Dean's News

2010-05-04T06:13:00.000-07:00

Good morning! We know that some of you still check this site so I would like to update the Damon family news. Today is the one year anniversary of Dean's death. Our family has taken the past year to grieve...though that doesn't mean we won't continue to do that.

This month Haverly completes her graduate degree at Roosevelt University. Bill, Frazier and I will be there with the biggest smiles on our faces. She plans to stay in Chicago for a while longer. She has a great job, lives in a wonderful area near Wrigley Field, and has many friends nearby. On June 5, Frazier marries Cassi Burns at the Denver Botanical Gardens. We're using Bill's condo as the bridal dressing stage...that should be a ball.

Wyatt and Owen ask to go past Grandpa's house then go for ice cream at Lik's. Dean used to take them there whenever they came to visit. I asked them what Grandpa's favorite flavor was and they remembered "Lemon."

Bill has been a good sport about all the family outings we do. He's going to Nashville with me and Haverly to celebrate our niece Tasha's wedding. Then to Chicago for Have's graduation and then all the wedding hoopla. The condo is beautiful. He continues to add those details that upgrade it - like moldings and tiles and shelves and a fireplace in the family room.

The fund at University of Colorado Hospital, in Dean's name, has reached almost $7,000. We are astounded! Your generosity is unbelievable. The fund at BCAP has also shown your generosity. From all of us, thank you!

We plan on remembering Dean at dinner tonight. We hope you do to. Linda

Don't know if anyone is still checking here

2010-03-27T12:29:00.000-07:00

But today would have been Dad's 66th birthday. It's hard to believe that it's been a year since you all so graciously participated in celebrating the big 65! I went to class today, 6 weeks until graduation! Frazier spent the day with Cassi, Wyatt and Owen. My mom is in Amarillo visiting her dad, Grandpa Joe, her sister Kathy, brother-in-law Dane and nephew Norman. Everyone is preparing for our cousin Tasha's wedding in Nashville at the beginning of May and we're excited to have yet another reason to celebrate. Bill is in Palm Springs, enjoying the warmth and the sun.

Not a day goes by that any of us don't think of and miss my Dad, but we're constantly reminded of how many people loved him and that helps us remember the good times.

So, Happy Birthday Dean! We love you and we miss you!

--Haverly

Thank you

2009-08-05T18:24:00.000-07:00

The generosity shown by Dad's friends, by our friends and family has been outstanding. The thousands of dollars that have poured into the memorial fund at the University of Colorado hospital have astounded not only us, but the staff at the hospital as well. They noted that the donation amount is significantly higher than usual. We also know that the donations to BCAP have exceeded any of our expectations. It is a testament to your love for Dean and it is important for you to know that we are forever grateful. The number of people that these donations will help should make everyone proud.

It's been three months now and we are all doing our best to move forward. Bill has moved into the condo, Linda's school year has started, Wyatt has done a triathlon and he and Owen will start school soon, Frazier and Cassi are beginning wedding planning in earnest and I'm studying for the Series 7 and will start school again at the end of August. Wyatt, Owen, Mom and I (next week!) have all celebrated birthdays and we have celebrated those with Dean/Dad/Grandpa in our hearts. Dad's celebration of life on May 30th was a huge success and a great party - just as he wanted.

Again, we thank you for your love, support, prayers and kind thoughts during this difficult year.

Haverly, Bill, Linda, Frazier, Cassi, Wyatt & Owen

2009-05-31T07:44:00.000-07:00

Family Update

2009-05-15T06:36:00.000-07:00

Thank you for all the wonderful cards and well-wishes that have come our way. So many have asked if we are taking care of ourselves so I want to do a quick update. Bill is busy overseeing the details of the Dean memorial kitchen he is installing in the new condo. It is the fourth professional kitchen he has done for Dean and it is beautiful! Haverly returned to work and school to finish the spring semester. She'll return to summer school the Tuesday after Dean's memorial party. Frazier and Cassi are at work again and helping Wyatt and Owen deal with the realization that they won't see their Grandpa Dean again. I'm back at work and teaching my university courses. Today, my quilting friends are whisking me off to quilt camp - three days of sewing, Jane Austen movies, and plenty of napping.

If you are able to attend the Celebration of Life, we are so excited to see old and new friends. If you are not able to attend, I am going to use my new technology skills to post on the blog small video vignettes. That way you can be there too . Linda

A Celebration of Life

2009-05-11T19:31:00.000-07:00

Dearest Family and Friends:

You are cordially invited to a Celebration of Life honoring Dean Frazier Damon.

The Celebration is:

May 30, 2009

2-5 PM

Four Mile Historic Park

715 S. Forest Street

http://www.fourmilepark.org/

Dean did not want a memorial; he wanted his loved ones to party and keep connecting with each other. Remember how he was always introducing you to someone else? This will be a time for you to enjoy light refreshments and share your favorite stories of Dean with others whom you don't already know. And we will fill the air with laughter!

The Four Mile Historic Park is located near Glendale, Colorado. From Colorado Boulevard, go east on Cherry Creek South Drive to Cherry Street. Take a left on Cherry (over the Cherry Creek) to Exposition. Turn right on Exposition, go two blocks to the parking lot for Four Mile Historic Park.

Please RSVP your attendance by commenting to this blog or by emailing haverly.damon@gmail.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family has selected two organizations for memorial gifts:

Dean was very supportive of the work of the Boulder County AIDS Project. Donations may be sent to:

BCAP

2118 14th Street

Boulder, CO 80302.

The second organization is one that we, as a family, have created. During our four months at Dean's side, we became very aware of how blessed we are. Not only did we have each other, and you, for support, but we also had the monetary resources to provide ourselves with nourishment and lodging. Therefore, we have established The Dean F. Damon Memorial Fund. The fund will be used for meals for families in need with patients in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit at the University of Colorado Hospital.

Donations to the memorial fund can be made by mail or online. Please mail a check to:

University of Colorado Hospital

P.O. Box 6245

Aurora, CO 80045

Please write "In memory of Dean F. Damon" in the memo line of the check.

Online donations may be made at the website below:

https://www.uch.edu/about/ways-to-give/donate-now/donate-online.aspx

Directions: Click on Gift Designation- choose the “other” fund in the drop down box. Type Dean F. Damon Memorial Fund. Choose "Gift Type" and check "In Memory." Type in "Dean F. Damon" and any comments. Complete the rest of form and submit.

We remember Dean as a loving, caring person who was always giving of himself. Now it's our turn to give of ourselves. Please join us on May 30th.

Bill, Linda, Frazier, Cassi, Haverly, Wyatt, and Owen.

2009-05-07T17:31:00.000-07:00

Hi All,

We have selected a date and time and wanted to get that information to you so that you can mark your calendars.

Saturday, May 30 from 2pm-5pm in Denver.

We will be finalizing the location and will post details as that is done but for now, at least you know the date and time.

To those of you who might not be able to make this date, we're very sorry and hope you will understand that we were trying to find a date that worked for as many people as possible.

We will be sharing information about two causes we have selected to help us honor Dad. We hope that if you can't join us in person, you'll be able to help us honor him in this way. As we share the information with you, I think you will all see how much both of these have meant to Dad and to us.

Lots of love,
Haverly

Checking in

2009-05-06T09:14:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

First off we wanted to say thank you for all of the comments, emails and messages we've received. We've really enjoyed reading them and sharing your fond remembrances of Dad.

I wanted to reassure everyone that while we are working on a party to honor Dad's memory, it won't be this weekend and won't be for a few weeks. We're sorting out details now and as soon as we have a date to share we will post it followed by the necessary details. We're also going to ask for your help in RSVP'ing as we are thinking there might be a large crowd and we want to make sure we've got enough space!

So keep a look out here on the blog and as you speak to people who may not read the blog all that regularly, please help us keep them informed.

For now we are resting, recuperating and remembering.

Lots of love and thanks to you all,

Haverly

A Fond Farewell...

2009-05-04T22:53:00.001-07:00

Hello friends and family,

Please join myself, Bill, Linda, Haverly and Cassi as we say goodbye to my father.

Dean Frazier Damon, born March 27th, 1944, passed peacefully today, May 4th, 2009. Dad has been resting quietly since being taken off life support on Thursday afternoon. Stubborn as he was, he continued to breathe unaided until just before midnight late Monday night.

I know this comes as a shock to everyone but please feel comfort in the knowledge that dad's own wishes were to not be kept on life support if he were not expected to recover. The doctors felt that recovery was no longer possible given his continued decline.

Dad was not awake during these last few days, receiving a large dose of pain medication. He was relaxed during this time, more so than his family had seen him in almost four months.

Dad was never alone during the last four days either. Always at his side were Bill, mom or I, daughter Haverly, and my beautiful fiance', Cassi.

No amount of words can describe the sadness that we all feel with dad's passing. But in addition to sadness, we also feel joy that dad is no longer in pain, no longer struggling for breath, no longer confined by his condition.

The love and support that all of you have expressed to my family, through emails, phone calls and posts on this site, truly is a testament to dad's legacy. Having touched so many lives, dad will continue to live on through all of us.

No formal arrangements for a service or memorial have been made at this time. We would like to invite you all to continue to check this blog in the days to come. Any plans for a gathering in dad's honor will be posted here, as well as spread through phone and email.

Thank you again for all the thoughts and prayers. Dad was truly surrounded by our love and attention throughout this journey.

In memory of my father who was truly a man of greatness. Dad, you will always be my hero.

Frazier

The Vigil Continues

2009-05-03T07:58:00.000-07:00

One of the benefits of our bedside vigil, according to Frazier, has been the opportunity to laugh and cry together. Frazier and I had been in the hospital for 3 straight days without grooming, showering, or changing clothes. Yesterday, Cassi brought FM clean clothes including socks. As we were sitting around the room, Fraz causally pulled off his shoes...the smell was horrendous. He had been wearing socks that wick - they could stand up by themselves.! Of course, we started laughing really hard as he tried to use creams and lotions, presribed for Dean, to cover the "stench." Bill was laughing so hard, but he had to leave the room.

Then we started reminiscing about how Dean would start laughing so hard...he would put his huge hand on his chest, fingers spread wide, and would laugh and laugh with tears rolling down his cheeks. After a while, whoever was with him would be laughing more at Dean's laugh than the original event. I know so many of you can picture that. As we talked about it, it made us laugh even harder and we remembered some of those times - in our kitchen, in a restaurant, in a movie. One of Frazier's middle school friends was at our house eating spagetti, when Dean started one of his laughing bouts. We were laughing so hard that Fra's friend threw up on his plate, right there in front of us.! Of course, that made Dean laugh harder. It took a long time for Dean to recover from that one, and that is one of our family's favorite stories that lives on.

It's Sunday morning and Dean's vitals are very low but he hangs on. Knowing Dean, when he thinks we are strong enough to transition to the next phases of our lives, he'll leave us, satisfied at the result of his work. Linda

Medical Conference Update

2009-05-02T08:58:00.000-07:00

I apologize for not writing after our Wednesday meeting with Dr. Zamora. The news was not encouraging or uplifting. The chronic wasting disease that Dean is experiencing is not reversing fast enough. His recovery chances are low. On Thursday we met with the Pallative Care Team. We want what is best for Dean. These are hard decisions being made by a family in one voice. Please pray for us.

Haverly has come home and we have spent the last two days at the hospital in a constant vigil.
We are so glad that last week was an opportunity for Dean's brothers to visit him. Haverly was here then and Frazier brought the boys to a family dinner.

Right now Dean is resting comfortably. He is breathing without the ventilator. Throughout all the medical drama, the lung continues to function well.

We will update you whenever there is any change. If you are anxious about Dean, rather than call, please send an email to damon.l@att.net. Linda

Another Medical Conference

2009-04-29T05:23:00.000-07:00

Bill and I will be meeting with Dean's doctor(s) today. We are very frustrated with Dean's condition. He is spending more and more time sedated and on pain killers. After our meeting I'll share the news.

Your emails have been wonderful. I share tidbits with Dean whenever he wakes up (Remember, when we had the opposite issue - not sleeping. As they say, be careful what you wish for!) Bill read them yesterday and commented how touching they are. I've made hard copies and will have them for Dean to read.

My next plan is phone calls. I am going to work out a schedule and will call you, or ask you to call me, when I am in the hospital. We will use the speaker phone and you and I and Bill will have a conversation to which Dean will listen. I've been doing this with Wyatt and Owen and Haverly and Frazier. That way we don't have to try and hold the phone to Dean's ear. More later. Linda

Sunday afternoon

2009-04-26T13:40:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

I'm sitting at the airport waiting to board my flight for Chicago so I thought I'd check in. Mom, Bill and I went to the hospital this morning to see Dad before joining Frazier for lunch in LoDo.

They gave Dad two x-rays on his stomach last night to try and figure out why it had stopped working the past few days. The stuff that they give prior to x-raying has a tendency to make things "move" again, so we were pleased to hear that his bowels had started moving again. They will hopefully be able to restart the tube feeding again soon.

They had changed the dressings on his wound (bedsore on his bum) so that had wiped him out along with the pain meds they'd given him. He looked like he was resting peacefully and to me his color looked good.

It seems like we are back to where we were last Sunday when we all rushed here after Saturday's scare. We can all only hope that we will start to see some progress, some real signs of Dad getting better and that he might start to be able to recognize that too. We're all very worried about his mental state and so hope that we can start to celebrate any positives with him.

It's hard to know what this week will bring, but we'll all have our fingers crossed for some positive news. Meanwhile, I got a free upgrade to first class for my flight home (like father like daughter right?) so I'll be drinking a toast to Dad (or three, four or five). So until the next update, thanks and take care!

Haverly

2009-04-24T16:31:00.001-07:00

I am at the hospital watching Dean sleep. Haverly, Bill, his brothers Walter and Gary, and his sisters-in-law Donna and Lori spent much of the day with him. He does wake up when the nurses come in to do their ministrations and Haverly says he did actively, and cooperatively, participate in physical therapy.

But, he won't be moving soon to the rehab hospital. Dean has developed some type of small intestine problem. Until that is resolved he probably won't leave ICU. John, his nurse today, is the one who told me he won't be going.

As you can imagine...it is such a let down. Walter and Donna will return to Dallas tomorrow and Haverly will return to Chicago on Sunday. They have experienced the ups and downs of just one week. Bill, Frazier, and I will hold down the fort.

I need for Haverly to get back to work and school. She is such a help, waiting on her dad - grooming him, talking to him, enduring his mood swings. But it is time for her to go.

Throughout all this, Bill has had some good experiences. On Monday he closed on the condiminium he and Dean purchased. Then on Tuesday he began tearing out the kitchen. He has designed a high end chef's kitchen for Dean that will allow him to cook to his heart's content. I got the tour last night...the view west to Mt. Evans, south to Colorado Springs, and north to Long's Peak is absolutely spectacular. Whenever we watch the Colorado sunsets, it really is purple...purple mountains majesty. I will add some video this weekend so that you too can see it.

As you know, whenever it snows, I stay with Dean and Bill. My new suite has a wonderful view; I probably will hope every snowy day is a Snow Day..no school. (My friend at work calls me a "princess". The care and love that Dean and Bill shower on me truly makes me feel that way.)

I am leaving the hospital now and will join Frazier, Cassi, Wyatt, Owen, Haverly, Bill, Gary and Walter and Donna for a family dinner before everyone takes off for other places. Take care, enjoy the weekend. Linda

Still Holding

2009-04-22T20:44:00.000-07:00

As Frazier said, we won't hold our breath until Dad is on his way to the rehab hospital. Unfortunately we are still waiting, so Dad remains in the ICU. His older brother Walter, my aunt Donna and cousin Will all arrived from Dallas today to see Dad and we could all tell he was very glad to see them along with my Uncle Gary, dad's younger brother. We are all here in the hopes that we can help raise Dad's spirits for the better.

Until tomorrow...

Haverly

In a holding pattern...

2009-04-21T13:49:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,

Hav and I have been sitting with dad for the last couple of days. I thought now would be a good time to post an update.

Dad has had a restful few days now. He seems to be calm since we all gathered on Sunday. Today his anxiety has acted up and we've had to cover the TV again and he's seeing things in the lights. We've been able to talk to him about his fears and have tried to convey to him that he's not going crazy, its just side effects from medications. He even made a joke about going nuts, so I think he understands some about what is happening.

The move to the rehab hospital is still on hold, apparently his case worker here went on vacation, which is causing a delay in the move. Its frustrating that other people's lives continue to move forward when we are waiting for little things like trading one hospital bed for another. We were told the move would happen today, but now we're being told tomorrow. I won't hold my breath until he's actually on the ambulance on his way across town.

So we are in a holding pattern. I've talked to dad some about the new hospital and he seemed excited about getting off the respirator. He has a new air mattress that is supposed to help his comfort but so far he doesn't seem to notice a difference.

As soon as he is on his way out the door, someone will post an update. Until next time, keep up the thoughts and prayers.

Frazier

A really hard post to write

2009-04-19T18:52:00.001-07:00

From Haverly

Hi everyone,

This is a hard blog to write, but you've been with us every step of the way so we want to make sure that you know what's going on. Bill says that when the doctors come looking for him he knows that is not a good sign and while it's rarely happened, on Saturday afternoon they came to seek him out.

Basically Dad's condition has deteriorated to a point that it was time for me to come home. Dad's nutritional state is very perilous, the bowel operation means that he is passing a ton of fluids and not absorbing the calories like they would like. They began the IV feeding on Saturday as my mom mentioned. The passing of so many fluids is also altering his blood chemistry which is making it very difficult for him to breathe. He is now on the vent full time but he fights it and gets very agitated. He was withdrawn, not interacting with the nurses, nervous when they came to do procedures to the point where they had to sedate him.

Bill called on Saturday night to let us know that we needed to come home. I flew in this morning and met Bill, my Uncle Gary and Aunt Lori and Frazier and Cassi at the hospital so that we could all meet with the doctors and figure out what the next steps are.

Today we arrived to find Dad more awake and alert than he has been, resting more comfortably, interacting with the nurses more and seeming much better than when Bill saw him on Saturday. I was able to clip his nails, comb his hair and even put some lotion on his hands. We all visited with him some. Then he really started to struggle and actually ended up vomiting, which has not happened in all the time he's been in the hospital. They had to clean him up and suction out his stomach and follow that up with a bronchoscopy to make sure that nothing had gone into his lungs. He was sleeping when we left and has continued to sleep since we have checked in. We don't know what caused him to vomit or if we will know.

So where does that leave us? Unfortunately it is really hard to know. He has to get out of the ICU, they cannot do anything more for him and he needs to be in a place where they know how to help him get better. We're hopeful they will move him this week, but again it is just so hard to tell. We are waiting for the phone call telling us that he is being moved.

We're at the point where we just don't know what tomorrow will bring. We all want to be so optimistic and are trying, but we also have to be realistic. His mental state is not good and we're just not sure how much more of this he can take. I know so many of you check this blog religiously and there is no good way to give bad news on a website but it is the easiest way to reach everyone so I will continue to post even when its the hardest thing to do.

We're still hoping and praying and know you are all doing the same. For that we are so grateful. So until the next up or down, we'll expect more of the same!

All the best

Haverly

2009-04-16T19:44:00.000-07:00

A major storm is heading to Denver, so I am at Bill's tonight. This blog message is a collaboration between the two of us. The good news is that Dean has reached a state of relaxation. He's not anxious or panting. Tonight he's resting and he has been sleeping better.

The first procedure Dean experienced today was a change in his pik line. He needs more ports because of the IV feeding. It was an easier procedure that only took about 20 minutes. Then he was back to his room. He didn't need sedation so that helps. He was asleep and very restful after that. His numbers - heartrate, oxygen, etc. were normal. Chris, his nurse believes he is catching up from the stress of the past few days.

The doctors are still pondering Dean's feeding issues. One of the lung transplant doctors said that the gastric problems are being caused by all the antibiotics he is taking. It's killing all the good bacteria in his body so his digestion is not working successfully.

Dean's native lung has hyperextended and is putting pressure on the heart and the transplant lung. This restricts the movement of the transplant lung. The doctors decreased the pressure inside both lungs so that the stress is off the heart and new lung. Dean has responded by sleeping peacefully.

They haven't started the IV feedings yet, but Dean is receiving more water. Bill is feeling a lot better this evening that Dean is resting so much more easily.

I leave for Washington, DC on Friday. While I am gone, Bill will probably ask Haverly to blog. Next week is a new set of letters for emails. I make hard copies of your messages and pictures so that Dean can hold them and read them in large font. I'm enjoying them just as much as I know Dean will. Have a great weekend, Linda and Bill.

A Few Steps Backwards

2009-04-15T19:46:00.000-07:00

Yesterday afternoon Dean became highly stressed and started his panting mode, causing a spike in his heart rate. In order to calm him down, he was given some type of medicine that Bill thinks is a sedative. Today, he wouldn't participate in physical therapy, was in pain, and became stressed again. So he received another sedative . Otherwise, he would have hyperventilated and passed out.

Apparently Dean's body is having difficulty digesting the nutrition supplement he is receiving through his feeding tube. Gas is building up in his stomach causing the distension and pain. The doctors have ordered that the feeding tube be removed. Dean will receive feeding through IVs.

The result is that Dean will not soon be having the surgery he needs...which means he won't be going to rehab soon. We are looking at several more weeks before he can be moved. This is distressing news for us...and a very distressing result for him. We'll keep you informed. Linda and Bill

A Brief Message

2009-04-14T20:35:00.000-07:00

Today, Dean sat in a chair for an hour and a half. It wore him out completely, but this is a good sign.

Your emails are pouring in. Thank you!

2009-04-14T05:18:00.000-07:00

The weekend saw Dean go up and down. He was agitated and didn't sleep well at night. He is in some pain and the upcoming surgical repair of the stoma should help. When he gets anxious his breathing becomes very shallow and hurried. The nurses try to reconfirm, frequently, that his new lung is working well. He needs to breathe deeper than he has in years. When I visited with him last night, he was finally able to do that.

I shared two wonderful phone calls from Owen and Wyatt wishing Dean a happy Easter. And I showed him pictures of Haverly's first solo pie baking attempts - strawberry and rhubarb and a pecan pie. He even wanted to hold the computer.

And, I started sharing your emails! I'll do two or three a day. And the pictures are great. Thank you! Linda and Bill

Now It's Your Turn

2009-04-09T05:14:00.000-07:00

So many of you have asked, "What can I do?" I've finally figured it out. Dean is such a social person and the isolation from his family and friends is impacting him and us. Here is the plan:

For the next four weeks, I am asking you to send me an email that I will share with Dean. So my computer doesn't explode, I have a schedule. Using the first letter of your first name (since Dean is on a first name basis with all of you), please follow this schedule:

April 13-19 Letters A-E
April 20-26 Letters F-K
April 27-May 3 Letters L-Q
May 4-9 Letters R-Z

Please share anything - little events, huge events. Include a picture, a short video. Tell Dean about your work, travel plans, wedding plans, graduations, kids, grandkids. Anything that Dean knows about you. Use the voice that Dean knows. If you have a great sense of humor, voice that. If you are hyper...write that way. I'll try to capture it. I will share your messages with Dean, as he can tolerate the number. But when he can, he'll have an album of your love to read over and over.

My email address is damon.l@att.net. In the subject, include Dean's name. I feel like I should be prepared for an avalanche...but Bill and I will welcome all your email. We'll have fun reading them too.

Setback Number... Who Knows

2009-04-08T19:25:00.000-07:00

Dean has developed another infection. Bill called me at work to let me know that his white blood cell count was high. He is now on antibiotics, and the lab cultures from last night did not come back immediately. That's a good sign. This, however, means the stoma procedure is delayed, which delays moving to rehab. As they say, one step forward and ten steps back.

On the plus side, Dean got a new bed today. It is an air-filled mattress with a gore-tex covering that let's air move through to his body. You don't even put sheets on it. Moving Dean from one bed to another was quite an ordeal. But 4 nurses did an excellent job. I stayed with him during the transfer and was even able to make myself useful...moving cords and unplugging the other bed and holding Dean's hand to calm him. Once he was settled, he fell right to sleep.

Tomorrow we are going to start Dean on small balls he can squeeze. We need to improve his penmanship and strengthen his arms too. It seems like a small thing, but we think it will give him something to focus on. And it will give us a feeling of helping. Linda and Bill

Meeting with Dr. Zamora

2009-04-07T20:01:00.000-07:00

Haverly told me that the blog is a way for me to deal with all the emotions and fears I have about Dean's medical condition. Sometimes when I sit here to type I am so sad the tears flow and flow. After I write, I push the botton to publish and then I get up and move on to my "normal" life.

Today was such a rough day for me and for Bill. Our meeting with Dr. Zamora clarified some things. All of Dean's organs are functioning well. But he is chronically malnutritioned and that is contributing to wasting disease. That's why he looks emaciated. On top of that, Dean seems to have withdrawn. Dr. Zamora and Bill pointed out that he no longer initiates things. He always wanted to greet and know by name the nurses and therapists and doctors. He shook their hands. Now he sleeps through their ministrations.

Dean needs one more surgical procedure for now to improve the stoma (small bodily opening) of his coloscopy. Then, once that heals there is the good possibility that Dean can be moved to the rehab hospital. Dr. Zamora even predicted that 2-3 months after Dean goes to rehab, he will be walking. For us to look at Dean today, we don't believe it.

I hadn't seen Dean awake in over a week, so today I was able to share lots of newsy news with him. We (I) even talked to Frazier who explained that he is receiving an annual award from the children's advocacy group in Larimer County for helping to remove a young boy from an abusive home situation. That brought a smile to Dean's face.

I also told him that come next year he needs to be ready to travel all over. Next May our niece gets married in Nashville, then Haverly gradutes from Roosevelt University in Chicago, and Frazier and Cassie get married in June. We have so many good things to which we can look forward .

I have no idea how much Dean understands. I showed him the numbers for the blog. This afternon there were 14,880 views of the blog. That is simply amazing. I pointed out to him that he has a HUGE circle of friends. And they're all pulling for him to get better. I even showed him the picture of Haverly in her infectious disease ensemble and the video of the birthday cards.

Dr. Zamora would like to do the procedure for the stoma this week. We'll keep you informed. Linda and Bill

On a Lighter Note

2009-04-06T08:17:00.000-07:00

When I got to the hospital yesterday after returning from Texas, Bill was sitting outside the room and Dean was fast asleep. I leaned around Bill to peek into Dean's room and to my astonishment his head was all swathed in white! I thought they had done something to his head. Bill calmed me down - he had gotten a shampoo and they were drying his hair... they hadn't done brain surgery.

Native Lung vs New Lung

2009-04-05T18:14:00.000-07:00

As we progress along the transplant road, Bill and I continue to learn all kinds of things. You read about the huge amount of fluid in Dean's native (old) lung. It seems that in transplant situations, sometimes the native lung and the new lung operate separately, unlike two native lungs. And sometimes, they are working against each other. Dean seems to be experiencing this.

This week, Bill and I will meet with Dean's doctors for another futures prognostication. What are they thinking? What can we expect in the near future? We'll include you in the update after it occurs.

Take care and have a good week. Linda and Bill

Update

2009-04-02T13:28:00.001-07:00

Bill just called and they have finished the procedure and are bringing Dad back to his room. They are all stunned b/c they drained about 1 and 1/2 liters of fluid from Dad's old lung (imagine a 2 Liter soda bottle!!). We still don't know what that was, where it is from or why it was happening which are all questions that need to be answered, but hopefully having that fluid gone will make him feel better.

Thanks

A procedure

2009-04-02T10:30:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. Bill got a call this morning that Dad needs to undergo a surgical procedure today. The doctors have found a buildup of fluid in the pleurisy surrounding his native (old) lung. This is impacting its already limited ability to expand and contract. They will use a needle to withdraw this fluid and then run tests to figure out what it is and where it is coming from. Bill is on his way to the hospital now to see Dad before he goes into surgery this afternoon. I'll post any updates as they come.

Thanks
Haverly

Checking in

2009-04-01T11:12:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone, I wanted to make sure that people weren't getting nervous about no new posts. Mom has left today for Amarillo to visit her Dad before traveling to a conference later this week. If I hear anything from Bill that is worth posting, I will do so but for now don't worry!

Thanks
Haverly

A Turning Point

2009-03-30T19:02:00.000-07:00

Dean's birthday turned out to be an emotional turning point for Bill and I. The report that morning from the nurse was that he didn't want to get groomed and he didn't cooperate with the physical therapist. We didn't know what we would find when we got there. Bill made the wise decision that we would call the kids and put them on speaker phone. We would not "ask" Dean, we would just do it. Hearing his kids and hearing Wyatt and Owen yell, "Hi, Grandpa!" must of done the magic trick. When the nurse came and asked Dean about sitting up, he agreed and sat unsupported for 5 minutes.

After the party, Dean shooed us home. Emotionally we were both drained. The party was a success and Dean's spirits seemed so much better. We've shared a lot about Dean's physical health and his mental condition but his emotional health is something we've avoided sharing. We can only tell Dean's frustrations and fears by his acting out and notes. We have worried about depression - his and ours. As we begin the 13th week, we feel he is more stable. And that gives us hope. We see a future.

Frazier and I talked just a little when he came to visit yesterday. He said he was depressed by what he saw. He expected his dad to be stronger and healthier looking. He hadn't seen him in some time and just expected more. But Bill and I have watched the ups and downs of everyday. Sometimes we know too much about the monitors and drips and the vent and the fluids. Dean is making progress...it's just minute.

On Sunday, he sat unsupported for 10 minutes. And, today he sat in his hospital bed/chair almost all day. I think this might be a turning point. As soon as the intestinal issue is resolved, we think he may be moved to a rehab hospital. But, we still don't know when that is.

We still need your good thoughts and prayers. Linda

We had the birthday celebration!!

2009-03-27T15:11:00.000-07:00

Dean received phone calls from Haverly, Frazier, Wyatt, Owen and his older brother Walter. Then we showed him all the birthday cards. We shared the large musical cards, and then Dean sat at the side of his bed. He was able to do it without any support from the nurses!!!!!! Your prayers worked! Linda and Bill

Video from Bill & Mom

2009-03-27T07:48:00.000-07:00

Please click here to see a video of all Dad's cards!

The Bewitching Hour

2009-03-26T05:50:00.000-07:00

You are invited to join in Dean's 65th birthday celebration, Friday, March 27, 4:00 PM (Mountain Standard Time). Wherever in the world you are, raise a toast, make a wish, and say a little prayer. Haverly, Frazier, Cassi, Wyatt, Owen, Bill, and Linda

Preparing for Friday's Celebration

2009-03-24T17:29:00.000-07:00

The pile of birthday cards for Dean is over 5 1/2 " tall! We are ecstatic. And the music ones are a hoot. Our tentative plan is to give you a specific time on Friday, in the late afternoon, and ask that you raise a glass of cheer, toast Dean's 65th birthday, and wish him a speedy recovery. Bill and I will be with Dean at that time and we'll raise something...nothing with liquid or solid food. We will have a cake for the staff who have worked so hard for us. More about the specific time on Thursday.

Over the weekend Dean developed some intestinal discomfort and bloating. Turns out it was a large gas bubble. Today, Michael, his nurse, was able to burst that bubble. His respiratory therapist, Jonathan, worked Dean hard today. It really tired him out, but the good news is that Dean is sleeping more at night.

Confusion is still present. Haverly shared how Dean wanted to get out of bed and come home with us. Today, when I visited in the morning, he wanted to know, "When you came here today, where did you come?" I told him and he kind of seemed to understand. But, just in case I wasn't telling the truth, he asked Jonathan where he was. He got the same answer. Thank goodness!

I've noticed that Dean's face seems a little fuller than it had for quite some time. But, Dean's feeding is being reduced...seems he was getting too much at a time. So they will work on that. And some of his medications are being changed or discontinued. In particular, the medication that was holding up moving to the rehab hospital. That was discontinued today.

Yesterday, when Bill called the hospital to get news from the night nurse, she said Dean wanted Bill to talk to him on the phone. So she suited up and held the phone to Dean's ear. This is the first time that has happened in weeks. We took that as a very good sign.

You can see how one day is up and one day is down. We take each day for what we get. We checked on Monday and there were over 12,000 viewings of the blog. That is amazing. It is so supportive to us to know that you are still there. Thank you!!! Linda and Bill

Monday afternoon

2009-03-23T13:48:00.000-07:00

I've been here since about 10:45 this morning and Dad is the most awake he has been since I got into town. He is still battling several infections which have really weakened him, but he's more alert at least and trying to figure out his surroundings. He still can't speak due to the trach vent but he's writing notes the last two days and his handwriting is getting a little stronger which makes it much easier to understand him. He's spent about the last hour in the chair position in bed sitting up some, so that is a good sign. He's once again asking for water, to get out of bed and to go home, all things that hadn't happened in a while. We're hoping that this means he might be taking a step forward and then maybe there won't be any further steps back.

Haverly

Gear up

2009-03-21T15:45:00.000-07:00

We thought you might be interested to see what we are referring to when we talk about all the stuff you have to wear just to go into Dad's room...doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, cleaning people, us. Everyone has to put this stuff on and then take if off and trash it before leaving the room.

Another day, another challenge

2009-03-20T12:22:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, today's update is unfortunately not so positive. Dad's blood pressure has been really low today and yesterday and they aren't quite sure why. Around noon today they put in another central line (which is where the infections had originally developed). Apparently this will allow them to get more accurate readings as they try to get to the bottom of this blood pressure issue. For us, it is just another thing that poor Dad has to endure. He has been zonked out today ever since I got here so I haven't really been able to communicate with him yet.

His stomach is distended so they have done an x-ray to try and figure that out. They also took new cultures today which will hopefully give us some info on these infections. It honestly feels like you are in the movie Outbreak coming in and out of his Isolation room. I can only imagine what he thinks when he sees all this garb.

Mom, Bill and Fra were curious to know my reaction as to his appearance since the last time I saw him. I think seeing him in February was a bigger shock to see how skinny and shrunken he looked. I was more prepared this time around. All of the sores on his face from the vent and breathing tubes have healed which always looked so painful. I see the picture on the front of the blog and know that one day he'll be that strong again, but it's clear he's got a very long road ahead. We're excited for the birthday celebrations next week and letting him know how much everyone has been thinking of him.

Enjoy the weekend
Haverly

Procedure Over

2009-03-18T15:14:00.000-07:00

Dean has returned to his room after the surgery to reattach the pacemaker wire. He is sound asleep so Bill has gone to run a few errands and will return about the time he wakes up. All seems well.

I saw Dean this morning before the surgery. He wanted a "shampoo." So they did his hair. He even smiled a few times. It seems when I stand by his bedside and talk to him, I put him to sleep. Did it again today. So I left after about 40 minutes, but he was in good spirits.

The next procedure which may occur tomorrow or the next day or the next day...is some type of electro shock to his vocal chords. We'll keep you up to date on that too.

Add Two More to the Prayer Lists

2009-03-18T05:01:00.000-07:00

If you read the comments on the blog you've seen Rosanne's name several times. Rosanne came to Bennett, CO as a new teacher when Dean was Superintendent. Her friendship spans Bennett, Denver, Boulder, Panasonic, Harvard, Frazier as a student, Haverly, Wyatt and Owen. Yesterday her sister received a new liver...their brother was the donor. They are also at Anschultz with us. Anschultz does over 400 lung transpants per year, but they also do liver, kidney, heart. Our family wishes Rosanne's family best wishes for speedy recoveries for both her sister and brother.

Another Procedure

2009-03-17T05:06:00.000-07:00

You may remember Dean got an infection in his pik line in his neck. That pik line was removed and IV ports were inserted in his arm. Yesterday, the more permanent pik line (permanent until he no longer needs all that medicine by IV) was inserted in his arm. It did involve taking him into surgery, but he came through it well. The nurses even reported he was joking and teasing them.

After he returned to his room, Jerry, the respirator therapist, said he did really well during the procedure.

Dean still has the pacemaker repair to undergo...maybe today, maybe tomorrow. It is not emergency surgery so he has to wait his turn.

Today is St. Patrick's Day. You know if Dean could telephone you today, he would begin the day wishing you a happy St. Patrick's Day!

Don't Ever Take Directions from Me

2009-03-15T13:53:00.000-07:00

Our children will tell you - don't ever take directions from mom. If I say go left, you better go right. It's Dean's left arm that is the area of concern - not his right. The nurse is in here now doing an ultrasound. Not an invasive procedure.

A Couple More Procedures

2009-03-15T13:10:00.000-07:00

Everyone who has come into Dean's room has commented that he's looking good. He even is beginning to sleep more.

Tomorrow, Dean will undergo a couple of procedures. One is to reattach one of the wires of his pacemaker. The nurse explained that because of Dean's heart tissue and previous surgeries, the wire didn't attach correctly. The procedure is "surgery" and so please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

Another procedure has to do with Dean's right arm. It is more swollen than the other so they want to check that out. Hopefully that will be something easily corrected.

Every once in a while I bring the staff food. Today everything was green for St. Patrick's Day. Dr. McIntyre, Dean's general surgeon, jokingly said, "We don't eat green food here.' When I told Dean I brought green gummie bears, and green chips and quacamole I wish you could see the face he made. He really is on the mend.

Haverly is coming for the weekend, her spring break. We're looking forward to seeing her! Linda and Bill

Two Better Days in a Row

2009-03-14T18:14:00.000-07:00

The past week has been up and down and up and down, but Friday and today were much better days. Dean is still on antibiotics and he had to have blood transfusions this week. Today he looked pink...a very desirable color, to say the least. That's compared to a grey color when he has that "haunted," "wild" look.

Sleep seems to be coming at times. Dean's heartrate reached over 120 sometimes this week. And, the nurses say that if he was really asleep, the rate would calm down. This afternoon, Cassie, Frazier's fiancee, and I joined Bill at Dean's bedside. We shared stories about Wyatt's and Owen's karate tournament, lunch with Cassie's brother, and our drive to the Springs and back on a beautiful day. Dean listened and listened and listened and when he go tired he told us to go home. He wanted to sleep.

For the first time, I saw him lift his head off the pillow and bend forward at the waist. Bill says he's done that occasionally...so hopefully we'll see that more often.

He also asked about when he gets to go to the rehab hospital. Dean is on a medication that he takes through IV. At the rehab hospital he has to take it by pill. Smashing the pill and putting it in his feeding tube keeps clogging it up... so that isn't a solution. Until a way is figured out to ensure Dean gets this medication, he won't move. Bill and I thought the move would occur about 1 1/2 weeks ago. Now we have no idea. The director of the rehab hospital said for every month that Dean has been hospitalized it will take approximately two months to recuperate. So we're looking at about 6 months in rehab.

We're planning to do a small birthday party for the ICU staff on Dean's birthday...and then share all the cards with Dean. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. We still need lots more. Linda and Bill

And the Germs Come

2009-03-10T19:47:00.000-07:00

We told you about the bacterial infection in Dean's pik tube. Now he has contracted two other infections: vancomycin resistant enterococcus , VRE, in the blood and pseudomanas in his urine. As a result, Bill and I have to suit up to enter his room - we don yellow gowns, masks, and disposable gloves. Then we leave them in the trash before we leave the room so that we don't take the bacteria with us. That means a pit stop before you enter his room.

This evening Dean had a broncoscopy which showed the new lung is doing well and the other lung is okay. This really is good news. Bill watched as the camera wend its way down both lungs. I couldn't watch. I finally confessed to Dean that Frazier and I had watched the exploration of his intestines and colon a few weeks ago. That was enough for me.

Dean's lucidity (Is that a word?)is really improved. I still have to adjust the window shades but he asks us about our day and listens to our stories. Today he asked what the criteria is for him to leave the room. His nurse, Carolyn, did such a good job of describing how he has to be able to stand for a short time, has to be able to march in place, have balance (which is made difficult by the edema in his legs), walk to the door and back to the bed. These are just a few examples.

We also had a serious discussion about the vent with Carolyn. During Dean's previous heart surgery he was determined to get off the vent as soon as possible. With the transplant he had that goal again. It is a matter of pride for him how quickly he sheds that vent. We've told you Dean has been off and on the vent during the last few weeks. Today we discussed how a patient can be on a vent because they are dependent on the machine for breathing - or, in the current case for Dean, he goes on the vent to rest. That's why it comes off and on frequently. Particularly when the nurses want him to sleep. Being on the vent now has a totally different purpose from the one he immediately thinks of. I hope that assuages his fear of the vent.

For me personally, the fact that the infections that Dean is experiencing do not have "staph" in the names eases my mind. That doesn't make it better. It just doesn't make it worse.

In the meantime, the birthday cards are rolling in. Thank you!!!

Sunday in ICU

2009-03-08T11:45:00.000-07:00

Sundays are ususally slow, quiet days in the ICU unit. Today is no exception. Thank goodness. We've learned that the cause of some of Dean's distress is bacteria in the iv line in his neck. He has been put on "holiday,' meaning the iv ports have now been added to his arm and the one in his neck will be removed. After 24 hours, another port will be inserted through his vein in his arm - less susceptible to infection.

Apparently Dean slept quite a lot last night. You can tell by the look in his eyes. When he doesn't rest, his eyes have a haunted look. When I came in today he didn't have that look. Dean has been put back on the ventilator so that he can rest.

Dean wants water so badly. The doctor explained that the water is going directly into his stomach but he realizes that Dean's mouth is so dry. Doctor said today's goal is to remove the vent. Then he will consider water by mouth.

Bill and I find the ups and downs so stressful. It was good to learn that it was a bacterial infection and not rejection or any other kind of problem that was wearing Dean down. Fortunately, it was caught early. This pair of "doctors" have our own theory about trying to get Dean to do too much and that's why he regresses. Seems that after a day of physical therapy -trying to sit up and stand up, he is drained. Bill will address this with the doctor's.

We now begin week 9 of the transplant odyssey. Take care of yourselves! Linda

In His Own Words

2009-03-06T08:27:00.001-08:00

Earlier this week, Dean wrote a short note that I want to share with you:

Dear Family, Friends & Caregivers:
Thanks for all you are doing to restore me! ... Can't wait to "talk" to you again. Love, Dean

Today, when I arrived at the hospital Dean was stressed and kind of wild-eyed. He was having difficulty talking. Come to find out, the small turquoise vent that he uses for talking had been removed so that he could sleep. The doctor showed me how to remove and reinsert the vent. Too much information!!!

Even with the vent, Dean struggled to talk this morning. The respiratory therapist was perplexed about why. He said all vital signs were the same as yesterday when Dean could talk much better. Dean didn't seem to have the energy to push the air up his airway from his back and diaphram. This is one of those valleys we allude to.

When we talk about Dean's good day's and bad days, it's hard to convey that even the good days are the good days of a person who is very ill. It will still be months before Dean can walk out of the hospital on his own. One of the hospital housekeepers told him he looked better today - Maurice said he checks on Dean when he's there. That's the level of love and support Dean is receiving from all who know him even down to the hospital workers who don't see him every day. We're grateful to each and every one of you. Linda

Today Was a Down Day

2009-03-04T20:03:00.000-08:00

Monday and Tuesday were very good days for Dean. He got his speaking trache, at last; he stood erect for the first time, connected to an apparatus that lets him lean into a shelf unit; and he got to dangle his legs over the side of his bed. Today was not so good. Dean received two pints of blood and his heart rate was high.

On Tuesday, Dean and I talked about the kids, and my work, and lots of newsy kinds of things. But right before I left, he told me the nurses and doctors were drinking outside his room and wouldn't let him have a drink. He wanted me to go ask the nurse if he could have a drink too or was it going to be a "dry bar." Today, he wanted Bill to get two kinds of root beer and water from Eldorado Springs to compare them.

The delusions continue, not as frequently as before, but they come out of the blue. And now Dean realizes when we look at him funny or can't respond to his questions that something is not right. We pray the delusions will totally disappear.

Dean did tell me that his inability to communicate had made him feel like he was going crazy. Hopefully he will forget much of this experience.

In the meantime, we are excited about all of you who are letting us know you are sending cards for Dean's birthday. Linda and Bill

Small Miracles

2009-03-02T19:44:00.000-08:00

Moving Dean to a room with windows occurred sometime back and all this time, Bill and I have dealt with a constant challenge. Dean asks us to lower and raise the window shades constantly. He doesn't understand that there is a light filtering shade and a night shade. He makes us move them up and then down and then up and then down. Over and over and over again. And since he can't talk, he bangs on the side of the bed to get our attention and then uses hand gestures to direct us "up" or "down." The valances thoroughly confuse him. He wants us to lower that too.

Today, Bill left the hospital before I arrived after work. We exchanged news over the phone before I went in and Bill let me know that he had done the north facing window shades, but not the double east windows. I should have turned around and gone home. The pulley system raising and lowering the windows went to the lowest bidder. I pull and pull, first this way and then that way. I raise and lower the light filtering shade and then I raise and lower the night shade. In the end, they usually end up back where they were in the first place. It's comical and yet, not comical.

We've learned about alarms and flashing lights as we've told you before. But one insight just acquired has to do with the nurse call button. I watched Dean push it about three times. I stepped outside the room and one of the nurses commented that Dean has pushed the call button three times. Then it occurred to me that the button doesn't light up and it doesn't beep. Dean doesn't know if it works...so he keeps pushing and pushing the button.

Dean had a very good day today. He sat at the edge of his bed and moved from bed to chair a couple of times. When I entered the room he was sitting at about a 75 degree angle and his knees were bent. Just Saturday he could hardly lift them!

Since the night he slept almost 8 hours, he hasn't done it again. He sleeps in fits and starts. The nurses no longer come in every hour so our goal is to have him sleep in large blocks of time. His own desire is to walk to the bathroom. These are small steps, but they are also small miracles.

We look forward to a positive week filled with changes in his strength and stamina.

It really is March 1

2009-03-01T16:44:00.000-08:00

Today, Dean asked me what day it is. When I said March 1, he vehemently denied it. He wanted to see a calendar. Thanks to Hallmark's free pocket calendars, I was able to whip one out of my purse. But how do you convince someone that it really is Sunday; it really is March 1. There isn't anything tangible about days of the week or dates of the month.

Last night he tried to drink out of a cup that the night nurse left a little too close. That put him on watch today. He can only have moist swabbies we call "pinkies." They are absolutely tasteless. Their purpose is only to moisten his mouth. He growls at us when we tell him that's all he can have.

On a happier note, I know Dean talks about his grandsons with all of you. Wyatt and Owen competed in a judo tournament yesterday and advanced to the next belt. Wyatt received his green belt, which is only two away from black. Owen got his blue belt,three away from black (obviously the desired prize). Successfully attaining his blue belt makes Owen the youngest blue belt in Kenpo history! The boys have sent their drawings, school pictures, and emails to their Grandpa. But they haven't seen him since winter break. So they are very anxious to walk to the nearby ice cream store, without Grandpa's "tank."

Now, we have a request for you. March 27 is Dean's 65th birthday. We are asking you to send birthday cards to him so that Bill can share them on that day. Please send them to their home, 1245 York, Denver, CO 80206. Your heartfelt messages will be greatly appreciated. Please keep the messages short as Dean's attention span still does not permit him to focus for very long.

Please do not send presents or flowers. Dean still will not be able to receive them.

We look forward to all your cards and notes. We want it to be a huge gathering of his family and friends, eventhough you all cannot be here in person. Linda and Bill

All Quiet on the Dean Front

2009-02-28T17:18:00.000-08:00

I just realized that we haven't written since Wednesday. Our days have been filled with exercise and telling Dean, "No, you can't have anything to drink. Sorry." Today I worked with him on his physical therapy. He is supposed to bend his knee and lift his leg. If you can image, he's only lifting his leg about 8 inches. We did this 5 times for each leg and then he slept for one hour! That is how depleted his strength is.

Bill has been talking with Dean's doctors about next steps. Dean is too well for ICU and too weak for the rehab floor (he needs to be able to walk). So what is the next move? We will keep you updated as we learn, "what's next."

Hope you enjoy your week end. Linda and Bill

Post surgery

2009-02-25T17:14:00.001-08:00

Dean is fully awake now...although he should be resting. He just asked the respiratory nurse for a small coffee with a single shot. Unfortunately, he failed his swallow test yesterday so that means we are back to square one, no food or drink for a while.

Because of the pacemaker, movement of Dean's left arm is restricted so his physical therapy for his upper body will be curtailed for a few weeks. That will give us a chance to focus on strengthening his legs and feet and getting him to stand and sit.

Your zillions of thoughts and prayers came through. Thank you! Linda and Bill

Out of Surgery

2009-02-25T15:08:00.001-08:00

Hi Everyone,

Mom just called to let me know that Dad is out of surgery now and is back resting in his room in the ICU. She said it went well, but is on her way to the hospital now so may have more details to add later.

Thanks
Haverly

Good vibrations needed

2009-02-24T13:59:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow, Dean will receive a pacemaker. We are hoping that the pacemaker is the end of invasive procedures for a long while. Please send him a zillion good thoughts! Linda

Part II of Monday, February 23

2009-02-23T14:32:00.000-08:00

Dean has been upgraded from critical care status to intermediate care status!!!!!!!!!

Beginning of a new week

2009-02-23T14:11:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, the changes in Dean's status are so minute that we don't post a blog entry. We want to reassure you that when we go 2 or 3 days without a posting,things are copacetic. Nothing has changed for the worse; nothing has changed significantly for the better. You have been on a long, arduous journey with us and we will keep you informed of all the ups and down.

With that said, Dean sat in a chair for 4-5 hours today! He can't get to the chair by himself, but he was sitting up.

And, he passed his swallow test! This is the first time since Jan 15. He needs to pass several more before he can have food or drink. But he passed!!!!

Bill has been doing leg exercises with him and arm stretches. The physical therapists appreciate anything we can do. It's more rewarding than just standing by his bedside watching him.

Dean keeps asking for his cell phone, more wanting to know where it is, because he still can't talk so that you can hear and understand him, and he is still not lucid all the time. Maybe in a week or two we will help him connect to his computer. Then he can send emails all day and night without waking you up.

This is week seven of Dean's surgery and recovery. Thank you for being with us all the way. Linda, Bill, Haverly and Frazier

Finally, He's Sleeping

2009-02-21T06:36:00.000-08:00

Bill reports that for the first time Dean slept 8 hours. Sleep has so eluded Dean. Even sleeping medication left him sleeping for an hour or two at most. This new development is great news. The rest will also help clear his head.

The vent machine has once again been removed from Dean's room. This time it needs to stay gone!

Another huge development is that Dean's heart rate is finally back in synos (spelling ?)rhythm. It's been about two weeks that his heart has been fibrillating so this is really good news.

Dean's new trache tube is allowing him to talk some. Bill still has him write messages for clearer communication.

On the funny side...whenever Dean is having a procedure, Bill and I normally leave the room and go to the waiting areas. We have trolled magazine racks and table tops for anything to read. Yesterday Bill was in one of the waiting rooms reading a National Geographic when Dr. McIntyre, Dean's transplant doctor, stopped by to chat. He told Bill he was spending too much time at the hospital. After Dr. McIntyre left Bill looked down at his magazine and it was a 1996 issue!

On the hopeful side, Dean may leave ICU in a week or two. Although he doesn't meet all the critera, the feeling is that his recovery will speed up if he has a brighter, more hopeful outlook. Once that happens, we will arrange visitations for all of you who have so patiently followed his progress from afar. Also, Dean received a videocam for Christmas. We hope to Skype messages from his hospital room once he is "presentable." We, Bill, Frazier, Haverly, and I wish all of you a wonderful weekend. Linda

It Truly is an UP Day

2009-02-18T07:56:00.000-08:00

It's been over a week since Dean has experienced any type of medical crisis. He's getting stronger, his color is so much better. And today, he gets a "talking" trache tube. Now when he cusses us out, we'll know what he is saying! It really has been extremely frustrating for him and us. Haverly reads his lips very well. I don't at all, Frazier and Bill cope.

I asked Dean this morning if he understands what has happened to him. He shook his head "no." He is slowly becoming aware of all the machines and tubes.

Today is a sunny day in Colorado and a sunnier day in an intensive care room in Aurora! Linda

Tough Love

2009-02-16T10:36:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

Overall, not much has changed since Mom's last update though Dad does seem somewhat more lucid in the past two days. Again we really appreciate your thoughts and prayers and comments on the blog.

I wanted to give some insight into our decision to ask that no visitors be allowed as I know many of you are very eager to see Dad.

The first reason deals with the spread of germs etc. Dad is still in an immuno-suppressed state so any germs that he might be exposed to could have a really negative impact on him. We all wear masks and use the anti-bacterial foam going in and out of the room in addition to washing hands often. By limiting the number of people in contact with him, we are better able to limit the germs. Just know that we'll all (including you!) be wearing these surgical masks for a long time to come, so I recommend buying stock now.

There are two other main reasons we are asking for no visitors and they have to do with Dad's emotional state and his trying to manipulate newcomers.

Dad is under strict order that he not be allowed to have any water or liquid whatsoever. He is unable to swallow and even the smallest drop into his lung can cause pneumonia or worse. What he does do is size up every single person who enters the room to see if he'll be able to finagle a cup of water. From just asking to have one sitting next to him so he can wipe things off to telling you that the nurse said it was ok, he's trying every trick in the book. It's hard to say no, especially when you have just come in and are not sure what the real situation is.

Finally Dad's emotional state is quite precarious. From begging you to let him leave the hospital to telling you the nurses are out to get him etc, he really is having some paranoia issues. One friend did stop by and Dad cried uncontrollably for the next 30 minutes. We just are never sure what the next minute, hour, day will bring. It's hard on the nurses too because they aren't sure what he is referring to or upset about. Our job is to keep him comfortable and make sure that he's ready and willing to move ahead with what is sure to be a long and arduous rehab process.

We truly can't thank you enough for all the strength your thoughts and prayers give us and we want you to know that when we feel he's ready we will welcome you all with open arms, but for the time being we are acting in what we feel are Dad's best interests and we hope you will bear with us and understand.

Happy President's Day and I hope you are enjoying the day off.

Haverly

Tempered Good News

2009-02-13T13:27:00.000-08:00

Bill and I met with Dr. Lyu, today to review Dean's prognosis. First a funny story. A few years back there were a group of intern/residents who rented a house three or four doors down from Dean and Bill. In the front yard is a huge cherry tree. Dean promised the guys a cherry pie if he could pick fresh cherries. Dr. Lyu was one of the interns! Small world.

Dr. Lyu said, that he is optimistic that Dean will start getting better. It will be a very slow process. He predicts that in about six months Dean will be walking around the lake in City Park...or at least be pushed in a wheelchair. But no running.

That is enough to raise our hopes and reenergize us. Dean will probably be in ICU for a few more weeks. Then he will move to a regular room, possibly on the rehab floor. We continue to limit visitors in ICU to the immediate family. But your thoughts and prayers are an immense help. Thank you.

A Tiny UP

2009-02-12T14:02:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Dean had a CAT scan to determine if there were any blood clots, bleeding spots, etc. The results are negative. Today, a drainage tube was inserted in his new lung. Bill reported that LOTS of fluid was removed. When we talked about 2:00 this afternoon, Dean was resting. His spirits are better today. this seems like a centimeter of improvement.

Tomorrow, Bill and I will finally meet with the doctor to review all the medical exams and procedures. Our medical vocabulary has grown by leaps and bounds. I can even repair the vent machine! I got a very specific demonstration by one of the Respiratory Therapists. We know how to read most of the monitors and can follow the tubing from Dean to one of the machines.

All of the staff has been just wonderful...even when they are not assigned to Dean, they stop by to say hello and check on him. They have been so encouraging to us. We cannot thank them enough. Please keep all of us in your thoughts and prayers.

A Rough Two Days

2009-02-10T16:17:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a very rough day for Dean. All day long he was quite agitated and breathing with a great deal of effort. Sometimes it's hard to tell if he is having difficulty or if he is trying to breathe the same way he did pre-transplant. If you remember,he breathed from the very bottom of his toes. When I left he seemed more comfortable. We talked about Valentine Day surprises and watched that beautiful full moon.

In the middle of the night, Dean had another blood clot incident. Quick thinking nurses and doctors stabilized him. He is back on the vent, this time through the trache tube.

When Bill and I saw him this morning his color was good, he recognized us, and he was aware of the different tests that are being run. Tomorrow, or Thursday, Bill and I will meet with one of the doctors to discuss the bigger picture of all of Dean's organ systems. When we left this afternoon, Dean was snapping his toes. He remembers the exercises! That lifted our spirits.

And, Haverly will be home on Sunday for the President's Day weekend. That will definitely lift his spirits. (Frazier turned his ankle and has been on crutches and an air cast...and, he can't drive. And we think Cassi had strep throat. Hopefully, they will be able to come see Dean soon. These kids have a way with him.)

More, tomorrow.

Linda

The roller coaster

2009-02-08T06:05:00.000-08:00

When I wrote that the rehab phase will be ups and downs, I had no idea the down side would come so quickly. Rehab is dependent on Dean. He has to do it...and most of you know that there is a stubborn side to our friend that can be very irritating. He has to practice his swallowing. No one can do it for him. He wants food and he can't have it until he can swallow.

When the nurses (actually, "murses") tried to stand him up, he said "no" in the middle of them heaving him into a standing position. Fortunately one of the murses said, you can't say no. You have to try. So on the second try, he got into an erect position.

Bill and I went to lunch very rattled. What can we do? Well we figured it out. Every 30 minutes or so, we are directing Dean's exercise. I am the "sarge." Bill does the lifting and pulling. I have him push into my hands. We did it over and over and over. Everytime we are there we will do it. And Dean will get frustrated with us.

But by the end of the day, Dean was snapping his toes! His color was better and he was tired. Day 1 was over. Today, we start again. Linda

He's UP!

2009-02-06T13:23:00.000-08:00

Today, Dean's physical therapy included standing up! We have waited so long for this to happen. The ventilator has been removed from his room and he no longer has a dialysis catheter. The tubes and machines are coming off one-by-one and sometimes two a day.

I talked with his doctor today and Dean is now in the rehab phase of his transplant process. He needs to gain strength, muscle tone, and some weight! This is going to be the slow part...daily improvements that may not be as visible as removing a machine. The doctor also said his delusions and confusion will now be eposodic. He'll be clear and lucid one time we see him and then confused the next. This is a normal process. That information was so reassuring.

We know you are thinking of him constantly and keeping him in your prayers. Thank you. Linda

Thursday Evening

2009-02-05T18:28:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

I don't have too much to report as I just spoke to mom briefly but she did say that Dad sat up at the edge of his bed for about 20 minutes today so that is progress. He also got a visit from his younger brother Gary and Mom's brother Danny today so I am sure that lifted his spirits. Mom did say there is a lot of activity around his room so it sounded like things were going well.

We'll post a more detailed report in the next day or so, but in the meantime thanks for all of your comments!

Haverly

Message from Bill

2009-02-03T20:01:00.000-08:00

Bill has asked me to post a message to all of you directly from him. He thanks you for all of your blog visits and comments. Reducing the number of phone calls and emails helps him by not having to rehash Dean's condition over and over.

Dean's transplant has included many large and small decisions that were expected, and yet, unanticipated in their seriousness. When Bill leaves the hospital he returns home drained and desiring solitude. Your many invitations for drinks and dinner are greatly appreciated and, at a later time, he will take you up on them. Right now he prefers to go home and process the day's events.

Many of you are very concerned about Bill's well-being. He wants you to know that he is eating right, sleeping well, and keeping himself busy with the move to the Pinnacle. He has a house to sell, packing to do, and planning for Dean's return home.

Once Dean is able to have calls and emails, Bill will give him access to his computer and cell phone. Until then, please continue to visit the blog frequently. Linda

Tuesday update

2009-02-03T11:18:00.000-08:00

Healthwise, Dad continues to improve. He is coming off of more tubes slowly and they have been doing physical therapy and he might even have to stand up today.

He's still having a really hard time as a result of the medicines and the hallucinations they are causing. Today he thought he was leaving the hospital and was getting really aggravated so they called Bill and asked him to come over and help Dad calm down. Bill is doing a great job of emphasizing the positive progress that Dad is making but we have to help him understand that he needs to stay put.

They are going to move him to a corner room in the ICU where he'll have some more light and it will hopefully be a little quieter. Hopefully the change of scenery will do him some good.

He's got a long road of recovery but things are slowly looking up.

Thanks
Haverly

Monday afternoon

2009-02-02T14:20:00.000-08:00

Hi all,

I just had a voicemail from Bill letting me know that Dad has now officially been discharged as a renal patient. Even though he came off the dialysis earlier this weekend, they were still keeping tabs on him. However he's done with that completely so that is great news. As my boss would say, "onward and upward!"

Thanks
Haverly

Super Bowl Sunday!

2009-02-01T09:36:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

Dad is still continuing to improve slowly. Again, health-wise he is getting a little better each day which is all we can ask for. Emotionally, he is cranky, wants food, wants to get up out of bed, and is still have trouble with seeing things due to the medicine. He is getting some real sleep now which is helping I'm sure, but it will just take time and that's not easy on him.

Mom and Bill will spend the afternoon with him so he'll have some company, although I doubt that they'll watch the big game.

Thanks again for everyone's wishes, I know as he feels better company will be appreciated but we are just taking it slow and making sure that we don't have any more set backs. We'll keep you posted!

Haverly

Friday Night

2009-01-30T17:42:00.000-08:00

Hi all,

Good news! Dad is off the dialysis! Hopefully that will help his body start to heal more each day. Mom went and saw him twice and he was sleeping both times which is good news. When Bill saw him earlier he was back to his feisty self so let's hope that will continue.

We'll keep you posted, but it's good news to start the weekend with.

Thanks
Haverly

So much for 11:15

2009-01-30T08:54:00.000-08:00

They completed the tracheotomy at around 8:45 this morning and Dad is now back in his room resting peacefully under sedation. Bill is at the hospital with him and we'll let you know of any new developments throughout the day.

Thanks
Haverly

Friday Morning

2009-01-30T06:40:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

Dad's tracheotomy is scheduled for 11:15am. They will be going into an operating room rather than just doing it in his ICU room so we'll let you know when it's over and he's back in ICU.

Thanks
Haverly

Thursday Evening

2009-01-29T18:26:00.000-08:00

Hi All,

I just got an update from Bill so we wanted to pass it along. Dad had a reasonably good day and was able to get some sleep finally. His vitals are basically stable and his blood pressure is back up so whatever was happening yesterday seems to have passed. His heart did go back in to A-fib (arterial fibrillation) again so they need to treat that, but that seems to happen every so often and then correct itself.

Tomorrow he is scheduled to have a tracheotomy around noon. This will be a procedure to cut a hole in his trachea to breathe through in the hopes that they can then remove him from the ventilator. Being on the ventilator is very rough business, it cuts his mouth, lips, throat, vocal cords, etc so they want to get him off as soon as possible. Bill said the trach will most likely take place in his room in the ICU so it won't be a full blown surgery.

He is still on dialysis, as this weeks events seemed to set him back some, but he is again producing adequate amounts of urine so hopefully they will be able to remove him soon. The dialysis machine is loud and temperamental, it beeps all the time and requires the nurses replace both the fluid input and output bags on the hour, not to mention the hourly self tests it does. I think if he can get that removed it would help him rest even more, simply for the amount of peace and quiet that being rid of that one machine would provide. We'll keep our fingers crossed that happens soon.

Thanks,
Haverly

Thursday Morning

2009-01-29T07:38:00.000-08:00

Hi All,

An update to my post from last night. Dad was stable through the night. The CAT scan showed that the mucus his lung is generated once again plugged up his breathing tube and caused his blood pressure to drop/blood count to be lower. The good news is there is no bleeding internally. The so/so news is that they aren't sure why his lung is producing so much mucus or when it might slow down.

There are lots of "they mights" this morning such as take him off the breathing tube, remove him from the dialysis, etc. But it just depends on him remaining stable and his body cooperating.

Mom said he was calm this morning and able to write her notes and one thing he wants is a hot bath! Hopefully he will be able to remain calm and get some rest as we know that will definitely help in the long run.

I hope to have greater updates today with news of progress, but I'd rather they take it slow than risk more setbacks, so we'll just have to see.

That's all for now
Haverly

Wednesday Night

2009-01-28T17:05:00.000-08:00

Hi All,

Dad is still having some significant issues. His blood count is down and while I don't understand the specifics, they are concerned enough to be giving him blood and plasma throughout the day. He is not complaining of any pain nor showing any signs of bleeding so they haven't been able to figure out what the problem is. He was getting a CAT Scan tonight which will hopefully pinpoint the problem area.

Dad had a rough day; he wants to be off the ventilator, is very emotional and is probably still pretty sleep deprived. We know he is in the best place he can be, even if he doesn't agree.

I haven't heard the results yet but will let you all know what's going on once we know.

Thanks
Haverly

Tuesday Night

2009-01-27T17:29:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

A note to let you know that Dad was put back on the ventilator tonight as a precaution. While he slept last night, had some tubes removed this morning and even did some physical therapy, his lung is still producing way too much mucus for the doctors liking.
They had to do two bronchoscopies today to try and clear him out and unfortunately it just didn't work to their satisfaction.

The original cause of all these setbacks was a mucus plug unlodging over the weekend and causing him to stop breathing and go into cardiac arrest. The doctors are concerned that there might be a a similar occurrence which could be a huge problem.

Mom says his color looks good and his face is even a little fuller so hopefully this won't last too long. He is sedated for now so will be able to spend the night restfully.

As always when we know something we'll post it.

Thanks
Haverly

Tuesday morning

2009-01-27T05:18:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone.

I just left dad and he is in good spirits. He was able to get about 5 hours of good sleep last night. It seems to have helped some of the anxiety he was feeling last night when I got to his room. According to his nurse du jour, the steroids he is receiving are the source of his hallucinations. Obviously, because they are part of the anti-rejection regimen, this isn´t something they will likely change. Part of the problem might also be sleep deprivation, so hopefully tonight is the beginning of more sleep for him.

The first doctor that came in today said that dad is producing healthy amounts of urine which would indicate kidney function. This translates into him getting off the dialysis machine, another big milestone in his recovery.

That´s all the news that´s fit to print. Mom will have to take over the blog until Thursday.

Frazier

Monday Night

2009-01-26T16:52:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

Dad is continuing to slowly improve health wise. Today they put a feeding tube down his nose to his stomach so that they can start feeding him. He's lost a lot of weight so they need to make sure that he's getting the nutrition he needs.

The hallucinations continue to be the big issue. We had a rough night last night which results in him not getting much rest. The doctors are trying to see if they can switch the medicines to curb some of the effects, but we'll see how well they are able to do that.

Dad got some new pictures and cards from Wyatt and Owen today so those will be hung up in his room and should help to cheer him up.

Frazier is coming down to stay with Dad tonight so hopefully he'll be able to rest comfortably knowing that Fra is there.

That's all for now,
Haverly

Sitting up!

2009-01-25T16:00:00.000-08:00

It,s Sunday about 5:00 PM and Dean is sitting up! He's had a shave and looks so much better.

Haverly returns to Chicago tomorrow morning...back to work and to school. She has spent every night here in the hospital since she arrived, and this will be her last night.

We are simply amazed at the number of people visiting the blog site. Once Dean feels better, he can spend hours reading you comments. Again, thank you for all of your support! Linda

Sunday Morning

2009-01-25T09:49:00.001-08:00

Good morning all,

Healthwise Dad is doing well and things are slowly improving. However a lack of sleep and a ton of medicine are doing a number on him and his wheels are spinning so to speak so he's sort of all over the place in terms of ideas, questions, theories, conspiracies etc.

As far as visitors, we feel that Dad probably wouldn't want people to see him in the condition he is in now, and while he is getting better he is worried about how he looks etc. There is also the concern that he takes things that he hears/are said to him and worries about them for a long time even if to us it seems minute.

Thank you for your continued comments, we do share them and hopefully he'll be able to work his way out of the haze soon. He wants food and wants to get out of here so that's what he's working for.

Haverly

Saturday Evening

2009-01-24T19:11:00.001-08:00

Hi all,

Nothing much to report as far as big changes today. I think the second day is always harder as the medicine is wearing off and the pain is setting in. While he's starting to remember things better, he's still seeing and imagining things so it's important to keep clarifying what's going on.

I'm staying here tonight so we'll keep you posted as always.

Thanks
Haverly

Saturday Morning

2009-01-24T08:34:00.000-08:00

Hi All,

Dad is steadily improving in many areas. His heart has gone back into sinus rhythm which is good. He may be able to come off dialysis today as an initial test. They are going to do a bronchoscopy today to clear out his lungs. They think his original episode where he stopped breathing was the result of gunk coming up from his new lung as it adjusted and they want to make sure that does not happen again.

He did not sleep at all last night which they say is typical in the ICU and had some issues with paranoia. Remind me to tell you those stories when he is better, it definitely made for an interesting night!

Hopefully he can relax some today, he is still breathing like he has his old lung so he needs to retrain himself to breathe easy. They do breathing treatments regularly to help with that. Additionally, his abdominal incision is healing nicely.

We've given him the bare bones of his ordeal over the past several days, we've had various doctors give him an overview, but are trying to ease him into full knowledge of the extent of what happened. As our dear friends the Tofts from Bennett said last night, "he might be out of the woods now, but he was DEFINITELY in them."

I will be returning to Chicago on Monday morning, but we will work to keep the updates going so you all are up to date.

Thanks,
Haverly

Friday night

2009-01-23T21:38:00.000-08:00

Hi all,

I'm back at the hospital and will stay with Dad tonight. Mom, Bill and I enjoyed a dinner of grilled cheese with tomatoes and red wine/champagne. Pretty good stuff!

Dad's alert, still pretty confused on some stuff, but is starting to remember more of what we've told him over the course of the day.

Hopefully he'll be able to rest tonight. They are changing his sheets and he just gave a nice loud cough, louder than I've heard him do in a while. That's a good sign and they try to encourage him to cough so hopefully it will help him cough up any stuff in the lungs.

I'll be listening for the cough tonight!

Haverly

Friday Afternoon

2009-01-23T14:43:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

Dad is now officially off the ventilator and breathing on his own again. He is more alert and awake, but is still pretty loopy from the medicine he's on. He's seeing things and doesn't remember things very well. Our next chore will be repeatedly reminding him of what has happened and what's going on, getting slowly more detailed as time goes on.

He is doing well and we're hopeful that this bump in the road (or perhaps a Himalaya?) will be the last for a while.

Thanks for all your kind words, they have been something to focus on while we sit here in the hospital and have truly been appreciated.

As always, we'll keep you posted.

Haverly

Friday Morning

2009-01-23T06:52:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

A few changes overnight:

Dad's heart started fibulating again around 11:30pm. This morning around 5:30 it went into a rapid fibulation so they restarted some of the medicine to turn that around.

They are planning to do a bronchoscopy this morning which will hopefully lead to them taking him off the respirator today.

When he is awake he's more alert, was asking the nurses a lot of questions and pointing at all the various hoses and tubes wanting to know what they are and whats going on.

They've been feeding him through a line into his stomach which is good as the doctor said that will help his immune system improve compared to the IV line he had had solely before.

I'll let you know as things change

Thanks
Haverly

Thursday Evening

2009-01-22T19:53:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone,

I just got back to Dad's room after dinner wit Bill and a stop home to clean up a bit. He was alert when I walked in as the nurse was working with him, he answered a few questions of mine and squeezed my hand harder than he has been able to this week. All good signs in my book. The lights are off and hopefully he'll be able to get some sleep tonight.

Haverly

Thursday Lunch

2009-01-22T12:05:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

Dad continues to improve, he is still out of it but is slowly coming off the sedation. He's now responding to us again a little bit. His heart and lungs seem to be behaving well and he's producing more urine and fluid through dilation which is a good sign for his kidneys. The next task is to try and get him off the ventilator, but that probably won't happen today. They need him to be more awake and able to breathe on his own for that to happen.

On another note, we've added a Sitemeter to the blog (something I should have done originally!) so that we can see who is visiting and from where. More for Frazier and I than anything else, but you can click it at the bottom of the page to see for yourselves.

Haverly

Thursday morning...

2009-01-22T06:18:00.000-08:00

Good morning everyone. As you´ve read already, dad came out of surgery early this morning. When the doctors got in there, they discovered that the lack of blood flow had caused most of his upper colon to die. The removed the damaged tissue and set up a colostomy, which will most likely be in place for at least 8 months to a year.

The doctors feel that dad can now get back to his recovery without them having to focus so much effort on his digestion problems. His blood pressure and kidneys are continuing to improve. Dad is still being treated for the pneumonia and they plan on continuing to remove fluid from the lung. Dad still isn´t ¨awake¨ but they think he may start coming out of the heavy sedation later today.

I honestly can´t focus myself much more so I´m going to call it quits here. Haverly will probably update later today since she actually slept some last night.

Until later,

Frazier

Out of Surgery

2009-01-21T22:43:00.000-08:00

Hi All,

My Dad is safely out of surgery. His vital signs are stable and improved. We'll give more info tomorrow morning but wanted to let you know that they were finished.

Frazier and I will stay here tonight.

Thanks
Haverly

Wednesday Evening

2009-01-21T16:22:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

We wanted to let you know that Dad will be going into surgery shortly for an exploratory laparotomy which is essentially an abdominal exploration. The doctors feel that they have waited as long as they can to let his bowels start moving on their own and expel the blockage. Without surgery his colon will almost certainly burst and there is a slim chance of survival in his immuno-suppressed state.

At this point, his left colon is basically dead and no longer functioning. They are not sure about his right colon and may be able to save it but won't know until they get in there. This will most likely result in a colostomy bag which he will have to wear for several months until he is healed enough to reverse that and reattach the necessary pieces.

There are risks involved obviously, mostly having to do with the fact that his blood does not clot as it should at this point due to his liver having taken a hit over the course of the weekend. They will give him platelet transfusions and are giving him clotting medicines as well. Additionally, it's a "dirty" surgery so they will do their best to get to the problem without releasing anything into his body that will cause a potential infection.

Bill, Frazier and my mom are here and we will stay here through the night waiting for news. We have all been in to see him and encourage him that this will be a good move for him. As a family we are confident that this is the best option to get Dad back on track to recovery.

We'll keep you posted as we know more. They expect the surgery to last 1 1/2-3 hours but the operating rooms are currently full so they can't start right away.

Haverly

Chest Tube update

2009-01-21T11:14:00.000-08:00

They just finished the chest tube replacement and got a liter and a half of out of his lung that had just been sitting there. The nurse said that will put less pressure on his lung and also make the ventilation easier. The doctor just stopped by to tell us that the change so far was great.

That's all for now

Haverly

Wednesday Update

2009-01-21T10:39:00.001-08:00

Hi all,

We have had some changes this morning so I wanted to update you all. Consent has been given to do an exploratory laparotomy. This is a surgery that will allow the doctors to cut open his intestines and figure out what the blockage is and what needs to be done. The surgery has not been scheduled as of yet, though he is ready to go today if need be. They don't know how long the surgery would be as it would depend on what they find and what needs to be fixed.

Additionally, consent has been given to give him a new chest tube. The x-rays have shown some fluid on his lungs so this new tube will hopefully help it drain. That process is happening right now.

We will keep you updated on the surgery but as I said it still hasn't been scheduled and there is a chance it may not happen. It really depends on the surgeon and his assessment of Dad's clinical state when they are ready to go.

Thanks
Haverly

Wednesday Morning

2009-01-21T08:26:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

Not too much to report this morning. Dad had another bronchosopy this morning to clean out his lungs. He had some stuff come up from his lungs last night which they were able to get out of the tubes so that was good. They have him more sedated than yesterday as he was trying to breathe over the ventilator. This way the ventilator is doing the breathing for him which is what they want. His heart rate is still stable so that is good news.

I'll update as anything changes.

Thanks
Haverly

Tuesday Evening update

2009-01-20T19:08:00.001-08:00

Hi Everyone,

There isn't too much to update this evening. Dad remains stable but is still on dialysis, the ventilator and under sedation. He had the bronchoscopy this morning which went well. He is in some pain, but is able to tell the nurses that so they can manage it. His heart rythym did stabilize just this evening when I came back into his room for the night which was good news.

The doctors keep a watchful eye on him and he does respond to us some of the time.

That's all for now, I will update through the night as any changes occur.

Thanks
Haverly

Tuesday Morning

2009-01-20T07:37:00.000-08:00

Good morning. As a friend of mine said, be thankful for the smooth transition of government, which some countries do not have at all.

Dad did not have any major issues last night. He did vomit over the weekend, then aspirated, causing pneumonia in his new lung. Right now the issue is that the ventilator is set for the new lung and it's causing issues with the old lung. There was talk during morning rounds of a dual-tube so that each lung can be controlled seperately from each other.

The kidney doc says nothing new in regards to the dialysis. His blood pressure being more stable is helping his kidneys heal but he hasn't passed much urine which is the ultimate goal.

He still isn't passing gas which is causing his stomach to remain distended and tender. The surgeons have begun showing up more often in anticipation of their involvement.

That's all I have for now. Dad will get another bronchoscopy today to suck out more gunk out of his lung in an effort to deal with the pneumonia. Until next time...

Frazier

Monday Evening

2009-01-19T16:04:00.000-08:00

Hi all. It is 5:00 pm on MLK Day. Dad still hasn´t woken up but that is what the doctors want right now. He is still having some problems with his bowels. His respiration is good, he is on the lowest setting for the ventilator.

The kidney docs say that he will most likely be on dialysis for a few weeks but because he hadn´t had kidney problems prior to this, they expect his kidneys will fix themselves. Dad´s blood pressure is improving also.

Hav made it into town (she was actually early). Both she and I will stay with dad overnight. Both Bill and Linda are headed home for the night to rest. I´ll post throughout the night if anything major happens, good or bad.

Frazier

Nothing new to report...

2009-01-19T05:43:00.000-08:00

It´s 6:45 am Monday morning. Dad is heavily sedated but has been able to rest since the colonoscopy earlier this morning. He is still on the dialysis and ventilator. I asked his nurse when he might have the ventilator removed and was told ¨not today¨. It is their belief that by breathing for dad it gives him time to rest and allow his body to recover from the struggles from the last few days. They do agree that being on a ventilator is not great but want to allow him to remain stable for the time being. I haven´t seen a doctor come in yet but would think that rounds should begin soon (unless they are off for the holiday). Dad will probably be allowed to sleep most of the day so I will post another update later on tonight. Haverly is coming into town today so the family will be here as long as necessary.

Frazier

Colonoscopy

2009-01-19T00:25:00.000-08:00

It is now 1:30 Monday morning. They just finished the colonoscopy on dad. They tried two rounds of medication and couldn´t get his intestines working. According to the GI doc, they were able to clean dad out and felt a significant change in the hardness of his abdomen. Now the challenge is getting his insides moving on their own again. That´s all I have for now, I´ll add more later if anything changes.

Frazier

Sunday Night

2009-01-18T18:09:00.000-08:00

Hello again. Dad had another rough day today. There is still a blockage in his intestines which is preventing his bowel from working. Because his body is not processing waste, there is a fear of kidney failure so dad has been placed on a dialysis machine indefinitely.

They are going to try and get his bowel cleared tonight with medication but if that doesn´t work, they will have to perform a colonoscopy. The chance of his intestine bursting is a big concern.

This morning he was on the verge of cardiac arrest but luckily the doctors were on the floor doing rounds and were able to prevent it. He has a long way to go before he´s out of the woods but setbacks are to be expected. As Haverly said, dad´s phone is off and we are asking that visits be restricted until he´s a little more stable. I will be here overnight so Bill can get some rest. Mom is in town now after visiting her dad and Haverly is flying in tomorrow.

I will try and post another update with news throughout the night.

Frazier

2009-01-18T08:15:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to let you know that my dad's cell phone has been turned off since he is back in the ICU. In case any of you had called or texted and not gotten a response. He had a rough day yesterday and was pretty disoriented so it's easier for us to just have it turned off.

As Frazier mentioned we'll keep you up to date as there is any news to share.

Thanks
Haverly

Saturday

2009-01-17T18:03:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone. Dad had a setback last night and had to be put back on the ventilator for a few hours. He was also moved back into ICU on the second floor of the hospital.

According to Bill, there was a blockage between Dad's heart and lung, possibly caused by a scab being lodged in there. It caused Dad's heart rate to spike and his oxygen level to drop significantly. After he was moved, they were able to remove Dad from the ventilator but his heart is still out of rhythm.

Bill is with Dad and will keep me updated. He won't leave the hospital until Dad is comfortable again. I'll post updates more frequently until Dad stabilizes.

Frazier