Thursday, November 27, 2008

Happy Thanksgiving

Steve and his family have asked for me to wish all of you a very happy thanksgiving. They are so thankful for your unwavering support and love throughout these last eight months. We all hope you have a wonderful day with your loved ones. Happy Thanksgiving!

Saturday, November 22, 2008

11.22.08

Hey all! Sorry I have been absent, was waiting to see if we got some news from the doctor. I know that some of you were worried since you hadn't heard from me, so I'll try not to stay away for so long. I understand that even an uneventful post is a worthwhile post.

The ENT doctor came to Steve's house this week to examine his throat and change his trache. He said that he looked through Steve's file, and there is no indication, from previous exams, that his laryxn is crushed. This is great news because it means there is still potential for possibly speaking down the road! He also said that he thought the scar matter in his throat, seemed to be doing well. He is going to be coming to the house to change the trache with regularity, which should help. This is great news!

Steve has been doing okay, he's been infection-free (Yes! more good news),but he's been sleeping a lot and not too motivated to get up on some days. Steve Willet is still able to rouse a smile, as well as small group of Steve's core friends who visit with regularity. He's expecting some company this weekend, so I'm sure that he'll be up earlier than he has been. And on Tuesday, my mom and dad, Joseph, Debbie, Bryan and Patrick arrive for the Thanksgiving holiday. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, a ton of family is going to be descending on Chipmunk Circle, so Steve won't have much downtime.

When I was about sixteen and quite content to sleep till midday on Saturday mornings, MaryAnn would come to our house with Kris and Steve and they would make their way up the stairs, bursting into my room with all their pint-size,boisterous, blond energy. They'd jump on the bed and there was no other choice but to get up. And I was entirely thrilled to do so--they were my little buddies. Well, you know what they say, "What goes around comes around." So that's pretty much what I intend to do every morning that I am there for Christmas. Pounce into the room well before Steve's ready for me. And I am sure Sadie, Bryan and Patrick will be my pint-sized accomplices!

Monday, November 10, 2008

11.10.08

About time I got a new image up there, right? I have been trying for some time to make it bigger, but I just can't figure out how. And as you can see, it's getting late. I do hope to figure it out soon. In the meantime, I'll let you know that Steve had a great visit with the family. He's been sleeping a lot and he's had fluctuations with his blood pressure, specifically low blood pressure, but that is to be expected with this type of injury. I don't have a lot of news to report, except that all the love and hope is as strong as ever, just in case you were wondering. More updates soon. Love, Aunt Jean.

Monday, November 3, 2008

11/3/08

Steve had another doctor appointment last week. This was the rescheduled appointment with the ear, nose and throat specialist and the pulmonologist. The preliminary news is not good. The doctor feels that there is something similar to scar tissue, suppressing things in the back of Steve's throat. He said that he would need to operate and remove that in order to assess the rest of Steve's throat function. He also wanted to do more research and gather more information and get back to them.

Since Steve's swallowing still results in liquids flowing into his lung, the doctor was not in favor of the double cuff trach tube which can, in some cases, allow speaking. So we are holding out hope that we can find promising information for alternatives and of course, praying that function will just return on its own with time.

Friends were over yesterday to celebrate Johnny's birthday which was great for Steve's spirits. Regular visits from a few close friends are what really sustain him these days. They make a big, big difference. On Wednesday, he'll have lots of company when Uncle Joe and Debbie come to visit--along with Bryan who turns that day, and Patrick who is three. I think it's going to be a great time! The boy are so excited to see Steve, not to mention the big love and smiles from Joe and Deb. Have a great time everyone!