What a beautiful sight!!

This past weekend Ira and I finally went back to Ft. Worth to visit Cathy and Lenny.  We had not been there since 2 days after Cathy's horrible accident.  The last time we saw her she was swollen and attached to tubes from her mouth, nose and skull.  Her face was unrecognizable.  We have all followed her progress over the last few months.  Each week she made improvements.  She went from being weaned from a breathing tube to learning how to swallow real food, and then getting strong enough to walk on her own.  She pushed through her fatigue and pain and was finally able to go home to her loving family.
We were so excited that Cathy was ready to see us!  When I walked out of the airport to see her waiting for us, all I could think of was, "What a beautiful sight"!  I had waited a long time to hug this wonderful friend who has always been like family and she looked great.  Her injured eye is opening more and her jaw is showing improved movement as well.  This weekend we cooked potato latkes together and shared Hanukkah fun with Cathy and Lenny, Lisa, Kaje and sweet Audrey.  Cathy has a cute new nose and a short hair cut but she is still the Cathy that we know and love.  How lucky we all are!
Cathy did not realize how far she has come until she had the courage to look at the photos that we had of her first day in the ICU.  She did this today and now realizes all the progress she has made.
Cathy you are brave and strong and need to remember to stay positive.  Always think of what you CAN do and do not concentrate on what you cannot do for now.  Yes, you still have to keep climbing but each step gets you closer to the top.  Love you and miss you already!  Linda

Surgery Cancelled

Cathy was supposed to have surgery on her jaw on Dec. 11th but everyone involved has decided to postpone it.
They think it is too soon to do this procedure because Cathy may still have the ability to stretch her jaw and improve on her own.  The surgeon has given her methods to work on her jaw mobility and she will work hard to accomplish this in the coming weeks.
Yesterday Cathy visited the ophthalmologist.  Her right eye has improved since the last visit!  There is hope that the right eye will heal and be quite useful in the future.  The integrity of the eye was spared in the accident and it is now allowing more peripheral vision.  The eyelid is also opening more easily each day.  Many people who suffer from eye injuries are able to maintain their vision due to the brain's ability to somehow accommodate for the damage.
Now, the crazy news...Lenny is having surgery on Dec. 11th!!  He has  a growth on his finger that the doctor needs to remove ASAP.  Now that the surgeon has Cathy's time slot available, Lenny has taken it!  Cathy will have the pleasure of nursing Lenny back to health!
So, that is the Herzfeld update for today.  Cathy, we are so thrilled that everything is healing.  We can't wait to see you on Dec. 12th.  Lenny, get ready to be the patient for a change!  Love, Linda and Ira

Thankful

Cathy, we were thrilled that you were able to enjoy Thanksgiving this year with your family.  We are all so thankful that you have been given the gift of life and that you continue to climb the ladder to recovery.  Your jaw surgery is coming up soon and hopefully you will be able to open your mouth wider and be able to eat more easily.  We are so excited about coming to Fort Worth and seeing you.  This is the time of year that most of us want to be with our good friends and family.  Ira and I are so thankful that we will get to spend Chanukah with you and Lenny and the entire family.  Almost every time I speak with you, you have a positive attitude.  You are getting out and staying busy and everything is improving slowly.  Incisions are healing, swelling is improving, your injured eye is opening, your hair is growing back, and you are living your life.  You are a miracle and we are all thankful.  Love, Linda

Happy Birthday Cathy!!

Please wish Cathy a Happy Birthday today!  We all love you Cathy and I know you are going to have a wonderful birthday celebration today with some of your friends and family.  We are all grateful that you are here with us and feeling better and getting stronger every day. Enjoy every minute, you deserve it.  Love, Linda

Loving life

Cathy is loving life and enjoying her time with family and friends.  She has asked me to tell everyone to not be afraid to call her!  She looks forward to visiting with friends every day and catching up.  She is getting out and even went to the gym to do water aerobics!  Tomorrow friends are coming over to exercise her mind and play Mah Jong with her.  Cathy was able to keep her right eye open a bit, all day today.  She was very excited about that.  When she has ventured out with family or friends she is starting to feel more confident walking independently.
By the way, don't tell anyone, (haha :), but next week is Cathy's birthday!!!! (Nov. 17th)  I wish I could be there to give her a big hug, but since I can't, if you see her please give her a BIG HUG for me!!! She has a lot to celebrate, she has her life, her family and her friends!
Ira and I will be visiting Cathy and Lenny on Dec. 12th, and we can't wait to see all the progress she has made.  The last time we saw her she was in the hospital bed, semi-conscious, and did not remember that we were there.
So Cathy, keep loving life because we love life with YOU!
Love, Linda

Doing Great!

Cathy sounds wonderful!  She went to the doctor today and he picked off all of her scabs.  I learned something new today.  I thought we weren't supposed to pick off our scabs, however the doctor says that scabs inhibit the healing process.  The doctor will probably do the jaw surgery sometime in December or January.  At that time he will remove a bone to allow more movement.  The great news is that Cathy is now allowed to eat all foods!  She still eats very slowly and carefully but she no longer has to eat mushy or pureed food.
Cathy is enjoying her friends visiting every day.  I wish I could be there too but I will come to visit in a few weeks. Until then, stay strong, stay positive and remember that a lot of people love you and think about you every day.  Love, Linda

Bravery and Patience

Today was a tough one for Cathy.  A long day at the Neuro-Ophthalmologist and no definitive answers as to whether the right eye will function.  Right now the doctor is not very hopeful about the eye.  The good news is that Cathy does see very well with her left eye.  The doctor assured her that if she does not eventually regain the use of  the right eye she still will be able to work, drive and do all the activities she did prior to the accident by using her good left eye.  As you can imagine this whole experience is overwhelming emotionally and physically for Cathy.  I wish I was there so I could give you a BIG HUG!!  Cathy, please think about what we discussed today and come up with a plan for the coming days.  I saw a quote that I thought was very appropriate,
"We could never learn to be brave and patient if there were only joy in the world." 
That quote is from Helen Keller!  Cathy try to be brave, try to be patient.  Love, Linda

Ira's message

Cathy, Ira has a message for you:
Cathy, if there is one thing I have learned since my world was turned upside down 2 years ago when I was asked to leave the agency I worked for, it is the importance of a positive attitude. Life's crazy and stuff happens that we never intended. And, when you think you're stuck with nowhere to go, something magical happens. You re-invent yourself. You just might find that although your physical appearance has changed, your mental outlook on life has or will as well. And, what's around the next corner is something you probably never thought would be there waiting for you. I wake up every morning and say 2 things to myself before I get out of bed. The first is Thank You. Thank you for another day. Thank you for my health. Thank you for my family. Thank you for my life with all its twists and turns. And, then I remind myself to stay positive. You see it's all about the law of attraction. What you think comes back to you. Let yourself think only positive thoughts about your recovery and you will. Think about all the joy you'll have for the rest of your life and you will. Think about the inspiration you'll be to others and you will be. Cathy, we've been friends for almost 30 years and you've always persevered. You can do it! You always have. Stay Positive. Love, Ira

Keep Climbing

Yesterday Cathy visited the doctor to review the MRI of her jaw.  The doctor thinks her jaw problem can be fixed by cutting a muscle.  This can be done through her mouth via outpatient surgery.  She will have to work hard to regain full use of her jaw but it is possible!  She is so thankful that this can be done.  Tomorrow she will visit the opthomologist to evaluate her right eye.  It is difficult for Cathy to see properly without the use of that eye so hopefully the doctors will come up with a good plan to improve her sight. 
I am so proud of how brave Cathy has been through all the ups and downs.  She is getting out in the world and is looking forward to buying some cute hats to wear.  She has looked beyond her own recovery and ventured out to visit her friend who had surgery.
One of Cathy's goals is to get back to work by January.  I am sure she can do it.  Cathy, keep climbing, we are all there to cheer you on!  Love, Linda

Pray for Good News

Please pray for some good news this week.  Cathy is very concerned about her eye and her jaw situation.  She has already undergone an MRI this week and will get the results from the surgeon tomorrow.  We are thankful for all that Cathy has accomplished in just a few weeks but of course we all hope for a 100% recovery.
Cathy wants to be able to return to work and lead a normal life.  Please pray for Cathy to have her vision restored to as normal as possible.  Please pray for Cathy to be able to open her mouth enough to enjoy regular food and to be able to maintain her teeth properly.  Send your positive thoughts her way.
Cathy, keep fighting and stay positive.  We all love you.  Love, Linda

"Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder"

Lenny has sent a beautiful poem for Cathy:

"Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder"


Cathy,

When I looked at you before the accident, I saw your beauty. 

When I look at you now, I still see your beauty.

When I look at you in the future, I will continue to see your beauty.

Cathy, you were, are, and will always be beautiful to me.

I love you,

Lenny

So Strong!

Cathy it amazes me about how strong you are, physically and mentally.  You made it to the fundraising concert in Austin and did not just sit there like we expected.  You walked around and visited people in the crowd and actually stood up and thanked everyone for their kindness to you and your family.  I heard that Steven's friends are quite impressive.  They organized this wonderful concert as well as a silent auction.  They even had t-shirts and bracelets made for people to wear to show their support for you!  We are all so proud of you and your wonderful family.  I know that you will make a full recovery.  You are stronger than you think.
Love, Linda

Home is Heaven

Cathy said that when she laid her head down on her own pillow in her own bed, it was like heaven!  Lenny held her in his arms as they listened to the soothing music of a waterfalls CD as they drifted off to sleep.
Today was tough.  The surgeon was not successful in opening Cathy's jaw any further.  Next week she will undergo an MRI of her jaw area so that the doctors can try to come up with another plan to open up her jaw.  She may have to have additional surgery in a few weeks to facilitate this.  Currently, her jaw will only open 20 millimeters and it needs to open 40 millimeters.  Thankfully, she is not in any pain from the procedure today.
Tomorrow she and Lenny, Lisa and Audrey are travelling to Austin for the big fundraising concert.  I hope it is very successful because there are a lot of expenses right now and only one salary coming in.  Cathy is looking forward to seeing all of Steven's friends who have been so kind to organize this event.
Cathy will continue to eat pureed foods such as soups, yogurts, sherbet, mashed potatoes, cream of wheat, etc., for a while until she is allowed to chew.  If you make a good soup please drop some off to Cathy and Lenny; I am sure they would love it.  Cathy has lost 14 pounds and really needs to keep up her strength and stamina.
Tonight we talked about the fact that this recovery will take some time and have some ups and downs.  Cathy is sad that she will have to have additional surgeries.  She just wants to be back to normal again.  She is worried about being a burden to Lenny and the family.  We are all in awe of you Cathy.  The fact that you can walk and talk is a miracle.  YOU are not a burden to anyone and it is our privilege to have you in our lives.
Please pray for Cathy to have the strength to endure the trip to Austin, and to return home on Thursday ready to climb the ladder to her recovery.  Love, Linda

Home Sweet Home!

Tomorrow Cathy is going home!  She is so excited and has waited a long time for this day.  I know it will be hard for her to take things slowly because she wants to enjoy being home and getting back to her life again.
We spoke tonight and her voice sounded just like the good old Cathy again.  Her peppy tone of voice is back and she is talking real fast again!
This was Eliza's wedding weekend and we were fortunate enough to have Lisa, Audrey and Steven here with us to celebrate.  Audrey was the flower girl and she looked like a princess.  She now has 100 new friends in NC because everyone Audrey meets is her new best friend.  We all had fun with her and we know that Cathy and Lenny will love the amazing photos and video we got of Audrey as well as Steven and Lisa and the wedding festivities.  We wanted Cathy and Lenny to still feel like they were there with us so we kept a cell phone 'on' under the chuppah so that they could hear the entire ceremony.  I could hear Cathy sobbing in the background and even though she was crying I was so glad that she was there with us somehow on that special day.  Eliza wore her 'Cathy's Climb' bracelet wrapped around her bridal bouquet and all of us had on the blue bracelets as well.  We passed around a photo of Cathy and Lenny at the bridal luncheon and we also had their photos in our slide show throughout the wedding weekend.  Other than their absence, the wedding was warm, loving and lots of fun!  Lisa and I can't wait to get all of our families together again sometime soon so that Kaje can get to meet everyone as well.  Hopefully the next wedding will be Steven's.  We all need to work on finding someone worthy of him.  He is quite a 'catch'!!
Anyway, tomorrow Cathy has a mani/pedi appointment.  She told me that it is quite overdue!  She is worried about how the world will react to her.  I told her that people know her and love her and a few scars do not change that.  People are used to seeing people who are recovering from accidents and illnesses and she is not the only person who will be walking around with a hat or scarf on her head.  So Cathy, put on that lipstick and a pretty hat and smile as big as you can!
Please pass the word about the big Fundraiser Concert in Austin this Wednesday.  If you can't make the concert try to send a small donation.  Cathy, I hope you have a great first day home!  Love, Linda

Reaching Goals, Step by Step.

Today was a good day for Cathy.  She is doing everything she possibly can to work hard and reach her goals.  She has started working with a brain injury support group at the rehab.  Cathy enjoys her sessions with this group of people because they have all undergone some type of accident or stroke that she can relate to.
The great news is that on Monday Cathy will get to go home!  After she gets home she will attend a school at the rehab center, every day from 9am - 4pm.  This school will help her learn to compensate for any mild deficits she might have sustained from her brain injury. When Cathy and I have conversations on the telephone she sounds normal and chatty, just like Cathy has always sounded.  I do not notice any deficits at all.  However, Cathy says that the testing she underwent showed evidence that her memory, reasoning and logic have some mild to moderate deficits.
I still find it amazing that the person I saw 5 weeks ago is now walking, talking and being able to enjoy life!
Lenny is the best therapy Cathy can get.  He actually was able to help her open her right eyelid yesterday.  He has been cleaning her sutures, helping her take showers and making sure she gets the quality care that she deserves.  Cathy is taking all the right steps and every day she is reaching her goals.  Love, Linda

Good Weekend!

Cathy has had a good weekend.  She has gotten a lot of rest but still had time to see a lot of her good friends and family.  Cathy made an effort to exercise and get some physical therapy in. She has lost 10 lbs since the accident but she is eating better now and she says she is happy about the weight loss.  NOT a good way to lose weight!  She has gotten used to the pureed food and Lenny says it tastes pretty good too.  If Cathy does not finish her dinner, Lenny is happy to finish it for her!  A 'clean plate' is a 'Lenny plate'!
Cathy is still frustrated about not being able to open her right eye.  I really believe that one day she will wake up and be able to start opening it.
She is getting stronger every day and hopefully will go home in about a week.  She is sleeping through the night  but gets awakened at 6am every day by the nurses who take her vital signs.  She is working on opening her mouth more.  Right now she can only open it the width of two fingers.
Cathy says that when she gets home she is looking forward to reading this blog so please feel free to add your messages to her.  If you would like to send pictures I can post them.
My daughter Eliza is getting married this week on Saturday.  I am already missing Cathy.  Ira and I were looking forward to spending time with Cathy and Lenny and going on a short trip together after the wedding was over.  I think of Cathy as a sister and there will be 2 empty seats at our table.  However, I am thankful that she is alive and will be able to join us for future happy occasions. We are also thankful that Lisa, Steven and Audrey can still make the trip to Charlotte.  Cathy and Lenny, thank you for being our friends and our family.
Love, Linda

Out to the doctor

Lenny took the day off and took Cathy to her follow up visit with the surgeon.  The surgeon sedated her and removed the brackets that were attached to her jaws.  He also checked her wounds and was a bit concerned that one of them might be infected.  He took a culture and hopefully the results will come soon.  He was also concerned because Cathy is not able to open her mouth as wide as she should. He explained that a nerve that controls that function was severed during her initial surgery in Mexico.  Due to this she has to work extra hard to get that function back.  Then the doctor proceeded to put his fist into her mouth to try to stretch her jaw. OUCH, that really hurt her!!  He gave her exercises to practice every day to stretch her jaw.  After all of those painful procedures, plus the big trip out in the world, Cathy was totally wiped out by lunchtime.  She ate a small lunch and then went to bed.  If you are planning to visit her today, please check with Lenny to see if she is up to visitors.  She is VERY tired today. Today was tough but tomorrow will be much better.  Love, Linda

Life is Delicate

Cathy got the opportunity to walk outdoors today.  Finally, after all those days inside, she was able to breathe fresh air and see the blue sky!  The doctors met to discuss Cathy's discharge plan and decided that her tentative discharge date is October 19th.  Cathy thinks that they need to keep her there until then so that she can learn how to function with her temporary sight impairment.  She is able to open her right eyelid just a very little bit and can see when it is manually opened.  She is undergoing therapy to strengthen and repair the eyelid muscles.
On Thursday morning Lenny is taking Cathy to see a doctor who will remove the brackets from her mouth.  That will make her a lot more comfortable.  Cathy is sleeping well and getting stronger every day.  She wants everyone to know how thankful she is for all the visits, phone calls, food, gifts, and cards that everyone has sent.
She is looking forward to getting back to a normal life.  She and I are both very sad that she and Lenny will not be able to make it to Eliza's wedding on the 17th, but I told her that the most important thing is that she is alive and well and will get to come visit us all when she has recovered.  Then we can enjoy our time together and celebrate her amazing recovery.  We are so happy that Lisa, Steven and Audrey will be able to come.  Audrey is the flower girl and I am sure she will be adorable.
Cathy and I talked about how precious life is and how we both believe that we need to live life to the fullest every day.  Cathy says, "Life is Delicate".  Yes, she knows that for sure.  Love, Linda

Washing Dishes

Cathy and I had a nice chat this evening and she told me a funny story.  She was taken to a kitchen to wash dishes today.  This was actually part of her occupational therapy.  I guess they figure that they cannot release her unless she can do this task.  I told her that I would not pass that test because I do the cooking and Ira does the dishes.  Cathy washed and dried the dishes and put them all back in place and passed the test!  She had a wonderful day.  She is sleeping much better and working very hard in her physical therapy workouts.  She is eating more food and getting used to the pureed consistency.  Her swallowing is improving and she was able to drink some orange juice today. She had to perform a lot of brain exercises today and it seemed like she did very well on almost everything asked of her.  She is still very tired but seems to be getting stronger each day.  The anxiety is gone, thank goodness, and Cathy has a bright outlook on her future.  She is looking forward to returning home and sleeping in her own bed.  Cathy has really enjoyed seeing everyone but please keep your visits to less than 30 minutes because Cathy is too polite to tell you how tired she is.  She also needs time to eat and concentrate on her swallowing therapy. With her intense PT regimen there is very little time to eat or rest in between sessions.  She starts PT at 9am and does not finish until Noon.  She then resumes therapy at 1pm until 4pm.  That is quite a schedule!  During our conversation this evening Cathy summed up the way she feels right now as, "A lot less Abnormal, but not quite Normal".  I think that is pretty darn good for someone who has been through what she has endured.  Home Sweet Home is right around the corner!  Love, Linda

Rehab is hard work!

Cathy is making great progress.  She asked me to tell everyone that she appreciates those who have come to visit but she has requested that everyone please limit their visits to very short periods.  Yesterday she had  12 visitors, one after another, from Noon until 8pm.  It really exhausted her. She feels like she needs to talk to everyone but she is SO tired!  Let's all remember that Cathy is there to regain her strength and stamina.  She has really long, difficult physical therapy sessions and needs to rest after them.
The doctors are still working on getting her the most effective dose of medications. She is still having trouble sleeping but she is eating a little better.  She is drinking Ensure and also eating pureed foods.  Cathy is receiving swallowing therapy so that she can eventually swallow and eat regular foods.  Her head, mouth and eye still hurt a bit but not terribly.  The pain medicine seems to relieve this pain for her. The right eye is cleaned by the nurses a few times per day and when they open it for her she is able to see.  It is annoying and frustrating to not be able to see clearly.
Cathy is really working very hard to get stronger so that she can go home as soon as possible.  Steven is leaving to go home tomorrow and Cathy is very sad about that.  She has really enjoyed seeing him every day and spending time with him.  I just saw a photo of Cathy that was taken today and her hair is starting to grow back!  She looks like she is smiling!  Thank you God for saving her and keeping her in all of our lives.
Love, Linda

"I Have a Hand, and You Have Another; Put Them Together and We Have Each Other."

I spoke to Cathy tonight and she said that she is tired and depressed.  She is frustrated because she is weak and is not progressing as quickly as she would like to.  She also is suffering from a lot of anxiety right now which is normal after her ordeal.  We all think she is doing GREAT!!! Cathy has very high standards and she does not realize the amazing strides that she has made in just two weeks!  She is still having some trouble swallowing thin liquids and does not have much of an appetite.  She is drinking some Ensure to get enough protein and nutrition.  She is not enjoying the pureed foods because they are pretty bland.  Cathy told me that Audrey has been pushing her around in a wheelchair and telling her how beautiful she is.  Audrey is great motivation for her grandma to get better!  Audrey is a very special little girl and Cathy will be home soon playing 'pretend' tea parties with her.
Cathy is having trouble sleeping so tonight she is being given some sleep medications.  If she can get a good night's sleep hopefully she will have more energy tomorrow to get through the day.  She is on an intensive physical therapy regimen to get back strength in her muscles.  I personally think her mind is working fabulously and I am very impressed with her progress.  Cathy says it is an effort to perform normal activities and even to talk for periods of time.  Short, uplifting visits are great medicine for her so please try to stop by during visiting hours from 4:30 - 8pm.  She is so lucky to have all of you, friends and family, who love and care about her.
Please give Cathy a hug and kiss for me.  Wish I could be there RIGHT NOW!!!  Stay strong and positive.
Love, Linda

Hard Work

Today was the first day of rehab and it was a tough one for Cathy.  She had to really focus and work very hard which ultimately tired her out.  She is still having some trouble swallowing which is a common occurrence after a head injury.  She says that nothing she eats tastes good to her. She will have some swallowing tests and x-rays tomorrow to help plan additional swallowing therapy.  She was a little depressed this morning because she did not know anyone yet at the rehab center.  Cathy was able to look at her face in a mirror today.  When she did, I hope she saw a strong woman with a lot of courage and determination, who beat the odds and made it through a horrific accident.  I hope she saw the love in her heart that she has given all of us.  I also hope she saw the many friends and family that will be there holding her hand when she needs one, and cheering her on to a full recovery!  I hope she saw all of that, because THAT is all that matters!  Hair will grow and scars will fade.
Cathy really perked up this afternoon when visiting hours began.  She enjoyed the short visits with her friends and family.  It helped her feel back to normal.  Cathy, I wish I could be there with you now and give you a big hug.  Every time I look at the clock I think to myself, "What is Cathy doing right now?"  "How is she feeling?  I hope she is getting stronger every minute!"  
Tomorrow will be a better day and soon you will be home.  Love, Linda

She made it!

Cathy got to the rehab this evening.  Prior to arrival she had the remainder of her staples removed.  She is all tucked in a ready for a good night's sleep.  Her address is :Health South, 6701 Oakmont Blvd, Ft. Worth, TX, 76132,   Room  222.  Visiting hours are from 4:30pm - 8pm.  Cathy would love visits but please keep them short because she tires easily.  Cathy will be receiving physical therapy every morning after breakfast and every afternoon after lunch so she will have a full schedule.  The miracle continues!
Love, Linda

Waiting...

When I spoke to Steven earlier this evening Cathy was still waiting for transport to the rehab center.
She had another GREAT day today.  She was given a thorough neuro-psych evaluation by two doctors and did very well.  They asked her many questions that involved Math and Reading Comprehension and Steven said that she did better than he would have with some of the answers!  The doctors are very impressed with her positive outlook considering what she has been through.  Cathy took a few walks around the hospital hallways today and is slowly regaining her strength and balance.  She was also able to use the bathroom on her own.  She ate some soft food and drank some fluids.  The surgeon removed the rubber bands that were restraining her jaw and he also approved the removal of the remaining staples in her head. Another doctor also checked her right eye again because Cathy has not been able to open it on her own as of yet.  The doctor thinks that the nerve above the eye was severed in the accident but the muscles that control the eyelid will most likely recover.  That is GREAT news!
When Cathy gets to Health South Rehab she will be in Room 222, which is a private room.  Steven has asked me to let everyone know that Cathy does want visitors but she cannot talk for extended time periods of time, so short visits are probably the best.  At the rate she is going she will only be inpatient at the rehab for 1-2 weeks!  Steven also told me that his friends are organizing a Benefit Concert for Cathy and the family in Austin on October 21st from 7-9pm at the Hills Cafe'.  There will be 3-4 groups performing.  I will post more detailed information as soon as Steven gets it.  Hopefully I will hear back from Steven soon and Cathy will be settled into the rehab in time for a good night's sleep.  Until then,  Love, Linda

Another step, more progress.

Cathy got moved out of the ICU during the night when they needed her bed for a more serious patient.  Today she sat up in a chair and then went for a stroll down the hall!  At first she shuffled her feet but then she began lifting her feet and taking real steps.  The speech therapist came and Cathy passed the swallowing test!  She can now have liquids (Starbucks!!!) and very soft, mushy foods.  Bring on the mashed potatoes, ice cream and pudding!  I am sure that will taste fabulous after not eating for over two weeks!  Another milestone is that Cathy is free of all her tubes.  Her nasal tube, catheter and IV's have all been removed!  All of her stitches have been removed today and part of her staples.  Cathy is now waiting for the insurance paperwork to be approved so that she can move to the rehab. Many of us feel we have seen a miracle with Cathy's recovery.  Thank you God for keeping Cathy in our lives!  Love, Linda

Seeing the Light!

Lisa stayed at the hospital with Cathy last night and said that her mom slept well. The most amazing news is that the surgeon opened Cathy's right eye, shined a light and she was able to see!  She could even distinguish the number of fingers the doctor was holding up! This is a real miracle since a few days ago there was no activity in that optic nerve.  Cathy has been able to get up and go to the bathroom a few times.  She knows she has a buzz cut and she knows she has scars but she has not seen her face as of yet.  She says she does not care about her scars, she is just happy that she is alive.  What a great attitude! The doctors may take the stitches and staples out tonight or tomorrow and that will reduce her head pain.  She says she is hungry and thirsty but she understands that she has to wait to eat until her swallowing test tomorrow.  If all goes well she will be released to Health South Rehabilitation tomorrow on Oakmont Road across from Walmart.  I know that those of you who will be in temple tomorrow for Yom Kippur will be thanking God for this miracle of life.  We almost lost this amazing woman.  Due to Lenny's quick action, the skill of the surgeons, the care of the nurses, the love of her family and friends, she has pulled through and will recover 100%.  Love, Linda

Chatty Cathy :)

Cathy is doing so well that she is talking up a storm.  In fact, she is talking so much that the doctors had to insert some rubber bands inside her mouth so that her jaws would not open too wide and dislocate again!  I spoke to Cathy today and she sounded SO good.  She realizes that she has made amazing progress in the last few days.  She may move to a rehab center on Monday! She will also receive a test on Monday for swallowing and if she passes that test she will start eating by mouth.  She can't open her right eye as of yet and her head hurt her a bit today so she is still getting some morphine.  She no longer has a neck brace and her facial muscles are moving well. She really has a positive outlook and a great sense of humor about the entire situation.  She does not remember the actual accident which is such a blessing. She told me that she has read all the cards everyone sent to her and she will also look at the blog when she is able to.  All of you have helped Cathy move forward with her recovery by your positive thoughts and prayers. I don't know some of you who have left such wonderful comments on the blog but thank you for loving Cathy and her family like we all do!  Love, Linda

Great Day!

Cathy slept well last night and made wonderful progress today!  She got out of bed, walked around her room, and talked a lot.  In fact, she has been talking all day long!  Everything she says makes sense and she recognizes everyone.  She even has told a joke.  She has not seen her face yet but she has a good attitude about the accident.  She said, "Well I guess I am going to have a whole new face"!!.  She took small sips of water today and may not need a feeding tube.  She will get the staples out of her face on Monday.  She is a miracle!
Thank you for all your positive comments and prayers!  Love, Linda

Craving Starbucks!

This is so funny!  Cathy woke up this morning and asked Lenny to specifically get her some Starbucks coffee!  She really knows what she wants.  The doctors were in there this morning and asked her many questions and she answered all of them appropriately.  She knows she was in an ATV accident and she knows she has had surgery.  She is resting comfortably now and having a much better day than yesterday.  There is still swelling around her right eye socket so that eye has not opened yet.  The plan is to keep her in the ICU for a few days and then transfer her to the next step in care.  Lenny is doing research on rehab facilities and is determined to get her the best of care for whatever rehabilitation she will require.  When she does start eating foods again she will be on a very soft diet because the area above her palate was dislocated in the accident and had to be wired together.  Due to this she will not be able to bite down on hard foods.
Guess she will be eating lots of ice cream and pudding.  Sounds good to me!  I personally really miss my weekly chats with Cathy.  We would talk every weekend and catch up on what is happening in our lives and all the family activities.  We would laugh, cry and complain, and it would feel so good to have this special conversation every week.  I especially miss her now because Eliza's wedding is coming up on October 17th.  She was so involved in the entire event. Audrey is the flower girl!  When I started putting together the table seating chart it broke my heart that she and Lenny will not be there at my table.  I know all of you feel the same way right now.  Missing her phone calls, hugs and smiles.  Those of you who work with her probably pass her desk every day and think of her.  So, keep thinking the positive thoughts.  She is recovering and climbing the mountain to the peak.  She will get there and when she does, she will get her Starbucks Grande' Coffee!

Cathy is hungry!

Cathy woke up asking for food.  I think that is great, although she cannot eat as of yet.  She is being fed through a nasal tube right now.  She is on morphine for her pain but still complained that her head hurts.  The nurses will try to get her to sleep more and relax today because she has been talking too much and is getting frustrated.  She is asking everyone to 'get her out of there' and also to bring her some food.  Her voice sounds better and is easier to understand but is still a bit scratchy.  It will heal with time.  It seems that she is frustrated and just wants to go home.  I do not blame her!  She will probably feel better tomorrow after she gets some rest.  Lenny has not gotten much rest and has been with her every minute. Cathy seems to recognize everyone and even asked for Lisa today.  Hopefully in a few days Cathy will eat and drink and will understand the miracle that she is alive!!!  One day at a time she will improve.  Love, Linda

Success!

Cathy just got to her room in the ICU at 8:15pm CST.  A LONG day for everyone but she really looks SO good.  I just saw a photo of her and her face is SO much better!  Thank God and thank you for all your prayers.  The wires were removed from her jaw and the only tube is in her nose.  Her eye socket was rebuilt with a small bone from the back of her skull.  Her nose looks wonderful.  Everything is back where it belongs. That doctor has performed a miracle!  She will need lots of rest the next few days.  I will keep you posted with more tomorrow.  Love, Linda

Reconstruction is done...

Good news!  The reconstruction part of the surgery is done and Cathy is doing great!  The surgeon finished his part early and now they will be closing her up for a few hours and finishing.  She has her jaw wired closed for now but hopefully they will remove that soon.  I am sure Cathy will NOT be happy about that if you know what I mean.  The doctors say she will sleep for two days due to all the sedation and pain medications.  This will be a time of healing for her.  The report is that the reconstruction of her face went well so that is great to hear.
The family is in the operating  room waiting area and they will be there for a few more hours until they can see her.  The surgeon will come out to talk to them later so I will post another update if I get one later this evening.
Thank you all for your prayers!  Love, Linda

Hope for Tomorrow

Tomorrow is the big day!  Please say your prayers for Cathy.  The surgery is scheduled for 12:30pm Central Time tomorrow.  Last night Cathy was restless. She keeps squirming around trying to get comfortable.  She had a CAT scan last evening, probably in preparation for the surgery tomorrow.  The Ophthalmologist visited again today and said that although the optic nerve in the right eye is not responding normally there still might be some vision possible. Steven came to the hospital today and gave Lenny a much needed break.  Lenny got to go home for a few hours and relax.  Cathy is still trying to talk a bit but is hard to understand her.  She does not have a feeding tube as of yet and she has lost some weight.  Hopefully after the surgery she will be able to eat once again.  So, things are stable until tomorrow.  People are praying and sending positive thoughts from all over the country.  The surgery tomorrow is a long one, (8-12 hours) so I will post an update as soon as I get one. Cathy, we are holding your hands in spirit so please feel our strength in your heart.  Please God, give the doctors and nurses the skills, stamina, and strength to heal Cathy.  Love, Linda

Trying to stay calm

Right now Cathy is having a hard time staying relaxed.  She is anxious, frustrated and restless.  Lenny would like all of you to hold off visits for now until Cathy can stay calmer.  When there are people in the room she has too much stimulation and her heart rate and blood pressure go up.  We are still waiting for the results of the recent MRI.  Of course Cathy is trying to talk but it is hard to understand her.  Her voice is soft and muffled.  She may be allowed to sit up or stand tomorrow depending on how she progresses today.  Steven is on his way back to Ft. Worth and Bari will come back tomorrow.  Lenny has been there almost all day and night since this has happened.  He is a pillar of strength.  Lisa and Kaje keep going back and forth between helping Lenny, seeing Cathy and taking care of Audrey.  They all need our love and support and some stress relief as much as possible. So many of you are helping the family as well as praying and thinking good thoughts for Cathy.
Last night I opened a fortune cookie and the message was, "Time heals all wounds".  How appropriate this was!  Keep up the positive thoughts.  Love, Linda

Progress!! :)

Cathy is making wonderful progress today!  All her tubes were taken out of her mouth.  She is breathing on her own.  The only tube left is a small nasal tube.  She is being observed and if she continues to breathe well enough on her own she will not need a trach.  She also may not need a feeding tube.  This will be determined later on today or tomorrow.  Also, the ophthalmologist checked both of her eyes and there DOES seem to be some vision in her right eye which is the side that was badly injured.  This is GREAT news!!  The left eye has vision for sure and the entire left side is looking better every day. We will know more about her injured right eye in a few days because the doctor could not do a thorough exam since Cathy was too sedated.  Cathy tried to talk a bit and her first words were, "Get me out of here".  That is good, because that is what we all want for her.  She is a fighter and she will do anything she can to get well and out of the hospital.  Cathy is still being sedated heavily to keep her calm and anxiety and pain free.  Her blood pressure is up a bit and they are giving her meds for that.  The doctors are not concerned about that because considering the circumstances it is normal.  Today was Audrey's first dance lesson.  I know that Cathy will be upset that she missed it but I am sure Cathy will make it to the dance recital in the Spring!  Keep up the positive thoughts and prayers.  Look at all the progress she has made so far in just one week!  Love, Linda

Keep Up the Positive Thoughts

Cathy's sodium level is up to 128 but needs to be higher for the trach and feeding tube procedures.  Hopefully the level will continue to climb so that she can progress and be more comfortable.
When she is awake she has a lot of anxiety.  I am sure we can all understand why she feels this way and Lenny is there to soothe her when she panics. Her pain medicine has been increased to help her relax and sleep more.  The swelling on the left side of her face is much better.  Her first reconstruction surgery is due to take place next Tuesday, September22nd if everything is stable at that time. 
Lenny wanted me to tell everyone that he wishes all of you a Happy and Sweet New Year.  He asked that you keep Cathy and their family in your thoughts and prayers.  Lenny has been sleeping so well at the hospital that the nurses have heard him snoring!  Steven is going back to Austin later today for a few days and will be back next week for the surgery.  Thank you all for your positive and inspirational comments on this blog.  I pray that one day Cathy will read this and see how much she is loved.
Love, Linda

Better Day!

We are so happy that Cathy slept more peacefully last night. Her sodium levels are still low. Sodium regulates the heart beat and many other vital functions so it is important to get this balanced before any procedures can be done. The swelling on the left side of Cathy's face is MUCH better.
The Herzfeld/Eagans families are so strong! They are all staying positive which is so important to Cathy's recovery. When we were at the hospital Lenny read a beautiful poem to Cathy. The poem is titled, "A Woman of Valor". It is a Jewish custom for men to recite this poem/hymn at the end of the week, and thus to think about and be thankful for, all his wife has done for him and their family throughout the past week.
I want to share this poem with you:
An accomplished woman, who can find? Her value is far beyond pearls.
Her husband's heart relies on her and he shall lack no fortune.
She does him good and not evil, all the days of her life.
She seeks wool and flax, and works with her hands willingly.
She is like the merchant ships, she brings her bread from afar.
She arises while it is still night, and gives food to her household and a portion to her maidservants.
She plans for a field, and buys it. With the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
She girds her loins in strength, and makes her arms strong.
She knows that her merchandise is good. Her candle does not go out at night.
She sets her hands to the distaff, and holds the spindle in her hands.
She extends her hands to the poor, and reaches out her hand to the needy.
She fears not for her household because of snow, because her whole household is warmly dressed.
She makes covers for herself, her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Her husband is known at the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.
She makes a cloak and sells it, and she delivers aprons to the merchant.
Strength and honor are her clothing, she smiles at the future.
She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the lesson of kindness is on her tongue.
She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children rise and praise her, her husband lauds her.
Many women have done worthily, but you surpass them all.
Charm is deceptive and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears God shall be praised.
Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.
*****************
Please keep up the positive thoughts and prayers! Love, Linda

Ups and Downs

As expected, there will be ups and downs in Cathy's recovery.  Cathy, being as strong as she is, somehow pulled out her tubes during the night!  Everything is back in place now but the procedures that were planned for today are postponed until everything stabilizes again.  She is being sedated so that she can rest. 
Please keep sending your love and positive thoughts her way.
Love, Linda

Cathy's Climb to Recovery

Cathy has sustained serious injuries from a horrible ATV accident in Cabo San Lucas.  She is my very best friend although we live far apart.  I have created this blog so that all of Cathy's family and friends can keep up with her progress.  This is a place where we can celebrate every step of the road to her recovery.  I also think it will be great for Cathy to look back at this blog one day and be able to see all the love and support that everyone has given her.

My belief is that Cathy is strong and she will fight to get well.  Her face may look a bit different but she will always be the wonderful person that she is.  She is very strong and is already showing signs that she wants to fight and get well.

She is able to hear and understand everything going on around her.  She can see out of her left eye but the right eye is not functional as of yet.  She is due to get a feeding tube and a tracheotomy tomorrow.  She already started some physical therapy.  She responds appropriately to questions by nodding her head yes or no.  When she is able to see better and is more alert she will be able to write on a white board until she can talk.

Next week she is due to have her first facial reconstruction surgery.

Lenny is so strong and so loving.  He has barely left her side.  Lisa, Kaje and Steven have been at the hospital every day as well as Cathy's sister Bari.  Ira and I came in to town on Saturday and had to leave on Monday afternoon.  It broke my heart to leave but I feel so good that I was able to hold Cathy's hand and tell her that I love her.  She squeezed my hand and looked at me with her left eye.  She responds to all the activity around her.

Please send your love and prayers to the Herzfeld family.  Some of you have already done some wonderful things.  You have brought them nice hot meals and some cash for parking, snacks, etc.

Others have helped look after Audrey which has been a great help to Lisa and Kaje.

This will be a long hard climb for Cathy and the entire family so keep up the help as much as you can.

Please post your positive thoughts and comments or updates on this blog.

Let's all pray for Cathy and send positive thoughts her way.  She will make it!!

All my love, Linda