We took a laptop down for Steven this past weekend. We have it all set up so we can do video conferencing via skype. Tonight we tried it for the first time and it was awesome! We could see him and he could see us. He could hear us but we couldn't hear him. We'll mail a microphone down tomorrow and hope that fixes the problem! Once the kinks are worked out, we will give everyone his skype address and you can do a video conference with Steven, too!
Monday, October 18, 2010
Thursday, October 7, 2010
The Little Mermaid
Today is Megan's first swim meet! We are so proud of her because she has really put forth a ton of effort to improve her times. Last night, she walked in the homecoming parade with her team and tonight she will don her team warm ups, dive cap, and backpack!
I will post pictures of tonight's meet late tonight, or sometime tomorrow. She will be swimming in three events. Good luck Megs!!! We love you!
Photo of Megan at swim practice last week
Monday, October 4, 2010
It's going to be a long week!
We went back to Troy's doctor today for a follow up from last week's visit. They have signed him off work until at least 11/2. He has more neuro psych testing to get scheduled. They will keep him on dilaudid (spelling?) for the next month to help with the pain while the nerves heal. He's getting really down in the dumps and is tired of feeling pain all the time. Please keep him in your thoughts and send him a joke or two via email if you see any good ones come to your in box!
This week is a busy one for Megan. On Wednesday night, she will be participating in the homecoming parade. She was nominated as one of the "ladies of the court" for the homecoming dance. Thursday evening she has her first swim meet. Friday night, the homecoming football game. Saturday night, the homecoming dance.
Sunday, we are hoping Troy will feel well enough to make the drive down to see Steven for a few hours.
Fortunately, we have Monday off of school to recover from all the busy evenings we have this week!
Friday, October 1, 2010
Weight Loss Update
Several people have asked me how my weight loss is progressing since surgery. The answer? It's going well. I've lost 53 lbs and 28 inches from my body. I still don't see the difference when I look in the mirror, but seeing pictures has helped me see the progress. Here are a few before and after pictures for those who have requested them. The day of surgery pics are the purple shirt. Three months later in the pink shirt!
I feel healthier, have more energy, and love my weight loss tool!
Bets
I feel healthier, have more energy, and love my weight loss tool!Bets
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Nerve Update
Troy had the nerve lesion yesterday morning. The doctors cauterized 3 nerves in his neck. They warned him that it would be a painful recovery for the first 5-7 days since they drilled through some bone and moved muscles around in the neck to get to the affected nerves. If the pain was not handled by the pain meds they prescribed, they told us to call them.
We called yesterday afternoon because Troy was having a headache, dizziness, continued numbness in his arms, and nausea. They sent us to the ER. The ER gave Troy lots of meds to reduce his pain, relax his muscles, and get rid of the nausea. They sent him home yesterday evening with some additional drugs to get him through this next week.
Last night continued to be rough but better than earlier in the day. He is on a 4 hour medication schedule so I set the alarm to wake us at the right times during the night. The doctor's goal is to get Troy to sleep through this next 4-6 days when the recovery is the worst.
More updates later.
We called yesterday afternoon because Troy was having a headache, dizziness, continued numbness in his arms, and nausea. They sent us to the ER. The ER gave Troy lots of meds to reduce his pain, relax his muscles, and get rid of the nausea. They sent him home yesterday evening with some additional drugs to get him through this next week.
Last night continued to be rough but better than earlier in the day. He is on a 4 hour medication schedule so I set the alarm to wake us at the right times during the night. The doctor's goal is to get Troy to sleep through this next 4-6 days when the recovery is the worst.
More updates later.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Steven's Birthday
I apologize for the delay in posting Steven's birthday pictures! Some of the pictures are captured on the camcorder and we can't capture those at this time. Unfortunately, my camera batteries ran out quickly, so I have these few pictures to share.
First, let me say that this was Steven's best birthday ever! We got to his dorm about 9:30 am and opened presents with him. About 10:30, the bounce house was delivered and the boys were ecstatic! The staff must have prepped the boys ahead of time because the boys kept telling each other, "It's Steven's birthday, so he gets in first." The boys were coaxing Steven towards the bounce house. One of the boys couldn't stand the wait and he got in real quick. It was funny how fast the other boys reprimanded him to get out until Steven was in! When Steven did get in, he jumped a bit then got out when it was too crowded.
Steven had a good day on his party day! He loved being the center of attention and enjoyed his gifts. He was happy and playful and the most smiley we have seen him in years. It is such a joy to see him so happy! He has really bonded with the other kids in his dorm. He has friends of his own. The other boys give him high 5's and play wrestle with him. Steven even participates in giving and receiving head locks and chest bumps!
We pigged out on pizza, sodas, cake and ice cream. It was a great day!
Here are a few pictures of Steven opening his presents.
We had a great day! I'll post more pictures when they are available.
First, let me say that this was Steven's best birthday ever! We got to his dorm about 9:30 am and opened presents with him. About 10:30, the bounce house was delivered and the boys were ecstatic! The staff must have prepped the boys ahead of time because the boys kept telling each other, "It's Steven's birthday, so he gets in first." The boys were coaxing Steven towards the bounce house. One of the boys couldn't stand the wait and he got in real quick. It was funny how fast the other boys reprimanded him to get out until Steven was in! When Steven did get in, he jumped a bit then got out when it was too crowded.
Steven had a good day on his party day! He loved being the center of attention and enjoyed his gifts. He was happy and playful and the most smiley we have seen him in years. It is such a joy to see him so happy! He has really bonded with the other kids in his dorm. He has friends of his own. The other boys give him high 5's and play wrestle with him. Steven even participates in giving and receiving head locks and chest bumps!
We pigged out on pizza, sodas, cake and ice cream. It was a great day!
Here are a few pictures of Steven opening his presents.
We had a great day! I'll post more pictures when they are available.Saturday, September 18, 2010
And a week goes by....
How is it possible that a whole week goes by and I can't find time to post and update! Here's what we know....
Monday- nothing exciting.
Tuesday - Troy went to Dr and they scheduled the nerve lesion for 10/1. This really depressed him because he did not want to be in pain another 2.5 weeks. It was a downer night for all of us.
Wednesday-Megan woke up with the stomach bug that has been going around school. The housekeeper came and the house looked beautiful when I arrived home to change clothes, then head to my book club.
Thursday-Megan was still sick and running fever so she stayed home again. I received a call from the doctor's office and they opened up a Saturday slot because they have so many patients. Rescheduled his appointment for next Saturday, 9/25 at 8:30 am. That evening, we went shopping for Steven's birthday party and presents, then packed the basics for Abilene.
Friday- Had a busy day at school, then headed home to change clothes and head to Abilene. The trip is normally 3 hours and we expected it to be longer due to rush hour traffic. WOW! After 90 minutes we had travelled a whopping 17 miles! We finally saw a traffic sign on the freeway which indicated all lanes were closed due to an accident. Fortunately, we had our GPS and we quickly pressed the detour button. Along the detour, we stopped for a quick burger at Fuddrucker's. We made it to Abilene in only 5.5 hours.......we were exhausted!
In Abilene, we are staying in the guest house for the first time. The homes are 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, fully furnished, homes. Back in the day, doctors used to live on site at the facility. Since they no longer do that, they turned them into guest houses for families to stay in. We weren't sure what to expect but wanted to check it out before we stay at Christmas time with Grandma Jane and hopefully, Fred and Leslie.
The home is older, but is very functional. The bedrooms each have 2 twin beds. The bathrooms have soap in the showers even! The kitchen is fully functional, but we are not allowed to cook. NOT JUST ME!!! Nobody can cook. We are allowed to use the fridge, microwave, toaster, and coffee maker.....which is pretty much cooking in my book!
In about an hour, we will head over to Steven's dorm to get the party set up! The bounce house and pizzas are being delivered by 11am. We should have a great time! I'll post pictures tonight!
So, how was your week?
B
Monday- nothing exciting.
Tuesday - Troy went to Dr and they scheduled the nerve lesion for 10/1. This really depressed him because he did not want to be in pain another 2.5 weeks. It was a downer night for all of us.
Wednesday-Megan woke up with the stomach bug that has been going around school. The housekeeper came and the house looked beautiful when I arrived home to change clothes, then head to my book club.
Thursday-Megan was still sick and running fever so she stayed home again. I received a call from the doctor's office and they opened up a Saturday slot because they have so many patients. Rescheduled his appointment for next Saturday, 9/25 at 8:30 am. That evening, we went shopping for Steven's birthday party and presents, then packed the basics for Abilene.
Friday- Had a busy day at school, then headed home to change clothes and head to Abilene. The trip is normally 3 hours and we expected it to be longer due to rush hour traffic. WOW! After 90 minutes we had travelled a whopping 17 miles! We finally saw a traffic sign on the freeway which indicated all lanes were closed due to an accident. Fortunately, we had our GPS and we quickly pressed the detour button. Along the detour, we stopped for a quick burger at Fuddrucker's. We made it to Abilene in only 5.5 hours.......we were exhausted!
In Abilene, we are staying in the guest house for the first time. The homes are 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, fully furnished, homes. Back in the day, doctors used to live on site at the facility. Since they no longer do that, they turned them into guest houses for families to stay in. We weren't sure what to expect but wanted to check it out before we stay at Christmas time with Grandma Jane and hopefully, Fred and Leslie.
The home is older, but is very functional. The bedrooms each have 2 twin beds. The bathrooms have soap in the showers even! The kitchen is fully functional, but we are not allowed to cook. NOT JUST ME!!! Nobody can cook. We are allowed to use the fridge, microwave, toaster, and coffee maker.....which is pretty much cooking in my book!
In about an hour, we will head over to Steven's dorm to get the party set up! The bounce house and pizzas are being delivered by 11am. We should have a great time! I'll post pictures tonight!
So, how was your week?
B
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)