January 31, 2009

Hi everyone! I just needed to give you a little update of Mary's ongoings. As most of you know her bone flap replacement surgery was scheduled for this Monday. I got a call from her doctor in St. Louis on Thursday, and they have decided to postpone her surgery. It is because her platelet count in her blood was a little lower than what the preferred count should be. They want it to be 147, she was at 143. We had an appointment with a hematologist yesterday to find out why it is a little low. He said she may just run a little lower naturally. He was going to call Dr. Chicoine at Barnes, and tell him that he thinks she is fine for surgery. I forgot to tell you, platelets in the blood are what makes it clot. (if you didn't know) (I didn't!) Anyway, they are going to reschedule the surgery, and I will let you know when it will happen. Please keep Mary in your prayers. Thanks.

January 25, 2009

Hi everyone, it is 3:51pm on Sunday. I just wanted to give you a quick update on Mary. We went to her appointment with Dr. Chicoine on Friday. He liked what he saw in the way of her improvements so far. Her scab on her scar has healed up nicely. We have scheduled her next surgery for a week from Monday on February 2nd. This procedure is where the Dr. will re-install her bone flap that was removed. It will give her her natural shape back to her head. It should be real close anyway. They have to cut back over the original scar, open the skin back up and put the bone flap back in with small screws and metal plates. The Dr. said it should be a relatively simple procedure with not a lot of chance of any complications. It will probably last about an hour or so. It is supposed to start about 12:00 roughly. We have to be down at Barnes at 7 am, so we will be leaving very early on Monday morning. Mary is very anxious and scared about this next step that we are taking. Please keep her in your prayers for the upcoming weeks. She will need every bit of positive strength that you all can send her way. I don't know how many people that have examined her recently have said that she is doing really well. It is still hard for her to see. Hopefully, after this surgery, there will be more of a sense of relief, or less scary thoughts for her. Then we can focus 100% on rehab and getting stronger. She needs all of you. She has said so many times how fortunate she is to have so many wonderful friends that care about her so much. I agree. She is very lucky to have you all. Thanks again. Hopefully the next blog will be from Mary! We will be in touch.

November 18th, 2009

Hello everyone. Once again I have to apologize for my procrastination on updating everyone on Mary's progress. I will try to get better! Mary is still plugging away at her rehab and doing a good job at it. They are really working her hard at the physical therapy 3 days a week. It tires her out quite a bit, but that's OK. We are continuing to do exercises at home also. She is getting stronger it seems a little each day. I guess that's why they continue to push her at therapy. Mary has been a little down the last few days. I think everything is really starting to sink in that this is a pretty life changing thing that has happened to her. She just wants it to be like it was. She has said things like, "I was so happy a few months ago, and now look at me." I try to reassure her things are going to get better, but easy for me to say. Her depression really hurts me, as I can't bear to see her like that that. We are trying to do things to bring her up and make her feel as she has a "purpose". Its a challenging task, what we are all facing and trying to work through. I think I might check into some support groups or something like that, maybe that would help Mary, maybe talk to people that are going through what she is. We will keep pushing and praying for her and her recovery. Please, you do the same. We are so thankful for all the help we received over the last month at home. We couldn't have done it without all the support. Thanks to all, and I will be in touch. Thanks.

January 8th, 2008

Hello again. I just wanted to do a quick blog to let you know of the results of Mary's appointment yesterday. Mary does have what they call a field cut in her vision. What this means basically, is that the left side of both eyes do not register light. If you would draw a line down the middle of her eyeball and split it in half, the right side works fine, the left side doesn't. That's the best way that I can explain it. What that also means is that she will not be able to drive anymore. That for sure, is our first big set back. Not the end of the world by any means, but Mary wants so much to be able to be independent and free to come and go as she pleases. (like she used to) We will play the hand we are dealt and move on. The doctor seemed to think that if she was going to see any improvement in her vision, it would have happened by now. He said most likely, it is permanent. Mary is not throwing in the towel quite yet though. She said she will continue to work hard to get her strength back with all of her therapy. She has made us all say wow so far, with how she has battled back. I am in her corner, as I know all of you are also. As long as it takes for her to keep fighting, I will be there. As will our whole family. Please keep Mary in your prayers. She still has a long fight ahead of her. Putting this in the perspective of Mary' road to recovery, she definitely hit a pot hole yesterday. Enough to jar you a little bit, but you keep on going, and it doesn't effect the goal of reaching the finish line. She's still going, strong! Thanks.

January 3rd, 2009

Hello all! I would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year, I hope it will be a great 2009 for you. I did not realize that it had been so long since I had updated the blog. For those of you who are still looking at it, (I really don't know if anyone is or not, as you might have given up on me), I am sorry for the delay. It has been a little busy around here, as I'm sure everyone's life has been hectic during the holidays. Let's get to Mary. She still is working very hard at her rehab. She is going about 3 to 4 times a week. She seems to get a little stronger each day. She is really doing alot better at walking. She actually very seldom uses her cane around the house. She is getting very good at going up and down stairs. She goes one foot at a time now, not putting both feet on one stair. (if that makes sense). Her strength on her left side is still getting better also. She is practicing her typing skills. That is frustrating to Mary, not being able to be as fast as she used to be. It will come in time. She has to be patient. Easy for me to say though. We go back down to St. Louis for an appointment with the neuro-optimologist to check her vision. They think she may have some problems with some of her vision. We also go back down on the 23rd to check one more time with her surgeon on the date of when she can get the bone flap put back in her head. It should be good to go this time. If so, it will probably be scheduled about 2 weeks out from the 23rd. I will try and do better on keeping everyone up to date her progress. Just so everyone knows, Mary is comfortable at home, and loves to hear from her friends. Don't hesitate to call her on her cell phone or text her (217-440-7128). If you would like to come and visit, just give us a call. For those of you who have already been over, thank you for your support. It is so wonderful to have as many great friends as we do. Mary and I both appreciate your help, thoughts and prayers. Our family continues to be wonderful also. With help taking Mary to rehab when I have to work, it makes my mind rest a little easier that she is in great hands. Thanks to all, and I will be in touch.