Saturday, March 29, 2008

It's been a busy couple of days. Peter and Debbie arrived on Thursday for a long weekend visit. Mark had a full day of therapy and then we were able to go on an outing to the Tampa Bay Lightning game. (See photo.) It was something he has been looking forward to since we got here. He was thoroughly exhausted by the time we got back but enjoyed every minute. We got to go in through the player’s parking lot and entrance and he got a kick out of all the great cars in their lot. He was so tired, after they showered him the next morning he went back to sleep!

Therapy recasted his legs again yesterday since it was a week since the Botox injections. He did very well. They have increased the amount of pain medication he can have this weekend so that he will be comfortable until they are removed on Monday. After his casting he was able to enjoy a visit with Jake the Australian Shepard therapy dog. (See photo.) Jake just jumped right into bed with Mark and sat on his lap. We were able to have dinner together at the Fisher House.

Today we had a wonderful outing alone with the Rec Therapist to St. Petersburg and the Farmer’s Market. We had lunch out at a nice restaurant and enjoyed a stop at a great gelatoria. Unfortunately, our outing was cut short when we lost the tire on one of the front wheels of Mark’s chair. When we got back to the hospital and they asked what happened, he promptly told them he was drag racing and he blew the tire when he tried to take the stairs! Nothing’s changed!

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Mark has had a busy couple of days. With the therapies each day and outings, the time flies by very quickly. Yesterday, he and Jess were able to go to a Phillies vs. Reds game in Clearwater with the recreational therapists. Tomorrow evening another outing is planned to a Tampa Bay Lightning game. He is really looking forward to that because Peter will be here and join us for the game. Two hockey buffs in their element.

He worked very hard in OT/PT today. He practiced sliding out of the chair to the mat without the hoist, which is the preliminary to getting into a self-propelled wheelchair, for which he has been measured. They also had him on his belly for about 30 minutes to help stretch his legs, back and shoulders. Then it was up on all fours with a large ball beneath him and finally they had him in an extended kneel for the first time. He did complain of some pain (he had meds prior) but he was able to do these things better than he has before which was great.

He has also become very tired of the hospital food, and although he enjoyed a baloney and cheese sandwich for lunch (it had been a very long while since he had that) he was ready for Chipotle again. After a swing through at the nearest Chipotle, Mark, Jess, Mark's roommate and I had a dinner of burrito bowls and a few laughs. His roommate was showing off copies of his back X-rays and the nuts and bolts in his spine. He is a nice young man who will be leaving here Monday after 8 months. He was in a very similar condition to Mark, but unlike Mark, needed a number of surgeries. He recovery has gone very well. I have spoken about him before and it is encouraging for Mark to see how well this young soldier is doing. Mark was moved out of his private room, but it was needed for someone else who will be in isolation. Mark is now well enough to eat in the unit dining room and be on his own a little more so it is actually a step forward.

We are looking forward to Pete and Deb's visit tomorrow.

Sunday, March 23, 2008

Happy Easter! We had a lovely day in Florida with clouds and sun. We went to church here at the VA Chapel to the Catholic Mass and it was very nice. The Catholic chaplain is a lovely man who visits Mark every morning and gives him communion. Today, he introduced Mark to the congregation.

After church we went to a small brunch that was put on by some volunteers here at the hospital. We were joined by several of the other moms, wives, girlfriends with their patients. The brunch was okay, but the company was great. Then we sat outside for a while and enjoyed the comfortable temperatures and chatted and visited with each other.

We wound up the day with a take out dinner which we thoroughly enjoyed along with others from our unit and called it a night. When Mark asked what was on the agenda for tomorrow, Jess and I laughed and told him tomorrow was Monday and he had to go back to work!

Friday, March 21, 2008

We have had a very busy few days. Yesterday, Mark had all the usual therapies and did very well. They also injected Botox into his legs with the hope of loosening the muscles and straightening them more. He will have to wear braces again starting on Monday. Hopefully, there will not be a lot of pain and it will be managed better than before with the patch he now wears.

We did have an interesting evening last night when we went to the monthly MOAA (Military Officers Association of America) dinner. They have these monthly to honor the active military personnel here at the hospital and their families. It was the first time Mark and several of the others were able to attend. The guest of honor last night was Adm. Fallon who is a four star admiral and the commander of the Central Command which is based at McDill AFB here in Tampa. He is the one in charge of the war based here. He chose to sit next to Mark during dinner and they had quite the conversation. There was a photo op and we now have a framed picture in Mark's room. The admiral's wife chatted with me for quite a while and turns out she grew up in the same neighborhood as Richard. Small world. Adm. Fallon has just announced his retirement as well. Mark was also visited and had a conversation with the Deputy Commander, Gen. Dempsey (three star) and received a coin from him. We will add it to his collection. (For those of you not military, coins are given by generals and commanders for outstanding acts.) He really enjoyed the attention and the food and it was fun to be there.

Today we enjoyed a cookout given by the therapists and Mark helped slice the tomatoes and onions for the burgers. He ate both a burger and a hot dog, and this evening had pizza with the rec group for supper.

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Mark's first day without the back brace was very good, however, it did tire him out and he went to bed earlier than usual. Just the strain of physical therapy without it, as well as sitting in the wheelchair was more strenuous. He did like the fact that it was gone, and it was well worth the extra stress I think. He also had his last eye test and picked out his reading glasses. It will take a few weeks, but then he will not have eye strain when reading, which will be nice since it's his favorite quiet pastime.

We had visitors again today when another of Mark's high school friends and her mom drove down from Mississippi. It was good to see them. He enjoyed taking them to PT since his friend is studying to be a physical therapist at Duquesne University. As I said, it was more difficult without his tortise shell, but he did great at standing, sitting and on all fours.

Tomorrow is the rescheduled day for the zoo, but they are predicting rain, so it may be postponed yet again. We'll keep you posted as always.

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Mark continues to amaze us. Today he stood with the help of a harness and took a couple of steps. It gives him the feeling of walking without the pressure of full weight on his legs. He loved it. He was also given clearance by the neurosurgeon to throw away the back brace. He was so happy as was everyone else! They have also passed the three month mark since his Botox injections, so he will be able to have some in his legs to help with the straightening. These events will make the road to recovery a little bit smoother.

He was able to visit again yesterday and today with his two friends from Cleveland. Although our trip to the zoo was cancelled today because of a visit by the Secretary of the VA, they had a good time anyway. We were able to have a wonderful dinner which was prepared by the Fisher House volunteers and he enjoyed sitting on the patio and having a wonderful "pre-Easter" dinner of ham, sweet potatoes, and all the other fixins'! He was tired by the time he devoured his key lime pie and it was back to his room and off to bed.

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Let me start by saying today was warmer and much more humid than it's been, so we are getting a taste of what Florida is like in the summer. However, it was another great afternoon.

Two of Mark's best friends from home arrived this afternoon. They had visited him at Walter Reed and were amazed by the difference. He was laughing and reminiscing about all their escapades. They will be around until Wednesday so they will get to have more time with him.

We were also joined by Peter's in-laws who visited the other day and came back today with Deb's brother. They also know the boys who were here and so we had a great afternoon, topped off by dinner of Chipotle burritos. These guys probably single handedly kept the Strongsville restaurant in business and then some over the years, so it seemed like the appropriate dinner. Not to mention this was the other craving Mark has been asking to have for weeks.

They were all able to meet some of the other people staying at the house and staff at the hospital who have heard about everyone from Mark over these last few months. It is so good to see him interact and swap stories and laugh, laugh, laugh!

Saturday, March 15, 2008

We had a wonderful day again today. We all took another field trip to a Welcome Home Heroes party thrown by the VA at the University of South Florida Sundome. The recreational therapist took the three of us as well as two other soldiers and another mom in a special van. It was fun for Mark to really start getting to know some of the other guys on the floor and interact. He enjoyed talking and laughing with them.

When we arrived there was a bagpiper and drummer from one of the local pipe bands. The rec therapist had told them Mark was a piper and so they stayed and waited for him to arrive to play for him. He was delighted and had a very nice conversation with them.

They had various vendors and veteran's groups there, as well as a band and lots of good food. Mark was able to finally have that hot dog he has been craving for the last several weeks, not to mention a huge mound of very good mac and cheese. Ice tea and cookies completed the meal. And... I might add this was after lunch which he ate the hospital. I don't think they will find another weight loss this week. In fact, when he was weighed earlier in the week he was up six pounds! And that was before the better food started!

When we got back he had a slight rest and then had a visit from one of his old friends from high school. She is visiting family here while on spring break and we all had dinner together at the Fisher House. Another huge meal was consumed by Mark and topped off by ice cream. He and Jess sat and chatted with his friend Lindsay and another Marine's girlfriend who is staying here. It was nice to see them all enjoying something more normal than the hospital. He finally got worn out about nine o'clock and we took him back to his room for bed.

He has two more friends arriving in Tampa tomorrow so that should be fun as well. The rec therapists have an outing to the zoo planned on Tuesday, so hopefully, we will be able to meet Mark's friends there and they can enjoy it with them.

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Mark did phenomenal in therapy today. First he passed into the regular solid food menu. Not that that means the food will be any better, just solid and not chopped up and soft. He was glad to eat chicken, but was disappointed that it wasn't chicken wings, like the other guys got. Tomorrow should be better since he will be on the regular schedule. But then again, it is hospital food, so who can say for sure. At least it opens up more avenues for us to bring him treats and meals.

In physical therapy, they had him on his stomach and made him get on all fours which was very impressive. We were as delighted for him as he was for himself. Earlier, he had started teasing the therapist and just got such a fit of the giggles. We were all so excited and laughing. She keeps saying he gets all his jollies at her expense, but she doesn't care. She is very good at what she does and she is young (as almost all the therapists are) so they have a good relationship. It was such a treat for Jess to see him laughing so hard because he has smiled, but not gotten a good belly laugh like today.

Each day brings more improvement and everyone is on the unit is so happy that he is making such wonderful progress.

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Okay, the Yankees did win -- 6 to 1 over Toronto yesterday, but lost today to Tampa Bay by one. Hope that makes all of you happy who were wondering about the score.

We had a very busy day. Jess and I got up a little late today and it was well deserved, especially for her. Mark has some therapy in the morning that we don't participate in, so it worked out well. Then it was on full force with occupational therapy, recreational therapy, speech therapy, lunch, and physical therapy. Then there was the added hand splint appointment and the vision screening. They are going to rescreen next Wednesday morning for reading glasses. He was tired by the time they did the vision test, so the doctor wants to redo one segment then before she writes his prescription. I think it will be good for him to have since he enjoys reading so much and it will make it less tiring for him.

Jess was an absolutely wonderful helper in physical therapy. She was encouraging and a real cheerleader in everything Mark did, especially when he was getting discouraged. She will not let him give in or give up! What a help!!!

By the time he had dinner and then ventured outside for a while with Jess, he was tired but not quite ready for bed. Jess said the day flew by and was amazed at how fast the day went as we went from therapy to therapy!

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Well today was a absolute 9-3/4!!!! Jess arrived this morning at 6 a.m. after an overnight flight from Los Angeles. As her mom mentioned in a comment, she refused to stay overnight in Los Angeles and fly through New York. She told Qantas she wanted to fly straight from LA to Tampa as soon as possible. I picked her up at the airport and we waited a few hours before going to Mark's room.

He was very happy to see her. It was the start of a good day. We got on the bus with the other soldiers and one retired Navy commander who are also patients on Mark's unit and headed to see the Yankees. Mark was so glad to be off the hospital grounds and out for the day. He had a burger and fries and ice cream. He never even dozed off once and thoroughly enjoyed the day. The Yankee management were very nice. We all had wonderful seats by third base and in a small park, could see everything perfectly. We were each given a very nice Yankee cap. I know those of you in Cleveland are probably groaning about now, but it was a really great day.

We were all exhausted when we got back. Mark was very tired, but he didn't want to go to bed until he saw Jess again. She had been up for 48 hours and jet lagged, but just finally went to sleep.

One of the nice things that also occurred today, was the wonderful outpouring of thanks and compliments Mark and the other soldiers received from the people at the game. Countless strangers came up to the fellows and expressed their thanks and best wishes for recovery. It was very special and the guys really appreciated the comments. It was definitely an exceptional day.

Monday, March 10, 2008

Well, we had a bit of a disappointment today. Jessica, Mark's girlfriend, was due to arrive tonight from Sydney but has been delayed a day. She has a flight time of about 24 hours to start with and then her first flight from Sydney to Los Angeles left 12 (yes, that's right 12) hours late! She will not arrive until tomorrow night now. It will be wonderful to see her. Needless to say, Mark is very thrilled that she is coming and I'm looking forward to the company. We are sorry that she is having such an exhausting journey.

We were hoping to take her to her first baseball "match" as she called it. The unit has a field trip to Legend's Field to see the Yankees (yeah, yeah Clevelanders, get over it) play tomorrow. I will be going with Mark since Jessica will not have to be picked up at the airport until much later in the evening. It should be fun and we are looking forward to it. We've got lots of sunscreen and hope to use it all!

Mark's latest blood tests all came out very positively. He is doing remarkably well and is even being weaned off some of the medications he is on. His left arm and hand are progressing nicely and he is going to be getting a special hand splint because of an issue with his left thumb. The physical therapy is continuing on his legs and they will probably recast them again next week. Meanwhile he only has to wear the casts when he is in bed and not in his wheelchair.

He loves being outside as much as possible, so as soon as therapy is over out we go. He plans on making up for all this time in a hospital room! It's great!

Saturday, March 8, 2008

Today is the four month anniversary of the accident. Hard to believe. I think I have said that each month. What is even harder to believe is the wonderful progress Mark has made in that time. We thank each and every one of you for the continued support and prayers. As I have said and will continue to say we thank you all.

On another note, to our friends and family in Cleveland, it was cool here today. Mark actually had on a jacket and a quilt (thank you Aunt Rosalie) over his shorts (yes shorts). It even got a little too windy to sit outside so we parked ourselves in front of the big screen TV in the Fisher House family room and watched a goofy Stallone movie. Not nearly what all of you were going through, but tough never the less. When we talked to Jess today she said the Cleveland storm even made the news in Sydney. She also admitted she was glad she was coming to Florida instead. Rich had to stay another day since his flight was cancelled. It was a hardship, but he will endure. Hopefully, (or not) he will get home tomorrow.

It was fun to sympathize with Peter when he called, but we did have few laughs about it anyway!

Happy shoveling!!!

Friday, March 7, 2008

Another 9 day!!! We are so pleased with Mark's progress as are the doctors and staff. Everyone gets so excited when good things happen here.

He is now in his chair all the time. They are worried about his fanny getting sores from sitting too much. He never wants to stay in his room and in between therapies wants to go for a walk, which means someone pushing him outside. He even had Jose take him out when Rich and I went for a bite of lunch. Turned out they both had a little "siesta" on the patio!

His occupational therapist is on a roll and has been working his left arm about three times a day if possible. She is getting great results. He has much more movement and is using it on his own much more. He stood in physical therapy today for 15 minutes at a special table. It was very hard and painful, but he did it. He was distracted with the occupational therapist and some games to strengthen his hand. Two for the price of one.

Tonight we treated him to take out from Olive Garden and he scarfed down portobello ravioli which was his pick from the menu. As soon as he finished eating he was asking to go for a walk and we had not even finished our dinner! Unfortunately, it started thundering and raining so his "walk" was out and he had to settle for a DVD. Now that he's up and about, there's no turning back. Thank goodness!!

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

hi everyone! its mark again. thanks for all your support. i'm doing much bettter every day. i enjoy all your coments, the support, and the prayers.

Yes, Mark is back on the net today. Sorry the message is short, but he was interrupted by Johnny Damon of the New York Yankees. He signed off to have a chat, get a photo and an autograph. Also, good news . . . there was no blood clot behind the knee!

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Well, today was interesting. The vascular study they did last evening showed no blood clot, however, they did not take the cast off his leg and do his knee. They only did the thigh above the cast. So, we expected they would redo it this evening but he was not on the schedule until tomorrow. Go figure, bureaucracy at it's best, I guess.

The doctor did not find out about the glitch until Mark was already at PT, so he called down so they would not manipulate his leg. If it is a new clot, there is chance that it could move, so they need to be careful. When the therapist told Mark he got a reprieve today, he pumped his fist and started laughing. We all thought that was great since he has not been particularly animated. He has been smiling more and more and has initiated conversations rather than just responding to comments and questions. His intonation is getting much better as well. It is very encouraging.

We also found out that they were able to stretch his leg much farther than we originally thought. The orthopedic doctor (not the surgeon) was also present when it was done and was very encouraged with the results. So, things are looking up again.

Monday, March 3, 2008

The day started with Mark's MRI. He was anesthetized and taken to radiology, had the MRI, his knee was manipulated in the OR and then he went to recovery for quite a while. He got back to his room and was awake but a little "loopy" and as he said "couldn't talk straight." But all in all it went well. The results were interesting although we have not had all the final information.

They could not get his leg completely straightened. This was a disappointment in that there is an encapsulation of tissue under the knee causing the problem. It is not large so that is a plus and the serial casting will continue. They think it will still work. They did, however, find a blood clot in the knee. They do not know if it is recent or an old one and perhaps the primary clot from which the pulmonary embolism found at Walter Reed came from. They did a vascular study tonight where they did an ultrasound so we should know more tomorrow. If it is going to be a chronic problem, they will probably put mesh into the groin area to prevent any additional clots to go to the lungs. Just another bump in the road.

They are going to recast the right leg tomorrow and then cut off and bi-valve both casts so that they will be able to take them off for therapy. It is more beneficial to stand him without the casts on. Hopefully, they will be able to gain a few degrees each time. It was a little frustrating to find out they couldn't get the leg straighter, but we will have to deal with it. At least he wasn't in any pain after the procedure even when the anesthetic wore off. The muscle relaxer that has been added was increased again today and they have several more steps before they reach the peak dose. It is increased every seven days and seems to be effective. Hopefully, the combination of all these treatments will work.

Sunday, March 2, 2008

We definitely had a 9+ day today! Mark was up in his chair bright and early this morning and outside by 10:30 a.m. It was a beautiful day today because the weather was perfect. We sat and watched the building next door go up and were fascinated that they could do this in such a short time.

After lunch, we sat and read the paper and my family came for a visit. We headed back outside and enjoyed the day and the construction again. My cousins were amazed at Mark's progress over the last few weeks. He now doesn't just answer questions, but participates in the conversation much more. He was even smiling and laughing a little bit. It was very enjoyable.

When we went back to his room, he and Rich watched golf and he enjoyed cake and milk as well as fresh picked strawberries brought in by one of the nurses. Then it was dinner and when he was done, we were ready to eat. We left him still sitting in his chair watching the golf tournament. He had not asked for pain medication the entire day. It was wonderful.

The orthopedic surgeon came by and said he hoped everything was set for the MRI tomorrow and so are we. Hopefully, it will happen and there won't be an extra-ordinary amount of pain afterward. Please keep those prayers coming his way!

Saturday, March 1, 2008

Well, it was another quiet Saturday. Mark was up and about twice today, which was good. Rich is here and that was another plus. He was very glad to see his dad. They sat outside for a while and watched as the construction crew and a giant (and I mean GIANT) crane put up a new building next to the Fisher House. They moved modular units into place and by the end of the day a large two-story building was just about completed. It was amazing to see. Mark and I watched the preliminary work yesterday and to see this done in such a short time was something. Hopefully, they will confine the rest of the construction to daylight hours during the week!

Of course, he had his usual Saturday telephone conversation with Jessica which he looks forward to each week. She will be coming for a while in about a week. We are both excited about that.

The MRI was not done on Friday, but will be done Monday and the orthopedic surgeon will straighten his knees under anesthesia. If there is nothing wrong that will require surgery, they will keep them straight and cast them in that position. If there is an injury to the right knee, they will schedule surgery and do the repair the following week. Hopefully, all will go well and he will not be in any greater pain. Please keep that as the focus of your prayers.

Thanks to all of you.