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