The surgery went very well today! I had a very rough time when I went in to see him afterward, but everything really did go well. It was very hard to see him because first, his head was even more swelled than normal. The docs said this was due to gravity and that some of that fluid will recede now that he is not laying flat. I sure hope so. It's just so hard to see him so swollen.
Second, they ended up grafting both of his eyes and his chin. If y'all can do this - picture miniature rolled sleeping bags stapled to his eyelids and chin. Truly. They are each about 2 inches long and about a 1/2 inch around. It is so difficult to see his eyes closed like that. Even worse than the stitches. But I know it's for the best and it's possible that when these 'things' are removed in 4-5 days, we may be able to leave his eyes open for a while. He will have to be able to close them on his own for this to happen and chances are in time we will need to restitch them, but one day at a time, right?
Third, the bulk of his back was the donor site. Very difficult to see the bloodied covering, but again - a necessary evil. I just hope it doesn't hurt too much. They are able to give him morphine so at least he won't be in too much pain.
Fourth - his body temp was extremely low after the surgery. They had to turn his room temp up to 85 and put heat lamps on him. Dang! It was so hot in there!
On a good note - the meningitis is gone. Flat out GONE!! YAY!!!!
And assuming that he doesn't get pneumonia and all of grafts 'take' - we will be in Tampa, FL before the end of the month. If I haven't mentioned that yet, the best TBI (traumatic brain injury) hospital is there. I hear it is a renowned neuro clinic. This is the place where we will get help for the head wound. Where we are now is the best burn unit in the world and they have pretty much done all they can for him.
And the best news of the night? When Breezy was in seeing Kev tonight he was starting to come out of the anesthesia a little bit and he took this huge breath and let out this really loud sigh. Even the nurse whipped his head around in shock at hearing a noise come from Kevin. Breezy could tell that he was kinda responsive so she started telling him not to open his eyes and what was going on and she said he started crying. She just rubbed his shoulder and he went back to sleep within a minute. To be honest, I think I am forgetting something else in this part of the story, but I sent Breezy to the movies with a bunch of newfound friends so she isn't here to help me tonight. Daniel's brother, Matthew went too. I am glad they are getting a break.
All wonderful events in the scope of things, right? I sure think so.
First 2 from the Nov kit!
12 years ago
23 comments:
Leslie - I live in the Tampa area and would like to offer any help that I can give to you & your family. Even if it is just directions on how to get around town! I am not sure which hospital you will be at but please let me know if there is anything that my family can do to help. My e-mail is Lisaa728_99@yahoo.com. Take care! Lisa
Thank you Jesus! Leslie, my mom and I stopped weeding in the garden this morning to pray for Kevin's surgery. There was my beautiful 73 year old mom sitting in the dirt in Maine praying and crying for Kevin. I can't wait to tell her how the surgery went.
Ruthie
OH Les ..I'm so glad the surgery went well. Each step, gets closer to recovery. Also really glad breezy got out for a bit with some new friends..thats great!
Now.. be sure to take care of YOU too!
Awesome to hear all of this. Keep being there for him and he will pull through. PA and its people and all of America is behind you.
Rob
That's such wonderful news. I will keep praying for him in his recovery. I know this is so hard on you... I can't even imagine.... I'll keep you and Breezy in my prayers as well.
Les:
What wonderful news! I was prayin' for Kev today! I knew it would come through the surgery! Looks like the uphill battle is nearly complete & downhill is in sight!
Great news to know that Breezy has made some friends so she can get out & relax a little!
Keep your chin up friend!
Anne
Great news! It sounds like all went well. Like others have said, just like Brianna, I hope you take a break too sometime.
Take care.
Megan Slaugenhoup
Hi Leslie & Brianna,
That is AWESOME news!!! Kevin is a strong young man, and he will heal quickly and make it through this! Congratulations on all the great news!!!!!!
Here is to another great day today!
Take care,
Andrew's Aunt Jodi
Leslie-So glad the surgery went well. You are all 3 such strong people. My cousin is in Sarasota just South of Tampa and I was planning a trip before Zach goes back to college. Keep in touch about when you may go I'd love to schedule our trip to get to see you guys. I know the kids would like that too. Take care, Sharon Zach & Haleigh. PS> The boys/young men were riding their bikes off the boat launch the other day in the river, and again I had to think of Kev. This wasn't the first time a bike and/or skateboard has ended up the in the river I can tell you. All I thought was he should've been there. Can't wait til he can be back in the river with the rest of them!!!
Awesome Les! All the little details-him yawning, letting out a sigh, he's recovering and getting stronger day by day. Wonderful! Keep your strength and faith Les. It's working and I will continue to pray for him. And to know you may be in FLA by the end of the month-only confirms his recovery. It takes time, one day at a time but it's happening and that is great. Glad to hear Breezy got to have a little relaxation. I hope you do the same but I know you too well;) Thanks for the exciting news. Love you all!
Diana
Les, SO glad the surgery went well! Another milestone on the road to recovery for Kevin, which is fantastic. And when you all get to Tampa, I am coming to SEE you!!
XO, Joanie
Praying in the garden must be the way to go....I was out as the sun came up watering my flower gardens and pumpkin plants when I thought about Kevine having surgery and I stopped also to pray for him. I'm so happy to see the power of prayer at work yet again. Keep going and then on to Tampa!
Theresa
Leslie,
YAY..Kevin got through the surgery. That is such a huge hurdle.
I hate seeing Kevin go through all of this. I am glad he is out of that horrible area..Afghanistan..alive. It is getting so much worse each day with more and more suicide bombings. He made it out..alive.
We need to continue praying for not only Kevin,you and Brianna.. but for all of the other soldiers that are still there and stationed all around the world. I am sure many of them Kevin's friends.
Leslie..go to Google search and type in Kevin Kammerdiener or Afghanistan Kevin Kammerdiener and you see different news stories to click on about Kevin and/or you. They appear on many, many pages.
You see a daughter telling of her beautiful 73 year old Mother from Maine..on their knees as they stop weeding the garden to pray together, as the Mother weeps for Kevin (I was moved to tears literally visualizing that sight)..you see a welcoming offer coming to you from Tampa, Florida..many other stories shared with you in this blog..
the different states, the different countries, the amazing people that Kevin's life has touched and brought together. We all feel linked and connected..because of Kevin and you.
Through a Mother's love..thank you, Leslie.
I am so glad you put a counter on this site to see how many people are coming to check on Kevin's progress. Glad Brianna was able to get away with new friends, yet knowing how helpful she is to you when you need her with Kevin.
PLEASE everyone..continue praying.
Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.–Matt. 18:20
leslie,
it seems that every time a little doubt or frustration enters your mind that kevin senses it and sends you a little sign that he is trying to get back to you. i am so glad that God is helping all three of you....i will keep praying too.
Amen! Amen! Amen! Leslie, I am so glad to read the news! As Megan and others said, I am also glad Brianna got to go out with some friends. We all continue to pray for Kevin's recovery, and for strength for you and Breezy. God be with you all. Prayers, love and hugs.
May God bless your day today and just to let you know that many people are lifting your family in their prayers. So when you are weary and can't go another step, find comfort that many many others are lifting you before the Throne of Grace, keeping your precious Kevin at Jesus feet, for total and complete healing. A friend, from Western PA
Dear Leslie and Breezy,
We are so happy for you and for Kevin. Prayers are wonderful!!!Each day a blessing. Also you have seen so much pain. I am so proud of you as a MOM! You hang in there and rest when you can. Love to all of you and God Bless.
Love, The Reeves Gang.
Way to go Kevin. There wasn't any doubt that God's strength and love would pull you through. I sure am thinking about Fla. Les. I can not tell you how happy I am about the good news. One good thing honey to keep in mind that Kev will most likely not remember any of this or the pain. I guess that is God's way of taking care of that too. Take care honey and maybe you should take a little break too. Tell Breezy I love her and of course you know I love you and pray for you constantly. Love ya bunches. Pam
Hi leslie,kevin and breezy,,glad to hear kevin is doin better,,, cant wait for him to come back to brady!!! All of brady is on his side praying day and nite for him.. i cant wait for you all to come home..hes a strong guy and i know he will be home soon..i cant wait to see him..I dont know if my brother told you all but for riverfest my brother is gonna drive winks 4wheeler with a picture of kevin blown up on the back and 30 some skateboarders that are friends of kevins and ppl who know him are gonna ride skate boards and sell t-shirts and braclets to raise money for kevin and you all. The braclets say pray for kevin and the shirts say the same. My brother is excited to do this!! He said to give kevin a big hug for him my mom says the same. We all miss him and you all. Keep strong and we will be here to wish you all a welcoming home when the time comes..Kevin stay strong big guy we love you and miss you!!! Take Care.
Hugs and Kisses
love
Dianna, Bob,Karen,Sonny,Wink
I am so happy that it went so well Leslie and Breezy. I continue to keep your soldier in my prayers. The power of prayer is so wonderful. I can't wait to hear when Kevin moves onto his next phase of treatment. I don't know how you two do it day in and day out. I look forward to your next posting tonight.
God Bless,
Praise God, the surgery went well! It sounds like Kevin is really coming along now. And I'm glad that Breezy is doing something "normal" tonight. You both need time like that. Take care! I'll be praying that Kevin gets to the FL hospital asap!
Tampa!!!! God is Great!!!
38 days ago we held our breath in such fear. God is revealing his love towards all of us by listening to our prayers and meeting Kevin's specific need each day. Praise Him! Thank Him!
He's holding you up Leslie, giving you the strength you need and has given you a voice to express your desires and hopes for Kevin. Don't quit use this gift, shout it, be specific with all you hope for.
Those of us who read your thoughts turn towards God Almighty and pray.
In gardens, on our way to work, changing diapers, wherever our lives take us we take each of you with us. We are all being blessed by witnessing what God can do when we trust in Him.
Lord, thank you....please continue to keep Kevin on a path towards healing. Repair his brain and his mind and all the interworkings of his nervous system. Ease his pain Lord and gently knit his body so that he is completly restored. Give him a sence of knowing that his mother and sister are nearby. Allow him to be aware of the comfort they bring him.
Give Leslie peace Lord, to deal with all she must go through. Surround her with people who can encourage her and make her laugh and don't let her always cry alone, she is in need of your comfort..Lord.
Breezy needs to have the fellowship of young people and we thank you for the time she was able to experience the company of people her own age...
You know Lord before we even ask what is needed but I sense Lord that you love hearing it from us.
Thank you Jesus and I ask in your Most Precious Holy Name. Amen!
Dear Leslie,
You do read the comments. I guess that makes me want to comment more. I try and remember to look at the blog as often as possible, but sometimes in the rush of the day I forget. Not that I forget about Kevin or you or Breezy, just forget when I am online.
I am glad things are going well. How exciting that Kevin will get a chance in Tampa soon. The brain is a miraculous thing. I say that as a psychology major with no extensive knowledge...some say the genenome project is the last frontier for science, but I kind of have the opinion that there is so much to learn about the brain.
So I am glad that things are progressing. I can only imagine the difficult times, but I see you and your daughter as such pillars of strength and mentors on how to handle the difficulties of life.
Take care of yourself and the same to Breezy.
Love,
Liz
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