Monday, July 14, 2008

Day 44 - July 14, 2008

Today they put a drain in Kev's head and they are removing 15 CCs of fluid every hour. They plan to do this for 7-10 days and then, if he doesn't start absorbing on his own, they will have to put the shunt in. I am happy to say that the first day they drained fluid they sent it to the lab and so far - no bacteria has been found. I am a little concerned though because Kev did get a slight fever tonight and he hasn't had one for about two weeks now. Hope it was just a little bug or something.

And it was a real bummer - but his hands are back to being splinted and wrapped. Because he was so active with his left hand, he tore the graft off of his pinkie finger. This is the only finger now that has tendon showing (all the rest have healed). They have decided just to let it go and see if it heals on it's own, but he's gotta be wrapped now. And let me tell you - he really hates that. Tonight he kept rubbing his leg with the end of his splint really hard and I thought he was just trying to scratch that area and I looked down and he had worked his hand completely out of the splint and all of the bandages. I honestly couldn't believe it! This kid is gonna rival Houdini, I tell ya! Even the nurse was amazed.

I also had a chat with the ophthalmologist today. We are wondering if Kev might be blind out of his right eye. Obviously, we don't even know about the left yet either, but he does track movement with that eye sometimes. I am not sure if he does at all on the right side. We also are wondering if he is deaf on that side as well. It is possible for any of this because of the removal of the portion of the left side of his brain. I sure hope not, but I guess time will tell. I will say that when we stand on his right side - he doesn't even acknowledge us.

I am not sure if I mentioned the other night that Kev was taking his left hand and touching his right hand with it. It almost looked like he was trying to find out if it was there and if it would work. He was bending all of his fingers back and lifting it up and trying to move it. It actually broke my heart to see it because I just don't know what Kevin was thinking.

We also capped Kev's trach today, but he didn't say anything. It was so hard to be there when they did it. They told me he would have to breathe differently and it was just devastating to see the look in his eyes - like I was going to just let him die. It took quite a few breaths for him to get it right. It was just a horrible, horrible part of the day! We only left it on for about an hour and frankly, I don't want to be there when it goes back on. Babyish, I know...but I don't know if I can handle the look in his eyes again. (I will though because I would rather me be scared than him and I will just keep telling him how to breathe through it).

So that about sums up our day. It was kinda a quiet one because he was sedated from his procedure earlier in the morning. We mostly just sat in there with him and left him sleep. As soon as he would move we would just flock to his bed. Sounds like he has us wrapped around his little finger, doesn't it? LOL!

13 comments:

Larry Arnone said...

Hi Leslie and Breezy,

I know it is very hard for you all going through this tragedy but know that America is behind our soldier. We wish Kev a speedy recovery. It will be long but I can only pray we will be able to supply support you . We love you all and pray for you three nightly and daily. Bless you all!

Larry Arnone

Vicki Chrisman said...

sending you hugs again today friend.

Anonymous said...

I'm amazed to read of the level of deliberate action Kevin is taking. I'm sure this was a hard day but not being there and looking in from your writing, I see thought, fear, struggle, frustration and movement in Kevin. It's exciting to read of these things after so long! We still pray!

Anonymous said...

Hang in there. I am sure it is so hard, but, he knows you are there and he needs you !!!!! Thoughts and prayers are with you

Anonymous said...

i read your blog every single morning and it envokes emotions that i didn't even realize i had.
you are a role model for every mother out there. i have two autistic sons and just when i think my day is so difficult, i think of you and your family. i pray my boys grow up with 1/2 of the courage that kev has and that someday he awakes and sees how much courage his mother has.

Anonymous said...

Hi Leslie and Breezy,
I was visiting in Pittsburgh last month and read the article about Kevin. I was very touched. I am on my way to mass right now and will be sure to pray for Kevin. I know he is in God's hands. He will see you through all of this!
We are a Navy family -- my husband is active duty stationed at Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach, VA.
God Bless you!!!
Nancy

Jodi said...

Hi Leslie,
Hugs and good, healing, positive thoughts being sent your way! Keep fighting Kev and stay strong Leslie & Breezy!
Andrew's Aunt Jodi

Unknown said...

Leslie, Brianna and Kevin ~ The roller coaster of emotions makes one dizzy and exhausted. That is why, as I read your notes each day, my admiration for you continues. Within these slower days, is still healing. Each step forward, no matter how small, is still forward moving through.

Yet, through it all you maintain your humor and solid protection. Yes, Kevin might have you all wrapped around his finger, but you three have the world wrapped around you! I pray somehow, you are able to feel it.

Prayers, love and hugs. Always.

Kris said...

Kevin, Leslie & Breezy,

Just stopping by to let you all know that every single day you are in my thoughts and my prayers. It's amazing that with each new post Kev is doing a little more and a little more, he is amazing!! And YOU are amazing Leslie & Breezy, you're 2 of the MOST strongest women on the planet.

God bless you Kevin, Leslie & Breezy. Please know that thoughts, prayers, support and load upon load of Angel Hugs come your way every single day. Stay strong!!

- Kris, a Soldiers' Angel from RI

Anonymous said...

Keep your chin up, everything is going to be OK, keep hanging in there.
Bless you all, Albie

Anonymous said...

HI Leslie and Breezy,
I was in Pittsburgh last month and saw the article in the Gazette. Please know your are in our hearts and prayers. My husband is active duty Navy stationed at NAS Oceana in Va. Beach, VA. We will uphold Kevin in prayer and I prayed for him this morning at mass. I know God will see you through this very difficult time.
God Bless,
Nancy, Va. Beach, VA

Anonymous said...

Wow! What a day for all of you! I am looking @ the bright side-as long as Kev can see/hear on one side, he is still a whole person! Don't let him wrap you around his little finger too tight or it won't heal! LOL!
Local news: the beautiful old house Armstrong bought & was going to be torn down:they are moving it to keep it preserved!! thought that might make you smile!
Keep ur chin up lil'sister!
Anne

Anonymous said...

Praise God for no bacteria! I can't imagine how hard this is for you to go through, as a mother. I'll pray for some restoring rest for you and Brianna tonight.