Life is good and so is Sam!

Hi everyone, I hope you are all still checking in on Sam's progress.  Sometime it feels like it has slowed down but then I remember the huge steps in recover that he took right away and am reminded of the story about the tortoise and the hare.  Sam moved forward in leaps and bounds amazing us all with God's miracles just like the hare and has now slowed down and is progressing as the tortoise did slowly and diligently.  At the end of this race it will be our Sam.
 
Rehab has been very slow in getting started.  His initial evaluations were back in September and the therapists set up a plan for OT and some PT but our HMO had only approved the evaluations and not treatment.  After that approval then we were finally able to set up his appointments, of which he only got to a couple and then it was time for the surgery to replace his bone flap.  Jump forward two weeks and the bone flap is replaced and Sam can start OT two weeks after the surgery.  As with many HMOs I didn't get the full scoop and found out when I called rehab to schedule future appointments I was told we needed "new" approval from the doctor as Sam had been discharged from rehab once he entered the hospital for the second surgery.  I look back and wish I had called immediately after the second surgery, it would have saved weeks.  The request sat in an "in box" for a week before processing and only then was pulled to the top after I called again.  As what have feels like months have gone by (which they have) all was finally approved and Sam had a reevaluation last week.  Mmm, this was a definitely a rabbit trail but I wanted to give a history.
 
Okay, for the news.  Kathy his OT put him through the same tests as before and many have improved.  He did better on the short term memory tests which were looking at about 20 items on a table and then repeating back what they were once gone.  His eyes distance vision is 20/20 but his eyes stop tracking together when anything gets closer than 12 inches away, which seems okay to most of us but doing close-up work they have to track together.  She was surprised he isn't having headaches with most of school work he is doing is online.  Anyway, Kathy gave him a simple exercise to work on and this week he starts "officially".
 
Sam is having some difficulty with tasks that require many steps,which most do, but it appears to happen mostly in new environments.  Kathy says this is not unusual and that his OT will help him learn to work through this.  Also "I don't know" has become a frequently used phrase.  When we ask him questions we have to push him for an answer, making him think about it, and not answer for him for accept "I don't know".  The answer may be slow in coming as I saw when he was talking with Kathy but that's good.  Kathy reminded us both (and I share with you) that the right answer thought out is far better than a quick I don't know.  It can be frustrating for him because I saw that when asked a question he really may not know the answer but once given time to think he comes up with the correct answer and feels better about it. 
 
Kathy was reassuring that the delay in getting started did not harm his future progress.  I'll call it a bump or hiccup, try not to feel guilty about anything, and move forward.  The best days are yet to come.
 
Oh, I almost forgot.  Sam is in school for one class each day and that is going okay.  One class is Algebra and that has been difficult for him at times.  One PT at the clinic told me last week that Algebra online is not usually recommended for TBI patients as it is more difficult for the student since there is not teacher to help with the one-on-one.  I had already started to have my doubts.  Sam would definitely like to stop that class.  I'm going to talk with Kathy about it on Wednesday and see what her take on it is since she is his primary therapist.
 
Sam is such a great son and young man.  God's plans for him are grand I'm sure.  Thank you all for your continued prayers.  Sam and we his family could not have gotten through this without them.
 
God bless. 
 
Mom/Stephanie

Sam in School!

Good morning....
 
We all use the phrase "how time flies" and this morning I understand it well.  I just logged in to Sam's update and nothing has been written since November 6th.  For all of you still checking on Sam I apologize.  Time has flown by and it has been exactly two weeks since the blog.
 
So here it goes....
 
Sam started school on November 10.  He is taking one class each day at school and has tutoring daily.  His school has "A" days and "B" days.  On A days he has academic study hall where he works on assignments from his tutor.  On  B days he has SK online where he works on Algebra and then stays at school and has lunch with his friends.  It is taking us all time to get used to having a set schedule.  On A days he has to be at school by 7:50 and B days is more relaxing at 9:23.  We leave about 15 minutes early to make sure he gets there on time, never quite knowing what the traffic will be especially on A days. 
 
When he gets home from school he continues with his Algebra online or works on his tutoring assignments.  Oh I forgot his tutoring is in English and Geography.  As we approach the end of week 2 he seems to be settling in and keeping on task once he gets home.  On A days he is home for lunch and then works on homework before his tutor gets here a 2:30.  He gets "out of school" each day when the tutor leaves at 3:30.  So like most kids in high school he is ready for a break to play some XBox. 
 
He will continue this schedule until the semester is over at the end of January and then will return to school possibly fulltime.  It really depends on Sam.  He is in school but isn't fully participating since he doesn't have to move through the halls during busy class changes and has the flexibility in his schedule.  Also, he has many of the staff at Sprague watching over him like school angels just in case he gets lost or confused.  He has made a wrong turn or two but has quickly found his way back to the office.  On Monday he did some exploring in an unknown area of the school and got back to the commons for lunch with friends. 
 
All in all he is doing great.  His spirits are high and he is smiling.  Just like any other teenager he doesn't always feel like going to class in the morning.  I then remind him it's only for one class and he remind me he would only be missing one class.  Mmm, is the glass half full or half empty. 
 
Thank you for continuing to keep Sam in your prayers.  God is watching over Sam and all your prayers are the icing on the cake.
 
Stephanie/Mom 

It's a matter of perspective...

Good morning all. I wrote this last week but did not get it sent. So bear with me this actually occurred October 24th, but I still want/need to share the message.

Last night Cameron and Sam were driving home from seeing a movie. As Cameron approached the stoplight at a busy intersection the light was red and he started to slow down, but it then turned green so as any driver would do he sped back up to the speed limit. Another car heading the opposite direction, north I believe, was stopped at the stoplight, waiting for the green light and apparently to turn left. Yes, the obvious happened the light turned green, he accelerated, and then he turned left just in front of Cameron apparently not seeing our approaching car going 35 mph. Cameron had to slam on the brakes just to slow down not even to stop, at the same time the other driver apparently saw our car and sped up just in time to keep from getting hit.

Now this played out okay, kind of. The cars did not crash and everyone was okay. Kind of.

This is where the perspective comes into play. The average driver would have yelled, maybe even cursed at the car turning left in front of them and then gone about their business. But as we know my car didn't hold the average driver and passenger. Inside were two brothers, young men who have seen and lived how short and precious life is and how quickly it can change. Both boys got home shaking and scared at what "almost" happened. Sam's quickly evolved into a major headache and pain.

Cameron kept saying he was okay, but he wasn't. They visualized an accident that could have happened and it was frightening.

All of us have gone through and know what does happen when driver's are not paying attention and make bad choices. Please remind those we know that drive that it is a great responsibility and not a privilege to be taken lightly. I know God was again watching out for my precious sons and I thank Him for that.

Stephanie/Mom

October 29 Update

Well Sam/we made it through the last eight days pretty well.  I remember when Sam's desire and goal were to get the surgery done and have his head whole.  Now its get those darn stitches out.  Most of us have had stitches at some time in our life from a single stitch to many stitches, maybe even more than Sam's 48 stitches.  Those of you who have had multiple stitches will sympathize with Sam.  One or two stitches itch a bit and can be tolerated.  A day doesn't go buy that at least half to all of his stitches are itching.  This is a good thing as it shows they are healing and there is no infection which can also be determined if we look closely at his head.  I do this quite frequently to Sam's dismay. 

 

Sometimes I'm just watching Sam in total awe at doing a simple thing like watching t.v. and other times I am checking out the forehead to left ear incision that looks like a horseshoe on my son's head.  Many times not really looking for anything, just looking.  His peripheral vision is great and he sees me and lets me know with a simple "Yes, mom what is it"?

 

There have been glitches in Sam's rehab and tutoring.  Upon entering Doernbecher last week Salem Hospital released him from their care which means his neuro surgeon must authorize him to continue/start with rehab.  Our tutoring request came back from drs. authorizing Sam to start school.  This is good except the school and I feel that at this point in the semester it would be better to have him tutored for the remainder of this semester.  Maybe we're wrong.    I am questioning that decision now.  He so wants to be a part of something more than stuff at home, and I get that.  There are some classes he will not be able to catch up in but then he isn't sitting doing any better here waiting for the wheels of bureaucracy stop and start like they are.   

 

Okay, I see that this is not so much specifically about Sam today but about the things that make up his life.  I believe I needed to write this to help me his mom see the big picture and that is what is best for Sam, not necessarily what is easiest for him.

 

Thank you for all your prayers and silent guidance as Sam and us, his family, continue on our journey through these unknown waters of recovery after a TBI.

 

God bless you all,

 

Stephanie/Mom

SAM IS HOME!!!

Yes, Sam is home and is well.  He came home yesterday afternoon and spent the evening, night, and this morning sleeping, eating, and napping. 

 

His incision looks great.  He has some swelling at the left side of his face which turns out is a inflamed muscle.  The muscle that runs up from the left year to the top  of his head had constricted when the bone flap was taken out.  When the bone flap was put back in the muscle had to be stretched to fit and it has become sore and swollen.  He's taking Tylenol most of the time with a little pain medicine as a chaser, otherwise he is doing great.

 

He has his follow-up in two weeks to take out the stitches and have a checkup.  I'm positive all will be good.

 

I will write more later.  I taking the boys out for a welcome home dinner.

 

Thank you all for your prayers. 

 

Stephanie/Mom

24 Hour Post Surgery Update

Sam is doing great.  His surgery started about two hours behind schedule but only ran about 2.5 hours, when it could have taken 4 hours.  He had a rough night last night.  He nurse had to check him, do vitals, and a neuro exam every hour all night long.  He didn't get to more than catnap at best.  Even with heavy duty drugs for pain he didn't sleep much. 
 
His spirits are a bit low right now.  He had a couple of tubes and his arterial line taken out early this morning that cause each alone would have been minor pain but all three done in the a.m. hurt, especially the drain tube that was put in to drain fluids from his 48 stitch incision on his head.  The tube was over three inches long and he could feel it was it was pulled out.  I wish I could have taken away that pain.  Then it had to be stitched.  The morphine he was given for pain didn't hit until about 15 minutes after they were done.  Then this afternoon his IV line quit drawing and a new one had to be placed but after three attempts and failures by the nurses to get a new line in IV therapy was called.  She was great.  She put warm packs on his arm to draw out the veins, and used all her expertise to get his veins to take the needle.  They like to put the IV in hands and not the arm because its easier to get to for the IV and you don't have to worry about the bending of the arm.  Well, she had to go the arm as she couldn't get Sam's vein to stay in place for the very small needle she was using.
 
So my friends, Sam started out this venture excited about getting the bone panel in, getting through surgery, to saying he wished he had waited which of course was not an option.  He gave me a big smile when I left tonight and I know he will get a good nights sleep.  His Aunt Dart is there giving him TLC, all tubes and lines are out except the one, and he got a new Ducks jacket from his brother and I tonight that is kind of silky on the inside. 
 
I know this is brief, I started to write more but want to keep some to ourselves.  Ultimately Sam will be glad this is over and again God is giving him love and strength to get through this day. 
 
More later, I think I'll go to sleep.
 
Sam sends his love and thanks to everyone.  Our family truly appreciate your thoughts and prayers.
 
God bless,
 
Stephanie/Mom 

10 Hours But Who's Counting!!!

Hi All....
 
Well Sam, Cameron and I are here at Ronald McDonald House waiting for the morning.  Sam is scrubbing his head clean with a sponge similar to what the doctors use to clean their hands before a surgery.  Well he's done and I still can't see the yellow tint his head is suppose to have to prove its clean, guess they'll have to take our word that he scrubbed.  
 
Not alot to say really.  Sam has spent the last 10 days excitedly waiting for tomorrow, almost like Christmas and for him it is. I think he wants to burn the helmet up but we all know that would be bad for the environment, so we'll find an environmentally safe way to get rid of it.
 
Well time for lights out.  Take care to you all.  Keep us in our prayers. 
 
In God's safe hands,
 
Stephanie, Cameron & Samuel 

EXCITING NEWS!

We woke up yesterday expecting it to be normal day; eat breakfast, dress, brush our teeth, etc. and then head to Portland for Sam's CT scan and neurology follow-up.  In anticipation of slow traffic on I-5 we left by 8:45 for a 10:15 appointment.  Both Sam and Cameron whined a bit about losing half an hour of sleep, but had we left later I know there would have been a traffic jam and we would have been late.  Yes, we got there early and had his CT early.  Well, now we were early for our 11:00 neurologist appointment which then ran an hour late.  Grammy, Dart, Sam, Cameron, and myself occupied the time chatting and watching a ship being built out the window. 

 

When Sam's name was called we all got up and traipsed our way in to his exam room, stopping first for blood pressure check and weight which were both good.  The exam room had three chairs and a table.  Sam of course got the table and three of us pushed two chairs together to make a bench, sort of.  Imagine Cameron and I sitting at the ends with half a butt cheek hanging over and Grammy in the middle.  We needed a camera.  Dart, of course, great aunt that she is got the third chair.  We all took turns walking around the 8x8 foot room until a resident came in to review the CT results with us.

 

Well, it was great.  You could see where the brain had shrunk and was a good size.  He does have some fluid in the empty space, that is to be expected since there is no scull to hold it in, which will be drained during his surgery.  There is also a bit of pressure still on the ventricle in the middle of his brain but that is most likely due to the accumulation of brain fluid.  The hematoma in the temporal lobe has decreased in size so much that it is hard to believe how big it was and how much damage it did at the time.

 

The doctor also did some testing to check for balance, speech, etc. to see how Sam did with in these areas.  He was very positive about the results and felt the bone flap could be put back in.  This of course is not his call, but it is the neurosurgeons.

 

About 10 minutes later Dr. Seldene (sp?) the neurosurgeon, the resident, and their NP came in to talk.  The doctor reviewed the results with all of us.  He also did a few quick tests of Sam's reflexes, speech, etc.  He then said that Sam was definitely ready for the replacement of the bone flap and told us it was scheduled for either the 20th or 23rd, not sure of the date because that really isn't his area of expertise.  He does the surgery but doesn't set the date.  After checking with Angela the surgical appointment assistant we found out that indeed....

 

SAM'S SURGERY IS ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2008.

 

Then came the questions, how long would it take, would he have to wear his helmet, how long would he be in the hospital, could he do sports afterwards, how about a trip to Disneyland, how long would his recovery be, would there be any ill effects from the surgery.  Thank goodness I had Mom and Dart there to help, I was not prepared to discuss surgery in just 12 days.  I was planning (there I go again) that it would be in November. 

 

So what went from a easy going follow-up appointment to becoming the preop appointment and the beginning of the next phase in Sam's recovery.   Sam had his preop lab work done after the appointment, so we pretty much just have to wait for the day and drive to Portland for Sam's surgery.

 

Oh in answer to some of the above questions: 

    The surgery will take between three to four hours.

    He WILL NOT have to wear his helmet afterwards.

    He will be ICU for 24 hours and then on the Dornbecher ward for two to three days depending on how he does.

    He CANNOT DO ANY SPORTS THAT DELIBERATELY INVOLVE HIS HEAD.  In easy terms, he will not be able to play football, ever, maybe flag at family events but nothing in school.

    He can ride amusement park rides like at Disneyland after three months or so.

    The doctors anticipate his recovery to go well.  He may slip back into some of the symptoms he had after the injury itself but they don't expect these to last long.  There are a number of things that could go wrong, but with most of them the percentage is so low, 1-2% in Sam's case, that I'm not worried about them, and my faith and prayers are ongoing that everything will go well. 

  

Our family thanks you for all your love, support, and prayers.  These have been difficult and scary times.  Your prayers have kept us all going and reminded us the power God has when we all work together.  

 

God bless you.

 

Stephanie/Mom

 

P.S.  Mom and Dart, thank you for being there with us.  I will always need your love and support.  Stef 

Another day at home!

It's been too long since I have written.  The days tend to blend together and go by much too fast.  Sam is doing well.  He went to his first high school football game last Friday night  It was Sprague's homecoming.  He and his brother painted one of his helmets with the school colors, symbol, and "Olys" on the front for the game.  He got a lot of compliments and even had his picture taken. 

 

He had his therapy evaluations and will be starting next week.  The wheels of bureaucracy had slowed down a bit so I called and got them sped up, seems my health care provider only approved for Sam evaluation and not therapy.  He's only going to need three or so visits for PT and then about two months of OT and Speech.  The school is providing him a tutor for the rest of this school semester and into the second one if he needs.  He is scheduled to start school in January for the second semester.  He's getting bored so pray for patience for all of Sam and for us.  I'm sure once therapy and tutoring starts we will be very busy.

 

Yesterday as part of his home therapy he wrote the grocery list after checking out lack of food and then he and Cameron went grocery shopping with Sam leading the way.  He had to find the items in the store, compare prices, and make sure he didn't forget anything.  He called me a couple of times asking about brands and how many, etc.  When he got home he had a bit of a headache and Cameron helped him find a couple of things yet he did pretty good. 

 

Sam has follow-up neurologist and CT scan appointments are tomorrow and hopefully we will be able to make the appointment to get the bone flap put back in.  Mom and Karylinn are joining us for that visit and it is great to have their love and support.  Sam's accident brought us closer and now it seems weird not to see them every day. 

 

I'll write more after his appointments. 

 

We still need your prayers.  Please pray the CT scan shows enough healing that the doctors can reinsert the bone flap.  This brings us one more step towards "normalcy", whatever that may be.

 

God bless everyone for their thoughts and prayers for Sam's recovery.  Faith and love has pulled us all through this and will continue to do so.

 

Mom/Stephanie

 

He is HOME!!!

Okay so first off I would like to apologize that there have been very few blog entries in the past weeks and I know that alot of you diligent readers really need this to see how Sam is. Me personally I would have called myself up and been like,"HEY HOWS SAM?", but all of you have been very courteous and not done so, so thank s again.

Well Sam has been home for only a couple weeks and he is really loving sleeping in his own bed and being home. Last week he had is evaluations with his speech therapist, his physical therapist, and occupational therapist. The point of these meetings were to see where Sam currently is on the road to recovery and where the individual therapists can help Sam work to get him as close to being back to the way he was. One of the main concerns, that I know I had, was that Sam sometimes does some things out of order. But that being one of the only concerns is a good thing.

He also got a chance to go to youth group and Wednesday and really enjoyed being able to see his friends that he hadn't seen in a while, and although he had alot of fun he still gets really tired really easily and after we got home it was time for him to crash.

Some of his habits have changed like he takes 1 to 2 hour naps every so often just cause he feels the need and honestly if I could take naps "anytime" I would definitely take them as often as I could. So, more power to him...He has recently expressed the want to go to Sprague High School's Football games (Sprague is where he will be starting highschool once this is alllll over), and without much stuborness I decided that I would like to go to the games with him, even though I went to South (a way better high school). Sorry to all you Olympians, old habits die hard. HAHA. Hopefully we will be able to go to the game this Friday and I know that if there is anyway that we can Sam will see to it that is happens.

Well, I need to get ready for class and mom and Sam may be going to a movie so...I will talk to all of you later.

Keep Praying ----> There is a long road of recovery a head and we need all the support possible.

In God We Trust
Cameron Huntting

--
Cameron Huntting (chunttin@uoregon.edu)

Wednesday Already?

 

Remember the phrase "time flies when you're having fun" well today I can say it and know we have been having fun.  The long days at the hospital days now seem to fly by quickly at home.  Sam has been home five days now and is adjusting to the freedom that being home brings, such as making his bed, unloading the dishwasher, and getting his own breakfast cereal.  He likes the independence but takes breaks afterwards.  What we might consider a simple task can be taxing to someone recovery from six weeks in the hospital after a brain injury.  This afternoon we emptied a small pond we have in the backyard with Sam running the vacuum while Cameron and I did the heavy stuff.  Sam went in to take a break when we were done.  His body is having difficulty adjusting to temperature changes like when exerting himself he gets hot fast easier and he gets cold fast when the air conditioning is on and then needs to put on a sweat shirt. 

 

Sam is doing great.  He no longer forgets to put on his helmet to get out of bed or to do anything that is not in the prone position.  Sometimes it appears as though his recovery has slowed down until I really watch him and see the baby steps that are progress, just the task of getting his own breakfast is awesome, Step 1 get bowl, Step 2 get cereal from the correct cupboard, Step 3 pour cereal.  Well you get the idea.  It wasn't all that long ago that any task that required more than a couple of steps he had to stop and think about it before continuing on.  Everything we do on an everyday basis requires many continuous steps that our brain processes and tells our bodies to do.  Until Sam's accident I took that for granted as I suspect a great many of us do.  Sam has recovered enough that he sees when his body and brain are not processing in sync and frustration sets in.  He is talking to both Cameron or I when this happens and being the mellow kid he is we help him to understand why this happens and how to cope.

 

He so wants the bone panel back in so he can feel normal and not have to wear the helmet.  Our next appointment isn't until early October so pray for his patience at having to wait possibly another month before this happens. 

Wake Up Music

So here we are, Thursday night all set for the last night here. Hmm, wake up music. How about . . .



Seems worthy of going home music too.

As I type, we are winding up what has been a typical night at the hospital this week. Grammy an Papa have been here and headed home. There's a movie that won't be over before Sam falls asleep and he's sending a few more text messages. Asked if he'll miss all this and he admits "a little bit." But you can tell he's ready to be done here.

I know it has been said before, but the doctors, nurses and everyone else here, at Dornbecher and at OHSU have been amazing. But even though others have said so, it is not possible to express how grateful I am, we all are at how far Sam has come. It could not have been done without all the people we have encountered along the way. Even as we say goodbye to them for now, perhaps there is time for one more thank you!

-- Patton

Wednesday, 2 Days to Release

Hi everyone
 
Sam has started his testing with each of the therapies as part of his release and I had my first family out processing meeting this morning.  I learned what he couldn't do right away such as play football or water polo and what he could do like take walks and do the grocery shopping with me at his side.  This helps his cognitive skills by reading the grocery list (guess I need to write one now) and looking for the items on shelves after finding the aisle.  We are also encouraged to put together puzzles, nothing difficult of course like a 2000 piece one but start with 50 to 100 pieces and build up from there.  He will be starting school work at home and his physical therapy as an outpatient as soon after he gets home. 
 
Many have asked when he will be returning to school and I don't have an answer for that yet.  We are waiting until his appointment the the pediatric neurosurgeon at the beginning of October and see how his CT scan is.  We should then have a date for the procedure to put back his bone flap.  Don't worry he will be starting homework before that with Cameron and I as his teachers, sorry Sam.  Sam would like to wait until he is out of the helmet before he tries negotiating the halls of his new school and I agree. 
 
Sam is thrilled to be going home and his smile is almost pasted on his face.  I seldom see him frowning unless it is with embarrassment over something I have done, like dancing in the elevator.  I too am very excited and can't look at him without smiling and praising God for Sam's recovery. 
 
All the prayers are appreciated and are working overtime to aid God in Sam's health.  Thank you and God bless all of our family and friends, and those that have become our distant family through others. 
 
Mom/Stephanie

Tuesday Already?

It's Tuesday. Patton here because Karylinn is in Chicago and Phili on business this week so I'm spending evenings with Sam.

Sam had another pass over the weekend and got to go home and sleep in his own bed. He proclaimed the weekend "pretty good." Apparently he did fairly little, hanging out with Cameron, spending some time with the pets and generally taking a break from physical therapy, occupational therapy, etc, etc. All the stuff that fills the days at the hospital.

As I am writing this Sam is rummaging around the room, clearing up his things, getting breakfast out of the way, working on his menu for upcoming meals. Pretty much self sufficient and only minor reminders. (Honestly? Less reminders than I would have needed at his age, and I never had a brain injury.) Apparently today will be a light day of therapy. At least that's what Sam says. I checked last night to see what the first thing would be. You know to make sure he's on time? But aside from alarm clock tender, Sam's been on top of it all.

By 8:45 he had 45 minutes until his first PT of the day and was running out of things to do. Fortunately, today is Vinnie day, so there was plenty of time for a visit.



-- Patton

If it's Friday, then Sam goes home one week from today!

Yes, you read correctly. Sam's faith, strength, sense of humor, and his body's amazing recovery have put him on the discharge list for September 12, 2008. This is truly exciting and we all are looking forward to having Sam home. I must be quick to remind myself and everyone that have been our prayer warriors that this is the beginning of our next journey. Sam will continue his occupational, speech, and physical therapies in Salem. No date has been setup for surgery to put the skull piece back in and we don't know when he will start school.

Everyday I see changes and steps in his recovery. I notice right away his evolving sense of humor and tactics to "get" to me. He has always been able to convince me that he is upset with me over something I have said or done just by a look or a response to me, and I believe he is really upset even if it is a really small thing. He then cracks up laughing over how he got me again. Well he did that on Wednesday and I knew Sam had checked off another step in his recovery "he can now mess with his mom and laugh about it."

He has a long way to go to full recovery and we really don't even know what that means. The brain after an injury a full recovery is different in every patient that has suffered a TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury). We can gauge his potential by where he was before the accident, or maybe he will be even better if the accident has given him a extra jolt of brilliance. What we don't know how far he will go. We are all praying for 100% recovery. I, and I believe I speak for many others, am thrilled he is alive and here to worry about not remembering the accident.

There are and have been so many "little" things I see that show me "our Sam" is awakening. Last night he put his hand on the soft spot to itch his scalp and I almost jumped out of my seat. I thought he was more upset with me until he said that his head itched and he wasn't going to hurt himself. I pointed out there was less than 1/8 of an inch thick, I have since found out it is about 1/10 of an inch thick, and he had to be gentle. He got that serious look and then started laughing, we cracked up, and laughed over the prospect of him poking his finger through his skin which of course he would not do.

He wants to get started on his new path and is excited to be going home. He would go home today if he could, which almost happened due to our health care providers "policies". Our doctor took the wheel and got it fixed that we would leave on our original date and not a week early. Thank you Dr. Steve.

Take care and God bless, because without God, the doctor's knowledge, our nurses' patience, love, and humor, everyone's prayers, and Sam's great spirit I don't believe any of this would be possible.

Stephanie/Mom

P.S. Some would say this is not the right forum but here I go anyway. I found out yesterday a dear friend is dying of pancreatic and liver cancer. Sam and Cam know him and remember the Halloween he carved pumpkins for them. Without his gentle strength and quiet love I may not have grown into the strong mom I am today. He encouraged me to always put my boys first, love them to death, and remember my time would come when I had them raised and they were starting families of their own that I would be able to live my own life. My friend, I will miss you and you will be in my heart always. As you all pray for Sam please add a prayer for this "good man", his family, and all of those whose lives he has touched as we struggle with a journey where our memories are the happy ending and we thank God for those.

Tuesdays with Vinnie

Sam, Stephanie and I were a bit out of sorts this morning.

Sam had a difficult time waking up fully and I think he would’ve opted to go back to bed after breakfast had the choice been his. Stephanie had a restless night and we both rolled, not jumped, out of bed feeling every one of our ‘boomer’ aches and pains. I also woke up discombobulated… Where was I? What day was it? Was I dreaming about wild animals or was I really back in Africa? Did I have to go to work or could I play?

Getting a three-day weekend is not without its hazards.

Then, Vinnie arrived and I knew it was Tuesday, that I was at Emanuel Children’s Hospital, and there were likely no actual wild animals in the vicinity (except, maybe, that one nurse…).

Vinnie enthusiastically shook Stephanie’s hand when introduced and even showed us his fancy footwork. Too bad Sam was already off to speech therapy and missed, once again, making Vinnie’s acquaintance. I think they’ll become fast friends when they eventually meet.

Vinnie can’t drive, so his best friend Harriet brings him every Tuesday to Emanuel to visit the dozens of children in the pediatric and school-aged inpatient programs. He doesn’t’ care about their diagnoses or their prognoses; he’s quite content to leave that to the fabulous doctors, nurses, techs and social workers. His job is to touch the heart and that he does. Ten fold.

Vinnie always looks so well put together with his security badge and ID, tailored lab coat, and perfectly styled hair. And, although he’s a volunteer, you can tell he’s a professional and that he takes his job seriously. Harriet was telling us that Vinnie also visits four eldercare homes each week to spread cheer to the aging.

Harriet said she’s going on 80 years and bringing Vinnie to his weekly rounds keeps her young. So, not only do the kids, the elders, the families and the professionals receive the benefits of Vinnie’s special medicine, so does Harriet.

Vinnie and Harriet have been inseparable for Vinnie’s entire life; all 5 years of it. Vinnie is diminutive in stature but not in oomph. Although I generally resist describing people by their physical and genetic characteristics, it’s probably helpful for you to know that Vinnie is an angel in a dog’s body. He’s a mix of small breed dogs but I’ve forgotten what Harriet told us.

Suffice it to say that Vinnie made both Stephanie and I forget our aches, pains and fatigue this morning. We stroked his soft fur and laughed when he performed for treats. It was a great way to start this short week.

If it’s Vinnie, it must be Tuesday.

-- Aunt Dart (Karylinn)

Quiet Weekend at Home

Good morning, it's Monday already and we need to be back at hospital by 8 p.m., but for now Sam is home, laying on the couch watching t.v., with dogs asleep at his side and all are content.  Sam had PT Saturday morning and then late afternoon so we didn't get home until about 5:30.  Our church has Saturday service and Sam wanted to go so we got there for most of the service and went home right away.  Sam was happy to see some friends and people that have been praying for him, but I could see he was wearing out so we went home to relax.  The dogs were excited to see us both and haven't left our sides much at all.  Sunday we slept in, I mean really slept in until about 1 p.m. and I never sleep in, but this is about Sam so reverting back to him.  He too slept in, no PT, no nurses waking him up for his meds, just dogs, family, and sleeping. 
 
Some of Sam's classmates from WCS came to visit him and brought some wonderful homemade cinnamon rolls.  Thank you Kelsey, Meadow, Karly, and Danielle.  We went to the movies last night and saw Babylon A.D.  After we got Sam spent the rest of the night hanging out with Cameron watching t.v., playing XBox and enjoying time with his big brother.  They stayed up until almost midnight long past my going to sleep.
 
I know it sounds like Sam has had a busy weekend but he's had more down time than activities and he is enjoy everything that is so normal.  He has also had fewer headaches (and less pain pills) since being home probably because his days are here are so less structured and fast paced than at the hospital.  He's doing stuff for himself (getting breakfast, etc.) and says it's good to be independent. 
 
I can tell he is anxious to be home for good but I also know the his road to recovery is still ahead of him us and this is but the first rest stop before starting his journey again tomorrow.
 
Thank you for all the prayers, cards, and thank so much to our WCS family who held a car wash in Sam's honor and gave him the proceeds towards future expenses.  We are truly blessed.
 
Stephanie       

Texting... A Good Thing (8.29.08)

I’m old, so my friends are old, too. At least we are from a teen’s perspective. (Sorry friends).

My ‘old’ friends and I don’t completely understand this whole instant messaging and texting world. We’ve all said to our kids and other young people, “why don’t you just call the person?” as their thumbs and fingers fly over keys the size of atoms.

The response… that blank look that silently screams, “Duh! You’re so old.”

And, then the ‘old’ parent gets the cell phone bill and, after picking oneself off the floor, not-so-silently screams back, “How in blue-blazes did you send 2,321 text messages last month?! Do you realize that’s 86 messages a day! What were you talking about?? No wonder you ‘didn’t have time’ to finish your science project or send a thank you to grandma!”

The response… that blank look that silently screams, “Duh! You’re so old.”

Well, last night sitting by Sam’s bed, I couldn’t have been more excited to see a teen texting! Sam’s thumbs and fingers were flying across the tiny keys and the buzzing of responses just kept coming. For a minute there, I thought Sam had put a quarter in a ‘magic fingers’ bed. (Sorry teens, only the ‘old’ people will get that reference and we’re not going to let you in on the secret!).

Here’s what this very ‘normal’ teen activity signaled to me:

1. Both of Sam’s hands were working and working in sync. You may recall in our early posts how Sam’s right arm and hand weren’t responding to commands. Then, the excitement we felt when he unscrewed a water bottle. NOW he is typing with both hands! TYPING!!

2. He was typing fast which told me that he was translating thoughts to intention to action. And he was doing so without hesitation! WOW. Just three weeks ago he was in a coma. Yesterday he was purposeful in his mental, behavioral and physical actions.

3. He’s able to reconnect personally with his friends. We know it’s been hard on Sam’s friends because they have not be able to talk on the phone, email or visit Sam. And, it’s been hard on Sam, I’m certain. Now they’re getting back in touch with one another. That’s got to be some very good ‘medicine’ for all of them.

I didn’t ask, but I’m pretty sure the text conversations went something like this:

Friend, “What’s up?”

Sam, “Nothing”

Friend, “Cool”

Sam, “What’s up?”

Friend, “Not much”

Sam, “BRB”

Friend, “K”

Sam, “Back”

Friend, “What r u doing?”

Sam, “Watching TV with one of my very cool aunts!”

Again, I don’t know if that was the conversation but if it was, what a symphony! I could watch his fingers flying & listen to those vibrations all day!

Truth be told, we stayed up a bit too late; I didn’t want to make Sam stop texting because it was time for bed. (Can you imagine him texting his friends, “my aunt says I have to go to bed now”? I just couldn’t do that to him.)

But, after a couple times of coming in Sam's room, the nurse got a little unhappy with me because he was still up. So we wrapped it up about 11:30pm. I think next time I’ll just smuggle in a little flashlight so the nurse doesn’t know what he’s doing under the covers after the lights are out!

-- Aunt Dart (Karylinn)

P.S. Stef, sorry about all those text messages on your cell phone bill.

Wednesday, what a busy and tiring day!

It's Wednesday night and Sam is quietly sleeping as I write.  He was up at 8:14 to get ready for his outing with the guys, two other teenagers that are here on the floor; oh and two counselors to chaperone.  Just the guys heading off to play arcade games and bowl a game or two.  I heard from his nurse that he had a great time but he also had a bit of sensory overload, plus he walked the whole morning, yes I wrote walked.  Isn't that exciting.  They got back about 1230 and after he ate lunch he was whisked off to physical, occupational, speech, and art therapies from 1:00 to 4:30.  I could barely keep him awake to eat his dinner.  He is doing well.  He did a collage in art that he put the phrase Discovery the Possibilities on it and I think he is doing just that.  I tell him daily he is my hero. I'm sure he doesn't understand just how much his spirit and the faith he has inside of him fought to stay alive, to wake up. and to keep going everyday.  He smiles and laughs at me and it makes me melt. 
 
Two of his leaders from church visited last night and sat with Sam.  He was excited to hear they were coming and enjoyed seeing familiar and loving faces.  Thank you guys for sharing God's word and your time with Sam.  I know the spiritual uplift was needed.
 
Keep us in your prayers as we are keeping you too.  Please pray for the other kids here, so many have illnesses that will linger for a very long time and I am reminded how precious the gift of Sam's healing and recovery are. 
 
God bless you all.
 
Stephanie

Sam-I-Am (Tuesday 8.26.08)

Who doesn’t love Dr. Seuss?  I remember reading Dr. Seuss to the kids when they were young.  Now, all of a sudden, Cameron and Amanda (my daughter) are college students, Sam’s a high school freshman, and nephew Alex is closing in fast.   Indeed, all the Nelson kids (from Stef’s side of the family) and all the extended families’ kids are growing so fast.  Yours too, I’m certain. 

 

Where does the time go?

 

Fast forward to Sunday night when I arrived at the hospital and I found Sam, our Sam.   The original, the one-and-only Sam Huntting.  There he was all snuggled up in his new baseball quilt with the center embroidery proclaiming:  “Sam I Am” (many thanks to Jackie Bennett for this beautiful gift!).    There he was, our very own Sam-I-Am. 

 

Now, how do I explain what I mean???  Hmmm… let me try.

 

In the past three-plus weeks, we’ve watched Sam go from crisis, to coma, to deep sleep, to waking up but very agitated, to confused and unbalanced, to now.  Since arriving at Emanuel he is talking more, doing more, laughing and smiling more.  But, Sunday night it was different.  It was as though he was ‘back’.  He was present.  He was and is.

 

Early on in this journey, Cameron, Amanda and I read Shel Silverstein’s poem, “A Light in the Attic” (from the book with the same name), to each other and to Sam.  And the family talked about how the poem seemed to fit.   While he laid motionless we could see that the light was on inside but it just couldn’t shine through yet. 

 

Now, his light is shining, glowing, bursting forth.  In his eyes and behind his eyes, you can see the original, the one-and-only Sam.  Sure, his journey is still long with doubtless ups-and-downs and frustrations to work through.   They’ll be times to make up for, emotions to feel, and time to heal. 

 

Yet, we’re prepared, even, for times when we don’t see Sam in the deepness of his eyes.  But, we know, without hesitation, that he will be more than okay; he will be Sam again.

 

How can we be so sure?  Well, there’s faith, family and friends.  There’s determination, devotion and discipline.  We know that Sam, our very own Sam-I-Am, will be back in full.   And, for further confirmation, there’s always Dr. Seuss in his last book about a boy and his struggles.   As we read in “Oh, the Places You’ll Go”…

 

"Will you succeed? Yes, you will indeed. (98 3/4% guaranteed.)"

 

Thanks for keeping on with us,

Aunt Dart (Karylinn)

 

Sunday Day Update

Sorry I'm a day late.  Yesterday seems like a blur.  Sundays are a day off from therapy so Sam got to sleep in and eat breakfast when he got up.  He took a bit of a nap and then we went down to the outdoor Children's Garden.  Sam's cousins visited him for the first time and the garden was a good place to go and not feel like we're in a hospital room.  Sam tired after half an hour or maybe it was the teenage girls giggling (no insult intended).  It was good to get him out of the room, walk a bit, and relax. 
 
Sam has a full day of therapies scheduled today and then a neuro appointment this afternoon with possibly a CT scan also.  This will indicate how his brain is doing and give the doctors a better idea of how long we will be "visiting" this fine establishment.  Sam has been having headaches towards the end of the days but then his head has been through a lot and is put through more with his therapies.  He is much steadier on his feet and is using his right arm quite a bit more especially when I remind him to use it. 
 
He laughs more usually at me but that's okay it is so good to see him smile. 
 
God bless everyone, keep us in your prayers, and have a great Monday.
 
Mom (Stephanie)    

Saturday is Pizza day!

If it isn't, then it should be. I heard a rumor that Sam wanted pepperoni pizza for dinner. It took a little longer than anticipated for me find HotLips Pizza over near the Concordia campus and make it to the hospital, Dinner was underway, but the half eaten hamburger was soon cast aside.

In other breaking news, yesterday Grammy and Papa took Sam to the children's garden. For now, long trips like that require a wheelchair. Sam can walk, but is still wobbly and tires easily. On the way back, Papa asked Sam if he wanted to drive the chair himself. That was definitely a hit! Apparently it is good to be in charge. Physical therapy has been good, (medicine balls are really medicine?) but getting to drive the chair is better. Rumor has it that they took the long way back, exploring every hall available, and in the description of the trip, I'm pretty sure I heard the word "zipping."

After dinner I read him some of the blog comments. Sam's attention span is still pretty short (I'm sure it has nothing to do with the uncle being boring) but he did seem interested in the comments reporting on what is going on in the world and with friends. I'm not sure I'd try a long recital of everything that has happened in the last three weeks, but a few short "news items" from friends might be good.

As always, prayers, sleep, time and whatever else it takes to heal a brain (sorry Sam, I think that means physical therapy) are what Sam really needs.

-- Patton

Clearing Skies, Thursday Morning Update (8.21.08)

The forecast for clearing skies and warmer temperatures couldn't be more appreciated. While each new day renews our faith and hope for a return of 'the old Sam', the unseasonably dark, rainy and cold days casts a slight pale over the small hospital room.

Sam's first day of therapy left him quite tired. When I asked last night, he said it was a good day; and staying true to his characteristic manner of being 'a man of few words', that's all I learned about the day. Both yesterday and today he has numerous sessions of physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, activities of daily living, and more. Being a high school student, I don't know what kind of occupational therapy he receives but I know we'll learn more about all this as Stef and Cameron have the opportunity to blog. Their days are quite full as you can well imagine.

Sam slept well last night and woke about 7:15am relatively refreshed. We still get up a couple times at night but mercifully he's been able to go right back to sleep. He devoured his Grammy's special apple sauce this morning even before breakfast arrived. This morning's omelet and ham meal seemed to be hitting the spot. Cameron was by his brother's side and encouraging him on, being Sam's loyal cheerleader, as I left for work.

I'm not sure that our daily blogs will show as many momentous daily changes and improvements as the first two weeks did, but I hope you will continue this journey with Sam and his entire family. These next several weeks of rehab are critical to Sam's entire future. Your continued prayers, cheerleading, support, and posted comments keep us energized and 'connected' to the rest of the world.

With abundant gratitude, Dart (Karylinn)

Wednesday Morning (8.20.08)

Just a quick report on our first night at Emanuel…

Although Stephanie’s optimism is always greatly appreciated and admired, her posting of Tuesday about anticipating ‘falling to sleep early’ missed the mark by a mile. (Sorry Stef!). They had to change his bed from one he can get out of on his own, to a ‘tent-like’ bed that zips all the way around. This didn’t happen until quite late last night. Fortunately, Grammy & PaPa were still at their daily post and kept Sam entertained until the switch could happen.

This ‘tent bed’ is important because we no longer have 24/7 sitters as was provided at DCH, so this bed ensures that Sam cannot get out in the middle of the night. With room for only one of us to stay the night with him, Cameron or I need to be able to also get some sleep without worrying that Sam will wake and try to get out of bed on his own.

Anyway, it was late when Sam got to bed and then it took a long time to fall asleep. But, he slept soundly until the nurse woke us about 4am for a bathroom break and again at 6am for meds, blood draw, and another trip to the loo. Then we got to snuggle in a bit more until getting up about 9am. After breakfast, Sam and Stef were off to his first of several therapy appointments today.

Sam is enjoying the cards and well-wishes, so now is a GREAT time to drop him a note or card. The address is:

Sam Huntting

Legacy Emanuel Children’s Hospital

2801 N Gantenbein Ave, Room 3507
Portland, OR 97227-1623

More later from the Sam-Team!

Aunt Dart (Karylinn)

Arrival...

What a busy day. After waiting an extra hour we checked out of Doernbecher and Sam was put into his horse drawn carriage (actually an ambulance) along with is trusty servant in waiting (actually Cameron) and whisked off to Emanuel Children's Hospital. After in-processing, a tour of the PT area, meet and greets with various members of Sam's team, and a long awaited shower Sam is resting quietly and will probably fall asleep early.

He starts his daily routine tomorrow and actually started today if you count when his PT had/made him walk a quarter of the way back to his room after our tour. Pray for Sam's strength and Cameron and my patience. After diligently watching, holding Sam's hand, and taking care of him I see we will be backing off a bit so the doctors, nurses, and therapists (of which there are many, I think eight or nine) can take over Sam's recovery in ways I know I couldn't.

Cameron and I are off to see the Phantom of the Opera tonight. Everyone take care and God bless.

Sam had a great day today.  He and I ate breakfast sitting together, he in a rocking chair.  With help from the CMA and me to keep his balance he got out of bed, walked to the chair, and sat with me.  Today was exciting for many reasons, the MOST EXCITING AND IMPORTANT is Sam is being released to Legacy Emanuel Rehabilitation tomorrow, yes tomorrow at 1030 a.m.  Also Sam was evaluated by an Occupational Therapist this morning and we found out he is seeing double which is not unusual after a head injury.  He also showed Sam the front of a folder with writing on it and had Sam read it.  I wasn't sure if he would be able to read and hadn't tried it.  That was also exciting.  Oh, I almost forgot the staples were taken out of the incision in his head.  I can tell that his brain is less swollen and where the bone plate was removed.  The doctor told us not be concerned if the area took on a concave look to it and it does which is good and he looks wonderful.
 
All in all Sam has done as much healing as he can here at OSHU and Doernbecher and we are starting on to the next phase of this unplanned part of our lives.  He is glad to be leaving he hospital and will be able to wear his own clothes and be a pretty regimented schedule for the next four to six weeks.  
 
As always, keep us in your prayers and God bless you all.
 
Stephanie    

Monday morning - August 18th

Last night was eventually joyfully uneventful. But, before we could get to serenity, Sam really struggled to get settled in. When the days are long and Sam hasn’t had enough napping, the nights can be rather rough. Stephanie also clued in to the fact that having the TV on probably provides more stimulation than Sam needs at this time, even if he isn’t watching it. Just the noise and the flicker of lights in the background can be too much.

Sam took his evening meds and then was able to get comfortable. He slept the entire night and only woke when the nurse had to give him his medicine or take vitals. And, then he went right back to sleep. This morning the doctor said that his vitals have been solidly stable for a few days now, so they are going to quit taking those. One more move forward.

With the CNA in the room all night, Cameron and I were able to sleep on the two day-beds in Sam’s room. We only got up when Sam was awake so it made for a mostly restful night.

I’m sure Stephanie and/or Cameron will update this blog later, especially given that they’ll be seeing the doctor later today. I just wanted to give a quick report so that you all know that everything is going well.

Dart (Karylinn)

Temperature Conversion

If you don't want to do the math to convert Celsius to Fahrenheit in your head . . .

Degrees C	Degrees F
36.5	97.7
37.0	98.6
37.5	99.5
38.0	100.4
38.5	101.3
39.0	102.2
39.5	103.1
40.0	104
40.5	104.9

Sunday Afternoon Excitement

Hi all - The last 24 hours have been awesome.  Sam seems to be improving in leaps and bounds at least to me, his mom.  It's the small things that I notice and am so very happy about.  When he is asked where he is and he says the hospital whereas yesterday it was China or his grandfather's living room; watching him hold his water bottle with his left hand and open it with his right when yesterday (yes just yesterday) he could not hold onto objects let alone turn open the top of a water bottle with a straw in it. You can tell his thought process is getting increasingly better each day also.  This morning Sam asked his grandmother why he was in the hospital and she told him because he was in a car accident.  He answered back, "Yes, but give me another reason".  Her reply was so he could get stronger.  He didn't seem to think an accident was enough to have him here. 
 
I don't know why God's power amazes me but it does and I have been given the wondrous opportunity to see Him in action.  As I share these notes of progress I want to remind all that read this blog that Sam does not realize what he can't do, so when I see him progressing and improving I try not to make too much of it.  I silently praise God and feel His presence surrounding us and truly know we are not alone and we could not be doing this without God's gracious love.  
 
Sam still gets frustrated and agitated when he has trouble doing a task he knows he has done in the past and doesn't know why he can't do it now, and when you try to help him he pushes you away and tells you to stop, "I can do it".  The nights are harder for him as he is tired from the activities of the day.
 
His friends Stefani and Erika and Erika's mom Debbie left a little while ago and they had a good visit.  Sam is asleep now and looks like an angel but we all know he is a bit sassy, stubborn, and independent all qualities that have helped him progress so well.
 
Our family thanks all of you who have sent words of encouragement and love.  When Sam is feeling better we will be reading all the blogs and comments.  I know they will help him in the recovery process.
 
God bless, Stephanie
 
 

Saturday update from Friday night (8.16.08) - Now at Doernbechers

Late last night (Friday), a bed opened up at Doernbecher Children's Hospital (DCH) and we moved Sam over there about 10:30pm. He had been medicated shortly before the transfer so he slept through the process which was good. DCH is co-located with OHSU so it was a simple walk across the sky bridge to his new room.

Although we already miss the amazing staff at the ICU, DCH is much more comfortable for all involved. In addition to Sam's very nice bed, there are 2 daybeds, a rocking chair, two side chairs, and a large full-service bathroom for Sam and the family's use. They also provide 24/7 sitting service by CNAs (certified nursing assistants). There's a family lounge, playroom and great outdoor courtyard. They even have a family laundry room and a Starbucks! What more could we ask for?!

So, my first all-night shift at DCH was almost comfortable. Because of the CNA, I was able to catch a few hours of sleep between Sam's waking up. And, with Cameron 'off duty' for the weekend, it was nice to have the CNA there to help with Sam.

Sam goes from being very active and agitated, to being calm and serene, to sleeping. He gets very restless (who wouldn't after all those days in bed!) and struggles to get comfortable. He also wants to get up and move around. We walked across the bedroom numerous times last night. He's strong but not able to stand or walk on his own; he is not fully coordinated and it could take some time before that gets better.

He has to wear a soft helmet whenever he leaves his bed and he doesn't like that much. He was able to use the bed controls last night to raise and lower the head and the foot sections. And, he was able to operate the TV controls. He used all the controls several times!

Sam has great recall of things before the accident such as Michael Phelps the gold medal winning swimmer; going to South Africa on safari last month; the weekend activities prior to the accident; what school he goes to; and other things. His short-term, immediate memory is less solid. Of course, we'll know more about the longer-term impact of the brain injury after the doctors from Legacy Emanuel Hospital evaluate Sam more thoroughly.

For those who want to send cards, please wait until we know when he will be moved to Legacy Emanuel Hospital just in case the cards don't arrive before he leaves DCH. He will be at Emanuel 4 to 6 weeks - at least that's the prediction at this time. So, we'd love to fill his room with well wishes once he settles in. Check this blog as we will post when it's a good time to send cards, and ultimately for short visits.

It's a gorgeous day; please get some sun on your skin, let out a hearty laugh, and tell someone you love them. That's the best 'gift' you can give Sam and his entire family today.

Aunt Dart (Karylinn)

Quick Update Saturday 16

Hey everyone, sorry that it has been a while since our last update but alot has gone on recently. Sam, as of now, has been moved out of the ICU at OHSU and moved into the pediatric ward at Doernbecher's Children's Hospital. He will stay there for a couple of days until some doctors from Emmanuel Legacy come over to evaluate Sam for their pediatric rehabilitation program/ward over there. After he is evaluated he should be moved over to Emmanuel to start his rehabilitation. At that point me and my mom would move to the Ronald McDonald house over there.

Thank you everyone so much for the support and prayers that you have given my family and I. This is really a great example of how it has worked and this has definitely shown my family and I the power of prayer and of the christian faith and body.

By the way this is Cameron. I will be home this weekend for the weekend so if you have anything that you want me to give to Sam, I can. I know that you are all anxious to see him but as of now I have not talked to my mom about having people come and visit Sam. But I am pretty sure that we want to wait until we have a date that we are switching hospitals and/or he continues to make a steady recovery but as always I or any other member of this blog will let you know on what we are thinking that would be the best for Sam.

As always thank you so much

In God We Trust>>>Cameron Huntting
--
Cameron Huntting (chunttin@uoregon.edu)

Friday Afternoon

When I arrived this afternoon, Sam was having some sherbet (orange, I think) and decided that he wanted to feed himself. He was able to do so, and spilled just a little. Then he worked at getting comfortable. As we heard before, this can be quite a process, head to the top of the bed, head to the bottom, wants to stand up, wants to get in the chair, lay down again. Sam's nurse said that he has had several bursts of energy like this, each one followed by several hours of sleep.

As I understand the current plan, it is to get Sam out of ICU and transferred to Dornbecher's as soon as a bed is available. In a few days, another transfer to Emanuel. More info (or perhaps a correction) when available.

But for now, as of a few minutes ago, Sam, his night nurse and Stephanie are going for a walk to get a change of scenery. Sam's not actually walking. He's riding. But he seems very pleased to be getting out for a little while. Perhaps they'll go see the tram station which is in this building.

More prayers are always good, perhaps a little thanksgiving added in!

-- Patton

Move over sadness...

.... Make room for happiness, joy & gratitude!

It's Thursday morning and Cameron and I just finished our "shift" and turned it over to Stephanie.

It was a very good night. Sam is talking a bit, has a sense of humor, and, through it all, remembers his "please" and "thank yous"!

He was quite impressed that there are over 2,000 hits on this blog; he gave a big thumbs up when he learned that all his nurses have been very cute; and he remembers going to the flugtag with Uncle Patton, cousin Amanda and me the day before the accident.

He continues to have trouble coordinating and performing commands with his right arm and hand, but all other extremities seem to be working well. He struggles quite a bit to get comfortable in bed but also doesn't complain about it.

He has enjoyed the "lollipops" of sprite and says "I love you"!

We ask for your prayers of thanksgiving for the progress that Sam has made and your continued prayers that the road ahead improves with each new day.

Aunt Dart (Karylinn)

Wednesday Day Shift Update

Hi all. Today started out good, got a little down (because of my being emotional) and then got great. Sam passed all the tests that Wes his Respiratory Therapist put him through before getting a thumbs up to come off the respirator. Thank you God. His food tube and sedatives were shut down and when the Trauma team came through they did an evaluation and it was decided to extubate Sam. Thank you God and Trauma team. Out came the feeding tube and out came the respirator tube, and just like that Sam was breathing on his own and had two less tubes and was also taken off the IV sedatives for good. He is still getting the pain meds. He was quite a bit groggy from the meds but Sarah his nurse felt he should sit up for a little while. He was moved into a hospital chair and seemed to be okay with it but still his grogginess from all the sedatives kept us from getting a good grip on what he was feeling or needed.

Okay, here's where my downward spiral came. Seeing him sitting in this chair, head to one side, and not talking scared me and made me doubt any future steps forward. I quickly packed my bag, told Sarah I was going to my room, and went to sleep almost immediately upon getting to the room. I slept three hours sleep with no interruptions until Cameron got a cell phone call, mmm was that you Jeff?

The great was when I went back to Sam's room. Sam looked so peaceful, no tubes in his mouth, no air into his nose. I saw the Sam we all know and I felt peace also. I talked to Sarah and she said that while I was gone Sam had said his last name when asked and had said Cameron's name. It was so exciting. As Sam started to stir awake I held his hand and just looked at him. When he opened his eyes I said hi and he looked at me and waved hi. As the night progressed he said his head hurt, yes, no. Mind you it takes good listening skills as his throat is probably quite sore from the tubes but the words could be heard. When Cameron asked him questions Sam answered with a nod, a thumbs up, and even once held his fingers showing "a little bit". Also, Sam kept point to his mouth so Jenn (his night nurse) asked if he was thirsty. He was given what looks like a lollipop but it is a sponge on the end of a stick. He like it and Jenn as if he wanted some Sprite and he said yes, please. He sucked on the Sprite lollipop a few times. I told him I loved him and he said I love you back to me. My heart melted with joy and hope. He got a little restless and when I asked him why he was touching and rubbed his head, he said it hurts, so Jenn gave him some pain meds and he drifted off to sleep.

How could I have had doubted. I was reminded that we cannot let even the smallest amount of doubt enter our minds.

Sam will continue to make baby steps forward and will need my/our faith, love, and spirit to help him through the ups and downs of recovery. Cameron has been a wonderful big brother and tonight I was reminded of just how close he and Sam are. I was with Sam for about 30 minutes before Cameron got to the room and he was pretty restless. Cameron came in and Sam settled down and all was good. We three were together and it is wonderful.

I thank you all for your prayers. My favorite song is God is An Awesome God, now more than ever I believe the words and have seen how He works for us even in this time of unknowns and having to take one day at a time. Today's one day was awesome.

Stephanie

Wednesday Morning Update

Well last night was a very eventful night but not as much as two nights ago. I am sorry that this will be brief but you will still get the update that you all really want. So anyways last night was full of up and down with Sam and his nurse Jenn rarely got a moment to herself and it seemed that Sam really did want all of the attention that he could get. He came really close, a couple of times, to removing his own ventilator tube which could have turned out to be rather painful and these occurrences really did keep us more aware as we became more tired. As we have been saying the whole time his awareness and ability to fight the drugs is a really good sign but also might still be a little premature in relation to the readiness of his brain.

However, there is some good, well more GREAT news. Hopefully today, based on a couple of tests, Sam will be able to be removed from the ventilator. This will have him breathing on his own and remove, what I think, a large part of what is causing him stress at the moment, the ventilator tube. Just a little info, the tube that is helping him breath actually stretches from his teeth into his throat and stuff about 23 centimeters, now I don't quite know how many inches that is but it seems to be enough to annoy the heck out of the easy going person that Sam is.

While Sam being removed from the ventilator is great news, it does hinge on a couple of tests that will tell us how much CO2 is in his body. Now the less CO2 the better because what CO2 does is it dilates the veins in the brain which increases blood flow and also increases the amount of swelling that his brain does. The way that the CO2 levels stay low is based on how deep of breaths Sam takes and also how much CO2 he pushes out on the exhale, and these both are directly related. So, if all goes well and Sam is able to maintain his CO2 levels the doctors will probably see fit to take him off of the ventilator to breathe on his own.

Please pray this morning for God to strengthen Sam's lungs and will, so that he can be taken off of the ventilator.

And if this procedure were not to happen today it is possible that it would happen tomorrow, but why not have it happen today. Keep praying and your prayers and offers of support are really helping out my mom, Sam, and me. Thank you so so much and we will let you know tonight how today went.

In God We Trust>>>Cameron Huntting

--Cameron Huntting (chunttin@uoregon.edu)