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Aubrey's Update History Nov 22, 2002 to Dec 13, 2002

The Aubrey Update

by Cary Pestel

Future Updates will be in the Forum

                                                        

This page is dedicated to updating the medical condition of Aubrey Robbins, the sixteen year old daughter of Jana and Brady Robbins. 

We are posting this page in an attempt to provide information to friends and family on Aubrey's condition.  We'll do our best to update this page often so that everyone can have the best information available.

Special Announcement:  The First Baptist Church in Claremore, OK is organizing a "Moment of Prayer" for Aubrey.  Please contact your church and make sure you join us this Sunday, December 15, 2002 at 10:35 a.m.  Imagine the power of a multi-church prayer asking God to do his will in Aubrey's life.

Just for fun, email me at cpestel@2boonesales.com and let me know if your church is participating.

Friday, December 13, 2002

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  Romans 12:12

  • Aubrey is still breathing on her own.  The doctors are giving her a little oxygen to help her but they are simply laying the oxygen mask next to her tracheostomy.  She is doing all of the work by herself.

  • She is starting to stretch and wiggle her toes without being tickled or pinched.  Jana and Brady believe God is working his will and this is a sign of her recovery.  The doctors are not acting like this is a big deal.

  • The tremors are still present and the intensity seems to come and go.  Jana reports that they seem to be more mild with the new medication they are giving her.

History

Days in the life of Aubrey Robbins:

 

Friday, November 22, 2002     

When Jesus entered the ruler's house, and saw the flute players and the noisy crowd, he said, "Go away.  The girl is not dead, but asleep." But they laughed at him.  After the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took the girl by the hand, and she got up.  News of this spread through all that region.   Matthew 9: 23-26

Saturday, November 23, 2002

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.  II Tim. 1:7

  • Today's chest films showed a slight improvement in fluid, although the lung that aspirated continued to show severe damage and consolidation.  She remained in her drug-induced coma as well as medically paralyzed, and she continued to try to stabilize.  Her blood pressure medication was switched out with another. Her glucose is decreasing to normal levels.

Sunday, November 24, 2002

Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.  Hebrews 11:1

  • The doctors discontinued Aubrey's paralytic drug this morning. Later that day, Aubrey's dad saw her lower eyelid twitch while speaking to her. 
  • Aubrey's condition essentially remained the same throughout the day.  Her family and friends continued to pray and wait for some change.  They were rewarded late that night when Aubrey was seen to take very minimal breaths on her own in between the breaths being provided by the ventilator/respirator. 
  •  Friends and family continued to show their support with hospital visits, phone calls, and most importantly - prayers.
  • Her insulin was discontinued because her blood glucose is now within normal range.

Monday, November 25, 2002

Be anxious for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:6-7

  • Because Aubrey has not moved on her own, the doctors did not give her any more of the paralytic medication.  They also decreased one of her "coma" drugs, the sedative, by half.  Later that day, Aubrey very slowly opened her eyelids slightly. 
  • She also began some truncal tremors - fairly hard tremors - shaking- of the chest and abdomen.  Her leg/arms were not involved, and the brain waves showed these were NOT seizures.  
  • She continued to take some breaths on her own, but, of course, still remained on the respirator.  Every day, the settings on the respirator are allowing her the ability the contribute to her respiratory effort more and more. 
  •  During the night, she became stressed with her tremors and breathing, and was having a little trouble keeping her oxygen saturation at the proper levels.
  • They have discontinued her epinephrine, which helped her heart contract.

Tuesday, November 26, 2002

He sent His Word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.  Psalms 107:20

  • Aubrey's tremors continued as well as the  trouble keeping her oxygen levels up.  Because vital signs were stable enough, the doctors decided to order a CAT scan.  Getting her ready to transport to another floor was quite an ordeal, because a respiratory therapist had to manually "bag" her since the ventilator did not travel with her.  The great news is, we have a NORMAL CAT scan - keep praying, God answers prayer!
  • After the CAT scan Aubrey began her tremors again.  The doctors related this to the stress of moving her but took her tranquilizers back to the highest level yet.  This calmed her and she started resting peacefully again.
  • Around 3:00 p.m. Aubrey opened her eyes then closed them again.  The nurse yelled "Aubrey, open your eyes. You're in the hospital".  She opened them again and fell back to sleep.  Remember, she is heavily sedated at this point.
  • During the night, Aubrey really fought the respirator, breathing as many as 70 times per minute - too high.  She seemed to be struggling during the night, and her tremors were even worse.  Her oxygen levels continued to drop with her tremors, and the doctors began giving her another drug for the tremors.  They didn't seem to help much, and they were discontinued.

Wednesday, November 27, 2002

 Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in Heaven.  Matthew 18:19

  • A respiratory therapist found a thick mucous plug in her breathing line.  When cleared out, her breathing became normal again, and her tremors were not as severe.  The tremors seem related to any movement or stress.
  • Aubrey is starting to open her eyes more frequently.  Her eyes do not move, nor does any other part of her body at this point.  It is a struggle for her to open her eyes even 25%, and she is not doing this on command.  It seems that every several hours, she may be trying to wake up a little.
  • A neurological nurse pinched Aubrey on the inner thigh and arm.  She pulled away from the pinch.  More great news!  Pray without ceasing!
  • Any external stimulus causes the tremors - the doctors do not know what is causing them but are not calling them seizures.
  • A chest X-RAY indicated that Aubrey's lungs are improving.  
  • Early in the morning, the doctors discontinued her last blood pressure medication, and she seems to be tolerating this well.

Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 2002

Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres.  I Corinthians 13:7

  • The tranquilizers were cut in half this morning.  Aubrey is starting to have the tremors again - all of her vital signs remain stable so the doctors are going to allow her to ease back in to consciousness.
  • Aubrey responded twice to a command to squeeze the nurse and then her mother's hand.  The squeeze was so light--but it was there!
  • Aubrey moved her eyeballs towards her dad's voice on command.  This was the first time we have seen the actual eye move.
  • She is responding with withdrawal reflexes when pinched by the nurses. 
  • Her tremors are worsening.....they don't know why.
  • She didn't respond to other commands, but is starting to involuntarily move her arms and legs a little.  She opened her mouth twice today.  
  • Today is Thanksgiving, and we are eternally grateful for your prayers, and so thankful Aubrey is having tiny, baby steps each day.

Friday, November 29, 2002

  • Aubrey's tremors are more constant and sometimes quite forceful in her chest and abdomen.  
  • Her eyes are open more, and she seems to move her arms and legs a little more each day, however, it appears involuntary. Her eyes are glazed and she does not seem to focus on anything.
  • We saw her blink a few times today.  
  • Please pray for Aubrey to have peace - the tremors are probably fairly exhausting.

Saturday, November 30, 2002

  • Yesterday, the doctors started giving Aubrey medication for the tremors.  These are helping her rest more peacefully.  The same medication has decreased her eye movement, but she is still responsive to external stimuli.
  • They have removed all of the electrodes from her head and have removed the EEG.  The EEG has served its purpose to monitor brain waves which proves she has brain activity.
  • The doctors have added boots that apply pressure to Aubrey's feet.  Their purpose is to increase circulation in her lower extremities. A second boot is over the pressure boots that allow the doctors to change the position of her feet and ankles so as to not cause trouble with her knees or hips (picture a boot with a kick stand).  These items are both used on people in for long stays in the hospital.
  • On a different note, by removing the electrodes from Aub's hair, her grandma (Nana Karen) and aunt (Aunt Gaby) were able to gently remove a lot of the silicone glue from her hair and comb her hair.  At some point, she will be very thankful for that!  
  • Aubrey has been resting peacefully now for approximately 36 hours.  Please continue to pray for her, and specifically for her during her upcoming MRI.  Ask the Lord to bless her with complete healing in every cell in her brain.

Sunday, December 1, 2002

  • All of the medication Aubrey is being given was not changed today (including the seizure medication).

  • The pressure boots were removed today.  She started receiving an anti-clotting medication that will treat her entire body, not just her feet.  She still has the kick stand boots to help ease the pressure on her knees and hips..

  • The pressure in the ventilator was decreased again today.  Another small step in her recovery.

  • An MRI has been scheduled for tomorrow.  This will be a big day for Aubrey.  It may take a couple of days to get the results of the MRI - we will post them as soon as we can.

Monday, December 2, 2002

  • Aubrey went in for an MRI at 5:00 p.m. today.  We'll post the results as soon as they become available.

Tuesday, December 3, 2002

He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me.  Psalms 55:18

  • Aubrey's MRI came back as normal.  This confirms that there is no structural damage to her brain.  Unfortunately Aubrey is not out of the woods yet.

  • The doctors have taken away all of her sedatives and she is not waking up.  Her tremors continue and are being called a neurological problem.

  • The medical staff and the family are meeting to discuss re-hab options but they are waiting a couple of days to make any decisions.

Wednesday, December 4, 2002

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.  Hebrews 11:1

  • Aubrey's condition is about the same today.  She is opening her eyes a little more today than she was yesterday.

  • They should put in her PEG (which is a tube in her stomach to be able to feed her through the abdomen instead of her nose) sometime tomorrow.

  • She is still on the ventilator.  This will be reevaluated in 3 to 4 days.

  • The doctors are planning on keeping her at St. Francis PICU for another couple of weeks.  The goal is to get her off of her vent in this time period so she can get into a rehab program.

Thursday, December 5, 2002

For truly, I say to you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, "Move hence to yonder place, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you."  Mathew 17:20

  • Aubrey received her PEG today.  The medical staff has been feeding her though a tube that was run into her nose and down to her stomach.  Long term exposure to this method of feeding could cause a nasal or sinus infection.  The PEG is a method of feeding directly into Aubrey's abdomen which will reduce the risk of infection.
  • Everything else remained the same today.

Friday, December 6, 2002

Count it all joy, my brethren, when you meet various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.  And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.  James 1:2-4

  • There were no real changes in Aubrey's condition today.
  • The physical therapist worked with her this afternoon.

Saturday, December 7, 2002

We are hard pressed on every side but not crushed, perplexed but not in despair, persecuted but not abandoned, struck down but not destroyed.  II Corinthians 4:8

  • There were no changes today.  Aubrey is resting and getting stronger.

Sunday, December 8, 2002

All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.  II Corinthians 4:15

  • Yesterday, Aubrey's secretions from her lungs were discolored with some blood, so they started her on a new antibiotic. 
  • Today, her secretions looked much better, and they decided to extubate (remove her breathing tube from her trachea-windpipe).  Many times with a brain injury, the patient immediately occludes (closes) her trachea and they have to put them back on the ventilator.  The great news is that Aubrey was able to maintain her airway, and did not occlude it when they extubated her.  However, because her secretions were still thick, and her cough reflex is not a good as it will eventually be, they did have to re-intubate her and put her back on the ventilator.
  • Tomorrow, the plan is to perform a tracheostomy on Aubrey at 2pm.  This is where she will have an opening at the front of her neck to breathe through, rather than have the long tube down her mouth and into her trachea.  If she breathes well on her own, which we expect her to, she will be able to be off the ventilator after a few days and just breathe through her tracheostomy. This will also be easier for her to take care of the secretions without struggling.
  • The plan is to get Aubrey off the ventilator and into a rehabilitation program.  Even though at this point she cannot participate in her own rehab, there is a doctor at Children's Medical Center that would like to take her and start working with her.  Our insurance does not want to pay for this, so pray for them to have a change of heart or policy!!!!
  • We are at the point where the doctors cannot find a cause for what happened, and can't give us much prediction of the future.  They do consider her to have had a brain injury from lack of oxygen, and are reluctant to give an optimistic prognosis, because, truly, they just don't know what's going to happen.  We are taking it day by day, with a vision for a wonderful future for Aubrey.  
  • Continue praying!!!  Thank you......Brady, Jana, Aubrey, Chance, and Faith.

Monday, December 9, 2002

As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all.  Ecclesiastes 11:5

  • The tracheostomy procedure went well today.  Aubrey is still on the vent but we hope to bring her off of this within the next week.
  • Her tremors are constant and it is making it difficult for Aubrey to rest.  The doctors are trying a new medication to see if this will help.

Wednesday, December 11, 2002

Then came the word of the Lord unto Jeremiah, saying, Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for me?  Jeremiah 32: 26-27

  • Aubrey's tremor medication has been changed but it will be a few days before we know how well it is going to work.  She is still receiving a mild sedative while her tracheostomy heals.  With both medications going on at the same time it is difficult to know how well the tremor medication is working.

Thursday, December 12, 2002

  • The doctors took Aubrey off of her ventilator last night.  She is doing well but is breathing a little faster than they would like.  She is taking around 50 breaths per minute and they would like to see this closer to 18-20 breaths per minute.  This seems to be getting better with time.
  • The family received some additional good news today and it appears that their insurance is going to cover some if not all of the costs for Aubrey to be in rehab.

At this point the postings are in reverse order

DocJana - 2/16/2003 at 10:57 PM

"Paul said, 'I am convinced that neither death nor life...nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.'" Romans 8:38-39

Today started with a lot of "storming" and ended with alot as well...in between, Aubrey rested well! No therapy since it is Sunday...it is so hard to see Aubrey appear so uncomfortable and full of panic and not know why....it could be the stage they go through as they get more aware and they become more agitated...she just seems worse in this aspect the last few days. If it means she's becoming more aware, then hallelujah and let's get through it!


DocJana - 2/15/2003 at 07:24 PM

"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help." Psalm 121:1

Aubrey had a rough morning...lots of "tone", elevated temperature, and perspiring...her doctor doubled one of her medications for spasticity (tight muscles, contracture) and right now she is sleeping well. It may make her fairly sedated...we don't know yet, but she can't continue like she was this morning. We'll see if she acclimates to the new dosage over the next few days. We still do not know about Houston...her doctor here, whom we LOVE, thinks it would be a good idea...we're just waiting on the new facility to review everything, and then, of course, the insurance. I will let everyone know as soon as I know! Pray for a restful day for Aubrey tomorrow...and that she's not too sleepy Monday for therapy! Have a great weekend.


DocJana - 2/14/2003 at 02:27 PM

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

It looks like this will be my update for today. The library closes shortly, and for some reason, an error or something, I can't get online in my room as of last night.

Aubrey had another restless night...she is having these autonomic storms that seem to keep her awake and agitated from midevening to middle of the night. Last night she would go to sleep, then wake up in 10 minutes with her alarms going off because she was sweating and had increased heart rate. She has not had afternoon therapy yet, but this morning she did well on the tilt table. I believe she tried and started to turn her head towards me when asked, but then gravity took over and she let it fall! Anyway, she's getting dressed in her Valentine's jammies....she's not going to the floor party because there are so many kids it would probably over stimulate her. BUT she's getting lots of hugs and kisses from us....and I know her mind and heart are bombarded from Valentine's wishes from all of you! Have a wonderful, loving day!


DocJana - 2/13/2003 at 10:33 PM

"Father, I thank you that you have heard me." John 11:14

Today Aubrey slept through morning therapy (surprise!!!!). This afternoon she had to be awakened, but did stay awake after that. She worked really hard to pull her head into a forward/natural position from hanging backwards...it was very obvious how hard she was trying...she'd get it part way up then it would fall back because she got tired...was good to see her trying so hard though and so much in response to being asked to. She was also asked a question today that she made a vocalization...it was just a sound to us, but possiby an attempt to answer for Aubrey. We don't really know but it was done at an appropriate time for a response. We love where we are...everyone is so very loving and caring. We are considering, seriously, about transferring Aubrey to Houston to TIRR...Texas Institute for Rehabilitation and Research. We went to Houston this week and spoke to the director of the brain injury program, and she feels like Aubrey would be a candidate for their program. Please pray for wisdom for us as we pray ourselves for the right decision.


DocJana - 2/13/2003 at 01:07 AM

"You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." I John 4:4

Aubrey's "tone" is getting pretty high. This means she is contracting her wrists, hands, etc...it is a neurological response that occurs in brain injury...in anoxia, it tends to get worse as time goes on. It also means that sometimes she is so tight, she may not be able to respond in therapy even if she wanted! The doctors are working on adjusting her medications to try to help. This morning, she gently shook her head to 2 questions her therapists asked her....and she seemed really bright and alert this afternoon during therapy. She's having a hard time in the evening and late night relaxing and going to sleep...she tends to run a high heart rate, sweat, and be somewhat agitated. This is not an abnormal thing for her condition, but certainly hard as a mother to watch. Please pray that when it is time to sleep, that she sleeps peacefully, and awakes refreshed and alert in the daytime so she can participate in therapy fully! Thank you....we love you.


DocJana - 2/10/2003 at 10:44 PM

"I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine..." Philippians 1:3

We just wanted to let every one of you know again how grateful and blessed we feel to have your prayers. I thank God for you, and ask that each person that visits her website and prays for Aubrey receive blessings from Him.

Yes...Aub is still sleeping alot during the day! She slept through the tilt table this morning, but tolerated it well. This afternoon she tried to sleep through therapy, but was awake quite a bit on her abdomen in the gym. During her shower, she vocalized alot...but not like she was stressed, more like she was just talking in her little new voice. No words, of course, just sounds. I may not be able to update tomorrow night, but if not, I will be back on Wednesday! Everyone have a great day because we're going to!


DocJana - 2/9/2003 at 09:02 PM

"From the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard." Daniel 10:12

Again, Aubrey slept! She was only awake...maybe...3 1/2 hours all day and into the evening! When she was awake, she moved her head some and seemed to become excited somewhat when we talked to her. Hopefully she's getting geared up for a productive day in therapy tomorrow!!


DocJana - 2/8/2003 at 09:16 PM

"The tongue of the wise promotes health." Proverbs 12:18

We want to again thank everyone for their affirming and encouraging words. This morning Aubrey yawned and while exhaling made the same loud sounds we would when yawning outloud. Then she followed with some light "humming". (noises, not singing!) Later today I spoke on the other side of the bed from the way she was turned, and she lifted her head off the bed and turned her head back to look at me. She wiggled her toes on command during therapy, and seemed more alert today WHEN she wasn't sleeping! Tomorrow she'll get to rest, and be up and running Monday morning!


DocJana - 2/7/2003 at 10:00 PM

"The mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you." Isaiah 54:10

Sorry about last night's update! I was SO tired! Aubrey had a good day in therapy today. She vocalized alot this a.m., although didn't do anything responsive at that time. This afternoon she went to the gym and obviously turned her head toward Brady when told to find her dad. She also vocalized 2 other times today when no one was "messing" with her...just soft sounds, but obvious. She has been sleeping more during the day, I think because her meds were increased earlier this week. Hard to find that happy median! Keep your prayers strong and have a great weekend!


DocJana - 2/5/2003 at 08:18 PM

"The love of the Lord" Hosea 3:1

Aubrey is really sleeping! She's still trying to adjust to the new medication dosages, but is waking up nice and bright several times a day. This morning she vocalized ALOT during therapy, and this afternoon vocalized a small amount. I wouldn't say she did anything responsive today, but even with the medication, is sitting up better with very little help. (Understand, she does not get into the sitting position by herself, she has to be placed there) Sometimes all she needs a "finger" to balance her. She was able to be up on the tilt table and go almost straight up...of course, she slept through most of it! Her joints ARE getting a little looser, but still get pretty tight at times. She's very loose while sleeping. Even though she slept, it was important to get her up on her feet for joint pressure and the pull of gravity. She is starting to do a few things that may mean her circadian rhythm is kicking in...I hope so! She's certainly slept better the last few nights. She really connected all day with Brady, and he'll be spending the night with her tonight.


DocJana - 2/4/2003 at 11:38 PM

"With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26

A friend sent me this verse today in an email...it is very appropriate for us right now! We so want things SO much faster...it's hard to be strong sometimes. I'm so thankful for the words of encouragement we received today, and thank all of you for your prayers. Aubrey slept alot today (remember, some of her meds were doubled yesterday evening), but did manage this afternoon to vocalize alot, turn her head on command, spend time on her abdomen in the gym and up on her elbows (supported by PT), and seemed to rest very well during the evening. Please pray for Brady and I, as parents, to be making wise decisions for Aubrey...we're trying the best we can.


DocJana - 2/3/2003 at 09:41 PM

"And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Romans 5:3-5

This morning in therapy, Aubrey was put on the tilt table and just couldn't do it. It is not the strange episodes she had before....her blood pressure is really shooting up even at fairly small angles. They figured out through some experimentation that her heel cords are getting so tight because she has so much high muscle tone, and the stretching/stress put on her ligaments from being in the standing position on the tilt table is causing a lot of pain. They doubled one of her medications tonight to try to losen her up some, so we will see tomorrow how that is working. She may be sleeping all tomorrow! This afternoon she sat on the side of the bed and turned her head toward a cross on the wall when told, and partially turned her head in the other direction when told. When getting up on the side of the bed, she helped kick both her legs off of the bed. Other than that, it was just some stamina exercises and stretching. She is having the same problem with her left elbow, wrists, and hands as in her heels so we are trying to deal with these other areas with splints. Hopefully she'll sleep great with the new medication dosages...but still get out of bed in the morning!


DocJana - 2/2/2003 at 11:05 PM

"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." Matthew 18:19-20

This weekend has been pretty calm. Saturday Aubrey had therapy in the a.m., and tried to sleep through it! Then after her shower, Adrena, our friend and hair stylist, came and trimmed Aub's hair. (We want to keep it healthy for when she wakes up!) She rested most of the afternoon and evening...it was definitely pampering day...her Aunt Laura came and gave her a manicure and pedicure. I may have mentioned that Faith spends the weekends here with us, and Saturday night Brady and Chance attempted to as well. I had my chair bed, and the three of them made pallets on the floor out of the way of the nurses. Chance then started coughing about 1:30 in the morning, so Brady got up and drove him back to Claremore! Maybe we won't try that again soon! Today, she slept alot...and seemed to watch some of the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie this evening...right now she has fallen asleep, so I am going to do the same! She really didn't do anything purposeful this weekend...just rested! Hopefully this will be a BIG week!


DocJana - 1/31/2003 at 11:49 PM

"Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 5:1

Aubrey had an easier day...the hospital was a little short staffed today, so her therapy wasn't as intense. Remember how the last two days she has kicked her leg off the bed when told to while preparing to sit up in the chair? Well, today, without being told, she kicked her leg off! Isn't that great? She also TRIED to turn her head a few times, but didn't get very far. Today was the first day they increased one of her medications which CAN cause some slight sedation. She seemed very awake to us when she needed to be, though. This afternoon we took her with the therapists across the street to a little park in her chair. The fresh air HAD to feel good...although Brady had her bundled up like an eskimoe! Tonight a friend and nurse is with her, and she has been wide awake for hours...it seems like she is watching TV! I never have it on, but last week I wondered if she was bored, so I turned it on. Her eyes seemed to find it quite quickly, and she appeared to watch it for ~ 15 minutes before falling asleep. Last night, she was so awake, I'd played CDs, talked to her, etc., so I thought why not? I turned on ER...her eyes immediately went to it and stayed there for 30 minutes before falling asleep. I do wonder, not knowing what all she is able to think or know, if she gets bored lying there. She should have a pretty restful weekend...one therapy session tomorrow and none on Sunday. Hopefully with low stimulation for the weekend, she'll be ready to work hard next week! Have a blessed weekend!


DocJana - 1/30/2003 at 10:35 PM

"The Lord is the strength of my life!" Psalm 27:1

ANOTHER good day for Aubrey! Today in morning therapy, the PT (Pam) asked her to kick her leg off the bed...and she did very obviously. This afternoon, she kicked her leg off again, and turned her head from one side to the other in response to a command...FOUR TIMES!!! She worked VERY hard today, and those things she did were a result of much effort. I'm very proud of her! She also vocalized some more today...this has been a really good week for Aubrey...her therapists are all excited...we are so thankful for all your prayers for her continued progress as a result of her being HEALED!


DocJana - 1/29/2003 at 11:38 PM

"And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness. Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may dwell in me." 2 Corinthians 12:9

I missed last night's update because I fell asleep putting Faith to bed! Aubrey has really had a good week! After Monday, which I did update, she didn't sleep well again. BUT, Tuesday in therapy she held her head really well, and vocalized ALOT...and it seemed very purposefull, as if she was really trying to tell us something. Later in the day, she was propped up on her right side facing the window with her head on the pillow. Her regular day nurse, Rose, came in on the opposite side of the bed behind Aub's back and started to talk to me. Aub IMMEDIATELY turned her head all the way around to "look" right at Rose! Rose stopped talking, Aub put her head back down, and I said something. Rose replied and AGAIN, immediately, Aubrey turned her head back around to where Rose was talking. Then a few minutes later, Brady walked back where Rose had been. I don't know if Aub saw him out of the corner of her eye or she heard him messing around, because she lifted her head up about 3 inches and tried to turn her eyes in his direction. She also had 2 gag reflexes yesterday with her speech therapist which she has never had before. Today, she tolerated the tilt table better, although didn't do anything really responsive. She DOES seem more aware of her surrounding this week. Her "blank" look seems a little less blank, and she just seems a little closer. She is also starting to respond more to what the speech therapist does with her face and mouth, and is starting to make some facial expressions that she wasn't last week. We think she's had a very good week. They did a little more medication adjusting and she did sleep very well last night. We'll see about tonight! Brady is spending the night with her...if she blinks he's up checking her! Keep praying...I think she's on her way "up" out of there!


DocJana - 1/27/2003 at 07:40 PM

"I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ." 2 Timothy 2:10

Brady and I both prayed this morning specifically for Aubrey to "do" something responsive (to a command or verbal suggestion) as much for Aubrey as for ourselves. We had a bit of a sad weekend, and really needed something emotionally. So, today Aubrey did! It's been quite awhile, so we are very excited and happy! During therapy this am while on the tilt table (not up very far! they're taking the tilt table much slower)...with the therapists present...Brady told Aub to turn her head and look at him...twice. She did it...twice! Now, understand, when I say "look"---it is a blank stare that may not even be directly at him...the main thing is the turning of the head in response to the command. Her afternoon therapy came only 1 1/2 hours after ending the morning therapy, and she was still pretty tired, so she just sat on the edge of the bed. She slept pretty well again last night...she's still "sleeping in" in the morning though as well! Being a regular teenager! Thank you for your prayers....maybe tomorrow she'll turn her head thrice!!!


DocJana - 1/26/2003 at 06:40 PM

"But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and skip about like calves from the stall." Malachi 4:2

Aubrey has just rested all day. We started to put her in her chair this afternoon, and she started falling asleep, so we just let her rest. She was asleep by 12:30 a.m. last night! Yeah! She also slept well the rest of the night. She's not done anything purposeful today...has just rested or looked out the window. She's cried during her shower the last two days...difficult to know why. Hopefully tomorrow she will be rested and ready to respond in therapy...it's difficult on the days that she does not respond...something little each day helps with our hope! Hope your day was wonderful...and blessed.


DocJana - 1/25/2003 at 11:54 PM

"Worship the Lord your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you...I will give you a full life span." Exodus 23:25-26

Aubrey went to sleep around 2am, and slept well after that. (She wakes up a little uncomfortable, but goes back to sleep well after being turned.) She slept most of the morning again, and seemed very peaceful. She had one therapy session today since it was Saturday, and the therapist truly believes she moved her head in response to two questions today. It seems so subjective to me, and I couldn't tell. She did help with some movement during her stretches. Last night I found her twice with her hand up by her trach...we'll have to watch that! We really want everyone to pray that when it's time to sleep, that she relaxes and is not uncomfortable. She had LOTS of visitors today....cheerleaders, cheer coach, friends, masseuse, prayer warriors, and family. Yesterday her choir instructor and some choir members came and sang to her, and today a prayer warrior with a great country voice sang as well. Aubrey enjoys music so much, I know she was blessed by both of those visits.


DocJana - 1/24/2003 at 09:54 PM

'"The Lord has heard my cry for mercy; the Lord accepts my prayer." Psalms 6:9

It's been two days since I updated, and Aubrey is doing about the same. She didn't sleep well again Wednesday night, but she slept much better last night....only getting uncomfortable a few times, and going back to sleep after getting turned. Yesterday, she helped roll over a little by pulling with her trunk, and she vocalized alot during therapy....just made a lot of purposeful noises.... no words but obviously knew she was vocalizing. Last night her head was turned all the way to the left...I was telling a nurse a story about her that only a mother would think was cute, probably NOT the daughter...as I was getting to the "punch line" she turned her head all the way to the right (where I was) and seemed to look right at me....then scowled! I have never seen her move her head like that while awake, and it just couldn't be coincidence! Today she got back up on the tilt table....they took it MUCH slower---didn't go up as high, kept her heart rate lower, didn't ask her to "do" anything while up---and she did fine. Dr. Coldwell just thinks maybe a little too much was being expected, so they are slowing down a little. Head injuries are so sensitive to stimuli....fine balance of enough stimulation vs. too much. They have taken her breathing treatments from every 3 hours to every 6 hours, and is doing fine with that. She coughed a few times this evening on her own...we'd like to see more of that! She's been up all evening, so hopefully she's going to sleep tonight! Please continue to pray for patience and peace! I would also like special prayers to go out to the teenager that used to have Aub's room...Shanna...she's fine, but had to go back to surgery today because her brain shunt wasn't working properly and fluid, therefore pressure, was building. Her functions had regressed over the last 5 days, and we want that girl back walking and laughing the way she's meant to. Thank you again for including her in your prayers tonight.


DocJana - 1/22/2003 at 09:54 PM

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. James 1:2-3

We really need prayers for the three "P's": perseverance, patience, and peace. We're trying our best, but sometimes it's pretty difficult. Aubrey was given an antiseizure medication last night, not for seizures but for the tremors. Also, she had trouble sleeping again. They gave her 1/5 of the dose she used to get in PICU, and she slept ALOT today as well as had very few tremors. When she was awake, she was very alert, so maybe finding a balance with this medication would help. We'll see what she does tonight with her sleep! Her doctor recognizes that she seems VERY sensitive to any medication that has sedative effects, so he is being very cautious, which we appreciate. Today on the tilt table, she again was doing great, alert, moving her head and both arms. After ~ 30 minutes, her eyes suddenly got big again and her heart rate dropped again. The drop was severe again, but the accompanying responses were not as severe as Monday. She rested well later, and has been awake most of the evening. She had another moment today with Brady where she seemed to focus on him....again it only lasted a few moments, but it was obvious. Hopefully, we'll start seeing more and more of that, until it is the norm!!! Thank you again for your many prayers....your spiritual support strengthens us daily.


DocJana - 1/21/2003 at 07:24 PM

"I will help thee, saith the Lord." Isaiah 41:14

Aubrey is turning into quite the night owl....actually, she always has been! But I'M needing her to go to bed earlier so that I can, too! We got to sleep about 2 am last night, and her alarms did not go off like the night before, so we actually slept a little more. Aubrey's head seems to be getting more steady when she is up...not the entire time, but for longer moments. She also seems to be leaning on the therapists a little less when sitting. She didn't actually do anything very responsive today. She is starting to get more tone, and sometimes it gets TOO much and patients can't do as much because they are working against their own contracture. It's a fine balance on the medication...enough to keep the contracture at bay may also be just enough to keep her too sedated to respond. Right now, we've not increased her meds...I'm not sure at what point you actually start trying to balance them. Her heart rate/oxygen saturation did great today with no incidents. They are stimulating her with tastes...today she tasted lemon, vinegar, and relish juice on cotton swabs....we already know her favorite so far is the sweet taste...typically, she'd pick a dill pickle over candy any day, but who knows? The only way she's really responded to the tastes is she "chews" more when she seems to like it...we[think] that means she likes it! Tomorrow marks the end of the second week, and although we want more sooner, we are happy with her progress thus far. Hopefully, tomorrow will be a really responsive day....that would be great for her and for Brady and I as well!


DocJana - 1/21/2003 at 01:14 AM

Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God, Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer." Psalm 4:1

Aubrey did not sleep well last night...she stayed wide awake and when she did sleep she only stayed comfortable for about an hour....so far tonight it is going the same way! I'm not sure if her nights and days are mixed up, or if she's not sleepy, or if she really is uncomfortable. Her heart rate is really sensitive to pain, and it doesn't seem to be slowing down much, so we're going to try some Tylenol.

This morning Aubrey got up on the tilt table again. This is her 5th time, and she has always tolerated it very well. Her eyes were big and she was blinking alot. We noticed that she seemed to move her eyes toward the person talking to her, and she held her head up very well. She frowned when Krista told her she was going to move her arm in a way that Aubrey doesn't like, and she frowned when the speech therapist put ice on her face, and moved her head away from her. After she had been up for quite a while, she moved her head 3 times, really well. We were all cheering her on, and suddenly her eyes got big, she started gasping for breath, and her heart rate dropped from 130 to 55 in about 30 seconds. It was really frightening....they got her back in bed, ordered an ECG and EEG....both appear normal. We don't know if there was a pressure drop or seizure activity....but the EEG DOES NOT suggest a seizure, although it looked like the beginning of one. Even her early continuous EEG never showed any seizure activity, so we really don't know what happened. She rested in the early afternoon, and got up on the side of the bed later and did fine. She responded to a few commands....move your head back to the center, help move your legs off the bed, etc. She had to be helped to do these things, but she did initiate some of the movement on her own. This evening, Brady, Gaylyn (my sis-in-law), and I took her outside for about 10 minutes...it was so beautiful today. She did fine (we took the monitor with us). At one point Brady was down talking to her and he said for a few moments she seemed really there....he felt he even maybe saw recognition in her eyes, she locked onto his, and began to vocalize....it only lasted a few moments, but it was so moving to him....he says he hasn't seen her look at him...AT him, not through him...in 8 weeks. So, except for the unexplained sudden heart rate decrease and not sleeping well, we had a really good day!


DocJana - 1/19/2003 at 04:04 PM

He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9

I am sorry I haven't updated for a few nights. I wait until Aubrey has really gone to sleep before I get on, and it's usually very late. I've just been really tired and didn't get on! She has had quiet days since Thursday. They have decreased one of her tremor medications, and her tremors are a little more present. They have then added a new medication, which can make her feel a little sluggish for 5-6 days, plus she just finished her first full week of therapy, and she's probably pooped! It's important that "we" (ALL of us, especially me) remember that there is no set pattern for recovery....and to be patient on those quiet days and realize she needs extra rest for healing on those days. I'm just ready for her to hop up and walk! She looks really good....and her lungs are doing great. Today is a day of rest with no therapy, and tomorrow we get back into it! Pray for great things!!!


DocJana - 1/17/2003 at 12:39 AM

"I lift up my eyes to the hills--where does my help come from? My help comes for the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1-2

Well, today was a GREAT day! She woke up brighter than ever, blinking quickly, finding our faces more quickly (of course, she still looks somewhat blank....but not as much when she's this "awake") When Brady got here this morning he told her to squeeze his hand and she immediately did....that made his day! Her lips quivered twice when he told her to smile. She had quite a bit of stretching during morning therapy, and then got in her chair again for about an hour....again, she cried quietly when put in her chair, but not for as long today. During her "walk", Brady was talking to her and she started moving her mouth--ALOT-- and making noises. During that time she maintained some pretty definite eye contact. Gail Algeo, a friend, came and gave her a full body mbottomage this afternoon before her second therapy session. In the afternoon sessionl, her PT told her to look at her hand....she did. Then she told her to pick up her hand and place it on the PT's leg....she did! Then she told her to put it back on her own leg...she did! Then they did the same on the other hand/leg! That was awesome, awesome, awesome!!! This was her best day ever, and we're so thankful! Of course, it was alot of work for her, and she was VERY shaky when moving....but she did it! What matters is that she received the information and responded appropriately. Thank you all for your prayers and uplifting words! I wonder what tomorrow will bring??????


DocJana - 1/16/2003 at 12:43 AM

"Rejoice in the Lord, always: and again I say, Rejoice. Your kindness shall be known to all...the Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God which surpbottomes all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:4-7

Rick, one of Aubrey's nurses, gave me this verse tonight, and it fits perfectly with our day. Sometimes I may even repeat a verse if it seems to fit that day's situation.

Sometimes it is hard to truly rejoice when faced with heartache. This verse was a reminder to me tonight. Aubrey had her usual busy day, therapy in the morning, shower time, therapy in the afternoon, etc. Only today she didn't really "do" anything....nothing very responsive. BUT...she is alive again today (rejoice!), she is breathing on her own without oxygen (rejoice!), her internal body is healthy and her lungs are healing (rejoice!), she has a new wheelchair which allows her to be mobile (rejoice!), she is resting very well most of the time(rejoice!), and her family is healthy and able to spend time with her (rejoice!). If we think about all these positive things, we can't help but have God's peace....sometimes we just need to be reminded of how far we've come in the last 8 weeks....literally from death. It is hard to be patient some times! I am amazed continually at the people who are praying for Aubrey....your love, encouragement, and prayers are invaluable....every note written brings me joy each day, I'm sure more than any of you can truly imagine. Thank you.


DocJana - 1/14/2003 at 07:55 PM

"I can do all things through Him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13.

We had another busy day! Aubrey slept in until 10 am, and soon after the PT, OT, and speech therapist arrived. Her new, reclining wheelchair came in, so we put her in it. As soon as she was in it, silent tears started streaming down her face...it broke my heart. I tried to explain to her that if she was aware enough to understand the wheelchair, then that was actually wonderful and a great sign...still, it took her a few minutes to quit crying. Her speech therapist talked to her, telling her how pretty she was (she is getting a lot of that around here!) and asked her 3 times to smile for me...each time, the corners of her lips quivered upward on both sides. She stayed in her chair for 1 1/2 hours, and I gave her a big tour of the facility. (It's f actually pretty small but nice). Afterwards, she went for her "salon treatment"---shower, shave, hair, lotion, etc. She had just fallen asleep and they came in and did an ECG for her heart again. Then it was back to therapy! When rolling her out of bed, they told her to swing her legs off the bed. The PT held her legs, but she slowly moved them off the bed! They took her in her chair down to the gym, where she curled her fingers when asked to make a fist! They worked some muscle groups, and had her sit up for a while. I was very proud of her today! After therapy, her teacher came by (she has a teacher 4 evenings a week now....we're really not doing anything yet, but it's so nice that they are planning it!) She took about an 1 1/2 hour nap this evening, and is back awake. I've been dropping 1 drop at a time of cranberry juice on her tongue....she really seems to love it. I'm hoping she'll be awake for a while, then have a great night's sleep! It's really hard to grasp, but she is still not considered fully conscious....it's all degrees and levels. Anyway, looking forward to that first real look of recognition!


DocJana - 1/14/2003 at 01:06 AM

"The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." James 5:16

Aubrey was a busy bee today! This morning she was back on the tilt table, almost vertical. She didn't touch her nose today, but she did some light hand squeezing. Her therapy lasted about an hour this morning, then off to the showers....another long session but well worth it, I'm sure! She had just fallen asleep around 1pm, when the new speech therapist came in and talked to her and spent some time bottomessing her. After she left, the PT and OT were back and had her up by the side of the bed working with her. She was so tired by the end of the session that she was literally falling asleep during the session...they decided to put her on her tummy! The first time in 7 1/2 weeks! They turned her over, positioned some pillows and she was out for the count. Took a deep 1/2 hour nap, and when she woke up, she bent her knees and laid with her legs bent back towards her bottom. That was a new movement! She had visitors this evening, and really hadn't slept much. Tonight about 11 pm, I put a drop of strawberry dessert "juice" on her tongue and she really seemed to enjoy it. She started really working her mouth...her nurse was in there and I told her what happened. I was speaking to the nurse and said, "I wonder if she wants some more..." and Aubrey immediately picked up her hand and moved it about 4 inches towards me! That was awesome....I don't believe it was a coincidence...she also squeezed my hand some tonight. Anyway, another good day, with teeny, tiny, HUGE baby steps! Her new teacher (they are enrolling her in Tulsa Schools...I don't quite understand it all yet) has suggested playing her favorite movies....so....it's "Grease" tomorrow! Well, she's asleep now, which means I'd better try to sleep as well. Please keep praying for Aubrey, and also for Brady and I to stay physically strong...we're a little tired! Thank you!


DocJana - 1/11/2003 at 07:30 PM

"And Jesus looking upon them saith, 'With men it is impossible, but not with God, for with God all things are possible.'" Mark 10:27

Aubrey is sleeping so well most of the time! She is actually sleeping more, but I think that is because of the increased activity. She had another shower today, and had one physical therapy session this afternoon. After her exercises, Pam (P.T.) put her back on the tilt table starting horizontal and ending vertically for a total of about 40 minutes. Again, she did really well and her blood pressure stayed very stable. When I explain these responses, please understand that I can almost not even see or feel them, they are so slight. But I guess that's why we have therapists that know how to interpret these things! She touched her nose 4 times on command (this means, with her hand held 1/2 inch from her nose, she bent her finger to her nose and touched it.) It was so slight, I questioned it...but her therapist said it was definitely responsive. When told to squeeze our hands, she lightly bent her fingers several times. She would not "track" a mirror with her eyes, however. When we had her back horizontal and getting ready to put her back in bed, she was blinking a lot, and took her hand from the side of her hip and raised her ENTIRE arm (upper and lower) and bent it up towards her head. She has never made this movement before in this direction. There was no verbal command, but the PT was really excited. We count this as another great day! She has been sleeping peacefully ever since....and hopefully will through the night. Tomorrow is a day of rest for Aubrey....as it should be for all! Take care.....we love you.


DocJana - 1/11/2003 at 01:00 AM

"For with God nothing shall be impossible." Luke 1:37

From Brady: I want to thank every one that has stood and continues to stand in agreement with us for God's power and spirit to be physically manifested in Aubrey. We praise Him for her healing.

Thank you for your patience! I still do not have the internet hookup yet, but was able to update tonight away from the hospital.

Aubrey did move Wednesday...remember how beautiful it was? Brady went with her in the ambulance and he said when they took her outside she seemed brighter than she'd been yet. She tolerated the move well, and rested that day. BUT! Thursday morning was work time! They sat her up on the side of the bed, similar to the way her physical therapist, Andrea, did at St. Francis. Her feet did not turn purple, and she seemed to be supporting her head a little. Then....this is big....she got a shower! They have a special "shower bed" where she gets a shower lying down in a big shower room. After 7 weeks, this had to feel incredible. She tolerated this well, also. She rested for a while after her shower, then they came and put her on a slant board...she went (gradually) from horizontal to vertical on this special board (belted in, of course) and she - again! - tolerated this very well. They said she did better than expected. Brady was standing opposite of her bed at one point while she was sleeping, and Aubrey turned her head a full 180 degrees from one side of the pillow to the other...she's never turned her head this much. Also, while she was on the slant board, she squeezed Brady's hand, then held her hand in position without Brady's help. Now, this was not in response to a verbal command, but still something. Today, she had therapy twice...her therapists felt like she was responding some, although she is so weak, her physical response was so hard to see. One thing I DID see was when they asked her to move specific arms, she didn't move them but it was obvious by the shaking of that limb that she was trying. She did this several times, and ALWAYS seemed to be trying to move the hand/arm they asked her to. They are stimulating her with certain smells, pet therapy, etc. Her shoulder joints seem to be pretty lax, so they've ordered her some shoulder splints....she also has a reclining wheel chair coming for transporting. She is dressed in HER clothes each day, and wears her own pajamas at night. That is very nice to see...and I know she has to feel better. I know this coma situation is hard to understand...it's all about levels of consciouness. Even though her eyes are open, and she SEEMS to be somewhat aware (which I think she is), her level of consciousness is not such that she is considered truly "awake". There are times that she seems like she is RIGHT THERE but can't get out...we've met several of the kids in the unit---2 current ones are teenage girls who have been in comas---and it's very inspiring. They have to work so hard for everything we all take for granted....I just love them all already. Tonight, would you take some time to say a prayer for some little ones (and not so little) that we have met over the last several weeks? Wesley, Daniel, Jasmine, Quade, Jason, Dylan, Markel, Shanna (she walked out of the rehab center today after being in a coma for a long time!), Heather, Jennifer, Mitchell, Ryan, Shantana, and Amelia. Not all these children have the support and love we do, and I would love to feel that everyone who is out there praying for Aubrey is also praying for them...how awesome! Thank you all!


DocJana - 1/7/2003 at 10:50 PM

"When you pbottom through the waters...they will not sweep over you." Isaiah 43:2

I keep intending to send out thank you notes, and you would think that I could get that done with so much time spent at the hospital in a chair. But I haven't, and I wanted to let everyone know who sent food, baskets, stuffed animals, water, fruit, plants, balloons, cards, and money....we are so grateful and appreciative to each of you....schools, Sunday school clbottomes, history clbottomes, wrestling meet contributors, cheerleaders, individuals...thank you so much for being so thoughtful...each of you touched our hearts.

Aubrey had another good day...nothing really new, but more of the same "stableness". They have turned her oxygen down to almost none, and she is still saturating well...hopefully she can get completely off the oxygen supplementation...that would make it easier at rehab. She is scheduled to move tomorrow if all goes well. They say the move can be stressful on her...not just physically but the new environment as well. Please pray for a smooth, peaceful transition. I'm not sure what the computer status will be at CMC, but I will do my best to update tomorrow night with good news!


DocJana - 1/6/2003 at 11:50 PM

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:4

For those of you who do not know us personally, we named our youngest child, Faith, after this verse. She was born 16 weeks premature....and we believed God would save her and heal her....and he did. We believe this same verse for Aubrey daily. We know she is healed and we rest in that bottomurance.

We moved to a room on the pediatric floor yesterday evening....the doctors thought it would be good to have a transition phase before going over the CMC. She is doing well and had a good day. She moved both her arms during physical therapy....not in response to a command, but still SHE was moving them purposefully herself. We also sat her up on the side of the bed with the therapist and ourselves supporting her, and she tolerated it very well. We just feel every day is a little better....and we look forward to her move when she is stable (possibly Wednesday) to Children's Medical Center to continue her healing process. As always, thank you for your prayers! We are blessed!


baldies - 1/5/2003 at 10:14 PM

Jana doesn't have access to the internet, so she will not be posting an update until tomorrow. This is good news, because Aubrey has been moved out of ICU for the first time, since Nov 22nd.


DocJana - 1/4/2003 at 11:21 PM

"I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From whence shall my help come? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber." Psalm 121:1-3

Aubrey is still doing well...they are decreasing her oxygen pressure, so that tomorrow or Monday she should be back on just the trach collar. She has not moved her hands as often, but when she does, she moves them farther. Today she moved her entire hand and forearm upwards, then set it back down. She continues to rest alot, but when she's awake, is blinking and swallowing more and more. We are very ready for some responsive actions! Back on schedule for CMC possibly midweek if all goes well off the vent. God's blessings!


DocJana - 1/3/2003 at 09:16 PM

"Sing...to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything." Ephesians 5:19-20

Aubrey continues to do well! They have taken her off the ventilator, but are still providing her with some pressure before they try her strictly on her trach collar. All her values are doing great! The nurses and respiratory techs ALL agree that Aubrey seems more "alert" yesterday and today....sometimes when we talk to her, she moves her mouth and seems to be moving her eyes toward ours. Of course, she is still resting alot, and these movements are not constant. We are VERY excited about her progress the last few days, and thank you all again for your prayers!


DocJana - 1/2/2003 at 04:02 PM

"And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up." James 5:15

I'm sorry about not updating yesterday....I couldn't get the internet at the hospital. They were very nice and reset everything today for me.

Aubrey is doing well...all enzymes are getting back to normal, heart/lungs looking good, normal temperature still. She is still raising/stretching her hands, sometimes feet on a regular basis. She raised her knees today, and turned her knees inward twice while being "messed" with. She appeared to move her eyes to line up with mine while I spoke to her 5 times today....she is moving her lips/mouth more and more....still not actually doing these things in response to a verbal command. I think we are lining up with CMC again for early next week if things continue to go well....I'm taking it one day at a time! Hope everyone had a great day yesterday....take care!


DocJana - 1/1/2003 at 01:52 AM

"Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and He shall say, here I am." Isaiah 58:9

We are never alone....and neither is Aubrey....a precious friend gave me this verse- as usual - just when I needed it. Aubrey continues to rest....her swelling is slowly decreasing, her temperature and heartrate continue to be normal, and she seems very much at peace. She stretched her fingers and lifted her hands just a little again today....it's nice to see slow, easy movement regardless of the cause. I want to thank everyone for praying for the fever and the elevated heart rate....it stopped very suddenly and she has rested so nicely since then!Hope this New Year's Eve finds everyone safe and looking forward to a blessed New Year.


DocJana - 12/30/2002 at 11:45 PM

"God calls things that don't exist yet as if they already existed." Romans 4:17

It's 11:30 pm and Aubrey is still resting. She's been "awake" very little today, but she needs her rest. When she was awake, she did some interesting things. Her physical therapist said Aubrey "tracked" her with her eyes once, and her nurse thought Aubrey was also more aware of her. Tonight, she lifted both her hands up about 1/2" and stretched her fingers....then went back to sleep! Remember...every little thing! She is still retaining fluid, but her heartrate/oxygen saturation/blood pressure, etc. still remain good levels.

I know I've spoken this to friends, but please remember to pray for these sweet nurses and incredible doctors that are working with her. They are awesome, but they are human and need to be lifted up as well.

As always, thank you. Brad, my brother that set up the website, is out of town....so if you want to e-mail me, send it to jana@aubreyrobbins.com....not to the webmaster. I THINK I will get it that way. If you don't hear back, well, I may have messed up! God's blessings to each of you.


DocJana - 12/30/2002 at 01:25 PM

I will do a regular update later....just wanted to make sure our prayer warriors are praying....Aub is having a different day....her numbers on the machine are good, but she is edematous (retaining fluid), along with a few other changes. Please pray that this will all get resolved soon....she is resting ALOT! Thank you.


DocJana - 12/29/2002 at 09:42 PM

"Do not fret." Psalm 37:1

Worrying accomplishes absolutely nothing positive....and does nothing to change the results. I try to remember this when my human mother side creeps in!

Aubrey had another good day....lots of rest. Her temperature is staying normal, heart rate is calm, and oxygen saturation is great (of course, she is still on the vent.) One of her physiatrists came in yesterday and today from CMC (rehab doc), and he was very uplifting...said not to stress on not getting to rehab right away....concentrate on her getting stronger and healing. Praise the Lord for two, consecutive, restful days!


DocJana - 12/28/2002 at 09:21 PM

"He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed." 1 Peter 2:24

Aubrey had a very restful day on the ventilator. Her temperature came down to below 101F, she did not perspire, she slept alot, and when she was awake she blinked alot. She had become somewhat dehydrated, her electrolytes were abnormal. I guess it was all a little too much for her. We are just thankful that she is resting.....as we've said, when she's resting we believe she is healing.

For those of you that have not had the opportunity to visit Aubrey, we want you to know she looks beautiful....she's kept her naturally rosy cheeks, her glowing skin, and those soulful eyes.

This is the first night in over 5 weeks that Brady and I have both come home to spend the entire night with Chance and Faith. Brady's sister, Laura, is spending the night with Aubrey in PICU. We also wanted to thank you again for visiting her website and signing her guestbook or forum....it is really uplifting to visit the site in the middle of the night and feel like we have friends right there with us because of the messages. Thank you again. We're gearing up for the road ahead and for Aubrey coming home!


DocJana - 12/28/2002 at 01:39 AM

A second update for today/night: it's close to 1:30 am...Aubrey started having oxygen saturation problems again tonight with rapid respiratory rate....chest radiographs looked better than this a.m., but they went ahead and put her back on the ventilator. Her electrolytes were a little off as well, so they've made some overall changes in fluid balance, no feeds for awhile, back on vent, etc....there is a good chance she will not go to rehab on Monday since she's having a bit of a bad weekend thus far. She is much more comfortable now on the vent than she was earlier tonight. Maybe she just needs a little extra help this weekend....keep praying!


DocJana - 12/27/2002 at 12:10 PM

"Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoiced in you? Show us your unfailing love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation." Psalm 85:6-7

This is an earlier than usual update, because of some changes. Aubrey was to move to CMC today, but she had a little trouble keeping her oxygen saturation levels up last night. They took a chest film, and she has some atelectasis (collapse) one one of her lung lobes. This is not unusual for someone in her condition, but it does mean that she needs a little extra help inflating her alveoli (air sacs) for the next few days. We will re-evaluate on Monday, and see if she's ready to move. Also, the insurance is questioning the move a little again????and so we are waiting to hear from them. Yesterday, everything was fine with them, so hopefully, this is just a paperwork thing. Her temperature is ~ 103.2F, she is perspiring a little today, and again stayed up all night. She is semi resting now, and hopefully will get some sleep today. Please remember to pray for the healing of her basal ganglia...it is very important for the transmittal of all the signals that go to the different areas, as well as motor, speech, etc. We are ready to get to rehab to give Aubrey every available opportunity....thank you again for your continued prayers.


DocJana - 12/27/2002 at 12:10 PM

"Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoiced in you? Show us your unfailing love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation." Psalm 85:6-7

This is an earlier than usual update, because of some changes. Aubrey was to move to CMC today, but she had a little trouble keeping her oxygen saturation levels up last night. They took a chest film, and she has some atelectasis (collapse) one one of her lung lobes. This is not unusual for someone in her condition, but it does mean that she needs a little extra help inflating her alveoli (air sacs) for the next few days. We will re-evaluate on Monday, and see if she's ready to move. Also, the insurance is questioning the move a little again????and so we are waiting to hear from them. Yesterday, everything was fine with them, so hopefully, this is just a paperwork thing. Her temperature is ~ 103.2F, she is perspiring a little today, and again stayed up all night. She is semi resting now, and hopefully will get some sleep today. Please remember to pray for the healing of her basal ganglia...it is very important for the transmittal of all the signals that go to the different areas, as well as motor, speech, etc. We are ready to get to rehab to give Aubrey every available opportunity....thank you again for your continued prayers.


DocJana - 12/26/2002 at 10:29 PM

"The heavens praise your wonders, O Lord, your faithfulness too, in the bottomembly of the holy ones." Psalm 89:5

We had an incredible night with Aubrey last night. She has been so out of it with this fever, and although she still was running ~103.5, she didn't seem stressed or flushed at all. She LITERALLY stayed "awake" all night. We "talked" tons, she listened on her headphones to oldies again, and she just seemed better. At 6 a.m. I sat down on the cot while they were turning her and immediately fell asleep! It was just so nice to have her awake. I mentioned the "sighs" before....during the night I put an ice chip on her tongue 6 times....every time she gave a big sigh. The only other time she sighed like that was when "Unchained Melody" came on her headset....she sighed big then....she loves that song, as do Brady and I. We also had some very good news today. The BAER test (brain auditory evoked response) was completely normal. What that means is that she could hear everything that they presented to her, and her brain waves responded with a normal pattern (although her face showed no change in expression, of course.) The doctors are quick to point out, of course, that they do not know how she is bottomimilating what she hears. Also, she had her MRI today. Mixed results....her cerebrum (higher brain function in terms of reasoning, memory, etc), cerebellum, meninges....all were free of any hypoxic/anoxic lesions, no atrophy, and no swelling. Her basal ganglia, however, did have some ischemic lesions (seen with hypoxic injuries...lack of oxygen). The basal ganglia is responsible for motor function....speech, limb movement, tremors, etc. The basal ganglia is also the most sensitive to hypoxia....so if there was going to be an injury, it would affect this area first. We are just so thankful that the other areas look good.....we are believing with all of you that she is going to break out of this silence, that her basal ganglia WILL heal, and that God will use rehabilitation to strengthen her muscles and learn how to use them again. Thank you all again....we love you.


DocJana - 12/26/2002 at 12:45 AM

Christmas 2002
 

"We have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end." Heb 3:14

This verse is a promise to us, especially on those days, sometimes lonely nights, when we wonder what lies ahead. Aubrey has continued to run a fever, although it did drop to 101.5 for a few hours today. During that time, she kept her eyes open and seemed a little "lighter" than she has been recently. Tonight she is at 103.5, but doesn't seem as stressed as usual at this temperature. Her eyes are about halfway open, and moving a little. I put on 106.1 FM tonight on her headphones (the Tulsa Firefighters brought her a headset with cbottomette/radio) and she listened to Christmas music. I think she can listen better through her headphones, but, of course, we play her music in her room most of the day. They are increasing her calorie count/hour....she was getting 2400 calories/day, but has still lost quite a bit of weight. I've been putting ice chips on her tongue, and we recently started putting different scents under her nose and using a nerf ball to squeezing her hand over it. A few minutes ago I put an ice chip in her mouth, and she sighed big. That makes me happy feeling like she gets some contentment from these little things. Tomorrow she should have the rest of her neurological tests done, and then probably move to Children's Medical Hospital out of Hillcrest on Friday. We hope your day was incredible....remember, it's the birth of Jesus that gives us hope tonight for Aubrey.


At this point the postings are in normal order

cpestel - 12/15/2002 at 04:22 PM

Friday, December 13, 2002

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12

Aubrey is still breathing on her own. The doctors are giving her a little oxygen to help her but they are simply laying the oxygen mask next to her tracheostomy. She is doing all of the work by herself.

She is starting to stretch and wiggle her toes without being tickled or pinched. Jana and Brady believe God is working his will and this is a sign of her recovery. The doctors are not acting like this is a big deal.

The tremors are still present and the intensity seems to come and go. Jana reports that they seem to be more mild with the new medication they are giving her.


cpestel - 12/15/2002 at 04:23 PM

Saturday, December 14, 2002

Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise. Jeremiah 17:14

Aubrey had a rough night last night. She struggled to breath on her own and the doctors had to put her back on the ventilator.
They gave her a mild sedative so she was able to rest today.


DocJana - 12/15/2002 at 10:10 PM

"Then your light will break out like the dawn, and your recovery will speedily spring forth; and your righteousness will go before you; the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard." Isaiah 58:8

Aubrey has been sleeping most of the time since being put back on the ventilator. Her tremor medication has been increased to 3 times daily, with the actual dose double what it was before. She STILL tremors when awake, but not as forceful as before. She gently moved her head partway last night twice, and today flexed her left foot twice. She is not perspiring as much, but does have a persistant fever again, probably due to a new lung infection. She does seem to be responding to the new antibiotic, however. Without all the tape and tubes coming from her mouth, she is looking more and more like sweet Aubrey.


cpestel - 12/17/2002 at 07:52 PM

God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. II Timothy 1:7

Aubrey was taken off of the vent this morning at 9:05 a.m. She has an oxygen mask lying next to her trache to give her a mist of oxygen but she is breathing on her own. The tremor medication and dosage level seem to be working for her. Jana said the “tremors are present but are much lighter than before”. She is resting peacefully this evening.


DocJana - 12/18/2002 at 08:33 AM

"Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. Make level paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed." Heb 12:12

Aubrey has been off the ventilator now for over 36 hours and is doing very well. Her oxygen saturation levels are remaining high, and she doesn't appear to be struggling like before. All else remains the same, EXCEPT...during the night she was propped in an unusual position with her right arm placed oddly, and perhaps uncomfortably. She began to move her arm, and eventually, although quite shakily, placed her arm in a more natural position. When I saw what she was doing, I took her other hand and said, "Aubrey, if you can do that you can squeeze my hand,"....but she didn't. However....she had never purposefully moved a body part that much, and we were very excited! We look forward to the day she actually responds to a specific voice command....that day is coming!

Thank you all so much for your prayers....we are so touched and blessed by all of you.


DocJana - 12/19/2002 at 11:33 PM

"If the Lord delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm. Though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand." Psalms 37:23-24

I'm sorry I missed the update last night. Aubrey has been running a fever for about 36 hours, and is not responding well to Tylenol or Motrin. They have her under a cooling blanket and are also putting ice packs under her arms. The night before she started running a fever, the nurses were turning her over and she put her hand out as if to keep herself from falling! Also, the nurses watched her on the monitor throughout the night occasionally lifting her hands off the bed. Another progressive area is her coughing. She has started coughing a little on her own, and is starting to swallow some. These are all good things and necessary to progress to the next level. Today, they performed a venous doppler on her to check for bloodclots since she has been down for so long. We should get those results tomorrow. We are still waiting on her custom tracheostomy tube, and once that is in they will do another MRI, EEG, and an evoked response test on her brain. Please pray specifically for wonderful reports on these tests, and also that her fever, whatever the origin, will subside. Thank you again for making this journey a little gentler with your loving support.


DocJana - 12/20/2002 at 12:12 AM

I just finished reading the discussion and guestbook. I haven't been able to access a computer in a few days, and was overwhelmed at the messages. I am so touched and in awe of all of you. How can anything BUT a miracle occur with this kind of prayerful support? Your messages help me in my quiet and lonely moments....thank you all so much. Also, please continue to pray about the insurance....it seems we're not quite settled with them yet.


DocJana - 12/20/2002 at 10:10 PM

"Lord God, I will shout for joy when You make me victorious, and I will lift up a banner in the name of God! Please, Lord, grant these request! (Psalm 20:5)

Aubrey still has a fever today, but not as high as it has been. The doctors called in a infectious disease specialist. He doesn't belive this is a problem, but he is running some test to be sure. The nurses sat her up in a neuro chair for 45 minutes, which she seemed to tolerate well.

Tonight while Brady brushed Aubrey's teeth, she seemed to blink quicker, swallow more, and moved her tongue more. Afterward I showed her a new zebra and sat it on top of Brady's head. Aubrey's eyes immediately tracked up to the zebra and settled there. This seemed to be purposeful.

Her tracheostomy tube is not supposed to be in till Tuesday. Once this is in, they will perform numerous neurological tests. Please pray for these test to be normal and responsive.

As always, we are blessed by your support.

[Edited on 12/21/2002 by baldies]


baldies - 12/22/2002 at 10:59 AM

"But thanks be God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." I Corinthians 15:57

Jana said that Aubrey remained stable on Saturday, with little activity or change. However, Aubrey did have more mouth movement than usual.

Jana and Brady have interviews today with Channel 8 and Channel 2. So look for those stories this evening on the respective stations. Fox23 aired a story last night.

Jana will be posting later this evening.


cpestel - 12/23/2002 at 11:08 PM

The Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you. II Thessalonians 3:3

Aubrey has been sleeping most of the time for the past several days. This is probably due to the high fever she has been running. The doctors have been trying different medications and they do not seen to have an affect. The latest theory is that Aubrey’s internal thermostat is out of whack.

They performed a hearing response test today. Jana and Brady are asking everyone to say an extra prayer tonight asking for a positive result. The test uses an EEG to measure brain activity while administering audible tones at various frequencies. The results of this test should be available tomorrow.

The permanent trach tube has not arrived. This is delaying some of the rehab that is planned for Aubrey.

Jana asks that everyone pray and ask for a lower temperature. The high temperature seems to be making Aubrey uncomfortable.


DocJana - 12/24/2002 at 04:43 PM

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." Luke 2:14

Aubrey is continuing to run a fever...now going on several days. It is usually between 103.5 and 104. Her new custom tracheostomy came in today! Her surgeon replaced the old one with this new one, and it fits much better and certainly looks more comfortable. The physical therapist sat her in the neuro chair again today, but she did not tolerate it as well, and her oxygen saturation did not stay high enough. Friends came and played the guitar and sang beautiful Christmas songs this morning to her....it lifted me up, and I feel like Aubrey was listening. We still do not have the results of her brain response test....we may not know them until Thursday. She is scheduled to be moved to Children's Medical Center sometime Friday. Please....pray for a smooth transport and peace of mind with this new step. We care and love all of you....and pray that you have a blessed day tomorrow spent with your loved ones.

DocJana - 2/14/2003 at 08:27 PM

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

It looks like this will be my update for today. The library closes shortly, and for some reason, an error or something, I can't get online in my room as of last night.

Aubrey had another restless night...she is having these autonomic storms that seem to keep her awake and agitated from midevening to middle of the night. Last night she would go to sleep, then wake up in 10 minutes with her alarms going off because she was sweating and had increased heart rate. She has not had afternoon therapy yet, but this morning she did well on the tilt table. I believe she tried and started to turn her head towards me when asked, but then gravity took over and she let it fall! Anyway, she's getting dressed in her Valentine's jammies....she's not going to the floor party because there are so many kids it would probably over stimulate her. BUT she's getting lots of hugs and kisses from us....and I know her mind and heart are bombarded from Valentine's wishes from all of you! Have a wonderful, loving day!


DocJana - 2/16/2003 at 01:24 AM

"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help." Psalm 121:1

Aubrey had a rough morning...lots of "tone", elevated temperature, and perspiring...her doctor doubled one of her medications for spasticity (tight muscles, contracture) and right now she is sleeping well. It may make her fairly sedated...we don't know yet, but she can't continue like she was this morning. We'll see if she acclimates to the new dosage over the next few days. We still do not know about Houston...her doctor here, whom we LOVE, thinks it would be a good idea...we're just waiting on the new facility to review everything, and then, of course, the insurance. I will let everyone know as soon as I know! Pray for a restful day for Aubrey tomorrow...and that she's not too sleepy Monday for therapy! Have a great weekend.


DocJana - 2/17/2003 at 04:57 AM

"Paul said, 'I am convinced that neither death nor life...nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.'" Romans 8:38-39

Today started with a lot of "storming" and ended with alot as well...in between, Aubrey rested well! No therapy since it is Sunday...it is so hard to see Aubrey appear so uncomfortable and full of panic and not know why....it could be the stage they go through as they get more aware and they become more agitated...she just seems worse in this aspect the last few days. If it means she's becoming more aware, then hallelujah and let's get through it!


DocJana - 2/18/2003 at 04:59 AM

"I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." Philippians 4:11

I would be untruthful to say I have reached this state in my life...I am not content with this situation, but I am striving to find a measure of God's peace to get me through....until Aubrey is laughing and walking and eating and experiencing joy again. She slept lots again today...I don't think she's in control of the sleeping! During therapy this morning she lifted her head a few times on her own, and twice turned her head from looking right all the way to the left when someone started stretching her left arm. She tolerated the tilt table very well and didn't seem stressed at all...of course, she has a few medications on board! She slept through her speech therapy, which at this point is mainly oral stimulation. She had a few,short episodes of storming tonight...but they were gone very quickly and she has been resting well...much better than recently. Hopefully, this will continue through the night so mom can get some rest, too! We're still waiting to hear the final verdict on Houston....the admissions nurse called today and was so sweet...said they had been reading her website and spoke so nicely about Aubrey. Well, I spoke too soon...her alarm is going off!! Maybe a quick position change will be all we need....I've got to go! Goodnight!


DocJana - 2/20/2003 at 04:49 AM

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12

I had to update on the guestbook last night because for some reason I couldn't enter the forum. Check there for last night's update!

Aubrey only stormed for no more than an hour yesterday evening, and rested well (except for being uncomfortable and needing turned) for most of the night. Today and until now, she has not stormed at all! She has slept quite a bit but when awake, she's seemed a little brighter...finding my face more when I'm speaking, seeming to look and pay attention to her flashcards, etc. In therapy she held her head up and level twice...one time for 45 seconds which is a record for her. She found the therapist's faces while they worked on her, and seemed to gradually move from one to the other visually. I really think her neck/head is getting stronger...it's still small amounts of time, but definitely more than before. The medication they decreased yesterday was decreased again today...we'll see if there appears to be a difference tomorrow! We took her to one of the younger patient's birthday parties, which seemed to be too stimulating for her, so we left after just a few minutes. Again, I will update on Houston as soon as we have a definite answer...I feel like we had a better day and certainly up till now a better few evenings as well!


DocJana - 2/23/2003 at 07:40 AM

"Do not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:21

I can get into the forum tonight because I am home! My mom is spending the night at the hospital with Aubrey so that we can spend some time together away from the hospital.

I hope everyone went to the guest book again last night since that is where I had to update. Today she slept quite a bit, had several visitors, and had some agitation tonight. One of her friends came up and she seemed to really be listening to her, and eventually started vocalizing "with" her. Tonight, her nurse, Regina, told her to bend her knee, and she did...then suddenly sat almost all the way up in bed! It only lasted a few seconds, but it is the first time she has actually moved her upper body anywhere near that much. Of course....it was while I was gone!!!! I'm just happy she did it. Who knows what she'll do tomorrow???


DocJana - 2/24/2003 at 06:39 AM

"So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." Isaiah 55:11

Legacy Center sent this verse last night, and I thought it was great! Aubrey really has her days and nights mixed up...she is staying up until 2-3am, then sleeping ALOT during the day. They gave an increase of some medication tonight a few hours earlier, and so far she is still wide awake! She seems to be moving her head more, more facial expressions, and, of course, the occasional sudden body movement...but the movements and facial expressions aren't really "normal"...they just seem "off". There is that phase, as I've said, where brain injury patients go through agitated, erratic behavior, so again, maybe this is what Aubrey is starting. She is definitely getting stronger, and for that we are very thankful.

We love all of you, and are so very grateful for your continued prayers.


DocJana - 2/25/2003 at 04:02 AM

"Therefore will the Lord wait, that he may be gracious unto you...blessed are all they that wait for him." Isaiah 30:18Text Blue

Today was a WONDERFUL day! It started this morning while Brady and I were at home and my mom was with Aubrey. She stayed up until 3:45 a.m. again, but did wake up for morning therapy. The therapists came in and sat Aubrey up and she started vocalizing some. They said, "Aubrey, are you going to talk to us today?", and asked her to say "Mama"...which she immediately did!!! They asked her 2 more times and she responded each time. Then Krista asked her a question and told her to answer yes or no, and she said "uh huh". She also turned her head to the individual therapists when told to. They were so excited they called us...Brady answered the phone, they told him what had happened, he talked to her and she did some vocalizing, then he handed the phone to me. I still didn't know what had happened, and I said, "Aubrey, it's mom." And she said, "Mommm.." It was the most wonderful sound in the world. This afternoon she didn't talk, but she attempted to, she found our eyes very easily, she turned her head toward me twice when told and moved her eyes to me several times when I spoke. Anoxic injuries tend to have a very slow recovery curve, and things do move extremely slow at times. This was a great step, and we are so thankful! ALSO! We got word today that we are approved to go to TIRR in Houston! We should get official confirmation tomorrow and find out the schedule, which I assume will be pretty fast. Anyway, praise God for an awesome day and the promise of future progress!


DocJana - 2/26/2003 at 05:49 AM

"And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will lift him up." James 5:15

For the first time in days, Aubrey slept well, except when she needed to be turned or changed. She is becoming VERY aware of many hygiene functions....and much more sensitive to tactile stimuli as well. Today she slept until noon, was awake an hour, then back asleep. Her first therapy was early afternoon...mostly stretching...then sitting in her chair. The speech therapist worked with her next. Usually Dimitra is working for 2-3 swallows during her session...today she quit counting at about 15! She was doing so well, Dimitra put some applesauce on a Qtip (little "blobs") and put it in Aubrey's mouth. She worked it with her tongue and swallowed it well...also, a small amount was dripped on Aub's bottom lip and I told her to get it with her tongue and she did! Later, Kristen (OT) had Aubrey leaned very far forward in her chair with her head resting on Kristen's shoulder...Aubrey pulled up to sitting twice from this position! Several times today Aubrey held her head up with no help for several minutes...and tonight she leaned over from a chair and put her arm on the bed and leaned on it and supported herself. Very little vocalization today, EXCEPT! she was lying down after therapy and was making some little "quacking" sounds through her speaking valve...the therapists said, "Aubrey, we don't want to hear you quack, we want to hear you talk. Say "mom"...and she did again! I don't put EVERY thing she does online because some is a little more personal...but some other areas are coming along as well. We should find out tomorrow about our departure date for Houston...I'll post as soon as I know!


DocJana - 2/28/2003 at 06:09 AM

"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." Romans 9:18

The last two days have been a little more muted....she has shown improvement still over last week, but not dramatic like Monday and Tuesday. I believe that this may be due to the fact that one of her medications which is sedating was increased yesterday. She still is swallowing well, helping some with standing transfers to her chair, vocalizing more, etc...just trying to sleep through most everything and today her little legs were like jello! We are preparing for her move, and would like to ask that anyone planning a visit call first to make sure she isn't resting...we don't want her exhausted when she goes...also, if anyone has any kind of cold, cough, etc, please consider a phone call rather than a visit! Thank you all for your love and consideration...your support and prayers have meant the world to us. We will continue her updates while in Houston, so keep in touch with us!


DocJana - 3/1/2003 at 09:22 PM

"God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day." Psalm 46:5

Friday was not too exciting for Aubrey...she was having a little trouble with reflux (spitting up!) and had to have an upper GI series done (barium dye and radiographs taken)...it was normal, so maybe she was just having a bad day with her feedings. She still seemed more sedated and only had therapy once. Last night, her nurses and assistants gave her a shower, massage, and new nightgown...she really gets pampered where we are by all who take care of her...we are going to miss these wonderful, loving caregivers so much!

Today she had therapy only once since it is Saturday, and she did wonderful...more like Monday and Tuesday. She was very vocal...again my mom was there and I was at home with Faith and Chance (trying to prepare for the move). I called and talked to her on the phone and she again seemed to say "Mom" twice, listened to me talk, got BIG eyes when I talked about speaking with Mr. Farris this morning and that he said he'd been trying to talk her into joining the academic team before she got sick...she really was listening and vocalizing on the other end. When I got off, she got upset and vocalized more, so they got me back on the phone and I talked to her some more. When they were doing her standing transfer from the chair to the bed, she was, of course, leaning on the therapist with her upper body, but locking her knees to help stand. Serena told her to pick up her foot and put it back down (first steps to learning to walk again) and she did! I heard Serena screaming from the phone....she was so excited. Then when she sat Aubrey down on the bed she asked Aub if she wanted to get back up and Aubrey immediately leaned forward to her. So, it was a good, responsive day! I will try to update daily when we leave, but don't know the computer situation yet, so be patient with me! Pray for a safe trip and great days ahead!


DocJana - 3/3/2003 at 06:30 AM

"...for the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their prayer." 1 Peter 3:12

Well, I thought I would be updating tomorrow night from Houston...we were supposed to leave early in the morning...Brady on the air ambulance with Aubrey and me on Southwest (thank you, Dana, for being so kind and providing my ticket). The ambulance called today to say they were delayed in New York, but can take Aubrey tomorrow afternoon or early Tuesday morning, whichever TIRR indicates would be better for them...we won't know until in the morning. I'll then change my ticket and we'll regroup. Aubrey was awake most of the day and had several dear friends visit with her throughout the afternoon. Our immediate family spent the evening with her which was very important for Chance and Faith...they've never gone very long without seeing their sister. Brady and I cannot both stay in Houston because of work and the other children, so we are going to take turns with each staying for several weeks at a time. Please pray specifically for our family during the time of separation, that our business will thrive, and most importantly, of course, that Aubrey will continue to heal. Thank you, friends.


DocJana - 3/4/2003 at 06:47 AM

"Have faith in God." Mark 11:22

This will be pretty short...I've written a couple of long posts and keep getting bumped off and losing them!

Isn't it strange how some really great days are also incredibly sad? We are so thankful for Aubrey to have the opportunity to go to TIRR...and yet are so sad to be leaving the loving, nurturing, caring hands at CMC...we treasure each of you and thank you.

Aubrey and Brady got to TIRR about 8 pm, and got settled in. Aubrey did well on the flight...her oxygen saturation was good, although her heartrate did get a little elevated at times (I think Brady's did, too! Those air ambulances are not very big!). Brady seems excited to be there, and happy with her care this evening. I get up in about 3 1/2 hours to leave on an early morning flight and should be at the hospital before 9am. I will only stay a few days. I have two other wonderful children that want their mom home for awhile, so Brady is taking the first "Houston shift". It is very hard for me not to be with Aubrey...but I am happy knowing she is with her dad who takes such loving care of her. I'm not sure on the computer status for the next few days, but if I can update I will. Well, I'd better get in bed...tomorrow is almost here!


baldies - 3/5/2003 at 04:05 AM

UPDATE FROM HOUSTON, JANA and BRADY: Jana does not have access to a computer.



Aubrey is spending today and tomorrow being evaluated by different therapists and the doctor. On Thursday a.m., she will be given an injection of medication into her spinal canal to see if this helps with her spasticity. If it does, we are probably looking at having a pump surgically placed to deliver constant amounts of medication to her spinal canal.



Most of this week will be used to develop a therapy plan.



FROM PRYOR:

Jana and Brady were blessed temporarily with a spacious private room, sleeping double fold couch with a large bathroom. They were expecting a semi-private room. They do not know how long they will have this room. I feel that it is very important at the present time as they can be together on this new road. Jana does not have to stay at the McDonald house this trip.



Please pray for positive results for Aubrey's tests and evaluations for her to go forward; and for Brady, Jana, Chance and Faith travelling this new road of the family being separated.



Your support and prayers are uplifting and healing. I thank all of the marvelous people, relatives and friends that have done so much for us.



Grandma Carolyn (Jana's Mother)


DocJana - 3/8/2003 at 06:42 AM

"The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad." Psalm 126:3

I am back home with Chance and Faith, but a large part of me is still in Houston...it will be some time before we are complete. I miss Brady and Aubrey!

I want to thank the people at CMC again...I really feel we have been where we were supposed to be at the times we were supposed to be there. I feel like CMC was the perfect place to prepare Aubrey for TIRR...and we are so grateful to them.

As posted earlier, Brady and Aubrey arrived Monday night. I came in early Tuesday morning for her first full day. I can honestly say that Tuesday, Wednesday, and the first half of Thursday were very hard on Aubrey. Her storming, perspiring, jumping/tremoring, "panic" eyes...all were at their worst. I think a combination of the move, new voices and faces, coming off most of her regular medication....it all took its toll. They have been doing a lot of measurements, videotaping...she has new handsplints and her leg splints are in the works. The therapists feel she does not have true spasticity...that it is more dystonia. Hard to explain the difference, but the pump we are referring to helps both. She stayed wide awake Mon, Tues, and Wed night...then slept from 8pm last night until this morning. How nice for a peaceful night's rest after so much agitation. Yesterday morning they started Aubrey on some medication for Parkinson's Disease, not because she has it but because the tremors/jerking she does are related to the same area of the brain. She started yesterday morning and by yesterday afternoon, her tremors/jerking were gone. She was able to relax, watch TV, and not have that "deer in the headlights" look. We have about 15 different facial stretches we are learning/doing three times daily...her facial muscles haven't really been used for 3 1/2 months, and we trying to get them in shape as well as the rest of her body. It should also help the slight amount of asymmetry she has in her face. (Sorry this is so random...I'm just typing as I think of it)

The neurosurgeon scheduled to perform her baclofen pump trial had to cancel the night before...it usually takes quite a while...weeks, even...to get the trial done, so we were very fortunate to be having it done 2 days after arrival. Her doctor is in the process of rescheduling it...hopefully, it will be soon. She is also scheduled for an EEG and MRI on Monday.

I think she may have slept so well last night partially because of her day. Here is her schedule on a normal day:
8:00-Alma, her aid and new grandma, gets her up, dresses her, fixes her hair, brushes her teeth, feeds her...and gets her in her new wheelchair by 8:55am...
9-9:30-Speech
10:00-Music therapy (up to 3 times wkly)
11:00-Noon-Occupational therapy
1:30-Speech
2:00-3:00-Physical Therapy
3:30pm-Therapeutic Rec
In addition and including some of these times, Aubrey has 3 sessions 2 hours each of sitting in her wheelchair. So she has to be pooped! The medication for Parkinson's is also a neurostimulant, which may help keep her awake (although, Demetra, she has slept through some speech!) I think today she is just getting back to where she kind of was before we left CMC. She seems to click well with her therapists, and has done some responding. Her therapeutic rec therapist has got her to raise her eyebrow for a "yes" several times, and she really watches her and tries to do what she says. I asked her yesterday if this therapist reminded her of Coach Karie, her cheer coach (because she does to me--firm, pushing but in an uplifting voice) and she immediately started vocalizing...the first and only time yesterday. The therapist thinks she said "yah", but I don't know! Today, her speech therapist would say"Aubrey, I'm going to say "1" and you say "2" or "I'm going to say "a" and you say what comes next....several times, Aubrey would respond with a vocalization...not the number or word, but vocalizing in the appropriate place...who knows? Maybe she WAS trying to give the correct answer. She also vocalized in the shower.

Brady had a sweet time with Aubrey this evening. He took her out to the garden for an hour and a half, and he said she softly vocalized a lot while out there. He said it was obvious she was enjoying herself. While there, another father came over with his almost 19 year old son and talked to Brady. His son was in a car wreck 15 months ago and had a traumatic brain injury AND an hypoxic/anoxic injury. He is still in a wheelchair and cannot speak, but he CAN communicate. (He can vocalize) His dad heard Aubrey vocalize and said, "Did I just hear her vocalize? That's great! My son didn't vocalize for 7 months". That made Brady feel good. He and Aubrey are going to go to this young man's birthday party on Sunday in the hospital. There are a lot of young people there, but not on Aub's floor...she is on the brain injury floor instead of the pediatric floor with most of the teenagers. We really wanted her as close to Dr. Ivanhoe as possible...I have met some mothers in the cafeteria, however.

Two things happened in the last 24 hours that were affirming to us. The first...while in line at the airport, feeling a little lost, I overhead an older man, a woman, and her twenty-something son. The older man was talking about TMC (Texas Medical Center of which TIRR is a part), a hospital there had implanted embryonic tissue into a man's brain that had Parkinson's...with the hope that it would treat/cure/stabilize the disease. This man in line was going to be Number 2 for the procedure! I thought this interesting considering the medication Aubrey had been started on. Then I heard the son speak, and realized that he may have had a brain injury because of his speech. When he walked away, I asked his mom, and she said yes, that he'd had a brain injury and had spent a month in rehab at TIRR....with Dr. Ivanhoe as his doctor! She sang the doctor's praises, and told me not to give up....miracles happen every day at TIRR. I found it "coincidental" that these three people happened to have met...right in front of me...and began talking about this, especially since it wasn't the line the Parkinson's man was supposed to be in!

Second....when Brady was in the garden tonight, he was sitting on a bench. He looked down and started getting goosebumps. When Aubrey was about 4-5 years old, she drew a picture of a bench with scenery....it has been taped to Brady's office wall above his desk for 12 years. He said this bench was extremely similar to the one she drew...he started thinking about the picture, stood up, and faced the bench...and his goosebumps got larger...the background was almost identical to the one she drew as a child...and that Brady has looked at every day for all these years. He felt very much at peace.

Pray for another restful night for Aubrey, and more wakefulness tomorrow. Thank you for your continued prayers.


DocJana - 3/9/2003 at 06:07 AM

"Who healeth all thy diseases." Psalm 103:3

Since it is Saturday, Aubrey only had two therapy sessions. This morning she had physical therapy...they're using one of those big exercise balls quite a bit and having her lay over backwards on it. (Of course, they place her on it) She really vocalizes on it. This afternoon in therapeutic rec, she stuck her tongue out (very slightly but obviously) when told, and really TRIED to do what she was told. Her body just has a hard time actually doing things, even when you can see her trying! She spent 4-5 hours in her wheelchair as well. She rested well today, and when was awake, seemed peaceful. The father of the young man who is having the birthday party tomorrow came down and visited with Brady again...it's too bad they're leaving Thursday, I think they'd be good for each other. Tomorrow should be a day of rest except for the party...have a great day!


DocJana - 3/10/2003 at 03:14 AM

"Underneath are the everlasting arms." Deuteronomy 33:27

Brady said Aubrey was very peaceful all day, except for some early MILD storming this morning before her medication. They went to the garden again with Braxton and Charles (the father and son Brady has become friends with) and spent quite a bit of time in her chair. She vocalized quite a bit today....just making little sounds that hopefully someday will become words. Her great aunt visited yesterday and today....it's nice to have family to visit with. There has been some confusion, but I believe Aubrey will have her baclofen trial tomorrow....or her MRI! Somethingis happening tomorrow! I think she will have to have sedation with either procedure, so she probably won't do therapy tomorrow. Please pray that whatever is done, the results are favorable for Aubrey. I'll let you know as soon as I know...probably tomorrow night!


DocJana - 3/11/2003 at 04:48 AM

"They go from strength to strength." Psalm 84:7

That is, they grow stronger and stronger...as always, this is our prayer for Aubrey.

Because Aubrey was not able to have her medication today (because of the pump trial) she has been storming and tremoring alot. Some of that may not have been alleviated by the medication, but it does seem to have been helping.

The baclofen pump trial went well (the procedure where they inject medication into her cerebral spinal fluid). The results weren't dramatic, but it definitely helped with her dystonia and indicated that a baclofen pump would be warranted. They will surgically implant this pump either the end of this week or early next week. Please pray for Aubrey to tolerate the anesthesia well and for the surgery to be perfect with awesome results....also pray for this mom as I may not be able to be there for the surgery...this would be a first with any of my children. Aubrey had a one-on-one nurse throughout the day and because of the trial did not have therapy. It's hard to say how she's really doing because of so much assessing, medication changes, and, of course, the testing. Please continue praying fervently for Aubrey's healing progress, and for Brady...he's being very strong for me, but I know he's lonely for all of his family.


DocJana - 3/11/2003 at 09:57 PM

"So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised." Hebrews 10:35-36

Aubrey had a much better day today thus far. I am actually updating before dark! She awoke this morning more alert than in past days, and vocalized throughout the day. At one point she held her head up on her own for 10 minutes, which is probably a record. In occupational therapy, she was on her hands and knees leaning over a huge ball, holding her head up well and vocalizing during it. She started vocalizing and looking at Alma when Alma was talking to her while she worked with her. Brady says she listened and moved her mouth while I talked to her on the phone, and tried to make some sounds. She was pretty sedate after OT when speech and music therapy came, and she is not swallowing real well right now. In PT, she had her second fitting for her casts for her feet, so they really didn't do therapy. She has held her head up well all day, but was pretty pooped after a more alert morning. Her tremors are not gone, but they were much better today. Brady felt like today was her best day since arriving at TIRR...we're relishing it knowing that when she gets her pump put in (still don't know the date) she will be down for several days. But...if being down now means better days ahead, let's get it over with! My days are directly related to Aubrey's per Brady, so I am having a better day as well!


DocJana - 3/13/2003 at 05:10 AM

"I leave you peace, my peace I give you. I do not give it to you as the world does. So don't let your hearts be troubled or afraid." John 14:27

Well, today started off shaky. Aubrey was up until 5:30 a.m. jerking and twitching and perspiring all night....Brady said it was the worst she's ever been. The one remaining medication she had been on is still being decreased, and Aub had a terrible night. Today, she was calm with no tremors at all...they also started another new medication and tonight she was awake and alert with no tremors...and she fell asleep about 9pm and at this time is still resting peacefully. We will find out tomorrow if her baclofen pump will be implanted this Friday or next week...her MRI/EEG is scheduled for next Tuesday which could change depending on her surgery date. Her casts were finished for her feet, and the therapists were pleased with her range of motion and felt like her heel cords were in pretty good shape. These casts should help her from getting misaligned ankles, turned in feet, etc. Her hand casts are working well and she seems comfortable in them. Most of her therapy today revolved around her casting except for speech. I am thankful that she had a peaceful day, and what appears to be the beginning of a restful night.


DocJana - 3/14/2003 at 07:09 AM

"All your children will be taught by the Lord, and they will have much peace." Isaiah 54:13

I have really felt led to use the scriptures posted by Wade and Julie this week, as they have touched me where I really needed it....the issue of peace.

Aubrey cleared her throat twice yesterday...I know this seems so insignificant, but it is something new she hasn't done before. Also, a neurooptometrist examined her and we had a great report that her eyes showed no abnormalities as far as vision...now that does not say how her visual cortex processes the "picture" once it reaches her brain.

Today she spent time on the "ball" and again vocalized a lot....then this afternoon the therapists got her standing holding on to a grocery cart. Understand...one person held her knees, another her trunk, and Brady her head...BUT...the therapist holding her knees felt like Aubrey was helping her, whether voluntary or involuntary. It is just another way to stand versus the tilt table. She also experienced some new chair or stand...I didn't quite understand Brady! We were told around noon that her surgery would be tomorrow....then at 5:30 the anesthesiologist came in and said the neurosurgeon had to reschedule for March 27...so we're on hold for now.
The new medication Aubrey started on yesterday seems to working well. She...so far!...is sleeping for the second night in a row and has again had no jerking or twitching today. I am so thankful for that! It is hard to watch your child go through so much, with such a look of panic on her face...knowing you can't seem to help her.

I hope to be kissing her by Sunday...my mom is going down tomorrow to be with her while Brady comes back up here to be here for Chance's tournament and then drive us back down to Houston for spring break. I can't wait!!!!!


DocJana - 3/19/2003 at 03:53 AM

"For I know the plans I have for you," declareth the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

It's been a long while since I updated, simply because we were traveling two days, then I have not had access to a computer until tonight.

We arrived Sunday night (my mom has been with Aubrey since Friday) and we immediately came to see Aubrey. It had been nine days since I had seen her, and Chance and I both immediately thought she looked "better" than 2 weeks before. Not anything specific, but she was sitting in her chair and just seemed a little brighter...still has a somewhat blank stare, but just a little different. It's hard to explain....Brady couldn't see it I think because he has been with her, but now I know what people meant at CMC when they hadn't seen her for a while....I didn't always see it since I was with her all the time. ANYWAY! I was so happy to see her...as bad as this situation is and as severe as her injury, I am so much more emotionally "stable" when I am with her!

Monday morning an ambulance service picked her (and me) up at 10am to go to another hospital for general anesthesia and an MRI...it was supposed to take a total of 2 hours, but we did not get back to TIRR until 5:40pm...a very long, hard day for Aubrey. She stormed hard while we were at the other hospital...it's hard for me when I can't help her! Last night she slept well, and was still pretty sleepy this am...

....when she went to occupational therapy. They know how to wake her up, though...put her on a ball! She stretched a lot, vocalized a lot in therapy, then stood three times with help. They held her knees and shoulders, but she held her head up by herself the whole time. She looked at Christy, her OT, more than once when Christy started speaking to her...and I think Aubrey may have been giving her the evil eye! When Aubrey is up like that, I can see the future so much better ....it's when she's in her bed a lot that it's harder to envision.

At 1pm, another ambulance came and took us, again, to this other hospital where she stayed 5 1/2 hours for an EEG. She only stormed a little while there, but has been storming quite a bit tonight...not severe, but enough to not let her rest. She had a very nice EEG technician, Bruce, who took a lot of care and time with her. Once she stopped storming, she slept through the whole procedure.

My mom is staying with Aubrey at night this week through Wednesday so that I can stay with Brady and the kids at the Ronald McDonald house. I have to say that this place is absolutely wonderful...it has 50 rooms, so it is quite large. Everything they have to accomodate the families is incredible and so helpful. We are thankful to be here this week and be so close to Aubrey. Tomorrow I will go to TIRR early and be with Aubrey for most of her therapy, but in the late afternoon, I'm going with the family to the Museum of Natural Sciences which is supposed to be awesome...Faith will love it. Thursday Brady takes the kids to Dallas to meet friends and go to Six Flaggs....I will stay here with Aubrey until Saturday...and then return home. Mom will be here until Monday, when Brady returns to Houston! Aubrey's baclofen pump surgery has been delayed until March 27...I may have already told you...I forget! Anyway, I can't promise much in the way of updates because there are only two computers at the House, and they are usually taken. You have to get on before 9pm, so I lucked out tonight!

Please pray for Aubrey's MRI and EEG to come back IMPROVED over her last ones (which I guess is not how it usually goes!), or for that matter, pray for them to be normal!!! Also, pray for a good day of therapy after missing most of it since last Friday...love to all.


DocJana - 3/23/2003 at 06:57 AM

We are back home tonight...I am very tired and will update tomorrow. Today is exactly 4 months since Aubrey became ill...it's a hard day. My mom is with her until Monday, when Brady will return. I will write more tomorrow....thank you for lifting us up.


DocJana - 3/24/2003 at 05:11 AM

"If I can?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes." Mark 9:23

As you can probably tell from the reports, the therapists are really working alot on Aubrey's spasticity...she's wearing a cast for several hours a day on her left arm, and much of her therapy is dealing with keeping her contractures from getting worse. They will know more about their future plans once the pump is in and they have had a little time to work on dosages. It doesn't generally do a lot for the arms, although, occasionally, they get lucky. Once we see the results with the arms, a decision can be made as far as botox injections into the isolated arm muscles. Because of the dystonic posturing (pulling at her head, neck, stretching her legs) she seems to be having a more difficult time focusing. BUT, today she had a very good day with her Grandma Carolyn. She watched part of 3 different movies (which she hasn't done since she got to TIRR) and she obviously moved her eyes several times looking at a bulletin board Grandma made for her with her pictures on it. Mom pointed to several different pictures, and Aubrey moved her eyes to each picture she pointed to...very obviously moved her eyes. That's more than she has been doing. She didn't storm today, and really seemed very relaxed...and that is very comforting to us!

Brady leaves very early in the morning to get back hopefully by the time my mom leaves to catch her plane back to Oklahoma. We still are unsure of how long he will be there until I go down. It was wonderful to be with Aubrey this past week....very comforting to be able to touch her and take care of her.

Please continue to pray for God's peace for us...and to realize great things are still to come!


DocJana - 3/25/2003 at 04:15 AM

"Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might." Ephesians 6:10

I don't have a lengthy update tonight. My mom was with Aubrey for therapy, and left for the airport shortly before Brady arrived by car with his Dad.

Aubrey had her right arm casted today, instead of her left. They've started her on some pain medication because the casts as well as the spasticity may be causing her pain. In PT, she was in the "big" gym (it's really big!) and was put in something that takes her from sitting to standing...but it's not a tilt table. I haven't seen it, so it's hard to explain. The PT seemed to think she really did well. In speech, she didn't vocalize, but mom said you could tell she was trying very hard. The therapist told her she didn't have to make any sounds, but to let her know she was trying. Mom said whenever the therapist would ask her something, she would look at her and move her lips but no words.

Please continue to pray for Aubrey's upcoming surgery this Thursday at St. Luke's. She will spend one or two nights there and then come back to TIRR.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has been so supportive, including Gymnastics City, the Claremore cheerleaders, the fabulous meals being prepared and provided by our church family. I know there are many who have donated funds in Aubrey's name...a special thanks to those who have contributed to the jars placed around Claremore, the donations sent to the clinic, money pressed in our hands at the grocery store, church, etc., the anonymous donor from First Baptist, the highschool history class, the wrestling fundraiser, Roosa, Jr. Oceleta, three incredible men and their families (you know who you are), and a special and sentimental thank you to the Claremore Girls Softball Association for their generous gift. I just wanted everyone to know we are so very thankful and grateful...above all, we know that anyone donating is also praying, which means more than anything. Thank you all...may you be blessed.


DocJana - 3/26/2003 at 04:50 AM

"Father, I thank you that you have heard me." John 11:13


Well, today was a sleepy day for Aubrey. They started her on that new pain medication last night, so that may have been a factor. She got her left arm casted again, as well as one of her feet and ankles. A wonderful ENT evaluated her, and they are going to downsize her trach after the surgery (which has been moved to Friday.) She probably doesn't really need her trach, but until she is swallowing consistantly, it helps protect her airway.

We haven't heard the results of her EEG, but the MRI was as MEDICALLY expected...her cerebrum has atrophied(shrunk) some...we don't know to what degree. That is not, of course, what we have been praying for. She has rested well this evening thus far, and hopefully will have a good night. I'd like to see her well rested before the surgery.

Continue praying for peace for us as a family and as parents...I don't necessarily mean acceptance, however, as we're still believing in a better day.


DocJana - 3/27/2003 at 03:35 AM

"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4

Brady felt like Aubrey had a good day. Her OT could feel Aubrey attempting to follow her command during therapy...it's just so hard to do something when your body is fighting itself so much. Her music therapist said Aubrey turned and looked her way when she walked in the room today...Brady was not in the room yet, so he couldn't give me his interpretation. The therapists feel like once they have the pump in and regulated, that she won't be fighting against herself so much and can "go with the flow" when she understands the command...it may also help the posturing some. It WON'T make her any more aware...I'm praying that time and the Lord will take care of that.

I want to thank the lovely "Lunch Ladies" of Claremore High School cafeteria for the nice gift and card you sent! I'm going to use the money to get Aubrey some summer jammies!


DocJana - 3/28/2003 at 04:12 AM

"Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests..." Ephesians 6:18

Aubrey had another pretty good day...not responsive but continuing to hold her head up for very long periods of time. Please remember her early in the morning. At 6am, the ambulance will come and transport her to St. Luke's hospital in the Texas Medical Center, and her surgery should be around 8 or 8:30am. Please pray for her anesthesiologist, her neurosurgeon, the team in surgery, Brady and I...anyone involved in the procedure including the ambulance transport.

I'm sure most of you realize to some degree how hard it is that I am not there...we really felt like one of us needed to stay with Chance and Faith...please just pray for a successful and USEFUL surgery with wonderful and surprising results.


DocJana - 3/29/2003 at 07:53 AM

"To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1

Aubrey's transport went well...I spoke with Brady while they were in the ambulance a little after 6am. At 8am, Brady put the phone up to Aubrey's ear and I spoke with her and tried to encourage her...Brady thought she was listening somewhat. She had had a very bad night...one of her worst, so I know she was exhausted. The surgery took two hours, and went very well according to the doctors. The first time Brady met this surgeon/anesthesiologist, he told Brady he was going to pray for Aubrey. Today, after surgery, he hugged Brady. It is refreshing and comforting to feel that much caring from those in the medical field.

There are times that Aubrey gets an intense, terror attack/panic look on her face...I think I've written about it before. We've never been able to comfort her or get the look to go away in the past. After she awoke today, she got that look...which can last hours at times. Brady said he went to Aubrey, stroked her face, and spoke to her...and within 15 seconds the look was gone. Later, she started appearing to get a little frightened, he spoke to her, and again, she calmed down. We're not used to this, and pray it is the pump. With a small amount of patients, the pump does help more than the legs...it can affect the arms, which Aubrey really needs help with, and sometimes even allow more facial expression. Aubrey's face either shows pain or no expression at all...I would love to see her do more. Her blood pressure was 166/95 this afternoon, but she wasn't storming...they started her on morphine assuming she was in pain and had no way to communicate it. The hospital is very, very nice and Brady likes her nurses...they'll only be there for 2 days. She was resting well tonight, and Brady felt so much calmer knowing she was resting (of course, the demerol and morphine didn't hurt anything!).

Please pray for supernatural results from this surgery...and comfort for Aubrey. Thank you.


 

 

 

 

 

 


 
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