more steps!!!

hey all:

just got done talking to dad. sounds like mom had a great day in therapy! during her physical therapy session, they placed a strap around her mid-section and stood on either side of her, helping her to stand up. dad followed behind with a wheelchair. she actually took steps all on her own! they went almost around the building. dad was thrilled....he said it was just phenomenal to see, a really emotional moment. mom was smiling too :)

they also had her on a special bike machine where you wheel up to it in the wheelchair and strap your feet in to the pedals. the machine pedals for you, but if you take over...it stops. mom pedaled by herself for 8 1/2 out of 10 minutes total! she really seems to respond well to that particular machine. of course....she did take spinning classes!

other than that, she's still getting used to the therapy schedule. she's putting in a full day, from 10:30am until 4:30pm. usually by 5:00pm or so she's ready for a good long sleep. that's about it folks. she really is doing quite well. it'll be a long road ahead...still baby steps. but keep the positive thoughts and prayers going as she'll need them throughout this whole journey.

what a wonderful day, mom! we all knew you could do it! i just know you'll exceed all our expectations. love you so much....keep on working hard.

much love to you all,
xoxox
steph

annnnnnnnnnddddd....let's go!

hey all:

mom is all checked in and settled into her new room at the rehab center. dad talked with the nurses and he's really happy with the facility, program and staff so far. sounds like they'll be taking the trach out tomorrow and plugging the incision (it'll heal in a couple days). also, by the end of the week they're hoping to get the feeding tube out as well. no more tubes for mom!! just one little iv in the arm.

tomorrow morning at 7:30am sharp the nurses and doctors will be evaluating mom and setting a rehab plan for the week. she'll be in her own clothes and everything....3 hours of therapy per day (in 30 min. sessions). we're definitely not in louisville anymore, folks! no more hospital!!! next tuesday, the team will have a meeting where they will determine, based on working with mom for a week, a long term rehab plan. they should be able to tell us then how long she'll be in rehab and what the goals/plans are. yay for a schedule!! get out your planners finny clan ;)

sounds like the facility is really nice as well. mom shares a room, but has her own closet and bathroom. there are also outdoor courtyards with sidewalks. the nurses said dad can take her out in a wheelchair for a walk outside tomorrow if he wants! fresh air for mom....so great. :) dad will also be receiving training so he can help the nurses get her in/out of bed and such.

all in all, a smooth transition. the docs/nurses say she's ready to go. keep positive thoughts going...she'll be needing them as there's much hard work ahead. keep your chin up mom....we're with you every step of the way. we all know what a fighter you are! you've come so far in the past 4 1/2 weeks....and i know you'll far exceed everyone's expectations as far as recovery. we believe in your strength and love you very much!!

much love,
xoxox
steph

on to rehab!

hey all:

just got the word...an ambulance will be transporting mom from louisville to the rehab center in indianapolis around 3:30pm/4:00pm TODAY! pray for safe travels and a smooth transition this evening for mom!

much love,
xoxox
steph

6.26.06- update

hi all:

just talked to dad. mom's case worker is scheduled to call the rehab today at 9:30am. as long as they say everything is ready to go...mom will be transferred this afternoon. dad is just waiting to hear so he can get ready to leave.

other than that...mom is still doing well. they gave her some ritalin today to stimulate her brain activity. while it has a relaxing effect on children with a.d.d./a.d.h.d., ritalin actually has a stimulating effect on adults. interesting, huh? anyway, she's still talking and awake and such. dad told her she was going to leave today to go to a rehab place that would be closer to home. she said, "okay".

that's about it. i'll post as soon as i get word regarding her transfer. keep up the positive thoughts and support, she'll need it most during these first few weeks of rehab. it won't be easy...but she'll do it!

much love,
xoxox
steph