Not much to report tonight. Kevin is pretty doped up on morphine and has been all day so he isn't doing too much. He was lifting his left shoulder on and off and I believe it was in response to the pain. Almost 3/4 of his back was donor skin for the areas that needed grafted. This means that the skin was basically scraped off of nearly his whole back. From what I understand - that is incredibly painful.
I was also told that Kevin is no longer "technically" in ICU Burns. They are keeping him in the ward due to his trach collar, but he is not having lab work done hourly like they do when you are in ICU. I will be the first to admit that not being in the unit scares the crap outta me, but I don't think he can go to Tampa if he is in ICU so I am going to just pretend that we are still there. I am glad he still has a personal nurse 24/7 though because he wouldn't if he were in the regular burn unit. I know he appears to be doing much better, but I guess I still need my hand held for a little while.
I also learned that the neuro docs signed off on him earlier this week. That means they don't check him daily anymore as there really isn't anything more they can do.
I am a little bit scared as it feels kinda like we are being abandoned, but I don't think they would do it if we weren't ready, would they? And I need to face up to the fact that this could be the way it is forever, so I may as well get used to it.
I was also informed that Kev would be going to Walter Reed in DC to have his 'skull' replaced. Not sure when, or even how long we will be there, but it will be nice to be closer to home for a bit. That's only about a 4-5 hour drive so we can have family and friends come see us.
Speaking of family, my niece Chrissy lives in St Pete (right near Tampa) and I can't wait to see her. And I already told her to get out of the kitchen cause I need to cook a real meal. Turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes. Oh my - just the thought of a home cooked meal makes me sigh...
First 2 from the Nov kit!
11 years ago
28 comments:
Hey Leslie,
I think that it is good that Kevin is no longer technically in the Burn ICU unit. This means that he is getting better and better in terms of his burn wounds. YEAH!!! With the neuro docs signing off I am assuming that they would still come to check Kevin out if a problem would arise but I think bascially they want to leave the neuro issues up to the experts in Tampa. From what you are describing it sounds like it will not be too long before you will be in Florida instead of Texas. That's great - Texas took care of the burns and now Florida is going to take care of the brain!
Go Kev,keep fighting!
Your in my thoughts and prayers,
Kristen
Leslie,
You and Breezie are doing such a wonderful job. I know in my heart that you being there has made a difference, and will continue to do so. I am sure that it can get very frustrating, but hang in there. The other day I got an inspirational quote on my email, and for once I actually read it. This made me think of you: "Courage does not always roar, Sometimes it is a quite voice at the end of the day, saying...." I will try again tommorrow." And that is all you can do, try again tommorrow and never lose hope. You will get your son back, it just may not be today, but there is always hope for tommorrow.
AJ Kusick
Les, I wish that I cook that meal for you honey and just let you set and rest. Remember that we Love you and I sure do miss you. Know that you will have the strength do due what needs done and I know that you can do it. Prayers are all around you and your family and I know things will work out honey. Take care and know how much I love you.Pam
Les:
A home-cooked meal & maybe some scrapbooking! And sitting around the table with family!! Those are the things to look forward to! If the docs are signing off on him, Kev must be doing a great deal better! Shout to the heavens hon!
We all are!!
Love ya',
Anne
Leslie - let me know when you will be at Walter Reed. I will MAKE SURE to come down and see all of you. I'm down there frequently and it would be no trouble at all to make a special trip for you. Let me know if you need anything at all!
Heather (OFR)
Hi Leslie,
We will all hold your hand for as long as you need and don't you worry about that.
Kevin has turned a corner and good progress has been made there at Ft. Sam. The move to Florida will be another stepping stone to Kevin's recovery and his journey home will be one step closer. Walter Reed will be another stepping stone in Kevin's journey home.
Leslie, do not feel abandoned you are not. Kevin's level of care is still a high priority, but it appears that they are getting to the point where they are getting ready for the transfer to Florida. There are so many people out here that are pulling for Kevin, you and Breezy it's really something.
Know that you are loved and cared for by this big extended family that is out here behind you.
God bless,
Jeff Bernstein
Turkey and dressing sounds good to me! So does Kevin's progress. I am sure not having that many people running in and out is something to get used to , but it's progress! Thinking of you all and wishing I was closer. You could cook for me too...LOL.
Love
Susan
East Brady has you hand back or whaterever. I see braclets and shirts being worn. Keep strong for your long journey. Every time you make a big change It is going to be scaring as heck. But also one step closer of the healing process. Remember Footprints in the sand.
Leslie,
Hang in there, each new step is going to be hard and come with unknown fears and doubt. Texas is SO far from home you can't help but feel lonely and out of touch with the world you know. When you move on you will have family and friends to help in times of fear and doubt. Cooking is a GREAT source of therapy I can just smell that turkey......
Theresa
Hi Leslie ~ One of the others said "cooking and scrape booking", and that probably sounds so incredibly wonderful. Again, each time you write, you remind us to be joyous in our normalcy. Speaking of normal, if the doctors are beginning the process of signing off, then to them Kevin has reached a stage of "as normal or stable" as possible in that phase! And trust me, as others have said, your hands should be feeling numb from all the hand holding we all want to do!
I am glad you have someone in Florida, to look forward to seeing.
As for getting to Washington, oh my!! There will be a caravan, I am sure! Oh, and as for cooking, remember what we talked about? In the hours you need to replant your feet for that stable stand, plan the meal, Leslie! Dishes, centerpieces, table setting, recipes, plan it and store it and then watch it unfold and come true!
Give Breezy a hug from me, and Kevin as well, and keep a big one for you.
Love, hugs, and prayers. Always.
I totally agree with Jeff. Please know that even though each of us cannot be with you we are with you in spirit, love and prayers.
Michelle Long
I agree that it's good for Kevin to have a 24/7 nurse. Like you say, it's just that level of comfort knowing someone is there with him all the time. But thank God he's not at a stage where he needs to be ICU! That's a good thing. Just think of the progress he'll be making once he gets to FL. As always, you're all in my prayers.
Leslie,
Please remember everyone is always with you. We might not be able to be there personally but we are with you in spirit. I pray for you, Kevin and your family everyday. Working at the unimart I see people everyday wearing Kevin braclets. You have great family in the town of East Brady.Everyone is praying for you.
Thinking & praying for you,
Barbie(DeBacco)Lucas
I can't wait to see you! I think it will do us all very well to have each other. You can use our kitchen anytime :) Love and miss you and see you soon!!!
xoxo Chrissy
Sending you a big hug! You really do have the entire town's support! Nicole
Leslie, hang on. Take it one day at a time and one step at a time. Try not to look too far into the future. Kevin has come a long way and it's a good thing they are now talking of sending him to Florida. You will have prayers surrounding you the whole way, don't be afraid. As always we continue to pray for all three of you.
Leslie, will you be serving Peanut Butter Blossoms with that Turkey dinner? You make the best. Great news for Kev on his surgery and it seems in some unspoken words they have upgraded is condition and care plan. This is good!
One day at a time, moment by moment. The three of you are getting there!
It's true what is said about East Brady....everywhere you go everyone you meet has one heart and one mind when it comes to Kevin, Breezy and you!
God Bless all three of you, Love you Leslie....
Hi Leslie,
Im glad to see things are ok as can be. Once again i want to remind you how important of a job your doing...and how wonderful you guys are at it.
The Reading Mother
I had a Mother who read me things,
That wholesome life to a childs heart brings, Stories that stir with an upward touch. Oh that every Mother were such!
You may have tangible weather untold. You may have caskets of jewels and coffers of gold. Richer than I you can never be. I had a Mother who read to me.
~Strickland Gillilan
I found this and thought of you. Sgt. G told me you were reading him HP. I think this is great. Reading is a great way to invite the imagination to create.
Love Mrs. G
Hey There! It's so good to hear that the surgery went well...other than the fact that they had to take so much skin off his back and that his temp was low afterwards. But it's great to see that things are working out. Kev is so strong, I'll give you that. You got yourself a fighter there. I'm still praying for you 3..as is everybody else I'm sure...and it won't stop. Prayers create miracles and that's what we need. I think I'm going to try and volunteer to man the booth at Riverfest but I have to check my work schedule before I call and set up anything. OH and get this! My mom came up from North Carolina, which is where she lives now, for the Fourth of July and she brought 2 full bins of stuff from my childhood, so we went through them together and I found so much stuff that has Kev in it. There is a video from a talent show back in 1997 when we were in 4th grade together and he did a breakdance routine to the song Men In Black! It was so nice to see that. I cried my little eyes out over that. And I found pictures from a bday party I had at Mickey D's for my 8th bday and he was def there. I even found the card that you guys made for me on the computer. SO CUTE! Oh and our 2nd grade class picture, he and I are right beside each other. It was just so nice to go through this stuff and see what all my mom saved for me. I couldn't believe what I found. Alrite. Take Care. If you ever want to get ahold of me, my cell number is 724-968-4959. I would def love a call if you ever want to chat & reminisce. Love Always, Nicolette Loose. <3
Hi Leslie,
I don't know you, but I continue to check in on your updates of Kevin and in on YOU. Tonight I was asked for prayer intentions for Mass this week. I gave Kevin's name to my church as well to a prayer group again.
My mother's heart holds yours and Kevin's.
Kevin, Leslie and Brianna-
Folks in the Fort Leonard Wood area have all three of you in our prayers and thoughts.
Still praying you throught the situation...I read your blog everyday!!! May God continue to grant you peace and comfort in the hospital staff he has blessed you with.
Pastor Ed
Leslie, I think the fact that the doctors don't check in as often and that Kevin is no longer in the ICU is a good thing. I understand what you mean about feeling abandoned, but the doctors must feel that Kevin is doing well enough on his own that they don't have to devote as much time to his care. Just think, before long you'll be moving on to the next step and what a giant step that is! You are going to Tampa. I think of and pray for you, Breezy, and Kev all the time as do so many others. I would love to do more for you if I could. Let me know if there's anything at all I can do. Would love to see you and talk to you. As always, Love Sherri
Leslie,
Thinking of you -- like everyone else! You have tons of support. EB loves all three of you.
Megan Slaugenhoup
Hey Les! Just got back from Atlanta for a work thing, and thought of our fun back in the SM days. When I saw the soldiers in the airport I thought of Kevin. You both were on my mind all week. My thoughts and prayers CONTINUE to be with you, my friend. Love you.
Hi Leslie Wow I just can't wait each day to read how you three are doing you are doing a wonderful job I know that I am strong but not that strong keep your chin up and know there is sooooo many prayers for Kevin and you two enjoy that turkey may God keep his arms around all of you Martha
pretty sure even if i have to take time off of school i just might come to DC when your there lol i miss him soooooooo much and i just want to give you and breezy a HUGE hug!!!!
love you
Ashten
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