As I update the blog this evening, the Cubs are hammering the SF Giants 9-0 in the top of the 8th. Kathi's Cubs may currently have the second best record in MLB, but I would have told her that today's score had everything to do with the fact that Zito (3-11) was pitching for the Giants. It would be a lively conversation, because Kathi loves baseball and she loves the Cubs! So I am sure it brought her great pleasure today as she watched a little baseball on ESPN.
Kathi continues to make good progress in her recovery. According to her sister, she was very alert and curious this afternoon. And she is attempting to pull her tubes out, which is another good sign (although we don't want her to be successful in doing so).
Tomorrow the doctors have scheduled Kathi for surgery. They want to attend to the laceration on her lower left leg. As we posted earlier, the laceration is very deep and has not been healing well. The surgery will involve taking off the top layers of skin that are dead around the wound. If the tissue underneath is clear and not infected, the doctors will perform a skin graft in hopes of getting her leg to heal. However, if the skin underneath is infected, they will need to clean it out and wait another 72 hours before doing the skin graft. If this happens, this could delay her going to rehab for a couple of days.
So pray for her skin to be clear and viable tomorrow as they do the surgery. And pray for the family as they make decisions related to which rehab facility would be best for Kathi.
As always, your thoughts and prayers are appreciated! And watch the blog tomorrow for an update on her surgery!
Monday, June 30, 2008
Sunday, June 29, 2008
A Smile & A Kiss
Yesterday was another encouraging day for the family. Last we mentioned, Kathi was working really hard to breathe and her respiratory rate was twice or three times the norm. Because of that, there was the possibility of having to be put back on the breathing tube. We asked you to pray and by God's grace, Kathi has continued to breathe on her own. And as of yesterday, her levels were looking great.
The positive signs that the nurses and doctors note is that Kathi is sitting up in the chair and prefers to sit rather than lie in her bed. She continues to be responsive to commands and blinks, mouths or smiles to respond. She is also beginning to talk a little, but the doctors feel her challenge mostly comes from irritation and inflammation of the breathing tubes and they are treating her accordingly. She even gave her sister Theresa a kiss yesterday!
Because Kathi's Rancho Levels are so high, it appears that she could go right from the ICU to rehab! In general Rancho Levels are based on observations of the patients response to external stimuli. And they provide a descriptive guideline of the various stages a brain injury patient will experience as they progress through recovery. That the doctors feel confident to send her right to rehab is great news!
As you continue to pray, pray specifically for some decisions that the doctors and family will need to make this next week related to when Kathi moves to rehab and where. Depending on when the swelling in her brain shrinks back, she could have the bone replaced in her skull with continued care from the wonderful team at Sutter Roseville. The other option would be to postpone the bone replacement (because of continued swelling) and decide instead to send Kathi directly to rehab, which would most likely be to another facility. So pray for wisdom for the doctors and family, as they determine the best route for her long term recovery.
Your continued prayers and support of Kathi are so encouraging!
The positive signs that the nurses and doctors note is that Kathi is sitting up in the chair and prefers to sit rather than lie in her bed. She continues to be responsive to commands and blinks, mouths or smiles to respond. She is also beginning to talk a little, but the doctors feel her challenge mostly comes from irritation and inflammation of the breathing tubes and they are treating her accordingly. She even gave her sister Theresa a kiss yesterday!
Because Kathi's Rancho Levels are so high, it appears that she could go right from the ICU to rehab! In general Rancho Levels are based on observations of the patients response to external stimuli. And they provide a descriptive guideline of the various stages a brain injury patient will experience as they progress through recovery. That the doctors feel confident to send her right to rehab is great news!
As you continue to pray, pray specifically for some decisions that the doctors and family will need to make this next week related to when Kathi moves to rehab and where. Depending on when the swelling in her brain shrinks back, she could have the bone replaced in her skull with continued care from the wonderful team at Sutter Roseville. The other option would be to postpone the bone replacement (because of continued swelling) and decide instead to send Kathi directly to rehab, which would most likely be to another facility. So pray for wisdom for the doctors and family, as they determine the best route for her long term recovery.
Your continued prayers and support of Kathi are so encouraging!
Friday, June 27, 2008
Another Step Forward
Wonder of wonders! This morning around 8:30am, Kathi's breathing tube was removed. Throughout the day, the medical team has monitored her carefully - her vital signs have all remained stable, including tests to check her oxygenation. But, she has been working very hard all day to breathe. Her respiratory rate is twice or three times normal. Because of that, the possibility of having to put the breathing tube back in is very high. To quote her nurse this evening, "we are riding the fence." They think the difficulty is mostly from irritation and inflammation from the original tube and they have treated her accordingly. As of this writing, she is still managing on her own. But honestly, it could still change and she may have a breathing tube again by morning, and that's okay. We know she can breathe on her own, and she may need a little more time. Praise God!
She still is opening both eyes and responding to voices. She looks right at you, and sometimes tries to mouth a response. I do want to explain to those not familiar with these type of injuries that most likely, she will not remember this time of healing. In fact, every time she closes her eyes to sleep, she probably loses what has happened and restarts her thoughts upon waking. Sort of like re-booting your computer. She is still not having normal thought-processess and interactions with people. THIS IS EXPECTED! I just want to make sure everyone has a better understanding of this process.
Gary Hurd has emailed that "his" Kathy has had a little set-back - she didn't get to come home on Thursday. But he was confident that she would be discharged on Friday, and I haven't heard otherwise. He asks for continued prayer for pain management, relief from nausea & dizziness, and healing of her intestinal tract issues.
Both Kathi and Kathy are taking just one day at a time. Thanks for continuing to keep them in your prayers.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Sweet Reunion!
Today was another eventful day - Kathi sat up in a chair for an hour and forty minutes. I arrived right after she was returned to her bed and she was sleeping soundly. I can't imagine how much energy it must have taken to sit up for that long. She has one less IV in her arm, which makes it easier to hold both hands now. She is breathing more and more on her own and her temperature is even lower. It just keeps getting better and better each day. She smiled today, too!
Her sister, Theresa, returned from out of state with their brother, Jack. I'm glad Kathi slept during my watch, because I'm told she was very animated this evening with her special visitors. Quite a few of the pastors from Lakeside also dropped by to check on her.
An area to pray about specifically is the large laceration on her lower left leg. It is very deep and is not healing well. It may require some further surgery. Only time will tell. So, that's it - just wanted to get a quick note out to all of you this evening. You are all a blessing to Kathi and her family!
Her sister, Theresa, returned from out of state with their brother, Jack. I'm glad Kathi slept during my watch, because I'm told she was very animated this evening with her special visitors. Quite a few of the pastors from Lakeside also dropped by to check on her.
An area to pray about specifically is the large laceration on her lower left leg. It is very deep and is not healing well. It may require some further surgery. Only time will tell. So, that's it - just wanted to get a quick note out to all of you this evening. You are all a blessing to Kathi and her family!
Ways to Respond
While we continue to be amazed by the outpouring of love on behalf of our friend Kathi and her riding partner Kathy Hurd, I believe we have not yet scratched the surface of those within our community that wish to assist in one way or another. And I know that many of you have been waiting for this posting, which we hope will give you some more tangible ways to be involved in Kathi's recovery. So here they are:
1. Pray - God hears the prayers of his people and there is no limit to what he can do through them!
2. Give Blood - Blood donations provide life-saving treatments to accident victims, surgery patients, cancer patients and many others in need. Those who want to make a replacement donation of blood on behalf of Kathi, can do so with BloodSource. A donor account has been established on Kathi's behalf. Kathi's donor account number is P916. BloodSource does have an office in Folsom and their hours of operation are M-W (11am-1:15pm; 2:30-6 pm), Thursdays (9am-12:15pm; 1:30-4pm) and Fridays (8:30am-1pm). Their Bloodmobile will also be at Lakeside Church on Sunday morning, July 20th.
3. Assist Financially - While we have no idea what exactly Kathi's financial needs will be at this point, we want to encourage those who wish to help in this way, to give to Lakeside Church's Compassion Fund. Funds given to this account will be used to help financially offset Kathi's needs as well as those within the greater community of Lakeside. Gifts can be sent to Lakeside Church, 745 Oak Avenue Parkway, Folsom, CA 95630.
4. Provide a Meal - We are asking interested people to help in bringing lunch for 3-4 of Kathi's caregivers each day and driving it out to Sutter Roseville Hospital. We would also love to have people stop by around 4pm with coffee for Kathi's support team. If you are interested in being scheduled for this, email marniemcfarlin@lakesidechurch.com.
5. Write a Note - Cards are being collected in the Lakeside Church office and will be read to Kathi and later given to her when it is appropriate. We also encourage you to continue to leave your comments on the blog as well.
Finally, the Hurd family is requesting that instead of flowers, donations be made to Ride for a Reason, one of their favorite charities.
1. Pray - God hears the prayers of his people and there is no limit to what he can do through them!
2. Give Blood - Blood donations provide life-saving treatments to accident victims, surgery patients, cancer patients and many others in need. Those who want to make a replacement donation of blood on behalf of Kathi, can do so with BloodSource. A donor account has been established on Kathi's behalf. Kathi's donor account number is P916. BloodSource does have an office in Folsom and their hours of operation are M-W (11am-1:15pm; 2:30-6 pm), Thursdays (9am-12:15pm; 1:30-4pm) and Fridays (8:30am-1pm). Their Bloodmobile will also be at Lakeside Church on Sunday morning, July 20th.
3. Assist Financially - While we have no idea what exactly Kathi's financial needs will be at this point, we want to encourage those who wish to help in this way, to give to Lakeside Church's Compassion Fund. Funds given to this account will be used to help financially offset Kathi's needs as well as those within the greater community of Lakeside. Gifts can be sent to Lakeside Church, 745 Oak Avenue Parkway, Folsom, CA 95630.
4. Provide a Meal - We are asking interested people to help in bringing lunch for 3-4 of Kathi's caregivers each day and driving it out to Sutter Roseville Hospital. We would also love to have people stop by around 4pm with coffee for Kathi's support team. If you are interested in being scheduled for this, email marniemcfarlin@lakesidechurch.com.
5. Write a Note - Cards are being collected in the Lakeside Church office and will be read to Kathi and later given to her when it is appropriate. We also encourage you to continue to leave your comments on the blog as well.
Finally, the Hurd family is requesting that instead of flowers, donations be made to Ride for a Reason, one of their favorite charities.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
"Hi!"
OK - so let's not use the word "coma" anymore. I'm just going to tell you what I saw when I entered her room today. BOTH of Kathi's eyes were open and she looked right at me. I asked her to turn her head to look at her other caregiver. She did! Then she turned her head and looked back at me . . . see a pattern here? She was awake most of the time I spent with her - a little restless. I could tell she was tired so I encouraged her to sleep/rest. She fell asleep for a short while, then her eyes popped open. I looked at her and said "Hi!" and she tried to say "Hi" around her breathing tube.
I am so excited at the healing I see taking place. Her fever was down almost a whole degree, and you could see color in her face again. She played with my hand for almost three hours. Sometimes she doesn't follow commands - not sure if she is tired or just being "difficult!" But I'll give her a little grace on that.
Another "milestone" is approaching - Kathi is initiating most of her respirations during waking hours. When she falls asleep, the ventilator takes over. (Breathing machine) This is very significant and we can't wait to see further improvement so that we can say "bye-bye" to that breathing tube!
Unfortunately, Physical Therapy did not happen today, but she is first on their list to get up in a chair tomorrow morning. Her nurse said that she will only be up for about an hour. AN HOUR? Wow! That's a long time if you've been in a "coma" for a week.
Anyway, just want to give you all the latest and greatest of what is happening with Kathi inside the NTICU. Once again the nurses and doctors are singing her praises!
Remembering where we were exactly one week ago today, I personally want to go on record as saying that Kathi is a miracle in action. To God be all the glory!
I am so excited at the healing I see taking place. Her fever was down almost a whole degree, and you could see color in her face again. She played with my hand for almost three hours. Sometimes she doesn't follow commands - not sure if she is tired or just being "difficult!" But I'll give her a little grace on that.
Another "milestone" is approaching - Kathi is initiating most of her respirations during waking hours. When she falls asleep, the ventilator takes over. (Breathing machine) This is very significant and we can't wait to see further improvement so that we can say "bye-bye" to that breathing tube!
Unfortunately, Physical Therapy did not happen today, but she is first on their list to get up in a chair tomorrow morning. Her nurse said that she will only be up for about an hour. AN HOUR? Wow! That's a long time if you've been in a "coma" for a week.
Anyway, just want to give you all the latest and greatest of what is happening with Kathi inside the NTICU. Once again the nurses and doctors are singing her praises!
Remembering where we were exactly one week ago today, I personally want to go on record as saying that Kathi is a miracle in action. To God be all the glory!
Thumbs Up
Exciting news! We received word early this morning that Kathi was responsive to the nurses command and gave a thumbs up to the nurse twice! In response to her movement, the nurse took her arm restraints off and Kathi began to feel and touch her arms and face. Dr. Ridgeway also wants Kathi up in a chair today and as soon as that happens, she will begin with some physical therapy.
It is normal to have set backs in these cases. We haven't seen any yet, so pray that if and when they come, that we wouldn't loose heart and that Kathi would continue to push through.
The family is overwhelmed with emotion! And we are all giving thanks to God for his healing hand!
It is normal to have set backs in these cases. We haven't seen any yet, so pray that if and when they come, that we wouldn't loose heart and that Kathi would continue to push through.
The family is overwhelmed with emotion! And we are all giving thanks to God for his healing hand!
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