Last Blog Post!

Welcome Home!  This was the message that was left on two 1 ton bales of hay for Larry and Marilyn as they pulled into the driveway late Wednesday night.  A huge poster on each bale with messages from the Young Women and Young Men.  The Primary children also made a huge banner that they had all signed and wrote messages on.  It was on the big front window of the house.  What a great greeting to help welcome them home after this very long ordeal. 

To celebrate Larry's recovery and return home we would like to invite one and all to come to our much anticipated Pizza Party!  Put it on your calendar:  Saturday, June 23rd from 1:00 until whenever.  Some people have other commitments that evening so we are starting early, but you are welcome to stop by any time.  If possible, please let us know by June 21, if you are planning to come with either text or email.  email address: lasay1@aol.com  435-363-5711  SEE YOU SOON! 

HOME AT LAST!

(Visit with Nurses that helped Dad in the ICU) It is official, Dad has made it home! It was a long day for him, but he did it! The rehab facility released us this morning around 9:00 am. We had all the therapists, doctors, nurses and social workers at the rehab facility stopping in all morning wanting to say goodbye to him. They all repeated the same thing over and over about being amazed and thrilled with his progress compared to when they first saw him 2 weeks ago. There is a shuttle that runs from the rehab facility over to the hospital and Hubbard House. Dennis is the driver in the mornings and was waiting for us because he knew today was the big day! He was pretty excited to meet Dad too, since he had gotten to know the rest of the family so well during the daily drives back and forth. We were pretty excited to show dad around. We got to show him the Hubbard House and then we decided to go see the nurses and staff at the ICU. He had stayed in the ICU for 9 days and was in a coma when he left there so they never really got to see all his wonderful improvements. We were worried we were going to wear him out, but were so glad we took him back over there because they were so excited to see him. They couldn't believe it! Five weeks ago today is when he had his first surgery and was then put in the Neuro ICU. This picture is in the ICU with the 2 nurses that worked with him the most. It was very rewarding to them to be able to see dad. They commented on how Mom kept up the hope when in their minds they had lost most of their hope for his recovery. We have so much to be grateful for!!!

Tomorrow is the BIG day!!!

Today was a productive and exciting day getting Dad all ready to be released tomorrow. We were able to get the rehab thing figured out and set up other appointments with doctors he will need to follow up with in Utah. We took a "field trip" today for an appointment with the neurosurgeon who was very impressed with dad's progress! After reading some of dad's medical records, we have realized even more how blessed we are that he is even still with us and is doing as good as he is. We attribute most of it to your fasting and prayers. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Now we understand!

Now we understand why some people stay in Florida to finish rehab! We made lots of phone calls today trying to get Dad into an outpatient rehab facility that does all the things he needs and that is on their insurance. Just as we thought we had it figured out my mom talked to the insurance agency again (apparently there is a different insurance company that deals with rehab) and there are no places in Utah on their insurance! The lady said, "Well I can tell you right now we aren't on anything in Utah, but OH THERE ARE LOTS OF PLACES IN FLORIDA!!!" You can imagine that did not go over well.... The lady is going to see if there are places in Utah they can work with, but mentioned the possibility of having to visit 3 different facilities for each thing. What a joke! Besides that it was a good day. Dad had a pretty full day of therapy. We tried to wear him out today so he will sleep tonight. Mom and him were doing laps around the facility last night (this morning) at 2:30 a.m. I am praying for a better night, mostly for my mom's sake!

Beautiful Day

Finally a day without rain! Well there is still a little chance left for tonight, but we are done walking back and forth today. The rehab facility is about a 15 minute walk from the Hubbard House. There is a shuttle, but it doesn't run on the weekends. Yesterday we got a little wet, but timed it fairly well. Mom is back to having to sleep in a cot in dad's room again because he has a tendency to get up without telling the nurses so they have to put an alarm on him. Needless to say he had a rough night sleep last night, which understandably makes him a little irritable. When he is tired his eyes have a harder time working for him too, which is frustrating. He has made so much progress though, it is amazing! The missionaries brought us the sacrament today and visited for awhile. Elder Beckett goes home to Grantsville, Utah on Wednesday. My mom had a dream a couple weeks ago that we ended up flying home with him. Well, we won't be on the same flight, but we are flying home the same day! He has been great to us! What a wonderful missionary and example of service they have been.

4 Days 'til Departure!

Merrilee made it to Orlando yesterday. There was a really nice lady from the local ward that gave her a ride from the airport. The last time Merrilee saw dad was almost 4 weeks ago. What a difference a month can make! He is 25 pounds lighter (his weight watcher friends would be impressed), his head incision is healing nicely, and he is awake and responsive this time, compared to last time being in a coma with the bolt in his head. He is very anxious to get home. He definitely needs the Sport Clip ladies to fix his hair! He is working on growing a mullet. They shaved almost his entire head for the surgery except a section in the back. We plan on having him wear a hat for the trip home. :) The thing that is bugging him the most is his vision. Both eyes work, but are not working together so he still has to wear the patch over one of his eyes quite a bit. Short term memory is still another big issue, but we are hoping getting him home will help a lot. The plan is to still fly him home on Wednesday. We hope it won't be too hard on him.

Last Thursday in Orlando!

This morning when dad was getting dressed he said something funny and then said, "Uh-oh you will probably put that on the blog!" We can't remember what he said but it was funny that he is realizing that he has everyone following him on the blog. Nothing exciting happened today, he is just working hard at his therapy and really looking forward to getting home. Merrilee flies in tomorrow and will be helping get them home on Wednesday. Dad says she better hurry and get there because he is flying out tomorrow. He has been away from home for 5 weeks and is really anxious to be home.

First shower in a month

He got to have a shower this morning because his trach wound has closed up. First shower in a month and if any of you know him.... he MUST have a shower every morning and it is usually a very long one! That is where he does his best thinking. Maybe that is all he needs to rehabilitate. In fact my mom made reservations to fly them home in a week. He has had a little fever today so he hasn't felt as well but they still approved him to be released on June 13.

Tuesday

Dad didn't have a good night sleep last night so he was too tired for some of his therapy classes. Mom is going to stay with him tonight so hopefully he will be able to get more rest so he will feel better tomorrow. His trach wound is healing really nicely. He is getting a little stronger everyday. Mandy made it home safely and Merrilee will be making the trip to Florida on Friday.

trach is out!!

This morning when dad's therapist was getting him out of bed he pretended he was falling. You should have seen her face!!! It was so funny, she wanted to punch him. The therapists all worked with him and said he is improving every session. They had scheduled to take his trach out today but decided to wait till tomorrow. He was fiddling with the neck band and he accidentally pulled the trach out about an inch. Mandy hurried and got the nurse, who wasn't able to get it back in. They called the doctor and he okayed them to just take it out. I guess there is more than one way to hurry this process along. Mandy is leaving tomorrow so we are going to try to smuggle pizza in tonight for dinner.

Sunday

Dad was really excited to see us this morning and said, "I would have called you if someone wouldn't have taken my cell phone." He is very ready to go home and keeps asking us what the plan is for getting all of us home. We had lunch out on the porch and it was a beautiful day. They downsized his trach to a 4 and will probably take it out by the end of the week. They buckle him in bed when we aren't here so he won't get up and fall and he hates it. He jokes about us slipping him his pocket knife so he can cut the strap in the night. He is in great spirits and is grateful to be doing as good as he is.

Saturday

Today was a much better day. Mom got a call this morning from rehab and was so worried until she answered it and it was dad!! He wanted us to know he was up and wondering when we were going to be there. It was so good to hear his voice on the other side of the phone. His blood pressure was too low because he hasn't had enough fluids lately but he is drinking more today so he is feeling better. He has also been eating his meals better which should help him have the energy he needs for therapy. He has an eyepatch to help his eyes strengthen and he jokes saying he is hiding behind his new eyepatch and thinks he is pretty scary. He definitely joked a lot today and felt so much better. he is starting to ask when we are planning on taking him home. We are hoping for many more days like today.

Friday

At the rehab facility the nurses and other staff are always amazed when dad stands up at how tall he is. We get comments all day long. They say "WOW!! He is TALL!" The nurse asked if we were driving in a truck yesterday. We told her no and that our truck was 2300 miles away. Dad said,"oh no they have lost the truck!". He still has a problem understanding we are in Orlando, Florida. Today dad didn't feel as well as he has been so therapy didn't go as well as expected. Usually when we have an off day the next day is better so hopefully tomorrow he will be feeling better and ready to work hard.

Thursday

We had a great day today. All the therapists had a chance to work with him and he showed increased progress even from yesterday. The therapists met with the doctor and they decided he would be here for about 2 more weeks. That is their best guess but could change depending on his progress. He is remembering more and more everyday. He answers most questions with "well probably...." then he answers the question. Sometimes he is right on and other times not so close. Mom and Mandy had a really good conversation with him about what has happened to him and how long he has been here. He seemed really interested and asked questions. He even had a phone call with his friend Dirk today.

Wednesday

Dad is doing really well today. He has been evaluated by all the therapists today and they will all meet with the doctor tomorrow to try and decide how long he will be here. We really like the rehab facility, the therapists and all the nursing staff here. Dad has a headache and the nurse gave him two options Tylenol or oxycodone.... He wanted a cherry shake to make him feel better!! We walked to the gas station and got him some cherry chocolate ice cream. It didn't make his head feel better but he sure enjoyed it.

Welcome to rehab!

We started out the day thinking we were just going to hang out at the hospital. Next thing we knew they were taking out his feeding tube and moving him to rehab. They took him in an ambulance down the street to the rehab center. He is all settled in and ate a good dinner which he fed to himself for the first time. He will start therapy in the morning. Mandy got here about 2:00 today and dad smiled and was really talkative to her. He asked about the flight and how grandpa's little boy (Ryker) was doing. She brought him a seashell from Ryker that he had found on the beach for grandpa. Hopefully tomorrow we can get a better idea of how long they plan to keep him here.

Playing the Waiting Game

We are just waiting for Larry to get into the rehab center.  We have to wait for a spot to open up and that won't be until at least tomorrow or maybe longer.  It is supposedly a wonderful rehab center that people come from all over to attend.  He seems to be having a better day today than yesterday.  His spirits are a little better, but still seems a little down.  He has been sitting in a chair most of the day today and walked a short distance. 

Larry's dad and Melise have made it to the SLC airport finally after 1 1/2 hours of delays, but have landed safe and sound at least.  Mandy will be headed to Orlando tomorrow.  We will write when he makes it into this rehab center or if there are any other changes, but we might not have much to report for awhile. 

Third Sunday in the hospital

This morning Larry wasn't able to remember who Marilyn or his dad were. He thought Marilyn was his doctor. The doctors noticed a change in him as well. His Neurologist seemed pretty concerned and ordered a CT scan. When he returned from that he had a nap. When he woke he was able to say who Melise was and his mothers name. He is doing better but still seems down. We finally got the results back of the CT scan it was unchanged which is good. He is doing really good with eating and keeping food down and might have his feeding tube removed tomorrow. The Pulmonologist put a cap on his trach that blocks the airflow through it. He is now completely breathing on his own. They will keep the cap in place for a few days to a week to make sure he does okay breathing then remove it. After removal it will automatically close itself within 24 hours. Tropical storm Beryl is moving in tonight. We are a little worried about Melise and grandpa flying home in the morning. Mandy will be coming to Florida on Tuesday.

Happy Birthday

 Last night Larry had his first meal in two weeks and three days. Wow I can't even imagine how that would feel.  Today is Larry's birthday and he is going to be able to have some birthday cake.  The cafeteria made gave him a piece of chocolate chocolate birthday cake and we bought him one also.  He watched the birthday video that we made him and he smiled a few times.  He was the happiest we have seen him for a few days.  He received flowers, balloons and chocolates which he appreciated so much.  They sure did alot to brighten his room.  His daughters made him a poster with pictures of the family, he sat and looked at the pictures for a long time it made him smile again.  Grandpa gave him a stuffed dog because he knows how much he loves dogs.

He has been a little down the last couple of days, we think he is feeling discouraged.  We are hoping he will feel better when able to go to rehab next week and learn to do more things for himself.   Yesterday he was feeling a little restless, and we would jump everytime he moved wrong. We were afraid he would pull out his feeding tube again.  One time Grandpa was right there in his face, and he finally looked at grandpa and told him to "Back Off" and then he would smile.  The nurse asked him if he was having any headaches and he pointed to mom. (We hope he was just teasing again)  All in all the doctors are very pleased with his progress and the accomplishments he has made.  The doctors also say the changes in his mood are normal and will go up and down throughout this process.  Thanks to all of you for your love and concern at this difficult time.

New Floor

Larry was moved to the neurology floor today. He has his own room and more space. He passed his swallowing test and will probably get to start eating soft foods tomorrow. If he tolerates that okay they will remove his feeding tube. He will be very excited to get rid of that. He has taken it upon himself to assist the nurses in the removal of the feeding tube more times than we can remember. He keeps asking for pizza and can't wait until he can have some. Mom promised him a HUGE pizza party when they get home and you are all invited. They are going to see how he does tomorrow with his trach covered and possibly have that removed within the next few days. The doctors said he will be moving to the rehab floor mid next week, just waiting for a bed. The pulmonologist saw him today and was extremely surprised after reading his chart history from the ICU days to see how far and how well he has progressed.

Thursday May 24

Larry's day was similar to yesterday, except he got his stitches and staples removed today. He will be going to rehab as soon as possible. Melise got here around 5. We had some members of the church here pick Melise up from the airport and bring her to the Hubbard House. We were very grateful to them. Larry was very excited to see her and so was Marilyn. Fairly uneventful day which we are learning to appreciate while he's in the hospital.

Wednesday

Larry is improving beyond the doctors expectations.  The physical therapists had him sitting in a chair today and are just amazed at his progress.  The rehab facility at the hospital has been evaluating him to see if he is ready for rehab.  They are thinking he might be to that point by next week.  Melise is flying out tomorrow to see him and stay for the weekend.

His old self is shining through!!

He is making more progress each day.  His physical therapists have been working him pretty hard and he has been improving.  They ask him lots of questions and he responds by nodding his head or pointing with his finger.  He raised both of his arms up at the same time.  His eyes are open a little bit more than they have been.  He really surprised us when he started to tease again.  Grandpa asked if he knew who mom(Marilyn) was and he shook his head NO but then had a huge smile on his face like he thought he was so funny!!  It is so good to hear about such good progress and that he is back to his teasing.  When we took him to the hospital when he was first sick and disoriented he was joking around when they would ask him questions.  They were such silly questions that he thought he would have a little fun with them.  Finally Merrilee explained to him that he had to be serious so they could see how crazy he was. 

Another Good Day!

Mom hasn't been feeling well so she hasn't been able to be in with Dad today.  Grandpa has been over there with him though and has lots of good things to report.  They got Dad up in a chair this morning and moved him around quite a bit.  He opened his eyes!  Not for very long, but he did and the PA had him follow her with his eyes.  She asked him if he knew who Grandpa was and he nodded his head yes.  He has given a thumbs up and has waved to them as well.  We know it is going to be a long road ahead, but are thrilled with the recent progress! 

Tender Mercies of the Lord

Yesterday was definitely a hard day on our mom (Marilyn). She was having a day of disappointment and discouragement. From the disappointing new room for dad where he now has a roommate, with only enough room for one visitor at a time, and less one-on-one care from the nurses to discouraging attitudes from the doctors.

“The tender mercies of the Lord are real and do not occur randomly or merely by coincidence.”

There have been so many gifts from our Father in Heaven during this hard time. Most I am sure we don’t even recognize. One gift came when my Mom received a phone call yesterday evening from a doctor on a church mission in Orlando. Mom was grateful for his call and he has already been a big help to them. By the time she had finished the call, got back over to the hospital, talked with a friend of dad’s, this doctor had already sent the missionaries over to see them. This friend of our dad’s that she talked with was a huge blessing to her as well and a miracle that he even found them. His name is Brian Collard. He works for Ford and was friends with Dad. He now lives in Florida, about an hour away from Orlando. He heard about Dad from a friend of a friend (miracle how he even found out) and decided to come to Orlando with his family. While his family went to Disney World he went to the temple and then came to visit dad. Mom was so grateful he came! About this time is when the missionaries (one of the missionaries even happened to know Larry’s dad-He was a bishop to this missionary when he was a small boy) showed up and they all went back to dad’s room and gave him a priesthood blessing.

Today we have wonderful news! Mom was talking with Dad this morning and asked him to squeeze her hand and he did! She asked him a question and he nodded his head yes. He has since squeezed all their hands and nodded yes a couple times. He tried very hard to open his eyes. Just by doing these few things took all the strength he had. It seems so small, but is so HUGE! We are so grateful the Lord gave him the strength to be able to do this for us and give us the hope we needed. We thank all of you for your thoughts and prayers, and especially for those of you who participated in the special fast on behalf of Larry last Sunday.

Poem found at The Hubbard House

The light of God surrounds me;

the love of God enfolds me;

the power of God protects me;

The presence of God watches over me. 

Wherever I am, God is.

Anonymous

Moving out of the ICU

Dad is getting moved out of the ICU today.  He was able to stay off the ventilator all night last night.  They are still giving him oxygen.  His vitals are good but he is still unconscious, hasn't squeezed the nurses hand or tried to open his eyes since Wed.  He is scheduled for another MRI on Monday or Tuesday to check for neurological issues.  We just have to be patient!!  Thanks for all of your support.

One Day at a Time

There is not too much new to report today, which sometimes that is a good thing.  He is off the ventilator right now, but they did have to put it back on him yesterday afternoon and during the night.  They finally got him a longer bed (brand new) and looks much more comfortable.  He is off most of the pain medication now.  He hasn't responded by command, but Marilyn saw him move his legs and yawn really big! 

Thursday's Update

They are supplying oxygen through his trach but he is breathing on his own.  He may need to go on and off the ventilator for the next few days until his lungs get stronger.  He hasn't been as responsive today but is resting.  The doctors say we might have a few days like this because his brain needs a lot of rest to repair itself.  They weren't able to place his PEG tube yesterday and will have to do that in the OR within the next couple days.  The doctors also removed the drain in his head today.  He is stable and there has been discussion about moving him out of the ICU within the next week.

The Hubbard House

This is the Hubbard House where mom and grandpa get to stay.  We can't say enough about this wonderful home away from home.  It is run off donations and volunteers.  It is across the parking lot from the hospital so very convenient for going back and forth for meals or just a quiet break.  They serve 3 meals a day, have an exercise room, library and laundry facility.  There are some wonderful people in Orlando!!

Wednesday's Update

Larry had a cat scan today and it showed much improvement.  They have a drain that is keeping the fluid off his brain which was causing his brain to shift again. At 1:00 today he is going to have a Tracheostomy and a PEG tube (Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy).  These will help get the tubes out of his nose and throat.  This morning he was able to sqeeze the nurses hand, lift his arm and tried to open his eyes.  The doctor is very encouraged with his improvement.

Surgery #2 Finished!

Larry is out of surgery now.  They ended up not having to remove the piece of bone they had planned.  The surgeon is much more optimistic now than he was this morning.

Tuesday's Update #2

The MRI showed Larry has had a stroke and has more bleeding and pressure in his brain.  He is going in for more surgery this afternoon to remove a portion of bone to allow the brain more room.  The nurses are preparing us for the worst, making sure we realize he is in a coma (not just asleep) and there is a possibility he won't wake up.  We appreciate all your thoughts and prayers on his behalf and can't begin to thank everybody for their thoughtfulness.

Tuesday's Update #1

Last night Larry was suppose to have an MRI to see if he has had any strokes during all of this.  We should have the results back today.  He also had a test recently to see if he has been having mini seizures, but we haven't received the results back from that yet.  The doctors and nurses say even if he is they are already giving him anti-seizure medications so that is being taken care of.  He did have a seizure towards the end of surgery, but that is farely common.  They tell us it is like he has had a severe brain injury.

Marilyn is staying at a place just next to the hospital called The Hubbard House.  It has been wonderful!  It is $40 a day and includes 3 meals.  It is for people in our situation and run mostly by volunteer and donations.  Larry's dad is staying there with Marilyn for now.  His kids and grandkids have all returned home, but hope to return when possible and needed.  We plan on always having somebody there to stay with Marilyn.  They have no way of telling us how long he will have to be here, but could be weeks to months.

Trip to Orlando Extended!

On Wednesday, May 9th we took Larry in to the ER because he had been very sick the night before.  He became very disoriented, had loss of balance and didn't even remember being sick.  Upon doing a CT Scan, they found a Subdural Hematoma (collection of blood on the surface of the brain).  They don't know how he got this, but say it can be caused from simply bumping your head on a door/cabinet.  He has been suffering from headaches since February, which may or may not be related to what happened.  Most likely it is related and was worsened when he rode a rollercoaster at Universal Studios a few days before he got sick.  (The word "rollercoaster" is a swear word to the doctors around here).

They quickly transported Larry by ambulance to Orlando Regional Medical Center, which is Central Florida's only Level One Trauma Center.  He has received excellent care at both hospitals.  He had surgery that evening to remove the hematoma/blood and reduce the pressure in the brain.  Thursday, May 10th (post-surgery) he was responsive, but by friday morning his brain function had pretty much been diminished due to swelling in the brain.  They put him on a ventilator because his brain was having a hard time telling his body to breath.  They worked at decreasing the swelling in the brain and put what they call a "bolt" in his head to monitor cranial pressure.  He was heavily sedated during this, but they have stopped most of the sedative drugs and are pretty much waiting for him to wake up.  He hasn't been responding much when the doctors and nurses do their stimulation tests (which doesn't necessarily mean he never will), but he does move a little (usually after they have been bugging him).  We are waiting "patiently" for him to open his eyes.  His neurologist has repeatedly told us "Patience is a Virtue!"