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