Monday, July 21, 2008

Day 51 - July 21, 2008

We had a couple of things that weren't good go on today.

First, Kevin's head is retaining the fluid again. The neuro docs have decided to just tap it and drain a good amount as it's needed. I am pretty sure that they will be doing that in the morning. To the best of their knowledge, they believe that Kev's head now has 'pockets' where the fluid will build up. It's a bad situation to be in because every time they tap it he runs the risk of infection. And every second that the ventric is in he runs the risk of infection (which is why it was removed a couple of days ago). And as I mentioned before, his skin is just not healthy enough for the shunt due to the burns. It will be months before that can be done. So we really don't know which way to turn on this at this point. I guess time is going to tell. I have to admit that this really scares me. I even started crying in front of the neurosurgeon. This whole CSF (cerebral spinal fluid) situation sometimes feels so hopeless.

Kev also has some fluid buildup between his lungs and the wall of his chest. The docs are going to do an ultrasound tomorrow and they will probably put in a drain to remove that fluid as well. Hopefully it's not an infection. I do know the fluid will be sent for a culture as soon as it's removed, so keep those fingers crossed.

Due to all of the activity today and his needing two procedures done in the morning, he was medicated pretty heavily this afternoon and we need to keep him free of stimulation throughout the night and tomorrow morning. That meant no visits. That was pretty hard. But I know he needs his rest and I sneaked in his room tonight and just took a look at him to make sure he was already sleeping. He was, so I just came home early and got a few phone calls in.

Now I think I am going to curl up with a good book. Gotta love David Baldacci!

19 comments:

Anonymous said...

Leslie,

If I can find Brianna before she goes back to be with you and Kevin..you two will each have your own bear to hug at night when you get afraid and feel like you need to cry.

I know Kevin can't have anything because of germs..so just sending for you and Brianna. Sending him hope and prayers. That's what Kevin needs most right now.

At least you won't be alone. Each bear has a few tiny delicate hearts. I hope you will like them. Yours will be the bigger one..the Mama size. Hers is slightly smaller..I love their hearts. They should fit nicely in her suitcase.

Praying for a better day tomorrow. Sometimes it's just so hard to get some rest..but let's try. You always were a night owl. ; )

Unknown said...

Dear Leslie ~ How difficult this must be, for each day, to be yet another hurdle. But your love and strength continues, unwavering. And your strength and dedication will continue, for when you feel the exhaustion of the day, or the fear beneath the hour, that is when all of your friends and family will always arrive to provide prayers and love for you. There are so many who surround you with faith, hope and unending love. Draw from all of us.

I hope you were able to find some rest within the pages of the novel. He is one of my favorites, as well!

Take care, and remember, not just from me, but from so many...Love, hugs and prayers. Always.

Anonymous said...

Les, Take a deep breath again honey. You have one thing after another to contend with but somehow you always get through. God will help you honey honest. I need to hear your voice so I am going to try to call you later. I missed Breezy down at Riverfest but I did get to talk to Moe some. Take care honey and remember how much love is coming you way. Love ya, Pam

Jeff said...

Leslie,
There have been obstacles for Kevin before and these will be surmounted to. Kevin has a multitude of of hearts and souls behind him and he has the inner strength to overcome these milestones in his recovery. These obstacles will be conquered and Kevin will make it past these mileposts in his road to recovery.
Leslie, your faith has brought you through some very hard days and you will get past these days also. There are many known and unknown to you that are praying for Kevin. Always remember the power of prayer and all the love that is coming Kevin's way. The Silver may not be visible every day, but it is there binding Kevin up and making him strong.
God bless,
Jeff

Anonymous said...

I have read your blog everyday and am amazed at your strength, courage, and love. Everything a good mother is. I haven't written before because I was not sure how to say what I wanted but after sitting at Riverfest day after day, it was extremely moving to see all the red shirts in support of Kevin. How such a small community banded together in love of one of their own.

We are praying for Kevin and your family.

Unknown said...

Leslie,
You are a one of a kind person. I have always admired your bubbly personality and how "life" never seemed to get you down. You, Kevin and your family are in my thoughts and prayers daily. You are doing an amazing job. When I am feeling overwhelmed I fall to this scritpure. 'Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28. Know that God hears, and is working, even when it seems hard to see it.
God Bless,
Lora Conto-Hovis

Anonymous said...

Leslie, I haven't written for a while, but I read your post first thing every day, and think of you, Kevin, and Breezy more times each day than I can count. Please know that I, like so many others, pray for you, care for you, and send positive thoughts. I keep my computer illiterate family members(Kenny,mom,aunts, uncles) informed everyday of Kevin's progress. The first thing they say to me each day is "How's Kevin?" Friends and relatives from all over the state and country will call and ask me how Kevin is doing. We are all so excited and happy when the news is good, and when there are problems, know that we are there, if only in spirit, crying, praying, and holding on to you. I hope that you can feel the love and support of all the people(friends, coworkers, family, acquaintances, strangers) that goes out to you each day.

Kris said...

Kevin, Leslie & Breezy,

Stopping by to let you all know that the prayers are being stepped up bigtime for Kevin, and for you all. Thinking of you all even more this morning, praying so hard that the procedures go off without a hitch and Kevin can begin to heal even more.

You are all so strong, so courageous, so determined. None of that means that you don't need to cry, don't need to get pissed at the whole thing, good grief I cannot even begin to imagine the realm of feelings that you go through you each day. We're all out here with you, we cry and rejoice with you, we are praying for you, we are praying with you.

God bless you Kevin, may He keep you under His wing, may He lift you up, give you the extra oomph you need to overcome this hurdle - may He do the same for you Leslie & Breezy. God bless you all.

Thoughts, prayers (LOTS OF 'EM), support and load upon load of Angel Hugs are being sent to you all day every day. Good luck this morning. Stay strong brave warrior, stay strong Leslie & Breezy!

- Kris, a Soldiers' Angel from RI

Anonymous said...

Leslie, I gave Breezy a big hug and kiss for her, you and Kevin. It was good seeing her at Riverfest but missing you and Kevin. Zach's band was going to play his special song for Kev but he was filming a movie and didn't make it home. He's leaving next week to perform in Scotland for 3 weeks at their music and arts festival and I'm so nervous about him going overseas. I have NO idea what you have been going through and how you stay so strong. Hopefully Kev will get to see them perform for him someday soon. There are so many people in town thinking of you guys and praying!!! All of you take care!!! Sharon, Zach & Haleigh

tbehr1018 said...

Leslie,
I am still and will always be praying for Kevin.
The bad part about the healing process seems to be that for every few steps you take forward you usually have to take some backward from time to time so hang on the forward will pick up again.
Theresa

Anonymous said...

Leslie,


love to you all. don't cross you finger but pray. long and hard.
and take out the "good book" and read. kevin is a strong young man and with all the prayers that have been put up for him he has made it this far. there will be more to come but if you believe that the good lord is with him and you and breezy. then nothing is imposible.
love harry

Holee said...

Leslie,

I think you and Breezy draw strength from each other. I hear a mother who needs a daughter at her side, all her chicks in one nest so to speak ...hang in, she'll soon be back.

Just keep Kevin's smile in your heart and let God and the doctors do some of the worrying.

The Rock said...

Dear Leslie
I am so sorry that Kevin had a setback with the fluid . You are such a Trooper Leslie. I know this is not easy but I also know how strong we women can be ! Kevin WILL get better, this was just a setback. My heart goes out to you Kevin and Breezy.
We are thinking of you and pray for all of you.
Take care of yourself Leslie and keep your strength ! A good Book will help .
Love,
Petra " The Rock "
Soldiers Angel from Louisiana

Anonymous said...

One step at a time, one day at a time. I'm so sorry that it was a rough day. Remember the hugs you get, the smile you got, all the responses. He will take more steps forward. All these prayers and good positive thoughts will come through for all of you. God bless you all and give you strength. Kevin is fighting so hard. Stay strong. Extra prayers are coming your way. These words seem so feeble, but they are all we have to offer you. And as always we continue to pray for all three of you.

Anonymous said...

I'm praying for Kevin and his immune system to protect him from infection. It seems like he's taken 2 steps forward and one step back, but at least he is improving! I hope you were able to lose yourself in your book at least for a little while. Take care.

Kay said...

Hang in there, Leslie. One step at a time. It sounds like despite the struggles there is progress. I think of you all the time, friend. Hugs.

Anonymous said...

So sorry to hear about the tough day. As Pat said, though, your support is unwavering. You are a great mom.

Keeping you in my thoughts.
Megan Slaugenhoup

Anonymous said...

Wow. That would be hard. It's like one day is friggin awesome and full of excitement and then the next day is all depressing and stressful. Well...we are all praying for you, Kev, and Breezy. You know that. And Kev has definitely come a long way. Keep your spirits up. Love Always, Nicolette Loose <3

Anonymous said...

Baby steps, lead to leaps and, leaps to bounds!
So a little weeble every now and then! Hey we all have to take the little side steps in a recovery. I am sure this is just a lttle side step.
Love ya girl and I sure do miss you!
Susan