Thursday, April 30

They say your style of life's a drag, And that you must go other places. But just don't you feel too bad when you get fooled by smiling faces:

Happy Birthday, Deano. We had red velvet cake and a special chocolate cup cake just for you. We thought the smell of the chocolate would get to you. Guess we will have to come up with a different idea.

Sorry to all you out there waiting for the daily update. I left this morning to take Riley to school and am just getting in for the evening. By the way, May made it safely here to California from Seattle.

So, the SIMV is completely off. Which means Dean is breathing on his own and the ventilator remains on to keep the air path open (so it doen't feel like he is breathing from a straw). The plan for today was to begin to wean Dean from the ventilator all together. So how to accomplish that? Well I think I may have the explaination for you: For 1 hour at a time and slowly increasing so it would be for a whole day; they disconnect the ventilator and place Dean on what is called a trace coller (which is basically an oxygen mask around the trace). Today, however, their attemps not so good. He was only able to be off the ventilator for 5 minutes.

Moving forward:

Try and get Dean weaned from the ventilator and the Dr.'s are shooting for mid week next week. When Dean can tolerate the trace collar for a 24 hour period then he will be moved out of ICU into a regular room. Now, if it looks like the weaning process is unsuccessful then they may have Deano moved to a facility that would accommodate the ventilator.

Deano, medically speaking, is still in a coma so the physical therapy/rehab process will be minimal since he is not responsive. What they will begin to do for rehab at this point is begin to sit him up in a chair for short periods of time. When he is out of the ICU then the next set of Dr.'s will work to stimulate him more and attempt to draw him out of his dreams. Must be some really good dreamin going on in that head of yours.

So here is the part that I can no longer sugar coat for you out there and especially not for myself . I spoke to Carl, one of the Dr.'s on Vesspa's team, and the truth of the matter is; this may be as good as it gets for Deano. Now I know the flip side may be not. And I also know this, because Dean and I talked about this a lot, Dean does NOT want to live out the rest of his life as he is right now or any variation of the way he is right now.

So I ask when is it enough, ENOUGH.

It breaks my heart to look into his eyes and realize there is absolutely nothing happening. And though he feels no pain, (so they say), right now I feel in my body everytime they poke him, or pinch him or suction his lungs through the trace.

Don't you worry 'bout a thing; Don't you worry 'bout a thing, mama. Cause I'll be standing on the side when you check it out.................................................

Wednesday, April 29

Tell me why, Everything turned around; Packing up, Shaking up's all you wanna do. If I could Baby I'd give you my world. Open up, Everything's waiting for you:

Well when I went in to see Deano this morning the last catheter had been removed from his head. Now I know overall this sounds really great. If I could only express the fear I felt when I learned that in the absence of the catheter his ICP'S (Inner Cranial Pressure) can no longer be monitored. This is why I stared at the monitor so I could tell if he was bothered or relaxed. I can no longer tell that by looking at the monitor. Good news yes; scary, hell yes. The decision to remove is because of the risk of infection and they had not had to drain for over a 24 hr period.

He is now on only one antibiotic (couldn't tell you which one) and the morphine is no longer free flowin. Ohhh, so sorry for you Deano (that was meant to be funny). Deano has shared stories about morphine with me from his knee operations.

The staff is still trying to control his temperature. It has been higher than they would like for the past few days. From the looks of it, it is not being caused by infection. Guess what they are giving him for that: Yesterday Tylenol and today Ibuprofen (how normal does that seem?) Deano is covered with a cooling blanket and ice packs under both arms.

Deano's eye seemed to pop open (not by his doing) much more yesterday than today (lyrics to a song). Today it seemed like he was really sleeping. And do you know he had the nerve to yawn and more than once. My god Deano are you still sleepy????????(Ha, ha, ha). Shit I got to find something to laugh about these days cause if I don't then the water works get turned on (booo, hoo).

Now get ready here is the really big one: The Dr.'s hope to have the ventilator turned down from SIMV-14 to SIMV-2 by the end of the day. Now the SIMV is what has been doing the breathing for Deano. Good news, huh... Shit but again scary as hell...

I just don't know how to explain why this is so scary. With everything coming off and the prospects of Deano waking up; it seems I can no longer fool myself that tomorrow I will wake up and everything (or Deano) will be back to normal (though our lives will never be the same). What I mean by normal is that Dean will wake up next to me and he will walk and talk and continue to analyze every thing to death and drive me insane. That is what I am hoping for and the scary thing is I don't think that it is going to go down exactly that way.

So I don't think I am crazy, not yet anyway, just terrified of what may lie ahead for the California Namba's.

You can go your own way, Go your own way (And I wish (pray) you would stay)..........

P.S. I see that Roger is a follower of this blog. Are you a friend from work because I don't recall that we have met.

P.S.S. So sad to say the Bulls did not prevail over the Suns last night. Even so the game sure was exciting. We were on our feet and everything. With less than 2 minutes to go the score was tied at 12. Riley scored 5 points this game and I must say a little disappointed. He doesn't recall the scores he just knows this was the 4th game in a row without a victory. I tried to explain it takes a team awhile to develop there mojo and that Coach Andrew really needs to work on their passing game. One final game next Tuesday before playoffs.

P.S.S.S. Deano 49th birthday tomorrow. Now wouldn't you much rather celebrate with Marguerita's (okay that's for me). How about a couple of brewskies for youskie. I'll put them on ice and have them waiting when you get home. Now that certainly is a new concept.

Tuesday, April 28

Birday cumin up for Deano - 49 to be exact

Today the last catheter is scheduled to be removed.

Deano continues to run a fever. Dr. Vesspa thought maybe the fever was from either the seizure medication or from the arterial line which was just placed in the groin area a few days ago. So they stopped the dilantin (seizure medication) for now and will remove the arterial line. The bad news about the removal of the arterial line is that when they need to draw blood they will now have to poke Deano. Well needles never bothered him before so hopefully the morphine is doing its job.

Now I will give this my best shot on the ventilator: The peep remains at 8; the amount of oxygen being omitted from the machine went from 50% to 4o% yesterday and today the Co2 which was at 20 has been reduced to 16 which on the ventilator shows as simv - 16. Now the respiratory specialist explained to me how all this works and though I understood intellectually I don't think I can regurgitate for you.

Still no signs of a reflex response and though his eyes are opening he cannot follow with his pupils.

Okay, until tomorrow.

Riley has 5:00 basketball game against the Suns.................

Monday, April 27

People say they wouldn't change a thang, even if they could;

What more can I say?????

This afternoon Dean was being taken for another CTC scan so the Dr.'s could make a determination on whether or not to remove the smaller catheter from his head (larger one already removed). According to Stella, the nurse of the day, they did not have to drain last night to relieve pressure. Yeah!!!

Jade ordered Deano an air matress which looks really comfy.

Dean seemed pretty relaxed today - ICP went down to 4 for a short period of time.

So we will wait and see what tomorrow brings.

I'll meet you in my dreams...Sleep tight, Honey.

Oh, but I would, I'd done alot of things different......................

Sunday, April 26 (oops, Not another Saturday)

Ah, the waiting, waiting, waiting.

Well Dean is now off the versed (no more sedative).

I think I may have made a mistake regarding this Peep (ventilator), as of this morning they have turned it down to 8. So if all goes well and he tolerates the weaning process and they continue to turn down by 1 notch (if you will) per day, then the ventilator should be turned off in 8 days. Go Deano!!!!

Jade, the nurse for the past two days, is taking really good care of him. She puts vasilene on his lips and rubs lotion on his hands, arms and back. Are you sure you aren't having a little to much fun there, Deano? Hmm, I wonder. Jade also continuously plays his CD's for him and she trys to maintain a safe quite environment for him. She is aware the he seems to react (increase in ICP's) to noise and being moved.

Last night they only had to drain 1 time. (Very good).

Where do we go from here????????????????

Saturday, April 25

Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be (if only),

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA (that would be me just screaming).

I just want to know again and the answers just don't seem to come and maybe they are and I just need to remind myself to listen.

Anyway no changes today. I am told that is good.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA (me screaming, yet again).

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be. There will be an answer, let it be.................................


P.S. Hey Rick, Dean still listens to the "Who". At least now I know why. I am sure it brings up some really good memories for him.

Friday, April 24

Got to admit it's gett'n better, (or at least believe it) a little better

Wow can you believe 3 weeks has passed. It almost seems like time has just stood still. At times it is like I am right here standing still and every thing passes before my eyes (that ever happened to anyone).

Today the Peep was turned down to 10. The peep is the breathing apparatus which, as I am told by Victor, assists by inflating the lungs. He told me alot of other things and that what was what I remembered. So remember 3 days ago (I think) the peep was at 13. Blow baby blow!!!

They are still decreasing the versed so by my calculations the last shot (not really a shot and you get my drift) should be late tomorrow afternoon. Are you ready to stop dream'n???? Maybe que si and maybe que no. Don't worry honey they haven't said anything about stopping the morphine (before you know it you will be able to press the special button to self administer; and only when you wake UP).

Other than that just movin at a snails pase. I told Diana, the nurse for today, Deano was good at that; me not so good.

Have a good weekend everyone and for any of you out there in blog land having a Marquerita - have 3 for me and toast to Deano's awakening.

All the time, gett'n so much better all the time..............

Thursday, April 23,

Baby come back, you can blame it all on me;

Another standard (not simple; I just couldn't think of the word yesterday) procedure today. The feeding tube from Deano's nose was removed and inserted directly into his belly.

As of today, the Versed will be reduced by 1 ml every 3 hours. That turns out to be a little over 2 days for the last dose provided Deano tolerates it. The tolerance is measured by the pressure in his head (ICP). So typically when they have to suction green stuff from his lungs that bothers Dean and his ICP tends to shoot up above (ooh double prep, not good)(to bad; to sad) 20. When that happens they monitor how long it stays there. If the ICP decreases within five minutes then a-okay. However, if it stays that high for over 5 min. then they drain the fluid from his head. The ICP they are trying to maintain is between 15 - 20. So after the feeding tube was inserted it seemed that his ICP did not increase to much and then again that was with an extra dose of morphine (yum, yum)!

So now Deano has no tubes connected to his face which I am told is much better for him. That may be the case and I certainly want what is best for him. It just isn't that great seeing my husband with a hole in his throat. Maybe I do watch to much medical drama.

Riley had a basketball game on Tuesday and though the Bulls did not prevail, Riley had fun and scored 5 points this game. Like I will say over and over again My Baby got game. Especially when he totally went for the Kobe (and not that I like Kobe; just can't think of another player right now and since we are here in Venice, may as well be a laker) move. Now picture this: Riley dribbling the ball down court in and out of traffic (is that a good word for basketball) going for the hoop, up in the air like he is going to shoot and suprise of suprises goes for the pass. How cool is that I ask you...

My baby told me the other day he is a man and he isn't scared because he knows his daddy is going to be okay. Well honey if you only knew (and maybe you do) that I am scared enough for both of us right now.

I was wrong and I just can't live without you (you think he knows that).

Hasta manana.........

Wednesday, April 22

Well we all shine on, like the moon and the stars and the sun

The Dr.'s performed, what they referred to, as a simple procedure on Deano. A tracheotomy. I guess what the Dr.s consider a "simple procedure" is more like an 8. Earthquake when you are hearing and experiencing for the first time. I am told this will be much more comfortable for Deano and yet when I look at it; it sure does look like it hurts to me. Tomorrow the feeding tube will be removed from his nose and placed in his belly. Simple procedure. Maybe one simple procedure and then all the "simple" procedures start adding up and all of a sudden to the wife they don't seem so simple.

Deano was taken down (because that is how the nurses refer to it) for a CAT scan and according to Carl (one of the Dr.'s on Vesspa's (not princess Vesspa; Dr. Vesspa) team, there is still swelling and they think it is such now that they can begin to wein him from the versed (sedative).

Carl explained to me today that Dean could be in the ICU unit for another 2 to 3 weeks.

And we all shine on, on and on and on.............

Tuesday, April 21

Well not much to report today.

The pressure in Dean's head was drained 7 times from 8 pm on Monday evening through 4 am this morning. The pressure is drained when the ICP levels increase for an extended period of time. His levels are responding after the draining process.

Dean was running a slight temperature last night so the cooling blanket was turned on this morning.

His lungs continue to improve. He is not handling his nutrition right now because he appears to be impacted (we say constipated). They were taking an xray of his belly today to see what they can do to start clearing that out, if you know what I mean.

Oh, almost forgot, they are turning down the peep (which stands for the machine they are using to assist his breathing process).

What they are looking for now is for Dean's reflexes to pinching, poking and asking him to open his eyes. So far nothing.

Baby steps, I am told...........

Monday, April 20

I can see clearly now; the rain has gone (well maybe it is still drizzling)

Lots of clinical stuff today; so I will give it my best shot:

Dean was previously on 2 different sedatives (versed and propotal (spelling) in addition to the Pentobarbital. As of noon today the propotal and pentobarbital have been eliminated, for now. So they have Dean on an increased amount of the versed (sedative) and morphine (for pain). The Dr.'s thought that maybe Dean may have been experiencing some pain when they last tried to wein him from the pentobarbital which is why the decision was made to administer the morphine.

As of today the nitrox therapy has ceased (the machine wasn't even in the room) and the respiratory specialist was in and his lungs are looking pretty good right now so they will not be moving him to his belly (prone position). The respiratory specialist was very excited about his lungs today and she said the clearing of his lungs would allow the rest of the body to start healing.

Dean again looked very relaxed today. As a matter of fact after lunch it appeared as if he was laughing. Must be the morphine.

Game's not over yet and boy has it been a rough first quarter. Dean has the ball at the fifty right now. Go offense!!!! Or is it move the ball!!!


It's gonna be a bright sun shiny day (Over 100 in the Valley today)

Sunday, April 19

Beautiful day today in Venice, California

When ever it is 75 degrees at the beach you know it is a good one.

Well the Dr.'s are continuing with the gradual decrease in the Pentobarbital and according to Maria, his nurse, not the wife, Dean is definately disbured by movement. They can tell this by measuring the ICP's which measures the pressure in his head. The Dr.'s would like the levels to remain between 18 and 20. When they move him to the prone position (belly down) then his levels tend to shoot up to around 30. The reason for the prone position, if you all remember, was to assist in clearing his lungs which has proven effective. The Dr.'s have seen some improvement in his lungs so today they will not reposition him and try instead to just maintain the ICP levels and keep him as relaxed as possible as he is weaned from the Pentobarbital.

Now they are noticing some increase of the ICP due to the decrease in the pentobarbital which is why they are decreasing at a much slower rate.

Did you get that because sometimes I certainly do not. That is where big brother Jim comes in; he fills in all the detail like when I have heard and seen ICP 100 times (well not that many) and then all of a sudden I cannot remember.

Just so you all know out there in blog land Deano looks really good. If he did not have the tubes (and they are fewer now) you would think he was just down for a really good nap in the afternoon sunshine of Venice.

Well it is 1:37 in the afternoon and I need to get my boy out for some of that California sunshine

Things certainly do seem to be looking up for now.............

Saturday, April 18

Well today it seems I am speechless and I apparently have exhausted my repertoire of lyrics.

The weining process of the Pentobarbital has once again commenced and this time it will be at a much slower rate (.25 ml every 6 hours). At this rate and provided there are no complications he could be off in apprx. 3 days. They have also started to reduce the amount of nitrox. The lungs remain a concern with the Dr.'s and it seems having him prone is effective and the Dr. did say his lungs looked better today than yesterday. Oh wait I think those are in fact lyrics to a song: "I love you more today than yesterday". Name that tune!

P.S. A big THANK YOU to Uncle Jess and Uncle Ray for coming to the house today and covering the graffiti on the side of the garage. And an even bigger THANK YOU to them for picking up dog dodo. (I really do not like to pick-up dog dodo, especially the ones left behind by the big, gentle, monster dog, Coffee). Thank you to Mom for driving them here and thank you to Aunt Rose for the Lasagna.

P.S.S. Almost forget the message I am supposed to relay to Rick in Seattle: You are acquiring quite the fan club out here in California. Just thought I let you know. Everyone, or at least the ladies, are definately getting a feel for your kind, loving, big heart. Way to go, Rick.

Signing off for now...........................

Friday, April 17

Big wheels keep on turning;
Proud Maria keeps burning:

Well it has been two weeks and it seems we don't know anymore than when this journey started.

Dean has decided that he would like to keep dreaming so as of 2:00 am this morning the Dr.'s resumed the administration of the Pentobarbital and it may be another 3 to 4 days before they make another attempt to wean him.

Some of you out there expressed an interest in Riley's basket ball game. And though the Bulls did not win last Tuesday the effort was extremely exciting. Riley scored 8 points, 4 of which were from the free through line and two lay up shots. Like I said my baby got game!

Keep praying and sending love our way and know that it is both accepted and much appreciated.

Sweet dreams baby and good night.

Rolling, rolling..............................

Thursday, April 16

So the days flow through my eyes
But the days all seem the same

Well, Dean was weaned off the Pentobarbital. He is still, however, sedated as they are continuing to lay him on his belly for the draining of the fluids in his lungs. Today will be another 8 hours. The nurse this morning said that he seemed to be disturbed by the movements in the room.

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes......................

Wednesday, April 15

Good afternoon to all our friends and family (our loved ones) who continue to follow our family as we travel along this path of still so many unknown twists and turns:

Today Dean seems to be doing much better.

The Dr.'s were very pleased with the result of having Dean on his belly and the amount of flem they were able to extract from his lungs. Yesterday he was on his belly for approximately 4 hours and today they will have him on his belly for approximately 8 hours.

At approximately 3 am tomorrow morning they will have completely stopped the administrating of Pentobarbital, the drug which enabled Dean to maintain a very deep dream state.

This morning when we were in his room they were getting ready to perform an ultra sound of his head to monitor the Vasospasms (constricting of the blood vessels).

Today as you all know May, Dean's Mom, and Jim, one of his brothers, flew to their homes in Seattle. It was with a heavy heart that I left them at the airport today. There are absolutely no words which I could ever find that would begin to describe the comfort I experienced in having them both with me over these past days of crisis.

P.S. There are so many in our lives for which we are truly grateful for all the love and support. So to you all, though I have not mentioned you by name, thank you for holding our family so closely in your hearts. To my own mom for fighting traffic in the morning to be with me, to my sisters who continually to show me when the chips are down: "Who ya gonna call, Sisters! To Grandma Jo for having a place where Riley can be for stability when Mom isn't feeling so stable. To all who have sent emails and cards with words of encouragement. To those who have organized the delivery of meals. Thank you with all my heart.

P.S.S. Thank you Karen for sending the book "My Stroke of Insight". I have only read the inside cover and can see that this will provide us with a space which we can hold for Dean in which there is the ability for him to make a full recovery.

Looking forward to tomorrow...........................

Tuesday, April 14

If I have to beg and plead, I don't mind cause you mean that much to me:

For those of you who know me well, there is one word in my vocabulary which is coming to mind very strongly this morning, however, I must keep it clean because I do not know who is watching. Oh what the hell, I will leave it up to you adults to edit.

Fuck!!!

I guess it is just the not knowing and every thing I hear coming from the Dr.'s must seem worse to me than it actually is. This morning our Dr. made his visit via robot. Technology! He was able to monitor his team examing Dean and discuss the next course of action. This morning the Dr. is concerned about the pnemonia. Apparently the antibiotics are not doing their job. Course of treatment: Turn Dean over on his very bloated belly in hopes that it will cause drainage of the lungs. They hope to keep him in this position for at least 4 hours or at least as long as he can tolerate.

Riley has a basketball game tonight. Go Bulls!!! Riley has definately got game. Even if I do say so myself. His game has changed so much since his first season. So much more confidence and moves.

Well, the day I have not been looking forward to is upon me. Jim and May are leaving tomorrow for Seattle with a promise to return.

Time to be a big girl, or shall I say a grown up women.

P.S. Rick, Dean does have a birthday coming up on April 30 and he will be 49. May was so impressed that you remembered. The thanks is to you who continue to show your love and support and we truly enjoy reading all the comments.

P.S.S. Thank you to Hags, Doug and Tracy for the flowers they were beautiful and what a great way to liven things up around our place.

P.S.S.S. Riley's school has started preparing meals from us and last evening we enjoyed Ham, Potatoes, and Green Beans and boy it was delicious. Thank you to Lisa, Scott and David.

Please don't leave me, don't you go.......................

Monday, April 13

When ya coming home Dad, I don't know when:



One step forward and so many steps back. Sunday evening was troubling for the family. When we called to check up on Dean for the evening we were told the Dr.'s were concerned about the amount of, or lack of, oxygen in his blood. All this may be par for the course as the Dr.'s say and when we hear it; it just doesn't seem that way. Anyway back on track: Last evening they feared a blood clot in the lung and were anticipating having a CTC scan of his lung. The respiratory specialist was called back late last evening and it was decided he would be given nitrox therapy to increase the amount of oxygen in his blood. When I spoke to the nurse at 2:30 am she was excited that the course of action was apparently working which meant they could rule out a blood clot.

Jim and May met with the Dr. this morning and more of same. The amount of drainage from the brain is decreasing. The nitrox therapy seems to be what was needed and they will now start decreasing the amount of Nitrox and see if he can sustain his own oxygen levels. They anticipate it will take about 1-1/2 days to cut all the way back on the nitrox. The CTC scan did indicate they needed to adjust the breathing tube.

We'll get together then, Dad. Ya know we'll have a good time then, Dad..................

Sunday, April 12

Happy Easter!!!

Well the Easter Bunny made his rounds this morning. Riley was visited at Grandma Jo's and also at our home. The Easter Bunny also made a special visit for Deano, delivering chocolate, of course, and a golf magazine. Riley said he would read the magazine to his dad when he woke up.

It is becoming increasingly more difficult for me to find something postive to hold onto, even though, the Dr.'s say no change is what we are looking for right now. The Dr. says Dean will be visiting here for probably another 3 weeks (almost seems like a life time).

Coffee our gentle, giant monster dog really misses Deano and do us all.

Don't check out yet Dean.

And I will be awaiting your return....................

Saturday, April 11

If you ask me to, I just might change my life:

It has been a week, or has it been years, and I am told the road ahead to recovery is long. Hmm, and apparently not a straight line. Shit, why didn't someone, anyone, tell me there were twists and turns. Or maybe someone did and I wasn't listening. (Far be it from me.) Hmmmm??? So at this time I question, "am I cut out for the road ahead?" filled with its twists and turns and not the straight line that I so often struggled with. I do, after all, get car sick.

At times I am filled with hope and then at times I feel as though the air is being sucked from not only my lungs but from my whole being. At what point in this journey do I begin to catch my breath and know that the next breath will come.

Oh wait, that's right, not about me and on the other hand still waiting to hear from Deano. We are told today that the Dr.s' will keep him in this deep dreaming state for another week. Talk about having the air sucked out, I was just waiting for this Monday to come thinking they would pull back. We have to do what is best for Dean and at this point dreaming is best.

Sweet dreams, honey. And I did feel you hold my hand last night and I am still here.

P.S. Thank you to Carli Vandervort for the arrangements of fruits and to Paul Garcia and friends at J.T. Thorpe & Sons, Inc. for the Balloons and to all those who continue to pray for us and hold us in your embrace and for all the beautiful cards and words of encouragement.

If you ask me to..................

Friday, April 10

"Keep smil'n; keep shin'n, knowing you can always count on me:

A tube with a camera was placed down a tube leading to Deano's lungs and the liquid that was extracted was sent to the lab for testing. The Dr.'s made their rounds at apprx. 10:00 am (oh, yeah - "Ground Hog Day") and basically no changes overall with the exception of a staff infection. At some point today, Dean will be taken for another MRI - hoping for results this evening.

Now the good stuff. My free flowin husband, shit anytime Deano, has not yet had a bowel movement even after days of enema's. Today, however, that was visible in the bloating of his ever so flat muscular belly. I told the nurses all they had to do was drip some Starbucks coffee, preferably Columbian Blend, through his I.V. and they would get what they wanted and then again "Carefull what you ask for". Dean swears by it.

Some may wonder how Riley is fairing and quite frankly he is angry and struggling with alot of emotions. At this time he has chosen not to see his dad in the ICU and will await his transfer from the unit. I struggle internally on how to keep everthing going and have Riley suffer as little as possible in all this and at the same time I feel as though I am in a fog sometimes not even remembering 2 minutes ago.

I am blessed to be surrounded by so much love and support. Today my Mom allowed me to drive to the hospital (baby steps) and Dean's brother Jim has shouldered so much, acting as interpreter during Dr.'s visits and today taking Riley to and from school, working in the garden and then on to Basketball Practice. And May, Dean's Mom, what a comfort to have her here with me at this time. I can not think of any two women in this world who love my husband more. And that is just to mention a few. We have the loving support of friends and family who will just sit and hold my hand, offer hugs and words of encourgement. And to all you out in blog land we love reading the comments. If you want to post any pictures you can email to me and my sister will post. It is not my intent to leave anyone out and there is just so much love and support we could not get through without being wrapped in so many strong arms.

Oh, before I forget we have begun remodeling Deans room in this castle. There are pictures and cards posted every where. I was thinking some nice paisley fabric for around the machines. Maybe another day.

Cause that's what friends are for.......................

Thursday, April 9

I am sure all you out there in blog land who know me, know the thought of a blog is so foreign, yet at this time I find it extremely comforting. It is a though through updates I have a tangible way of holding my husband very closely in my heart.



Dean is continuing to dream his life as it will be upon his return to us and I am looking forward to hearing all his stories of his experience during his travels.



Today, I am reminded of a movie "Ground Hog Day" where everyday is the same and though I know we are moving toward our creation of a new and exciting life it is all now, temporarily, measured by Deano's progress.



After speaking with the Dr.'s this morning they are concerned about the possibility of fluids in his lungs. At approximately 1:00 pm this afternoon they will do a blood test to make a determination of the amount of oxygen in his blood. That will determine the necessity of putting a scope through a tube already in place and possibly drain fluid from his lungs.



Jennie, his nurse this morning, asked if Deano worked out alot because according to the nurses he has soooooo much muscle on his body. Now you know that made me laugh and you know Deano does not like to work out.



Tomorrow is a new day........

Wednesday, April 8

There is a line from one of my favorite movies "Hope Floats" and the line is "My cup Runneth Over". And I think when I heard the line I didn't get the true magic of those words and today my friends we have been blessed and our cups runneth over. I am inspired, blown way and amazed by the people's lives that my husband has touched. We know that love from so many wonderful places is being poured into his heart. Our family appreciates all the prayer and wishes for his full recovery. At this time however, Dean is dreaming while listening to a music compilation from our dear friend Bob Jenkins. During Dean's dreaming we ask that you continue to pray and send your love and during this time there will be no vistors allowed in his room with the exception of his immediate family.

Please continue to visit Dean here as he makes his way back to us all!!!

Tuesday, April 7

Today Dean's friends from work stopped by to visit. They all expressed sincere concern and said it was useless to be in the office since they could not concentrate and could only think of Dean.

Dean's temperature was over 100 today. Swelling in the brain has begun. Consequently, the doctors have decided to enduce a coma to control his blood pressure and physical movement (sorry Annie, no more flashes!). It is extremely important to limit (as much as possible) the amount of swelling, to prevent further damage to the brain.

The doctors expect to keep Dean in a coma for about a week. Read this as blog updates may be short.

Stay tuned for more...

Monday, April 6

The relocation of the catheter was successful and blood has begun draining again. There has been no other change to Dean's condition.

Teri escorted Riley to school today and spoke with his teachers and staff. She went to Dean's job to speak with his associates and in general, began the business required to accomodate the families leave of their past life and begins to create their new lives.

Long day, no change to his condition and yet nothing is the same...

Sunday, April 5

No change in Deans condition.

Highlights for today: Dean yawned and managed to grin or attempt a laugh. He has developed a crush on the nurse-in-training named 'Annie'. Upon Annie entering Dean's room to tend to Deans medications or cleaning, Dean either opens his legs or kicks his legs up high enough to uncover his "jewels" and give Annie a nice peek or flash of his "package". The other nurses were beginning to get jealous so they decided to put a blanket over him! These are all positive signs since the doctors have determined the specific locations of the brain that are damaged control speech and comprehension.

There were many, many visitors today. In fact, one wait room was not enough to seat everyone. Visitors poured out into the lobby and soon a second wait room was filled. Todays visitors included Riley's principal, Mr. Rush, Melani, Armand, Teri and Theresa, Uncle David, Uncle Jess and Aunt Rose, Kathee & Roman & kids, Uncle Gil and kids, Graham & kids, Dianna and kids. This was in addition to all the regulars: Mama Namba, Gary, Jim, Debra and Greg, Joanne, Christine Stovall, Kathy & Allen, Mark, Sherry & Josh and of course Maria and Riley.

By mid-day, nurses asked for all visitors to stop touching or caressing Dean. His blood-pressure would increase each time because it was clear he was aware and excited by each visitor. His temperature was also slightly elevated.

Today, Teri and Dean's brother Jim sat with Riley while he met with a social worker to discuss in detail the specifics of Deans condition in terms that Riley could understand. After this discussion, Riley decided he was not yet ready to see his dad.

Late Sunday, during a routine CT-scan, the nurses thought they might have found a blood-clot in Deans brain. Since the catheter had stopped draining, they decided tomorrow they will re-position it in hopes that the clot is just a build-up of blood and hope it will be released upon moving the catheter.

Stay tuned...

Saturday- April 4

No change in Deans condition but he is giving signs that he is not going down with out fight. He has moved his fingers and lifted his feet. He opened his eyes and squeezed a hand of more than one visitor.

After his usual Friday/Saturday sleep-over at Grandma Jo's, Maria alerted Riley today of Deans illness and the facts of his condition. Riley went to a bowling-birthday party and afterwards, came to the hospital for the first time. He was not permitted to see Dean because the social worker on duty had already left for the night.

Deans mother and two of his brothers are expected to arrive late tonight. Teri's parents, Maria and Carlos, cut thier trip to Colorado short and arrived at the hospital today-straight from the airport. Many people have called and stopped by to offer support. Friends such as Debra and Greg, Kathy and Allen, Christine Stovall, Sherry and Josh, have been in the hospital next to Deans family for most of the day. Uncle Ray and Sally stopped by, Hank, Anita and Alyssa too.

Many calls and prayers are being said and even chain prayers via email have been started in an effort to bring Dean back.

UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center

Dean is being cared for at the
UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center

Life interrupted-Day One

4/3/2009 Today at approximately 3pm, Santa Monica police arrived at Deans home to notify his family that Dean had been taken to the hospital. No information regarding his condition or the events that transpired were given, only a phone number to call.

After calling the number, it was discovered that Dean was in the process of being transported from Santa Monica Hospital to the UCLA-Ronald Reagan Medical Center. Doctors were able to determine that he had a severe and spontaneous brain hemorrhage. The hemorrhage occurred on the left side of the brain and the amount of blood released was great. He was admitted to ICU and soon after the doctors took Dean into surgery to stop the bleeding and relieve the pressure.

Post surgery the doctors said it went well and now the only thing to do is wait and they would take all necessary steps to keep his blood pressure and body temperature down; all of this in an attempt to prevent his brain from swelling. For example, a respirator was put in to pump cool air in his lungs, ice and cool blankets put over him, all to keep him cool.

Later in the evening, doctors placed a catheter in his head as a precaution and in anticipation of additional bleeding.

Many friends and family dropped what they were doing and came to the hospital.