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The good news first... Dov was able to come home on the 21st of July!
A big day everyone was looking forward to, most of all Dov.
Phil and Denise spent many hours over the last few days visiting and taking him out of his ward for meals etc...while mom and I returned to Winthrop to prepare Dov's room. We were also in town just in time to be at the benefit for Dov. There was an amazing outpouring of love and generosity, and it was a wonderful comfort to see how many people turned out and how loved Dov and the family are in this amazing community. We do have a few pictures from that evenings musical side as well as pics of many who came that night. I will post those on here shortly, but until then a big thank you and many blessings to the wonderful people of the Methow Valley and beyond who have been so kind.
On Monday, after a long grueling day of checking out of Saint Luke's and cleaning the apartment in Spokane for the final time, Dov was officially released and headed home. He drank coffee for the first time in a month and was wide awake for the trip.
Lucia was enthralled to have him back and within reach and she often pushes his walker just out of reach and then smiles and waits a second before returning it to him! Dov is still having to wear the "Clam Shell" back brace for the majority of the day when active, he is allowed to move shorter distances with a walker, but as that can be quite tiring, he will still be in a wheelchair until the doctors give the all clear. He is not very happy with the situation and tries to get out of wearing the brace partly due to the warm weather as well as the discomfort. Hopefully he will heal quickly.
"Brain" Dov's dog was overjoyed to have his master back home but he is confused with all the new family members and unsure of the baby so his instinct to protect Dov is operating on high alert we think he will be happier when he finally gets Dov to himself again.
Dov is already rearranging his desk and computers, he is frustrated with our attempts to organize his equipment, and although we tried to keep all plugs, cords, wires, cables, and monitors as he had them inevitably some things got changed and he is spending free moments trying to sort out the situation.
He still gets very tired during the day and his appetite is still going strong so between resting and eating he will be having physical, speech, and occupational therapies to concentrate on in the coming weeks and months.
Once again many thanks to everyone and stay tuned for more pictures!

Botanical Gardening

Yesterday and today were good days for Dov. He is more alert and talkative, he has a sense of humor about his situation and seems determined to get out of Saint Luke's as soon as possible. Mom asked him to speak more with us during the day (he seems more talkative in the evenings) so that the therapists can see that he is improving and not just saying "uh huh" or "no". He smiled when I agreed with her and reminded him that he knew lots of words...."say anything even random words Dov" I encouraged him and with a big smile on his face he said "Botanical gardening" then started laughing. 

Mom is being trained to put on and remove the back brace which has to be worn at all times except sleeping, and he is getting better at accessing the walker to aid him in getting to and from the wheelchair. Dr. Reynolds who has been in Dov's life since the Leukemia diagnosis at age 11 visited today and was very positive about the progress Dov is making, which was comforting to hear. 

We will be heading to Winthrop for a few days to prepare Dov's room for him and have a quick visit with everyone at the benefit. 

There should be some more definitive news about Dov's expected release in the next day so we will make sure we post that as soon as we hear.

Keep Smiling

Well, things here are starting to makes a bit more sense. Dov had a wonderful nurse who figured out that his agitation and distress was directly linked to his pain level, and that although he wasn't asking for medication he was much calmer and clear headed when not in pain. He is now on a 6 hour routine and is much calmer and receptive.

Dov's day consists of half hour increments of physical, speech, and occupational therapy, in between meals and resting. We are able to take him outside into the cafeteria eating area where there is a pond and waterfall, as well as to the playground where he watches Lucia slide and climb as he wheels himself around.

Today he was very alert and smiling as we spent awhile outside taking pictures and chatting. He was looking at pictures of family that mom has in a little album and he said, " All these people in here are making me depressed..." when we asked him why he said "The longer they (meaning family?) are in the album the longer I will be in HERE". We reassured him that he was making great progress and that everyone at home as well as his dog Brain were eagerly awaiting his return. He had a big smile and said "My dog is going to freak out when he smells me"! he then resumed looking at pictures and in a very happy voice told Lucia "As soon as I can smile like that (pointing to a picture of mom and Chicane laughing together) they will let me out"! 

Well here we are at St. Lukes.... Dov already has the nickname "Houdini" as his successful attempts to escape from the enclosed bed have resulted in alot of friction between us his concerned family and the staff which is overworked and stretched too thin. Our desire to be understanding and work with the people here who are in a position to help Dov along is high but our frustration at often coming into the room and finding him walking on his crushed leg, sometimes with out the back brace on alone in his room is difficult to swallow. Our complaints and concerns seem to be heard but so far not addressed as Dov is still able to escape his bed and even this morning we found him walking to his wheelchair alone when we came in, in spite of added precautions/locks and a surveillance camera. On the positive side this attests to his inner strength and determination to get out of here! At least that is what mom and I keep telling ourselves! More news soon.

Mom at Midnight

Good news...
Dov is doing fine after the operation, and although at the moment he still has two drains in his head the marked improvement and his calm attitude are letting everyone breath easier. It looks like tomorrow Dov will have the drains removed and head back up to the 9th floor! And if he continues this improvement St. Luke's rehab facility will be the next step (literally) as he learns to walk again. Last night mom was called back in at midnight because he was agitated and the nurses were unable to "read" him. After some talking, a bath, and a shave he was settled back in bed with Paul Simon on the Walkman and these words lulling him back to sleep...

Down among the reeds and rushes
a baby boy was found
His eyes as clear as centuries
His silky hair was brown

Never been lonely
Never been lied to
Never had to scuffle in fear
Nothing denied to
Born at the instant
The church bells chime
And the whole world whispering
Born at the right time

Post OP With Paul Simon

The surgery to relive some pressure in Dov's head went very well. Dov seems much more alert and spry, when I talked with him on the phone his response time had greatly improved and he said "I feel better".
Something also making him feel better is his new Walkman from Lynette, and when asked "do you know Lynette bought you the Walkman" he replied "yes Lynette Westendorf" this is wonderful to hear that he is remembering so much. He also recognized Paul Simon's voice and sang along with some of the songs.

And in Dov's words
"best momentum to the people"

Thumbs Up for the 9TH Floor

Phil got Dov's happiness at being on the 9th floor on video, but after the operation which is taking place right now he will be in ICU again so they can monitor his recovery closer.
I will write more when he comes out of the surgery

View Video

PRE-OP UPDATE

The surgery to drain fluid off Dov's brain is now scheduled for Thursday.
The complications and risks are quite high and we are preparing for a long day of waiting tomorrow.
Dov has had a surprisingly calm and talkative day. Remembering how he likes to make omelette's with mushrooms and telling mom that "God has a plan...he is in control". He also told mom he was grateful to her and that he wasn't sure if Denise knew how grateful he was to her also.
When I spoke with him he was much quicker with answers and he made sure to remind me to "bring candy when you come"!
Tomorrow we will learn more about the extent of work needing done in Dov's head, and I hope to be in a position to report a positive prognosis.

Moving up

Dov was moved up to the 9th floor!
Getting out of ICU is a big step in the right direction. The danger of catching pneumonia, or other kinds of infection is higher in the tight confines of ICU not to mention the moral boost this is for the rest of the family hearing he is doing well enough to move up!
Although there is a "sitter" when mom isn't there, who has to keep him from trying to get out of bed and walking, he is no longer restrained and is able to hold things in his hands and move his arms. With the back braces on he is allowed to sit in the wheel chair and has even been taken outside for a breath of fresh air. Dov often doesn't know why he cannot stand on his leg or move without the back brace and he can be too strong physically (and willed) for mom when he gets a bee in his bonnet, but for the most part he is complying. The doctors have Dov's leg in a machine that keeps the leg in motion and flexing about 3 hours a day, and so far are pleased with the recovery he is making. When I last spoke with him on the phone as we were saying goodbye I told him I loved him and he said "Yeah...you gotta make sure that keeps working"!
Ditto Dov!

Visit With Denise

(July 1) about 2:00 Denise went to visit Dov. She took Dov a hand held electric game (Connect 4). (Sara pointed out to us that he likes to keep his hands busy.) He played with it a short time and then set it aside, indicating that he would like to have it available later.
When Denise arrived, the nurse told her that Dov had yet to finish his lunch, so she could help him with it. Denise started to feed him, but when they took a break Dov picked up the fork and fed himself.
When Denise asked Dov if she could get him anything, he said: "A broken spirit." Denise asked why and Dov said: "To get out of this establishment." Denise then told him that it seems that his spirit is strong, but some parts of his body still need mending and that is why he is still in the hospital.
Overall Dov seemed calm. He was not agitated like he was a few days ago.

Video Clip from the Campbells visit

I asked Dov if he would like to send a greeting. He said: "Best momentum to the people." Still struggling with the right vocabulary words, but his spirits are good. We think his intention was something like "I hope everyone is doing well." View Video

Dov enjoying the "feel" of a computer.

Dov is having some ups and downs. Much of the concern today is getting his old medical records reconciled with the current ones and making sure obsolete medications are stopped and the proper "new" ones get given asap. His medical history charts take up volumes and keeping medications straight is a thankless and time consuming chore and mom is having to slog through it alone at the moment.
Dov has had moments of calm and active awareness when he can smile and even joke although he has trouble always finding the "perfect" word for the situation. Uncle Phil got a great little video of him greeting folks, which I will try and post, but although he tires out quickly he has had some very sweet and touching moments with mom. Of course the progress so far is interspersed with bouts of extreme frustration, anger, and pain. We can't say if he truly understands the extent of his injuries or how aware he is of the time it may take to get back on his feet, but the reality is sinking in within the family and everyone is taking a deep breath in preparation for the long trip...
The doctors are tentatively planning surgery on Thursday to drill 2 holes into Dov's frontal lobe in order to drain the excess blood and relieve some pressure. This sounds pretty scary, but the hope is that by doing it now he will avoid or at least minimize the chance of having this become an issue later.