deemed too much money at Target. I danced a jig in the kitchen. At least I know we are gaining some of our old life back if those two are arguing about money??! SO normal. And, he had the mother of all headaches, a little scary, but called the Dr. and learned that, duh, your head might hurt after brain surgery. I amaze myself sometimes over what I worry about.
I went ahead and put the dog up for the night, so no worries!
Love,
Denise
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Life isn't a 30 minute segment.
Hi Friends,
We are sorry we haven't updated this week. Yesterday I was watching one of those medical shows on the discovery health channel. In thirty minutes, you see someone go from a diagnosis, usually a devastating one, and by the end of the thirty minutes it's showing them perfectly healthy again and playing outside with their family. Well, I am coming to realize that life doesn't actually work that way. It got me thinking..until I actually experienced a serious medical problem with my own family member, I never honestly understood how other people felt. It is sooo differen't actually living the day to day life and seeing my Dad go through this. Yes the surgery is over, and it was not cancer. PRAISE GOD for that. But seeing the pain, the meds, keeping everything regulated, the sleepless nights...they just don't show you that on tv! I have a differen't compassion for those who have to deal with an illness, loss, or major trauma in their family. It's just something I cannot really even explain. Especially when it happens so fast-- I think it's just starting to actually set in my own mind that my Dad just had brain surgery.
It has also been brought to my attention the significance of marriage vows. As many of you know, my parents celebrated their 25th anniversary in a hospital room in the ICU. When you commit to "love each other through sickness and health" on your wedding day, I bet alot of people don't actually think about taking care of their spouse after brain surgery. I have to give it to my mom, I really do. We have all helped as much as we can, but it's my mom that sleeps on the couch every night outside my their bedroom, getting up every few hours to help him. She is also the one who keeps track of when he needs his meds, tracking when and what he has drank during the day, driving him to the doctor's appointments, keeping my dad's spirits up, praying...all while trying to keep it together for my sister and I. I guess "real life" is a little differen't. I guess it's just reality. My mom has really shown me what true commitment is through this. I really hope that I can one day be the same time of Godly example to my own family!
So I think I should actually write a little update on the actual patient, right ? :) Due to his sodium levels yesterday, he was suffering from insatiable thirst again, which was alot like the first day or two after his surgery. It all has to do with the pituatary gland and if it's working or not. Right now, it is not really working on it's own so he is taking meds to regulate everything. He was just so thirsty, nothing could quench his thirst. He was able to start back on his meds for that last night, so by bedtime he was feeling much better. He is still having pain in his back, some pressure in his head and headaches, but I think that is part of the healing process. We are pretty much in daily contact with his doctors every day still. Tommorow will be two weeks since the surgery. He actually told my Grandma last night if he feels better today, he wants to take her to a furniture store tommorow and help him pick out things for her kitchen. He then proceeded to tell us he would be flying up to see her in N.M. sometime soon to help her finish decorating her kitchen! Honestly, we just all laughed. We really needed to hear that from him! It may not sound funny, but just to hear my Dad talking about getting out and trying to re-design her kitchen was refreshing. At least we know everything in that brain of his is still working the same! Much to his chagrin, I do NOT think he will be furniture shopping tommorow..he needs to master that "walking" thing first. He will get there though :)
Again, our family is so blessed by all of you. The thoughtful cards, encouragement, calls and visits during the hospital stay is something we can never repay. We have also been so blessed by the meals that have been brought. I know it takes so much stress off of my Mom and Grandma, and it is so nice to sit down and eat as a family in the evenings. My Dad even has been able to come to the table these past few nights and eat with us. We honestly REALLY treasure that time together. Every day when we check the mail we get so excited to give my Dad his cards to open! That's the highlight of his day!
I will end this extremely long post. Love to all of our family and friends, and many, MANY thanks for the outpouring of love. It honestly would have been so much harder without the emotional support.
Warmly,
Tiffany
We are sorry we haven't updated this week. Yesterday I was watching one of those medical shows on the discovery health channel. In thirty minutes, you see someone go from a diagnosis, usually a devastating one, and by the end of the thirty minutes it's showing them perfectly healthy again and playing outside with their family. Well, I am coming to realize that life doesn't actually work that way. It got me thinking..until I actually experienced a serious medical problem with my own family member, I never honestly understood how other people felt. It is sooo differen't actually living the day to day life and seeing my Dad go through this. Yes the surgery is over, and it was not cancer. PRAISE GOD for that. But seeing the pain, the meds, keeping everything regulated, the sleepless nights...they just don't show you that on tv! I have a differen't compassion for those who have to deal with an illness, loss, or major trauma in their family. It's just something I cannot really even explain. Especially when it happens so fast-- I think it's just starting to actually set in my own mind that my Dad just had brain surgery.
It has also been brought to my attention the significance of marriage vows. As many of you know, my parents celebrated their 25th anniversary in a hospital room in the ICU. When you commit to "love each other through sickness and health" on your wedding day, I bet alot of people don't actually think about taking care of their spouse after brain surgery. I have to give it to my mom, I really do. We have all helped as much as we can, but it's my mom that sleeps on the couch every night outside my their bedroom, getting up every few hours to help him. She is also the one who keeps track of when he needs his meds, tracking when and what he has drank during the day, driving him to the doctor's appointments, keeping my dad's spirits up, praying...all while trying to keep it together for my sister and I. I guess "real life" is a little differen't. I guess it's just reality. My mom has really shown me what true commitment is through this. I really hope that I can one day be the same time of Godly example to my own family!
So I think I should actually write a little update on the actual patient, right ? :) Due to his sodium levels yesterday, he was suffering from insatiable thirst again, which was alot like the first day or two after his surgery. It all has to do with the pituatary gland and if it's working or not. Right now, it is not really working on it's own so he is taking meds to regulate everything. He was just so thirsty, nothing could quench his thirst. He was able to start back on his meds for that last night, so by bedtime he was feeling much better. He is still having pain in his back, some pressure in his head and headaches, but I think that is part of the healing process. We are pretty much in daily contact with his doctors every day still. Tommorow will be two weeks since the surgery. He actually told my Grandma last night if he feels better today, he wants to take her to a furniture store tommorow and help him pick out things for her kitchen. He then proceeded to tell us he would be flying up to see her in N.M. sometime soon to help her finish decorating her kitchen! Honestly, we just all laughed. We really needed to hear that from him! It may not sound funny, but just to hear my Dad talking about getting out and trying to re-design her kitchen was refreshing. At least we know everything in that brain of his is still working the same! Much to his chagrin, I do NOT think he will be furniture shopping tommorow..he needs to master that "walking" thing first. He will get there though :)
Again, our family is so blessed by all of you. The thoughtful cards, encouragement, calls and visits during the hospital stay is something we can never repay. We have also been so blessed by the meals that have been brought. I know it takes so much stress off of my Mom and Grandma, and it is so nice to sit down and eat as a family in the evenings. My Dad even has been able to come to the table these past few nights and eat with us. We honestly REALLY treasure that time together. Every day when we check the mail we get so excited to give my Dad his cards to open! That's the highlight of his day!
I will end this extremely long post. Love to all of our family and friends, and many, MANY thanks for the outpouring of love. It honestly would have been so much harder without the emotional support.
Warmly,
Tiffany
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