Hello again from Long Beach,
It was an oddly traffic-free day, this day before the official holiday. Our group consisted of Teri, Riley, Miya and myself. We arrived earlier today and got to observe Deano working with his occupational therapist, Marianna. She and Dean achieved a major breakthrough, Dean began exercising his right arm today for the first time. It was a simple push/pull with his hand attached to a pvc frame to guide his motion, but he was able to accomplish the task on his own!!!
Next, she asked for one of Dean's favorite songs and Teri said "My Funny Valentine". So Marianna asked Dean to sing it for her and Dean mouthed several lines from the song - his longest attempt to vocalize yet.
Later, when Venus, the physical therapist, had her session with Dean, she strapped him into a support system so he could walk on the treadmill and begin to regain the feeling of supporting himself.
the weekend promises to be a quiet one, simply because of the holiday and the fact that the staff, as dedicated as they are, are people too, with lives away from the hospital. Next week, Dean will most likely undergo a swallow test/x-ray to make sure his throat has healed properly as he prepares to switch to eating his nutrition, rather than having it delivered through the stomach port. In fact, he is getting his meals now as single injections instead of a constant drip, to stretch his stomach and further simulate getting a normal meal.
Dean will also begin receiving 2 medications on a trial basis to see if they can stimulate his recovery. One will be focused on the vocal side and the other will be more for his physical side. Neither drug is officially sanctioned for these purposes but have shown in some patients to have good results. Keep your fingers crossed...
Well, Miya, Riley and I are off to Seattle tomorrow, leaving Teri to shoulder the burden on her own for a bit this summer. Please let her and Dean know they are not alone on this long journey. Thanks to those of you who have been able to visit (Cornelius was spotted playing chess with Dean and Ed dropped of a book for Dean to read).
Several mileposts have been seen in the rear view mirror this week and many more are on the horizon.
Enjoy the 4th,
Jim
It was an oddly traffic-free day, this day before the official holiday. Our group consisted of Teri, Riley, Miya and myself. We arrived earlier today and got to observe Deano working with his occupational therapist, Marianna. She and Dean achieved a major breakthrough, Dean began exercising his right arm today for the first time. It was a simple push/pull with his hand attached to a pvc frame to guide his motion, but he was able to accomplish the task on his own!!!
Next, she asked for one of Dean's favorite songs and Teri said "My Funny Valentine". So Marianna asked Dean to sing it for her and Dean mouthed several lines from the song - his longest attempt to vocalize yet.
Later, when Venus, the physical therapist, had her session with Dean, she strapped him into a support system so he could walk on the treadmill and begin to regain the feeling of supporting himself.
the weekend promises to be a quiet one, simply because of the holiday and the fact that the staff, as dedicated as they are, are people too, with lives away from the hospital. Next week, Dean will most likely undergo a swallow test/x-ray to make sure his throat has healed properly as he prepares to switch to eating his nutrition, rather than having it delivered through the stomach port. In fact, he is getting his meals now as single injections instead of a constant drip, to stretch his stomach and further simulate getting a normal meal.
Dean will also begin receiving 2 medications on a trial basis to see if they can stimulate his recovery. One will be focused on the vocal side and the other will be more for his physical side. Neither drug is officially sanctioned for these purposes but have shown in some patients to have good results. Keep your fingers crossed...
Well, Miya, Riley and I are off to Seattle tomorrow, leaving Teri to shoulder the burden on her own for a bit this summer. Please let her and Dean know they are not alone on this long journey. Thanks to those of you who have been able to visit (Cornelius was spotted playing chess with Dean and Ed dropped of a book for Dean to read).
Several mileposts have been seen in the rear view mirror this week and many more are on the horizon.
Enjoy the 4th,
Jim
4 comments:
From the looks of all the pictures you are sending, Dean is doing a great job. We sent up a special fire cracker for him tonight. I wish you could be in the South for the 4th of July. We could see fireworks for miles around us. Sounds like every one there will be celebrating too.
Be Safe!
We say prayers for Dean's continued recovery every night. God is doing his magic and Deano is doing his work too! All our love!
I continue to marvel at Dean's perseverance and progress and the love and support surrounding him. Wishing you all continued strength.
Randy Ross
Karen and I visited Dean on the 4th, and were pleasantly surprised to also visit with Maria, who was there. Dean was in great humor, and literally laughed till he cried listening to Maria explain the unique and hefty nature of Coffee's poops. I put on the Robin Trower CD I left for him a while ago, and Maria coaxed him into playing some air guitar for us. It's true that people change when there's a camera on them.
Look forward to our next visit.
Mark and Karen
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