From Tammy
We were moved from the icu today to the 9th floor. They are known as the brain floor, they wear fleece jackets that say "brain team" on them. There is a picture of the brain on the back, and the brain has 2 dangly eyes hanging from it.
Jack is still working through some stuff, the docs say this can last 3-4 days or 6-8 weeks, but it appears at this time Jack does not have control over alot of his face. He keeps his eyes almost closed (I miss his eyes) and can't speak at this time. He was able to get that pesky old tongue in his mouth to stay last night. Swelling has gone down completely. Speech therapy was in today and he gets pretty mad when ever he sees a new face walk in the door to poke, prod, ... but the therapist was able to start assessing his capabilities at this time. The part that is Jack in his brain is working great. The part that helps him get that out, by speaking or motioning or moving around is not working. Everyone says that he will regain all of that, but it will take an undetermined amount of time.
My prayer for Jack today are that: His brain gets back to normal sooner than later. They will try and feed him real food in the next 48 hours I think. So that will be something to look forward to.
I also pray that he is comforted, because he can not talk, he is so frustrated. He gets real angry. I don't blame him a bit. I would be the same way.
Pray that Jack finds his voice.
The tube that drains the spinal fluid from his brain has been closed for about 36 hours as of now, they did a cat scan, and decided not to remove the tube from his head just yet. Some of the spaces that were storing the extra spinal fluid on the top of his brain, have not done yet what they need to do. I am not disappointed about this, because his numbers have been great on the brain pressure, and I hope that in the next 3 or 4 days things should work themselves out.One of the nurse practitioners said that this blog was a great way for me to chart Jack's progress. Just when I think that there is so much in front of us, I can look back and see how far we have come.
I pray for continued perspective like that, because it is overwhelming at times for us all. I am in constant prayer for Jack, I take comfort that so many others are to. I am continually grateful for the love and praying that you all are doing. Jack has alot of friends, he has never met a stranger, and he has a kindness for everyone. May God bless him with all that and immeasurably more.
IN HIM,Tammy
p.s. Last but not least, thank you Sarah, Karene, Denise and Jana for making the trek to Dallas today. It blessed us all so.
5/2/2005 7:29 PM
Jack is still working through some stuff, the docs say this can last 3-4 days or 6-8 weeks, but it appears at this time Jack does not have control over alot of his face. He keeps his eyes almost closed (I miss his eyes) and can't speak at this time. He was able to get that pesky old tongue in his mouth to stay last night. Swelling has gone down completely. Speech therapy was in today and he gets pretty mad when ever he sees a new face walk in the door to poke, prod, ... but the therapist was able to start assessing his capabilities at this time. The part that is Jack in his brain is working great. The part that helps him get that out, by speaking or motioning or moving around is not working. Everyone says that he will regain all of that, but it will take an undetermined amount of time.
My prayer for Jack today are that: His brain gets back to normal sooner than later. They will try and feed him real food in the next 48 hours I think. So that will be something to look forward to.
I also pray that he is comforted, because he can not talk, he is so frustrated. He gets real angry. I don't blame him a bit. I would be the same way.
Pray that Jack finds his voice.
The tube that drains the spinal fluid from his brain has been closed for about 36 hours as of now, they did a cat scan, and decided not to remove the tube from his head just yet. Some of the spaces that were storing the extra spinal fluid on the top of his brain, have not done yet what they need to do. I am not disappointed about this, because his numbers have been great on the brain pressure, and I hope that in the next 3 or 4 days things should work themselves out.One of the nurse practitioners said that this blog was a great way for me to chart Jack's progress. Just when I think that there is so much in front of us, I can look back and see how far we have come.
I pray for continued perspective like that, because it is overwhelming at times for us all. I am in constant prayer for Jack, I take comfort that so many others are to. I am continually grateful for the love and praying that you all are doing. Jack has alot of friends, he has never met a stranger, and he has a kindness for everyone. May God bless him with all that and immeasurably more.
IN HIM,Tammy
p.s. Last but not least, thank you Sarah, Karene, Denise and Jana for making the trek to Dallas today. It blessed us all so.
5/2/2005 7:29 PM
Comments
We love you so!
dixie and tom
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you, and especially your precious Jack. God is infinitely merciful, and He is with you through this ordeal. May He Bless you always.
With love and fondest memories,
Paula Papponi
Many, many prayers will continue to be lifted up for Jack and all of his family.
Shellie & Craig
This must be so hard for you. I can't even read your updates without crying. It sure is humbling. I am truly sorry that things like this have to happen, especially to children. We love you and please know that if you need anything you just have to call.
Cari
Becky (Tammy's sister)
Shaun and Emily Burrow
Allison Winters
Love,
Tracy
it is hard for a guy like myself to know what to say to a little fella like yourself....when you are someone i don't know, have never met or seen a picture of before today. but, from what i can understand from all the messages and prayers, there is one thing that is very clear.....you are a very special son to your parents and grandson to your grand dad, Robert.
you are in my thoughts big guy....have faith in the knowledge that you will make a full recovery....there is just too much positive thought that is rooting for you, for it to be otherwise.
get well soon
kevin wright
south africa
We continue to pray and He continues to listen. Hallelujah!
It was such a blessing to for us all to be able to come up and see Jack, Tammy, Rob, Elaine & Tom! DJ and Sophie also showed their love and support for their brother. (DJ didn't want to leave his brother, Jack - he wanted to stay with Jack until he came back home). The Lord has truly been witnessing to us all through Tammy and Rob (and Elaine & Tom) - your constant love, support, faith & steadfastness is blessing us all. The Lord has been your Rock and you have been leaning on Him, therefore - you will not be shaken! While you are heros to us in Dallas, Tamara is also a hero back in Abilene as she takes care of DJ & Sophie - she is doing a wonderful job! We love you and are proud of you - we are blessed to be a part of your family!
We all assure you that the prayers are continuing. You have a great army of "pray-ers" (all of the world!) that will continue to lift you and Jack before the Lord until we see the complete victory.
Dear Lord,
Thank you for your continued presence and healing for Jack. Thank you for each victory along the way (removing what doesn't belong in the brain, moving him out of ICU, healing his tongue, stablizing the fluid pressure in the brain, showing us more and more glipses of the Jack we know through his hand signs, etc.) Please bless Jack with peace, patience, and let him really feel your presence so he will not be afraid or frustrated. Please bless him to be able to eat solid food and make this transition smooth. Thank you that we can have confidence in you as you continue to work through the doctors, nurses, medicine and directly to make Jack whole. Thank you for the peace the truly surpasses all comprehension - esp. for Tammy, Rob, Elaine, Tom and the whole family. Please cover them and surround them with your shield of protection.
In Jesus Name, Amen
This morning while driving Shelby to school I noticed she was blowing kisses out her window - I asked her about this and her reply was "I'm sending Jack get well kisses". Boy did I tear up!
Thank you so much for keeping us updated on Jack's progress. I check this site many, many times each day praying for good news.
Please let me know if you need anything at all.
We love all of you,
Darla & Sam Wohlers & Family
Today is Tuesday, Jack just had another cat scan. Don't know any results on it yet. He still has great readings on all of his statistics..heart, O2, Brain, breathing...We are encouraged. This morning the music therapy rep. named Shea stopped by to help Jack work out some frustration. He loved it. He didn't want to play an instrument today, but he had his own band, all of us in the room. The music therapist had a beautiful voice and played her guitar and sang a couple of songs. It soothed him, and he has been sleeping ever since.
Thanks for all of your comments and prayers. It is therapy for Rob, Elaine, and I, to read what you are saying. Feelings of isolation when you are living in a hospital are common a nurse told us, but we haven't felt that at all because we can read words from all of you Jack fans out there.
Love, Tammy
Our good and loving Father, thank you for providing these creative people who have offered music to Jack. Thank you that this has given him some peace. Please be with Jack and help him to find expression by being a part of the music. And please continue to send creative ideas to his caregivers so that they can offer just the right avenues for giving him some control, ways to interact with his circumstances. Especially, emerse him, flood him with a powerful sense of the hope and confidence that your love and presence and healing bring. We offer you praise in the name of your Son.