" On the Road Again "

04-26-09
0541 Hours

A song made famous by Willie Nelson, Dar is back "on the road again"

Yesterday I found Dar to be back to her "perky" self. Eyes open, big smile, full of laughter but unfortunately not able to use her speaking valve.

Running a slight fevor during the week and x-rays showing a bit of congestion in the right lung Dr. D decided to error on the side of caution and re-inflate the "cuff" and not use the "speaking valve" until Dar sees Dr. Shapiro on Tuesday. This caution eliminates the possibility of Dar "asperating" anything into her lungs. Dr. D also started Dar on an antibiotic in pill form given through her "g tube".

Still learning about this blackberry phone I was not receiving emails yesterday or if I did get one it was immediatley gone upon closing. I think I have since found the reason why. I had sent Dr. D an email early yesterday when I learned that Dar could not use her speaking valve. When I returned home late yesterday Dr. D had answered with Dar's update. Not knowing exactly what was going on made for a somewhat worrisome day with Dar.

We were still able to do all the things she enjoys during the day, ie "wheel chair quad ride", stroll to "Ross", play with Mav, play her new favorite game "simon says"(works on different tasks and practices following instructions), her "win" rate is going up. Just was not quite the same as we could not enjoy her contagious laughter that everyone has come to enjoy and love. Was not able to give her ice cream or juice either.

The "tone" in her legs, hips, knees, shoulders and hands seems to have decreased in the last few days also. I was able to put her hand splints on with minimal complaint from Dar. When lying on her back we have been really striving to get Dar's legs totally flat on the bed without a pillow under her knees, (pillow promotes flexion we don't want), moving slowly and talking to Dar I am able to get her legs almost flat on the bed. Dar wears leg splints for two hours on two off during the day. Same with the hand splints. In the last few days splints have been able to be put on relatively easy. Dar being the trooper she is she puts up with the discomfort like a champ.

Dar's sister Diane and husband Roger will be at Kentfield Wednesday with us and I hope that they will be able to enjoy Dar's "nightengale" voice and see her eat solid food. Prayers please for Dar's visit to Dr. Shapiro Tuesday and we might find the reason Dar is having trouble with the "button".

Must take a moment to express our joy for the John Murphy family. You remember John is the Cal Poly student that fell from a 4 story window some 9 months ago. John, a resident of Kentfield for 8 months and patient of Dr D is graduating to a new facility near Kentfield, still Dr D's patient and another huge step closer to going home.

A miracle, John has triumphed above all odds. John's family has looked forward to this day for months, wondering if John would ever progress to where he is today enduring the weeks of no improvement, the steps forward, then the steps backward, the Murphy family has endured and God has blessed. A testament to prayer and faith, John Murphy is walking, writing, escaping from his bed and beginning to talk as he leaves Kentfield Hospital Tuesday at 1:30

The stars always in sight, John is one step closer to going home.

To the Murphy family I would like to say, I will miss you all, miss John's antics, miss the text messages you send Peggy, the camera pics you send. Kevin, our talks in the lobby, the smiles of Molly and Kaitlin, (sisters). Things will be different now but these are the goals that we all strive to reach when we have a loved one in this situation. Moving forward and upward, that's what we are about. Thank you Murphy's, thank you for all that you are and thank you for being a big part of Dar's and my life. This is not good bye. We can't say good bye to family, family is with us forever, and your family is our family.

GO JOHN MURPHY!!!!!!

In closing I have chosen to save a comment from Dr.D regarding Dar's progress.

"Dar is doing very,very well"

Please continue to pray for Dar and know that we love and appreciate all of you.

Pray for John Murphy and his continuing progress.

Pray for Rye Spitzer, (our other extended family) accross the hall.

Long post today folks, thanks for reading. Love you all

Dar/Danny/Mav