Thursday, June 19, 2008

Afternoon Report

This morning, Kathi's sweet nurse, Alysa, came to update us and tell us what the day would hold. Kathi was on her way back to CT for another scan of her head. Then she went to the Cath lab for a special filter to be inserted in one of her large blood vessels. We were able to meet with the Trauma Surgeon for his most up-to-date evaluation.

He shared that her craniotomy done yesterday for a subdural hematoma (a large blood clot). The concerning factors were that the paramedics were not able to put a breathing tube in or start an IV. So she came into the ER already a little compromised. He's not sure how well she was oxygenated. Also her blood pressure was very low, indicating the severity of her head injury.

The positive things were a quick transfer to the hospital, and straight to the operating room after a quick CT. The surgery was successful and they left a portion of her skull off to allow the brain to swell without damage. Today's CT showed two bruises in the front of the brain and one on the side that they are watching. They are monitoring the pressure in her brain - and it's been great!

She will be having a feeding tube inserted in a few moments, and then will go to surgery to have the large laceration in her calf cleaned and closed up. She has some low-grade pelvic fractures that are not worrisome. He felt the fact that her pupils being equal and responsive was a very good sign. So, he said that you just don't know how it will all balance out.

We were able to pop in and see her for a while. She is stable enough that we were allowed to speak to her and touch her. Her nurse was great about spending time with Kathi's sister, Teresa and explaining things.

I know that the main question everyone has is what is the prognosis. At this point, Kathi has reflexes still intact - response to pain, cough, etc. She cannot follow commands - her movements are reflexive at this time. The doctor says that we will just have to wait and see - it's a waiting game. But to quote him "the cup is half full." We are continuing to have faith and hope. We believe in a God of miracles.

Kathi's sister and brother-in-law, Teresa and Dave, feel your love and prayers. Blessings to you all!

18 comments:

A said...

PRAISE TO JESUS! Thank you, Father, for the miracles so far! Thank you, staff, for updating us! Continuously praying!
Annie and Mark Holt

Pam said...

Praise God for forward progress! The prayers will not cease, but we are thankful for all good news! Bless you, Kathi! We might be on the Amazing Race sooner than I thought! ;o) Love, Pam L.

nina said...

Lord Kathi is your beautiful daughter who loves you dearly. Please heal her body and keep her loved ones close to you. You are a mighty God and we ask mighty things from you now. Amen
Nina M.

Cindy said...

Praises!! For the good news on Kathi's progress. Thankfulness!! For the compassionate care Kathi is receiving. Hopefulness!! That Kathi will continue to progress and that her doctors will be left shaking their heads wanting to know this Great Healer - Our Lord Jesus Christ! Thanks for keeping us informed. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Cindy D

Anonymous said...

Thank you Lord for watching over Kathi during this time. We know that she is in excellent hands and we pray for continued good news. Also, I want to express my deepest "Thank You" to the staff at Lakeside for being so incredibly great about keeping us up to date regarding Kathi's recovery. It's so difficult knowing that there's nothing any of us can do at this moment and I am so appreciative to those who are giving us current news of her condition. Please continue to keep us posted as we will continue to pray for her.
~ Jennifer Clinton

mamaslush said...

Our team in Brazil is checking in regularly to see the updates and we are definitely in prayer for Kathi.
Diane Slusher, Pam Jimison, Michelle Morales, George Valencia, David Boothe
WE LOVE YOU!

sherri jira said...

We are praying for Kathi here in Wa. State. We also, ask the Lord to look after her sister Teresa and husband Dave and give them the strength to get through this difficult time. The Lord is amazing! And I know He will do amazing things for His daughter, Kathi. Love and God Bless. Jason and Sherri Jira

Heather Bystrowski said...

God is good! I see this a moving forward and a road to recovery let's keep those pure and good thoughts!!

bonnieg said...

Thank you, Lord, for the progress Kathi has made. Continue to give her strength to get through this difficult time. Continue to support Kathi's family as they are by her side and be with her medical teams as they make observations and decisions about her condition & recovery. Praise to you, our awesome Father in heaven! Bonnie

Lynn said...

Jesus, we praise your holiness for the miracles!
Kathi keep holding on sweet friend Jesus and the heavenly angels are all around you. In Jesus name we continue to plead for your full recovery!
I have seen your beautiful smile all day long!!! Fight girl!
Love and Hugs, Lynn

Lynn's Life Blog said...

All powerful, compassionate and merciful Lord Jesus, we lift up our sister Kathi to you now at this critical point in her life. We thank you for the abundant blessings that you have bestowed upon her so far. We know that there are more blessings to come. Thank you for the sparing of her life here with us her church family and for the wonderful team of doctors and nurses that you have brought forth for her care. We pray for much wisdom on the hospital staffs part in treating Kathi, and we pray especially for our dear sister in you, that you touch her with your healing hand, allowing her to recover fully from this horrific accident. Our prayers will remain dedicated towards Kathi and her recovery, and towards her family and all those have known her and loved her. Jesus lives and nothing is beyond his control.

ucdgrad said...

I am so glad to see an update posted and have been checking this site all day for an update! Kathi has been and will be in my prayers throughout the day and night. I thank God for the quick treatment and the wonderful medical care she is receiving. Please continue to keep us updated and when the time comes for what we can do to help. Our God is God of miracles big and small! I pray God shows another BIG miracle in Kathi's recovery.

TinaJ said...

Lord, you are already working in this situation. Thank you, Father, that you have already started the healing in Kathi's body! Lakeside staff...thank you for these postings! You're an amazing family!!
Tina J.

Bicycles Plus said...

All of our prayers are with Kathi and Kathy. We want you to know how many people love you and through the power of prayer, you'll pull through this.

God Bless

John Crews

Bridget Smith said...

We beleive that there must be a good in all of this. Kathi is God's miracle that will open all of our hearts to the power of His Holy Spirit. We love you Kathi and look forward to watching you do the work that God has planned for you which will enrich all of us. With all of our love and prayers,
Don and Carlene Burke

-Trish said...

Kathi, I pray that your love and trust in God will sustain you now as you wait on Him and what He has in store for you. God is with you every day, every step of the way and, thankfully, in control. May His power, strength and wisdom heal your body and His love wrap Himself around you and give you peace and comfort. Love and hugs, Trish

Unknown said...

Kathi, you have been in our thoughts, prayers, and hearts constantly throughout the day today and will continue to be. May Christ our Lord keep his healing hands upon you and your friend Kathy. Recovery may be a long road ahead but you will have many, many family and friends walking that road with you and cheering you on, my friend! May God bless you always.
We love you, Tina and Mat Ladwig

AnitaS said...

Dearest Kathi,
We have been moved to prayer as we learned of this tragic event today, but we are so pleased to hear that the Great Healer has you in His palm and we will trust His powerful work in your life. You were just on my mind yesterday, hoping to see you this summer since we are just over the hill.....we will just make the trip over instead when you are better. Know that you are dearly remembered by us and that we will continue to pray.
Love, Dave, Anita and Swearingen girls in Minden, Nevada