Dear family and friends
As of 11:30 AM Pacific Time today, we passed the two week mark since Grayson's cardiac episode. As a housekeeping item, I am changing the headline format in the blog to more accurately mark the passing of time.
Today was a disappointing day.
I keep being reminded of the roller coaster. Yesterday was up, today is down. There were no smiles from Grayson today. Now that he is off of the sedative, he has some level of consciousness, but appears to have little to no control over his muscles. I'm no expert in this area, but it appears that his brain commands one thing, and his body does something else. He then gets frustrated, and tries harder. The net effect is that this very strong, 240 pound young man is quite difficult to deal with when he becomes frustrated, angry and, I believe, scared. Add to that a questionable level of understanding of what is happening to him and a temporary short term memory of just minutes, and you have some idea what we are seeing him go through. Perhaps I am wrong, but it could be a glimpse of the uphill climb we have in front of us.
On a positive note, Grayson will have a tracheostomy tomorrow so that the breathing tube can be removed while leaving his airway protected. He will also have his feeding tube permanently placed so that it will no longer irritate his nose. Both of these should improve his comfort level and hopefully keep him calmer.
I realize that I am repeating myself when I say how much all of your notes of various technologies mean to us. From paper to electronic, we see them all, and they lift our spirits. All are heartfelt, loving and filled with God's spirit. Today I found that I went back to that well of good wishes to refresh a disappointed soul. While the tears came, I felt the warm embrace of the love from you, and from God. Thank you for giving us strength.
Pax!
Brant and Regina
30 November 2009
29 November 2009
Day 14 - Grayson’s Condition
Dear family and friends
Today was a good day.
In fact, Regina called it Mother's Day because for the first time in almost two weeks, Grayson awoke and appeared to recognize her voice. Then he smiled – not a big toothy grin as he is so fond of doing, but a tiny little smile that let us know that he is in there. While this is very encouraging news after so long a spell of unconsciousness, we know that this is just the beginning of a very long battle. We know that it could be months or even years before Grayson is back home, but at least we are starting to talk about coming home. That was something that was very much in doubt last week.
Grayson's condition continues to remain stable. With the reduced level of sedative, we might be able to remove the breathing tube. That would remove a large irritant, but we will only be able to do so if he is able to protect his airway. Tomorrow we will discuss options with the physicians.
In an instant message yesterday, my cousin in Eastern Oregon gave me an assignment to read Jeremiah 29:11 – "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." We take encouragement that, with God's help, Grayson's future will be a bright one.
The demonstration of God's love surrounds us every day as all of you continue to hold our family dear and keep us in your prayers. Thank you.
Pax!
Brant and Regina
Today was a good day.
In fact, Regina called it Mother's Day because for the first time in almost two weeks, Grayson awoke and appeared to recognize her voice. Then he smiled – not a big toothy grin as he is so fond of doing, but a tiny little smile that let us know that he is in there. While this is very encouraging news after so long a spell of unconsciousness, we know that this is just the beginning of a very long battle. We know that it could be months or even years before Grayson is back home, but at least we are starting to talk about coming home. That was something that was very much in doubt last week.
Grayson's condition continues to remain stable. With the reduced level of sedative, we might be able to remove the breathing tube. That would remove a large irritant, but we will only be able to do so if he is able to protect his airway. Tomorrow we will discuss options with the physicians.
In an instant message yesterday, my cousin in Eastern Oregon gave me an assignment to read Jeremiah 29:11 – "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." We take encouragement that, with God's help, Grayson's future will be a bright one.
The demonstration of God's love surrounds us every day as all of you continue to hold our family dear and keep us in your prayers. Thank you.
Pax!
Brant and Regina
28 November 2009
Day 13 - Grayson’s Condition
Dear family and friends
Today was another quiet day.
Grayson is on a very low dose of his sedative, and he is just barely under. He still has the breathing tube in, so some level of sedative is required to keep him comfortable. He still is resting under the cold-fluid blanket to keep his temperature in the low-normal range. His convulsive episodes seem to have reduced in intensity and frequency with his latest set of meds, but they lurk just under the surface, so we are still on edge. Rest was again the order of the day for Grayson.
Grayson's condition continues to stabilize, and that is great. As soon as we can get him off the vent, we can start to look to the next steps in his recovery.
I could say that Grayson's improvement might have something to do with the outcome of the USC-UCLA game, but I would hate to say that his Alma Mater beat up on his lifelong medical facility. Let's just say that both schools are in Grayson's corner! We have much praise to heap on both of these great institutions.
We have had so many special wishes just this weekend that are hearts are just overflowing. This is a long road we are on, and the path is not yet clear. Your continued support and encouragement is the physical expression of God's spiritual love for us while we are on that journey. Thank you for your prayers and the strength you give us.
Pax!
Brant and Regina
Today was another quiet day.
Grayson is on a very low dose of his sedative, and he is just barely under. He still has the breathing tube in, so some level of sedative is required to keep him comfortable. He still is resting under the cold-fluid blanket to keep his temperature in the low-normal range. His convulsive episodes seem to have reduced in intensity and frequency with his latest set of meds, but they lurk just under the surface, so we are still on edge. Rest was again the order of the day for Grayson.
Grayson's condition continues to stabilize, and that is great. As soon as we can get him off the vent, we can start to look to the next steps in his recovery.
I could say that Grayson's improvement might have something to do with the outcome of the USC-UCLA game, but I would hate to say that his Alma Mater beat up on his lifelong medical facility. Let's just say that both schools are in Grayson's corner! We have much praise to heap on both of these great institutions.
We have had so many special wishes just this weekend that are hearts are just overflowing. This is a long road we are on, and the path is not yet clear. Your continued support and encouragement is the physical expression of God's spiritual love for us while we are on that journey. Thank you for your prayers and the strength you give us.
Pax!
Brant and Regina
27 November 2009
Day 12 - Grayson’s Condition
Dear family and friends
Today was a quiet day.
Grayson continues to rest. For the past few days he has been sleeping with his cold-fluid blanket, as the medical team is trying to keep his temperature in the low-normal range. His sedative is very slowly being reduced. He is receiving just enough of the sedative to keep him from having his convulsive episodes, and so we are right on the edge at all times. After 11-plus days on the sedative propofol, the goal is to wean him off of it slowly so we can start to assess the injury to his brain.
After two weeks, the breathing tube becomes a problem. It agitates his throat, it gags him when he swallows and vocal cord injury becomes more likely the longer he remains on it. Therefore, if he is not able to maintain his airway, we will likely have to perform a tracheotomy. We will continue to assess it, but early next week we will need to make a decision.
We had a wonderful Thanksgiving meal with family here in the hospital. There is a family waiting area right outside the ICU where we were able to bring in our meal and even carve our turkey! It was a joy to be surrounded by the buzz, laughter and chatter of family, enjoy our dinner, and even play a few games. Thanks to all who had a hand in preparing our feast, and making last night so enjoyable.
Today the mail box was again stuffed with cards of well wishes. You guys are awesome! The love and support we receive from all of you is nothing short of extraordinary. We continue to pray with you for God's continued blessing on the life of our young man.
Pax!
Brant and Regina
26 November 2009
Day 11 - Grayson’s Condition
Dear family and friends
I realize that this is our third post for the day. I apologize for bombarding your mailbox, and I promise it will be our last post today!
Today was a quiet day for Grayson.
Grayson has been resting comfortably all day. He seems to be reacting well to the new meds, and his condition appears to remain stable. This past two days it has been much less exciting – that's a good thing for parental comfort!
Because of the holiday weekend, and the stability of Grayson at the moment, I suspect that the rest of the weekend will be quiet. But since my crystal ball is a bit foggy, you never know!
Blessings to all as you continue to enjoy your Thanksgiving weekend!
Brant and Regina
Happy Thanksgiving
Dear family and friends
Shortly we will be celebrating our first family Thanksgiving Dinner in the hospital, so graciously prepared for us by loving hands. In spite of our present circumstances, we really do have so much to be thankful for. Regina shared many in her own post earlier.
Before our meal this evening, we will pause in prayer today to give thanks for the bounty and grace He has given all of us. The gift of all of you, our special friends and loving family, is a living example of God's love for us.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Brant
Thanksgiving
I am thankful. For every day of life with my family. For the incredible gift of caring and spiritual medical caregivers. For doctors who won't give up. For my friends and my church and the strength that comes from love. For my employers who are more like family. For better than decent hospital cafeteria food and an adequate sofa bed in Grayson's room. For the peace that comes from trusting God.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Regina
Happy Thanksgiving,
Regina
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