A Final Note

In the last few months  I've thought that I should wrap up the blog with a final message.  Unfortunately, I have never been able to get that done.  These days since August 19th have been crazy ones.  No one can prepare for these types of emergencies. You can hope that a general preparation of house, family and funds will make the impact less harsh, but no one can truly be prepared for this kind of event.  I've found that a lot of my energy has been turned inward toward my family at this time.  For my friends and family, I hope you can understand. 
Chris' recovery continues with speech therapy (to help his cognitive function and endurance) twice a week.  He was released from both physical and occupational therapy as soon as he was evaluated outside the hospital.  He works on puzzles - suduko, word search, picture searches and even video games to improve his cognitive function.  He's borrowed Courtney's Nintendo DS to play the game "Brain Age" which will help him improve. 
He has not returned to work, nor has he gotten his Driver's License back.  These are both things that we are praying about, and they are both things that Chris looks forward to being able to do again.  I am so thankful to all of the companies with whom he works.  Their support and understanding are something I am surprised to see in this day and age, and I have prayed many times that God will bless their business.  Our family is truly thankful for these shining examples of business. 
This experience has taught me a lot.  Watching how different people respond to a crisis has taught me about how I want to respond in the future.  I want to thank my family, friends and Chris' family, friends and work associates for your support during this trying time.  Thank you can never be enough, but I hope you know how you've touched our lives forever. 
Thanks to everyone who has read this blog.  It truly made it easier for me to function by having a place to disseminate information. 
Finally, although it is not in favor these days, I wish all of you a Merry Christmas.  Jesus has made such a difference in our family, I am thrilled to celebrate his birth. 

Update - Finally!

Finally we have some news to report.  The last two weeks have been filled with appointments for therapy.  We're driving about 45 minutes per direction for a 45 minute therapy session.  That is frustrating, but we're getting it done.  Last week Chris went in for an occupational therapy evaluation and was discharged.  The therapist couldn't find any area where he needed work.  The physical therapy evaluation was yesterday and he will be going mostly to have his workouts supervised.  They didn't find anything major there either to address. 
So, the speech therapy (which is really cognitive exercises and problem solving) is still going to be twice a week.  We also saw the rehab doctor today and he seemed impressed with Chris physical progress.  We don't have to see him again for about 6 weeks.  The best news he gave Chris is that he can resume playing his sax.  I know this will help him a lot.
What this means for us is that Chris is continuing to work on his cognitive information processing and memory skills.  He is getting in the office for about an hour or so a day with me helping him forward emails and phone messages.  We've been dealing with so many things at such a fast rate that we're trying to get a routine down, but we're finding it hard.  The kids are out of school for the next two weeks for Fall break which takes some pressure off of me, but throws our routine out the window.  We'll figure it out.

Update 9/16

There's not a lot to update right now.  It seems that most therapy places are two weeks out for appointments, so we are mainly waiting to get in to physical and occupational therapy.  Chris continues to improve daily, and is looking and sounding more like himself every day.  It's amazing what a few good night's sleep in your own bed will do!
In the coming weeks I will be juggling therapy appointments, kids and doctor appointments.  Prayer for strength and grace would be good right about now.  I'll be updating as is warranted.  Thank to all for your thoughts and prayers.

Update 9/14

First, let me wish both my brother Matt, and my sister-in-law Bertha a Happy Birthday!  We've totally missed it this year with everything going on with us.  I hope you both know we love you and wish for you a blessed next year!
Today we had two appointments and I tried to schedule therapy for Chris.  It was not the most successful day.  It seems that the therapy centers are understaffed, and it is difficult to schedule his appointments.  We are still working out the details and it may be a few weeks before he can be seen. 
Chris is doing well, there aren't a lot of physical signs of the trauma his body has been through.  Tiredness seems to be the biggest one.  He tires more easily than before and is resting a lot.  It's a two-edged sword that he doesn't "look unwell".  The casual observer may not understand why he's resting more, or doesn't answer quite as quickly.  Believe me, I will take this "problem" over what could have been.  But, I know sometimes it is hard for Chris to slow down and take it easy because he "seems so normal". 
We've heard from Tyler a couple of times, and while I can tell he's nervous, he seems to be having a great time.  They have a "week of welcome" featuring lots of activities and Tyler commented that it seemed like camp.  I'm sure that will fade away next week when classes start. 

A Bittersweet Day

Today was a bittersweet day for us as Tyler left this morning with my mom, Nicholas and Courtney heading for San Luis Obispo.  It's still kinda surreal to think that he won't be coming home on Sunday night.  We've prepared him the best we could, now we get to watch him make his way.  It's very quiet in our house, a state this house hasn't seen since it was built.  Chris and I took it easy most of the day, with one quick trip out to run an errand. 
A friend brought the most delicious soup for our dinner, and then we played a little golf and bowling on the Wii.  Chris is content now watching the Giants and Dodgers.
We have two doctors appointments on Monday, so I won't be posting anything else this weekend.  It's been a rough 3 weeks for me, and I'm going to take a little break until we have more information.  Thanks to all of you who continue to send your good wishes.  Until Monday~

The best day!

Today was the best day because Chris came home from the hospital.  I picked him up this morning, and he had a great day.  He's a little tired, and who wouldn't be after all he's been through.  Nicholas was so excited to see him, well, we all were excited. 
In honor of his homecoming and in celebration of Tyler heading off to college, I cooked a homemade Mexican dinner.  Well, our version anyway.  Homemade tortillas, carne asada, beans, rice, pico de gallo, and guacamole.  It was a feast.  We love cooking this meal. 
So, tomorrow they head out for Cal Poly, and Chris and I will enjoy a RARE weekend home alone.  It will be nice for him to settle in with the house empty and then have Nicholas and Courtney  back on Sunday. 
I am always overwhelmed with gratitude when I think of those of you who read this.  You've sent cards, emails, phone messages and just personal messages of support and they truly mean so much to us.  Don't underestimate what those small gestures mean to us.  On the days when I'm just too tired, or everything seems to be going wrong, it's your prayers and support that give me strength and courage to keep going.  Thank you to all of you!

Tomorrow- the day I've been waiting for

When I walked into Chris' room today, I saw two small plates with foil covering them.  Inside were cookies.  I thought someone must have stopped by and left some treats.  A moment later, Chris returned to his room and said, "Did you see the cookies I made?"  I was quite surprised that the plates of cookies were made by Chris in his occupational therapy.  They were tasty too!  Now I know I can get out of baking cookies because Chris can do it. 
They really packed in the therapy today, I guess they wanted to get their last licks in before he comes home. 
Yipee!!  Chris will be coming home tomorrow.  I'll hopefully have him home by lunchtime.  I know he is a little nervous and a lot excited and relieved to be home.  Once we get Tyler off to school, we will focus on the rest of Chris' recovery. 

How we ended up with a Wii

I enjoy video games with the best of them.  My kids think it is hysterical that I like the games as much as they do.  We play Rock Band regularly as a family and my daughter and I love to karaoke.  We have already have a Playstation, and we were quite content with that.  A lot of our friends have the Wii, but we couldn't see starting over with a new gaming system. 
However, last week, Chris informed me that part of his therapy was playing the games on the Wii and the Wii Fit  He said it helped a lot with his balance and hand/eye coordination.  He insisted that we get it.  So, despite all my past reservations, I bought a Wii.  When I went to Walmart to get it, I told the cashier about the hospital using it.  She replied that her father has used it for rehab at the VA hospital as well.  So at least I knew Chris wasn't pulling one over on me. 
He is looking forward to continuing his rehab on the Wii at home, and the kids are sure glad that santa came in September this year. 

Update 9/08

Today started out extremely well for Chris.  His nurse removed the staples he had from the surgery.  I must say that the incision is healing well and his hair is growing back nicely.  The fun continued as the occupatonal therapist took Chris (via taxi) to a nearby Safeway.  He was given a list of items to shop for, and filled his basket.  It was a nice diversion for him.  There has also been lots of talk of Thursday, which is discharge day.  It seems like I will need to keep track of his blood pressure for a few weeks, as his has been fluctuating.
Although it is obvious that Chris has lost weight, he looks good, feels good and seems to be doing well with the therapy.  We will continue therapy on an outpatient basis after he returns home.  His prognosis is great, it will just take time. 
Meanwhile, Tyler's departure date is speedily approaching.  He has begun couting down the lasts.  Tonight is his last night of working in Brentwood.  He has a job waiting for him in San Luis Obispo, but won't start for a couple of weeks.  Chris has resigned himself to the fact that he can't take Tyler down there himself, and has now focused on the fact that we get the weekend alone.  I'm glad he's able to see the bright side, no matter how painful it is. 
Please continue to keep us in your prayers.  Although Chris looks well, and on the surface seems well, there are still some underlying issues that only time can heal. 
As usual, I continue to be awed by the generosity of our friends.  Thank you to all of you! 

Update 9/07

Today, due to other things going on at home, we saw Chris this evening.  The kids went with me again since it was Labor Day.  Again, he  so glad to see them. 
He is now petitioning all the nurses, and therapy staff to let him out early Their staff meeting is tomorrow.  At this meeting they will discuss Chris' progress and prognosis/discharge date.  I'm praying that he will come home Wednesday. 
 It's been a long weekend so my post is short. 

Update 9/06

We had a great weekend visiting Chris.  I know he loves visits from me, but seeing the kids made his spirits soar.  He continues to look better and better.  Saturday he took a walk outside the hospital with the PT.  He hasn't been outside much in the last two and a half weeks.  His appetite is picking up, and he has started begging for "normal" food.  The kids laughed because he was in awe of a homemade chili dog we brought him on Saturday.  I've seen his meals, and I'm sure the hospital tries, but they just aren't appetizing. 
Also, on Sunday he got his first shower.  That made him feel 100% better.  Today he started talking about trying to get the doctor to let him out earlier than Thursday.  I'm not sure what their criteria is for release, but they will review his case on Tuesday and make a decision then.  We are praying that he is well enough to come home as soon as possible.  If that is before Thursday, praise God! 
I've been working off and on during the weekend to get the house ready for Chris' homecoming.  I've reorganized and decluttered his office, and have decluttered throughout the house.  I'm hoping that a decluttered house/office will help him relax and rest and heal more quickly. 

Update 9/04

Today was good.  I met with both the occupational and physical therapists to discuss what I can do at home to help support Chris.  For all of you who know Chris well, you will know that the biggest thing I can do is get him to slow down.  One of the things I love most about my husband is his drive, but at this time it can get him into trouble.  He has always been someone who takes great pride in attention to detail, and a strong work ethic.  For the next little while he will be learning how to pace himself and pay attention to his health.  Chris had so many years free from symptoms of his heart condition that I think we both got complacent.  This situation has taught us many lessons, including how fragile life is a any paricular moment.  It will serve as a wake-up call to us. 
It seems like he is on track to come home next Thursday.  I do have some home projects to work on while we wait for that day.  I know he is anxious to come home.  Please be aware that today the therapists reiterated that Chris needs plenty of rest, and he should not be overstimulated especially right when he gets home.  They have even asked me not to take him to church for a while so that he doesn't get overwhelmed.  So, please understand if we don't have visitors for a while.  We love our friends and family dearly and you have been so great to us.  We will love to visit with you when Chris gets his bearings.  Thank you for undersanding. 
p.s. Some of you have asked about sending things.  If you send cards to the house I will take them to him. 
1105 Europena Dr
Brentwood, CA 94513

Update 9/03

Tonight Chris looked really good. I took him a pizza from Rocco's and it was yummy!  He really enjoyed eating REAL food.  We had some great talks and watched the Giants game. 
As it has been for the past week, he is looking better every time I see him.  In fact, I think he's getting a little antsy to get "back to normal". 
Tomorrow I go in for the family training and will see first hand the challenges Chris has, and how to support him while recovering at home.  I know he is looking forward to coming home next Thursday. 
I know that when he gets home, I will be calling on some of you that have offered to help.  I thank you in advance for your support of our family during this time. 

Update 9/02

I didn't post anything last night because I knew I'd have a meeting today which would give me lots of information.  During Chris' assessments on Monday, it became apparent to them through a process of elimination that the event behind Chris' brain injury was a stroke.  It's a long explanation, but suffice it to say, the doctors explained it to my satisfaction. 
They have set Chris' release date for Sept. 10.  This will give him a day at home before Tyler leaves for college.  Unfortunately, it is not a trip that Chris can make.  It will be too much stimulation for his brain.  So, my mom will take Tyler along with Courtney and Nicholas down to San Luis Obispo for the weekend and they will move Tyler into the dorms.  Pray for all of us as this was not even close to what we wanted  for this occasion. 
Once home, Chris will still receive therapy, and they are asking us to limit his stimulation.  So, it may be a few weeks before he is able to have visitors.  Right now his endurance is still not up to where he used to be, so he's having to rest frequently. 
Although nothing of this situation is anything that we are happy with, we can't help but see how much worse it could have been.  I am so thankful to God that He kept Chris and Ken safe that day as Chris continued on his calls and even took Ken to the airport.  I am so thankful that his symptoms aren't worse.  This will be a process, and all of you who have offered help will probably be getting a call after Chris comes home.  Thank you to all of you who continue to send well wishes and prayers.  I pass each of them along to Chris.  We are truly blessed!

Update 8/31

Tonight Chris was looking well when I went to visit him.  He had been to several different therapy sessions today, but did not look tired.  I am glad he is busy now during the day, I am hopeful that this will help him sleep at night. 
  Tomorrow the doctors/therapists will meet to discuss his case and set a discharge date and other goals for his rehab.  I hope to know by Wednesday what those goals are. 
I am encouraged that each time I see Chris he is looking better and better.  We had some really great conversations tonight which helped me see great progress.   Thank all of you for your prayers. 

Update 8/30

I took the kids to see Chris today after church, and he is looking better than even yesterday.  I can tell his body is recovering slowly.  He stills tires easily, and he needs lots of rest.  However, he is asking about different projects at work, and scores to football/baseball games, so I know he is getting back to my normal Chris.  He told me the nurse had been walking him down the hallway today, and he had a physical therapy session at 4 this afternoon.  Tomorrow he starts early. 
To all of you who have asked if he can have visitors: He can not have visitors other than family at this time.  I am grateful to so many of you who have asked, and will let you know when they change that policy.
 Thanks again to all of you who have offered help.  Please know that I am truly blessed by you who are offerring help, even if I never have a chance to ask you for something specific.  Just knowing that there are people who know of the circumstance, and have offered to help gives me a peace of mind.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Update 8/29

Today was a good day.  I saw Chris twice- in the morning and evening.  He is looking better and better each time I see him.  He was moved to the rehab unit today, and will have intensive therapy for the time being.  He is off all monitors and is able to wear street clothes.  He's thrilled to be rid of the gown!  Monday will be a day of assessments, and a plan will be formed from there.  Thanks to all of you for your calls, emails and prayers. 

Update 8/28

I went to see Chris this morning, and he is looking well.  They finally got him out of bed after six days, and he was happy to be sitting in a chair.  He looks really tired, and I can't blame him after what he's been through this past week. 
It looks like they will be scheduling various therapies such as occupational, physical and such to help get him back on his feet.  I haven't spoken to the doctor yet, I'm hoping to get in touch with him today. 
Thank you all so much for your support and prayers.  Although it looks like the worst case scenario has not come to pass, he will still have some recovery ahead and your support and prayers mean a lot.  Thank you.

The Day I've Been Waiting For

The day I've been waiting for is here.  The doctor called this afternoon and let me know that there is no tumor in Chris' head, it seems to be blood and inflammation.  Because Chris  could not say if he hit his head or not, they are still a bit puzzled.  They are proceeding as if  this is a consequence of the fall.  He was also moved from ICU to a private room. 
I am just so relieved!  Honestly, yesterday was a pretty low day for me.  Chris wasn't looking very well.  Tonight when I went he seemed a lot more like himself, he just looks tired.  I know that this is not the end.  They have to get him up and moving and make sure things are good. 
I believe in the power of prayer.  I thank God for this miracle.

Wednesday update

Today I went to the hospital around mid-morning. He was alert, and doing well. He still has a breathing tube, and is sedated. But by afternoon, he could communicate that he did not like the tube and wanted it out. They are going to try to remove it tomorrow. The neurologist on rounds today confirmed that the biopsy went well, and we're just waiting now.
I learned a lesson today about expectations. They can cause a lot of hurt and pain. The nurses idea of Chris doing well and my idea were two totally different ideas. At one point I thought, how can she even say that. Then I realized she's seen it all as an ICU nurse, and I should take her at her word that he is doing well.
I can't find the words to tell all of you how much I appreciate you. The kind emails and offers of support have humbled me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

How did we get here?

Hi there. My family has been blessed with so many friends, colleagues and family that I wanted a central place to disperse information. I don't want to leave anyone out, and this seemed like the best solution. This does not mean I no longer want emails or phone calls, I'm just having a hard time retelling things all the time. I hope you understand.
Let me start at the beginning. Last Wednesday, while on a sales call, Chris fell. This is how he recounted the story to me. They were walking up a lot of stairs and he was sweating, and slightly winded. When they got to where they were going, he sat in a chair with a fan blowing on him. He remembers feeling a little clammy, then realized he was falling off the chair. Medics from the company were called and they checked him out and released him. When he came home, he had a headache. This continued for two more days before I was able to convince him to go get it checked out.
While at Sutter Delta hospital, Chris had a CT scan which showed something abnormal. They then did a dye contrasting CT which did not clarify the problem all that much. Chris cannot have MRI because of his pacemaker, so the doctors decided to transfer him to John Muir where there is a Neurologist on staff. The doctor at John Muir agreed that whatever was going on in his head needed to be looked at, and expressed that the situation is made more difficult because he cannot have MRI. His feeling was that a biopsy was the best starting point.
The biopsy was done yesterday and the doctor said that it went very well. The results from the lab will take 2-3 days. Chris is doing well physically, and neurologically after the procedure and is resting the best he can.
Right now he is in ICU and is on the brain injury protocol which means no TV or radio, no telephone. He's not thrilled with that at all. On Sunday he complained that no one would tell him the score to the Giant's game. They just want to limit his brain stimulation right now.
I want to thank everyone who has sent their well-wishes and let me know that you are praying. Our hope is not in a hospital, doctor or medical procedure. Our hope is in God. God has already answered so many prayers. Please continue to pray for not just Chris, but also the kids and me. They are holding up well. Nicholas barely seems to notice that his dad is gone. I see the concern on Courtney and Tyler's faces, and I try to reassure them.
I have always known that my husband was admired and well thought of in each area of his life. Thank you to those of you who have confirmed that through your emails.
My hope is to post updates daily. If you know someone who would be interested, please pass this along.