Laurence has a bladder infection and has been in intense pain the past few days. You would never know it by looking at him. He is always pleasant and is so gracious with his therapists and nurses.
Neither of us ever imagined this outcome when Laurence entered the hospital 68 days ago. His determination and resilience are inspiring. Your prayers keep us going. Thank you so much.
Hugs.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Good Reports
Good reports from our weekly visit with the OHSU transplant doctor and with the rehab doctor yesterday. The rehab therapists are pleased with Laurence's progress.
I am very grateful for your prayers and good thoughts.
Blessings.
I am very grateful for your prayers and good thoughts.
Blessings.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
In The Moment
It was a tough weekend. Although Laurence has many successes each day, he has a mountain of challenges that face him. One effect of the stroke is that his brain hasn't caught up with the reality of his circumstances. He lives only in the moment and rejoices each new accomplishment.
I think it may be the way God intended for us to live. I've never been more aware of the courage and depth of faith that it takes.
Laurence's Wisdom of the Day: This is not a race to be won.
Blessings.
I think it may be the way God intended for us to live. I've never been more aware of the courage and depth of faith that it takes.
Laurence's Wisdom of the Day: This is not a race to be won.
Blessings.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Unplugged
Laurence is unplugged! His feeding tube was removed today. Praise God. He is relearning to use utensils and I am learning the art of eating very very very slowly. It is a joy to help him eat and he is so appreciative of food.
His nurse commented today that usually she sees progress in a patient once a week. Laurence has a new skill every day.
We give all glory to God for the daily blessings. Thanks for your partnership and love.
Hugs.
His nurse commented today that usually she sees progress in a patient once a week. Laurence has a new skill every day.
We give all glory to God for the daily blessings. Thanks for your partnership and love.
Hugs.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Good Reports
Laurence and I went to OHSU yesterday to see the transplant doctor. Dr G was pleased to see Laurence's improvement. Laurence will have a bone marrow biopsy in a couple of weeks to further evaluate the transplant.
Every Tuesday is a conference at RIO with the doctors and all therapists giving their reports on Laurence's progress. Although it is too early to establish a timeline, they were each encouraged with Laurence's progress.
Laurence and I say a prayer before I leave and it is wonderful to hear him pray again. His words are clear and strong.
"Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Mark 11:24 Thank you for your gracious prayers and love.
Every Tuesday is a conference at RIO with the doctors and all therapists giving their reports on Laurence's progress. Although it is too early to establish a timeline, they were each encouraged with Laurence's progress.
Laurence and I say a prayer before I leave and it is wonderful to hear him pray again. His words are clear and strong.
"Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Mark 11:24 Thank you for your gracious prayers and love.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Determination
Days are very full with therapy. Speech therapists are working on getting Laurence to swallow so he can eat and get the feeding tube taken out. Made some good progress today.
Laurence is so determined! He's starting to become aware of how much he needs to relearn and has moments of feeling overwhelmed. But he is a fighter. Every time a therapist asks if he wants to stop he says no and keeps going.
I tell him every day how many people are praying for us. We send you prayers of thanksgiving and love. We are both very grateful.
XOXOXOXXO
Laurence is so determined! He's starting to become aware of how much he needs to relearn and has moments of feeling overwhelmed. But he is a fighter. Every time a therapist asks if he wants to stop he says no and keeps going.
I tell him every day how many people are praying for us. We send you prayers of thanksgiving and love. We are both very grateful.
XOXOXOXXO
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Giving Thanks
Today was very peaceful compared to the hectic day yesterday. Laurence was out of bed and in a wheelchair for about three hours today. His nurse took him on a tour of the rehab area and he used the arm cycle machine. Praise God!
His therapy schedule is intense. He is definitely worn out by the end of the day. Still dealing with a low grade infection.
I had a chance to soak in the beauty of the peaceful meditation garden on the hospital grounds this afternoon and and give thanks for all our blessings and for all of you. Thank you so much.
Blessings.
His therapy schedule is intense. He is definitely worn out by the end of the day. Still dealing with a low grade infection.
I had a chance to soak in the beauty of the peaceful meditation garden on the hospital grounds this afternoon and and give thanks for all our blessings and for all of you. Thank you so much.
Blessings.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Moving Day
The move over to RIO went smoothly. The new therapists visited him anxious to evaluate and get a plan ready. I'm exhausted... I can only imagine how tired Laurence is from the changes.
Your prayers are very welcome for peaceful rest and renewed energy.
Hugs.
Your prayers are very welcome for peaceful rest and renewed energy.
Hugs.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Accepted!
Insurance approved, doctors agreed and Laurence will be transferred tomorrow to RIO-- the Rehabilitation Institute of Oregon located at Good Samaritan Hospital. Praise God!!
His therapists were thrilled with his progress today. He sat up longer and his muscles are getting stronger. His therapists are confident that he will see even more progress with RIO's intense therapy program of three hours a day.
Laurence is still within his first 100 days of transplant so care must be taken to prevent infection. Laurence will have to go back to OHSU if there is any related transplant problems.
I am in deep gratitude for your persistent prayers, love and support. I know every good word is returned to you multiplied! "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him and have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
Blessings.
His therapists were thrilled with his progress today. He sat up longer and his muscles are getting stronger. His therapists are confident that he will see even more progress with RIO's intense therapy program of three hours a day.
Laurence is still within his first 100 days of transplant so care must be taken to prevent infection. Laurence will have to go back to OHSU if there is any related transplant problems.
I am in deep gratitude for your persistent prayers, love and support. I know every good word is returned to you multiplied! "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him and have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
Blessings.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Catching Up
Acute rehab sent their representative to evaluate Laurence today. Waiting to hear their decision and also hear from the insurance company.
Laurence told me "I just want you to know that I am catching up." I know he is working hard.
Your prayers are priceless and deeply appreciated.
Laurence told me "I just want you to know that I am catching up." I know he is working hard.
Your prayers are priceless and deeply appreciated.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Next Steps
Laurence was restless today. I think he was missing his physical therapy session.
The next step in Laurence's progress is to move to rehab facility. I have been checking out different facilities nearby the past few days. I am hopeful that his doctors will recommend acute rehab which is about 3 to 4 hours of therapy a day.
Moving to rehab means leaving the 14th floor at OHSU. He's been there 47 days! Although I am very grateful for his progress, it's hard to imagine being somewhere else. The care there is exceptional. Thank you for your generous treats for the staff. They are amazing individuals.
My prayer is knowing that the next stage of Laurence's care is as professional, supportive and exceptional as the care he has been receiving. Thanks for your partnership and love.
The next step in Laurence's progress is to move to rehab facility. I have been checking out different facilities nearby the past few days. I am hopeful that his doctors will recommend acute rehab which is about 3 to 4 hours of therapy a day.
Moving to rehab means leaving the 14th floor at OHSU. He's been there 47 days! Although I am very grateful for his progress, it's hard to imagine being somewhere else. The care there is exceptional. Thank you for your generous treats for the staff. They are amazing individuals.
My prayer is knowing that the next stage of Laurence's care is as professional, supportive and exceptional as the care he has been receiving. Thanks for your partnership and love.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
One Day at a Time
Laurence has been working this week with physical therapy as well as occupational and speech therapy and is making slow but steady progress.
He had some intense pain from a bladder infection yesterday and is being treated for it and is more comfortable.
Some days can be overwhelming with all the challenges facing us. But I know faith and prayer get us through one day at a time. Thanks so much.
Hugs.
He had some intense pain from a bladder infection yesterday and is being treated for it and is more comfortable.
Some days can be overwhelming with all the challenges facing us. But I know faith and prayer get us through one day at a time. Thanks so much.
Hugs.
Monday, July 5, 2010
More Blessings
After a very sleepy weekend, Laurence was very awake and alert today. His voice was strong and clear. He worked with his occupational therapist for a while.
There are several rosaries hanging on his IV pole as well as a beautiful medal Tom and Heidi Hill brought back from the Seattle marathon. Today his nurse told me that he finished the last of his IV meds. Another amazing blessing. Praise God!
Loraine is back in Sacramento and our friend Dave heads back to Reno tomorrow. Having them both here has been so supportive and healing for me in so many ways and I know Laurence was lifted by their loving energy in the room.
The response from the staff to your generous treats is awesome to watch. They feel appreciated and Laurence is lovingly cared for.
Thank you for your continued love, support, generosity and prayers. I am grateful for God's gracious blessings.
XOXOXOXOXOXOX
There are several rosaries hanging on his IV pole as well as a beautiful medal Tom and Heidi Hill brought back from the Seattle marathon. Today his nurse told me that he finished the last of his IV meds. Another amazing blessing. Praise God!
Loraine is back in Sacramento and our friend Dave heads back to Reno tomorrow. Having them both here has been so supportive and healing for me in so many ways and I know Laurence was lifted by their loving energy in the room.
The response from the staff to your generous treats is awesome to watch. They feel appreciated and Laurence is lovingly cared for.
Thank you for your continued love, support, generosity and prayers. I am grateful for God's gracious blessings.
XOXOXOXOXOXOX
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Grace
A week ago Jason, Melinda, Daniel and I were devastated as the doctors told us of Laurence's failing health and suggested that we honor his last wishes. It was truly our darkest hour.
Prayer, patience and faith proved the test results to be in error and Laurence is improving each day. He replies to questions, says I love you and he hears everything. Today he winked at me and smiled. Praise God!
Even though the doctors are frustrated in not knowing exactly what happened after the transplant, they do know that Laurence suffered a stroke. It wasn't the best news to hear. But here is our report so far: the diagnosis of a fatal brain infection was reversed, the incurable blood disorder is on the mend and his weakened heart grows stronger each day. We could deal with this. Laurence is a fighter and we agreed to fight with him.
He continues to improve each day and is responding well to physical therapy. The cardiologist said he is not sure what happened but was happy to take credit for Laurence's improvement. I just smiled. There is no question in my mind that his recovery is due to your amazing partnership and prayer and God's extraordinary grace. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to is purpose." Romans 8:28
With gratitude.
Prayer, patience and faith proved the test results to be in error and Laurence is improving each day. He replies to questions, says I love you and he hears everything. Today he winked at me and smiled. Praise God!
Even though the doctors are frustrated in not knowing exactly what happened after the transplant, they do know that Laurence suffered a stroke. It wasn't the best news to hear. But here is our report so far: the diagnosis of a fatal brain infection was reversed, the incurable blood disorder is on the mend and his weakened heart grows stronger each day. We could deal with this. Laurence is a fighter and we agreed to fight with him.
He continues to improve each day and is responding well to physical therapy. The cardiologist said he is not sure what happened but was happy to take credit for Laurence's improvement. I just smiled. There is no question in my mind that his recovery is due to your amazing partnership and prayer and God's extraordinary grace. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to is purpose." Romans 8:28
With gratitude.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Grateful
Long day and a busy one. I am so grateful for homemade enchiladas, freshly baked cookies, relaxing bubble bath, delicious sandwich lovingly delivered, abundant hugs, caring phone calls, supportive emails, awesome prayers, amazing friends, precious words, loving family, daily miracles and God's extraordinary blessings.
Hugs.
Hugs.
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