Sunday, August 17, 2008

Day 78 - Aug 17, 2008

Kevin sat in the chair almost 5 hours today and 30 minutes of it was spent outside in the courtyard. I wasn't there - Breezy was, but she was telling me that every time a breeze came along Kevin would pull his hospital gown down so his chest was bare and he would let out this long sigh. Apparently he loves the breezes! It was much cooler here today (only 89, lol) so he stayed out longer.

We also have not had to restrain Kevin's hand for almost 2 full days/nights. He is getting better about not doing things he isn't supposed to do. Maybe we won't ever have to restrain him again - wouldn't that be nice!

To be honest, he is getting better with everything. The left side of his head is about a quarter of what it used to be. I believe the reduction in cranial pressure is leading him to be able to do/understand more. We have even noticed some slight movements on his right side. Today I touched his foot and he jerked away like it tickled. This is just super! Any sensation is great - now hopefully it can be rehabilitated. I know if it's possible, Kevin will be able to do it. He always was very athletic (extreme sports mostly) and very determined.

He still doesn't talk though. Matter of fact, since the "Smoke on the Water" thing - he hasn't made a peep.

So hopefully tomorrow we hear from Tampa. I know Kev's doc came back from there yesterday and stopped in to tell me that they are pumped to start working with Kevin. Yes - it's a definite that we are going, we just don't have the 'official' word yet. Can't start the medevac flight plans until we are formally accepted. So keep those fingers crossed, folks!

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am so glad to hear Kevin is getting to go outdoors. It is deffinately good to hear.
He sure is making progress Leslie!
Take Care
Love
Susan

Jodi said...

Hi Leslie!
I have been gone a few days, so I had to get caught up this morning! WOW! Sounds like Kevin and you have had a great couple of days! That is so awesome he is sitting up in the chair and gets to go outside! That has got to be helping his attitude and healing process! Gosh, my heart is so happy right now for all of you!! Kevin, you are winning kiddo! Keep fighting and keep improving every day!!! My fingers, toes, arms, legs, eyes, and everything else is crossed for Tampa!!! :-)
Leslie, you and Breezy are amazing women! Wish there were more people like you two in this world!
Here is to another great day today!
Healing and positive thoughts for Kevin.
Safe thoughts for Alan.
Big hugs and all my love for all of you!!
Love ya!!!!!!!
Andrew's Aunt Jodi

Anonymous said...

I'm so interested and excited everyday to get up and read your blog b/c it seems like Kevin is at a stage where something new is happening all the time. He's rediscovering the world and himself, and I am so grateful that you've allowed us to be a part of that. Thank you, Leslie, for letting us share this journey with you and your wonderful children. I know that Kevin still has a long road ahead of him, but lately I have been really feeling very optimistic about where that road is leading. Everyday he gets closer to his destination; he's taking baby steps but little by little those steps will bring him home to you and to all of us who love him. Keep strong and patient, Leslie, as you always do. I so wish that I could be there to talk with you in person. Love, Sherri

Anonymous said...

I've been away for a couple of days. I'm a speech pathologist and I just can't believe that there is no SLP on staff at the facility. If he's doing that well, someone should be able to set up a communication board for you and him (textures are simple: cotton = Mom, sandpaper = Breezy, silk = cold, suede = yes, etc; when he wants someone or something, he touches that texture) You said he's at level 9 or 10? On the 15 point scale, he's 8 or less is consider 'coma'. If he's passed that, then he should be able to give you some information. Have you seen the scale? If so, where would you give him points?

Anonymous said...

okay don't judge my spelling or grammar...I just saw lots of errors.

Holee said...

Hi Leslie,

Just wanted to tell you that Kevin's quilt was quilted before the storm hit in Florida and the photo's of it are on my blog. Now it will come back to me for binding..and then you can decide what you want me to do with it.."might be a little hot in Florida for a quilt!" On the other hand, you might just want to curl up under it in the air conditioning knowing someday soon Kevin will also be curling up under it.

Well, we know Kevin hasn't lost his sense of feeling if he is enjoying the air hitting his chest!Maybe he's thinking back to Afghan when he was dressed so hot and never got to feel the air hitting his skin?

It's so great to hear all the little things..lumped together they make a big jump towards a good recovery!

Kris said...

Fingers, toes and everything are all crossed!! It's so wonderful to read that Kev is making such great progress, his hard work is really paying off! Keep up the great work Kevin, stay strong brave warrior. Stay strong Leslie & Breezy, the next part of the journey is almost about to start! And please never forget that we'll always be out here praying for you and praying with you every step of the way.

God bless you Kevin, Leslie & Breezy - big, giant hugs to you all!

- Kris, a Soldiers' Angel from RI

Anonymous said...

Leslie, I know you are ecstatic! This is all so awesome.I will have Sammi burn a Kiss cd as soon as she gets back from Canada so we can get it sent out before you leave for Florida.
Maybe try getting a cd with Smoke on the Water and play it for him and he may hum along with it again?
Love and prayers to all of you!

The Rock said...

Hi Leslie
Wow, it seems like Kevin is doing good ! I am so glad. What a strong Man ! Every day will be better then the day before ; Kevin knows that his Family is with him !
Hang in there Leslie ! We are all pulling for Kevin.
God bless you all
Love
Petra
S.A. from Louisiana

tbehr1018 said...

WOW!!!! Life always does seem SO much better when you can feel a cool blow across you on a warm day.
I'm SO HAPPY for all of you.
My fingers and toes are crossed for the call from Tampa. Keep Going Strong Kevin!!!

Theresa

Anonymous said...

Leslie..I'm so happy to hear about the progress Kevin is making. He has already come such a long way. We pray every day for all three of you. We will pray especially hard that he will get to Tampa soon. You keep fighting for him and we will keep praying. Take care and stay strong.
Melissa Ion

Anonymous said...

Leslie,
I have been keeping track of Kevin's condition through your blog. My fiance went through bootcamp and AIT with Kevin. That is how I know him. I want to thank you for letting us know what is going on. It is so amazing how far he has come! I had tears of joy the other day after realizing how much he had improved since your early posts. Keep staying strong. You guys are continually in my prayers.
With Love,
Cassie Green

Anonymous said...

That is great news Leslie!!!
Michelle Long

Anonymous said...

A 45 year old relative of mine had a stroke in April and I recognize so much of what you are seeing with Kevin. It is as if they just have to "wake up". My relative's left side was paralyzed for a while. All of a suuden, his toe moved and then every few days, another area would move. He is still a little slow on his left side, but it seemed for so long as if he would be paralyzed that this is a small price to pay. You have also discovered that you are Kevin's last line of defense. You cannot ever assume the medical staff is doing what they are supposed to do no matter how good they are at their job. It is a long road ahead but you and Kevin can do it.You just have to keep picking yourself up and keep on going.

Anonymous said...

All I can say is praise God that Kevin is finally having some consistent progress! I can't wait to see what he'll do with real physical and speech therapy. To follow up on the above comment of the anonymous speech pathologist; I think it's partly due to your persistence that he's come as far as he has. Don't be afraid to keep pushing the medical staff to give Kevin whatever you think he needs. You have great instincts!

Anonymous said...

Leslie,
I have been following your blog for the past 2 weeks, what incredible improvements Kevin has made. These men are alot stronger then wwe ever imagined. I"m so proud and happy that he's doing so well.
Definatley crossing fingers that you go to tampa soon,
Vicki Cheek
Mom of Sgt Cheek...173rd Airborne