Monday, July 18, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
IMG00369-20110516-0857.jpg
This message has been sent using the picture and Video service from Verizon Wireless!
To learn how you can snap pictures and capture videos with your wireless phone visit www.verizonwireless.com/picture.
Note: To play video messages sent to email, Quicktime@ 6.5 or higher is required.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Heather's update
I thought I would give you all an update on how I am doing now that I am finally strong enough to do so. I wanted to start by telling you all how much I love you. I have said this a million times before but service brings out the very best in someone and makes them shine so beautifully. It is difficult to even put into words how you have blessed my life.
I want to start by thanking my husband. I knew I married the most amazing person, but my goodness has he ever been my knight in shining armor. He has been so selfless and loving in every way possible. He always tells me how beautiful I am. Even when I couldn't wash my hair for a week and half. My hair was heavy with grease, had blood all over, matted, shaved in the back, and completely uneven, not to mention no make up and a swollen face. I know I looked a mess and he still told me how beautiful he thought I was.
He was by my side in the hospital. Made sure that I was taken care of, got me every thing I needed whenever I needed it, slept on an uncomfortable bed even though he just had back surgery, helped me get up etc... When we got home he set his alarm through the night and gave me my medication. Every night he fills up pill boxes with my medication and puts what time to take them in permanent marker on the outside, and calls me through out the day to make sure I didn't forget to take them. When I couldn't get out of bed he brought me my food on a tray.
Has played the roll of Dad and Mom. Which is a difficult task and he does it so well. Signed up Carter for soccer, is making a pine wood derby car with Cooper and Carter. (Carter is making one just for fun and we said he could so he doesn't feel left out.) Took the kids to a baptism all by himself on Saturday, takes them to the skate park a ton because the kids love it. Takes them to church on Sunday. Makes sure they are bathed every night and reads scriptures and says prayer every night with our babies.
Thank you sweetheart for taking care of me. I love you more than anything in this whole world.
My Mom has also been such an angel in my life. I don't know what Cade and I would do with out her help. Because of her I don't have to worry about my babies. Any mother knows how much that means. After Cade's Mom left (she stayed for a week), she lived with us for two weeks and now she arrives at my house at 6:45 every morning, stays all day, and goes home when Cade gets home at about 5:30pm. She gets my kids ready for school, feeds them breakfast, packs their lunches and drives them to school. Takes care of Reagan all day long and does fun stuff with her. Picks the boys up from school, makes sure their homework is done and usually does something fun with them until Cade gets home. Basically she has to run my life until I am strong enough to do so. She is the most amazing Mom anyone could ever ask for. The peace of mind she has given me has allowed me not to worry about how much time it is going to take to heal. I am so blessed to have a Mom like her. I love you soooooo much Mom.
Martha, my Mother-in-Law is also so amazing. As soon as we told her that my surgery date had been moved up she booked a plane flight. The week she was here she was such a blessing. When she is taking care of my kids she does everything that I just said my Mom has been doing and I never have to worry. She has always made me feel so loved and part of the family. Every time we have ever needed her she doesn't even think twice. She books a flight right away and comes to our rescue. I love you!
As for me this is definitely the hardest thing I have ever had to do in my life. Much harder than I had anticipated, even though Cade tried to tell me it was going to be really difficult. I thought nah it isn't going to be that hard for ME. Cha right. The whole chemical meningitis I almost died episode didn't help, but each day I am getting a little stronger. I have to.....or rather Cade has to keep reminding me to be patient with myself. A person that I have been in contact since I learned I had Chiari, Rick, put it this way, "Chiari recovery is measured in baby steps. It's the type of thing where each day you don't feel like you're getting much better. But then [you] have to think about what you were dong a week ago or a month ago. That's how you tell if things are getting better. Essentially, it's like watching the grass grow!"
I am so thankful my Uncle Bruce put me in contact with Rick and his son. They have helped me fight the mental battle that goes on before and after major surgery. I will forever be grateful for their words of wisdom, friendship and advice.
I joke with Cade and tell him I am just like Rapunzel. I went from long blond hair to short brown hair. The lesson to be learned from that is where you place your self worth. I am so grateful that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has taught me my whole life not to place your self worth on your outward appearance. What really matters is what is in the inside. How beautiful are you when everything on the outside is stripped away. I would hope that you know how beautiful you are and that you have put focus on the things in this world that are most important.
Again I love you all so much. Even though I am pretty much trapped in my house I don't feel alone. Quite the opposite, I feel as if I have a whole army cheering for me and helping me to get better. When I do....watch out world!!! I have a whole list of things I want to accomplish when I am able.
Hugs and Love,
Heather
PS
I will post a pic of my battle wounds soon!!
Friday, June 17, 2011
Blessings 5/10
5/10
Today we went to Disneyland. CRAZY BANANAS I know, but I had to do it. It was my last hoorah with my babies before my surgery. It was punishing physically, but oh so worth it. My babies love Disneyland and have so many memories there. Kendra, Kathryn, Kino, Kenzy, and Brynna went with us. It is always so much fun to have bunches of cousins there with us. The adults were out numbered. 3 adults. 6 kids. It is a wonder we got out of there alive!!
When we got home I had to get doughnuts for Carter's game the following day. To reward myself for going the extra mile so my babies could have fun I gave myself THREE DOUGHNUTS. That is right. Three. I swear the Doughnut Man is magic.
Today we went to Disneyland. CRAZY BANANAS I know, but I had to do it. It was my last hoorah with my babies before my surgery. It was punishing physically, but oh so worth it. My babies love Disneyland and have so many memories there. Kendra, Kathryn, Kino, Kenzy, and Brynna went with us. It is always so much fun to have bunches of cousins there with us. The adults were out numbered. 3 adults. 6 kids. It is a wonder we got out of there alive!!
When we got home I had to get doughnuts for Carter's game the following day. To reward myself for going the extra mile so my babies could have fun I gave myself THREE DOUGHNUTS. That is right. Three. I swear the Doughnut Man is magic.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Family
5/21/11 10pm
Those who receive the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, possess a comprehensive understanding of the emphasis placed on the family. The dictionary loosely describes the family in two ways;
a. a basic social unit consisting of parents and their children, considered as a group, whether dwelling together or not: the traditional family.
b. a social unit consisting of one or more adults together with the children they care for: a single-parent family.
Defined within the parameters of the Plan of Salvation, basically, the family unit, and the ward family. During Heather's surgery and recovery, both have been exceptional and absolutely essential. Our lives and well being have been sustained greatly by the love and charity of close family and friends. I understand and value the importance of the mother. However, long before the surgery the realization occurred; my best efforts in nurturing, support, and care for the children would not begin to approach the quality and efficiency maintained by Heather even in a debilitated state. The acceptance that your children will be negatively impacted in some way by the experience is painful. The focus promptly transitions to limiting such an impact. As posted previously, legions were organized and assembled to assist my family during a time of weakness and need. Priesthood blessings, visits from church leadership, offers to watch our children, and especially the nightly dinner meals are greatly appreciated and ensure our needs are met.
Thank you to the ward family for the love, consideration, and assistance. We have witnessed the Elders Quorum, Relief Society, and other groups at their finest. Excellent people and remarkable organizations to whom we are very grateful.
Thank you friends and extended family for your concern and prayers. The support and spirit certainly continue to be felt.
Lastly, thank you Martha McMullin (Heather's mother-in law) and Kathi Scott (Heather's mother) for managing and coordinating everything at home. Your kindness and efforts provided me the opportunity to accompany Heather in the hospital during the surgery and in-patient recovery; when she needed me most. I love you both and could not have attended to Heather appropriately without you.
Those who receive the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, possess a comprehensive understanding of the emphasis placed on the family. The dictionary loosely describes the family in two ways;
a. a basic social unit consisting of parents and their children, considered as a group, whether dwelling together or not: the traditional family.
b. a social unit consisting of one or more adults together with the children they care for: a single-parent family.
Defined within the parameters of the Plan of Salvation, basically, the family unit, and the ward family. During Heather's surgery and recovery, both have been exceptional and absolutely essential. Our lives and well being have been sustained greatly by the love and charity of close family and friends. I understand and value the importance of the mother. However, long before the surgery the realization occurred; my best efforts in nurturing, support, and care for the children would not begin to approach the quality and efficiency maintained by Heather even in a debilitated state. The acceptance that your children will be negatively impacted in some way by the experience is painful. The focus promptly transitions to limiting such an impact. As posted previously, legions were organized and assembled to assist my family during a time of weakness and need. Priesthood blessings, visits from church leadership, offers to watch our children, and especially the nightly dinner meals are greatly appreciated and ensure our needs are met.
Thank you to the ward family for the love, consideration, and assistance. We have witnessed the Elders Quorum, Relief Society, and other groups at their finest. Excellent people and remarkable organizations to whom we are very grateful.
Thank you friends and extended family for your concern and prayers. The support and spirit certainly continue to be felt.
Lastly, thank you Martha McMullin (Heather's mother-in law) and Kathi Scott (Heather's mother) for managing and coordinating everything at home. Your kindness and efforts provided me the opportunity to accompany Heather in the hospital during the surgery and in-patient recovery; when she needed me most. I love you both and could not have attended to Heather appropriately without you.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Heather's Return (Home and Back to the ER)
5/20/11 8:00pm
"This is much more difficult than I ever thought it would be," Heather exclaimed once she regained her cognizance in the hospital. After returning home from the hospital Monday, Heather's condition steadily declined until she became virtually unresponsive Tuesday evening. The fear and adrenaline were consuming as I instinctively lifted Heather from the bed, carried her to the car, and drove her back the hospital Emergency Room (ER). The reason for not calling on an ambulance was the realization that she would have been rushed to the closest hospital, rather than Huntington Memorial where she received her surgery. Trust that with the speed I maintained she definitely arrived at Huntington Memorial, 16 miles away, faster than whatever wait/travel time was required for an ambulance to carry her to Foothill Hospital 3 miles away.
Life dictates certain experiences, however, the only worse scenario imaginable would be to witness the same with your child rather than a spouse. Though I consider myself a strong person, the anxiety and distress associated was difficult at times. An associate stated that and individual learns a lot about his/herself through such experiences. Personally, I have learned considerably more through Heather's surgery and recovery than my own. About myself, but also about family and friends.
Heather endured an additional two days in the hospital and returned home again around 8pm last night. Her condition is much improved and another visit to the ER is not anticipated. Heather was diagnosed with 'Chemical Meningitis.' Apparently, due to the excess swelling and fluid in the head following surgery, the brain reacts as if it is under attack from the real 'Viral/Bacterial Meningitis.' Similar symptoms are displayed including head pain, nausea, vomiting, lucidness, etc. as the body begins to 'shut down' certain functions. Left unaddressed, the condition may progress and inflict unconsciousness, seizures, coma, etc. even threaten ones life. However, we are confident and faithful the worst is behind Heather. Each new day will offer a marked improvement and time will heal all.
When Heather was readmitted to the hospital from the ER, she was placed in the Neurosciences and Stroke Center. Coincidently, the room provided was adjacent to Joshua's, who had been moved form ICU one day prior. Joshua is the young man to whom we extended a priesthood blessing in the ICU and who's family we shared so many special moments a with during Heather's initial recovery in the hospital. Yet another confirmation of the strength of the Lord and influence of the spirit. What are the odds? Knowing my presence was not positive, his mother stopped me in the corridor, immediately embraced me, and expressed concern. Appreciative, I inquired about Joshua and was pleased to learn of his progress since awaking from the coma on Monday. He is communicating somewhat normally and even walking with assistance in the hospital. I will continue to follow Joshua and his family, however, my heart is full in the knowledge he lived, will recover, and at age 29 has many cherished days ahead.
"This is much more difficult than I ever thought it would be," Heather exclaimed once she regained her cognizance in the hospital. After returning home from the hospital Monday, Heather's condition steadily declined until she became virtually unresponsive Tuesday evening. The fear and adrenaline were consuming as I instinctively lifted Heather from the bed, carried her to the car, and drove her back the hospital Emergency Room (ER). The reason for not calling on an ambulance was the realization that she would have been rushed to the closest hospital, rather than Huntington Memorial where she received her surgery. Trust that with the speed I maintained she definitely arrived at Huntington Memorial, 16 miles away, faster than whatever wait/travel time was required for an ambulance to carry her to Foothill Hospital 3 miles away.
Life dictates certain experiences, however, the only worse scenario imaginable would be to witness the same with your child rather than a spouse. Though I consider myself a strong person, the anxiety and distress associated was difficult at times. An associate stated that and individual learns a lot about his/herself through such experiences. Personally, I have learned considerably more through Heather's surgery and recovery than my own. About myself, but also about family and friends.
Heather endured an additional two days in the hospital and returned home again around 8pm last night. Her condition is much improved and another visit to the ER is not anticipated. Heather was diagnosed with 'Chemical Meningitis.' Apparently, due to the excess swelling and fluid in the head following surgery, the brain reacts as if it is under attack from the real 'Viral/Bacterial Meningitis.' Similar symptoms are displayed including head pain, nausea, vomiting, lucidness, etc. as the body begins to 'shut down' certain functions. Left unaddressed, the condition may progress and inflict unconsciousness, seizures, coma, etc. even threaten ones life. However, we are confident and faithful the worst is behind Heather. Each new day will offer a marked improvement and time will heal all.
When Heather was readmitted to the hospital from the ER, she was placed in the Neurosciences and Stroke Center. Coincidently, the room provided was adjacent to Joshua's, who had been moved form ICU one day prior. Joshua is the young man to whom we extended a priesthood blessing in the ICU and who's family we shared so many special moments a with during Heather's initial recovery in the hospital. Yet another confirmation of the strength of the Lord and influence of the spirit. What are the odds? Knowing my presence was not positive, his mother stopped me in the corridor, immediately embraced me, and expressed concern. Appreciative, I inquired about Joshua and was pleased to learn of his progress since awaking from the coma on Monday. He is communicating somewhat normally and even walking with assistance in the hospital. I will continue to follow Joshua and his family, however, my heart is full in the knowledge he lived, will recover, and at age 29 has many cherished days ahead.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Heather's Recovery (Update)
5/16/11 8pm
As much as we love Huntington Hospital and the nurses whom cared for us, today Heather is home. I am tired and she is exhausted. This morning Dr. Fineman removed the bandages from Heather's head, for which I thought I was prepared. Four long days after the operation tears filled my eyes and my throat clenched tight. The two six inch incisions required thirty five staples to close. Heather's remaining hair is matted and tangled with dried blood that cannot be cleansed for another many days. I love my wife and and feel devastated for her.
However, we consider ourselves truly blessed. With different employment and insurance would we have had the opportunity to realize the procedures? Once the new healthcare laws are completely enacted in the next few years, could we have received what are considered elective surgeries? Would we have been able to choose our surgeons and hospital? Of course our lives can always be more complex and difficult, and though I love the story of Job from the bible I do not envy his experience. Days, weeks, and months will pass and Heather's recovery will come. The maturity, knowledge, and testimony acquired will endure throughout life and the eternities.
Joshua DeGache received a miracle this day also. I sincerely believe it was directly tied to the priesthood blessing and the faith and acceptance of his family. Following the blessing two days ago, Joshua's activity level under the induced coma increased significantly, as if he was readying for the opportunity to recuperate. This morning the neurologist decided to reduce the Propathol (the drug that killed Michael Jackson) dosages merely to gauge Joshua's response, and he immediately awoke. After a torturous week without considerable progress or new information, relief and overwhelming emotion descended on his parents. The breathing tube was removed and they established limited and labored verbal communication. Their 29 year old, tattooed, tough Italian son asked immediately for his 'momma' then to go 'home.' True love, charity, and happiness is manifested little in life; the new spouse or child, the convert baptized into the church, and/or a reunion with old friends/family. However, today I witnessed the spared life of a loved one, potentially the purest of all.
I continue to pray for Joshua and his family, for my wife and her recovery, and for patience with my children and ability to fulfill both parental roles for a time.
As much as we love Huntington Hospital and the nurses whom cared for us, today Heather is home. I am tired and she is exhausted. This morning Dr. Fineman removed the bandages from Heather's head, for which I thought I was prepared. Four long days after the operation tears filled my eyes and my throat clenched tight. The two six inch incisions required thirty five staples to close. Heather's remaining hair is matted and tangled with dried blood that cannot be cleansed for another many days. I love my wife and and feel devastated for her.
However, we consider ourselves truly blessed. With different employment and insurance would we have had the opportunity to realize the procedures? Once the new healthcare laws are completely enacted in the next few years, could we have received what are considered elective surgeries? Would we have been able to choose our surgeons and hospital? Of course our lives can always be more complex and difficult, and though I love the story of Job from the bible I do not envy his experience. Days, weeks, and months will pass and Heather's recovery will come. The maturity, knowledge, and testimony acquired will endure throughout life and the eternities.
Joshua DeGache received a miracle this day also. I sincerely believe it was directly tied to the priesthood blessing and the faith and acceptance of his family. Following the blessing two days ago, Joshua's activity level under the induced coma increased significantly, as if he was readying for the opportunity to recuperate. This morning the neurologist decided to reduce the Propathol (the drug that killed Michael Jackson) dosages merely to gauge Joshua's response, and he immediately awoke. After a torturous week without considerable progress or new information, relief and overwhelming emotion descended on his parents. The breathing tube was removed and they established limited and labored verbal communication. Their 29 year old, tattooed, tough Italian son asked immediately for his 'momma' then to go 'home.' True love, charity, and happiness is manifested little in life; the new spouse or child, the convert baptized into the church, and/or a reunion with old friends/family. However, today I witnessed the spared life of a loved one, potentially the purest of all.
I continue to pray for Joshua and his family, for my wife and her recovery, and for patience with my children and ability to fulfill both parental roles for a time.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
