Exercise Plan: November 6, 2009

Over the last few days have been a little crazy.  As most of you know, our Nanny came in town on 10/31 “Halloween” day and will be in town to help us with Court until the first of December.  Well only two days into her month-long trip, Nanny had a accident.  When she arrived at the hospital, she parked in a different parking garage than normal.  She had been down at the hospital all day Monday visiting with Court and had to leave a different way than normal.  Nanny accidently walked into  a clear glass wall and broke her nose and then wrist after falling backwards to catch herself.  I spent Monday night going back and forth checking on Nanny in the ER on the 2nd floor and going upstairs updating Courtney on the 6th floor at UTSW/St Paul.  Fortunately, they were both at the same hospital…Unfortunately, this had to happen!  Nanny is doing much better and Marty took her to a Dr. yesterday for a check-up. 

Bad News first:  Courtney is continuing to have major swelling in her stomach and they continue to drain 5-6 liters of fluid every other day from her tummy.  Court has an infection in her lungs right now, but Dr.’s say everything is treatable.  They are going to try and start her on some different meds to try and help with the swelling but some of the side effects are kidney issues…and we don’t want to go through all of that again.   She’s still extremely weak and it’s even hard for her to slide her legs to the side of the bed.  Her stomach hurts so bad from the draining procedures they do every other day.  

Good News:  Court has been given some daily exercise goals of peddling on the side of the bed, sitting in a chair for a specific amount of time and standing a number of times.  She’s working SO hard!  Her appetite has returned and is eating much more, so we are hoping she will start gaining some more weight. 

I read Courtney the blog and comments last night.  She loves to hear your thoughts.  Oceanport folks…she loved your comment and I got a really big smile from her.   Thank you all, and it really means a lot to us.

Still holding strong… November 2, 2009

Thursday I wasn’t able to visit Court because I was busy at work and Kaden had her 4th Grade Musical Thursday night.  I usually go and visit Court on Tuesday and Thursday nights during the week.

Halloween Saturday:  I showed up to visit Court around 11am and surprised her wearing a “Hot Dog” suit with mustard down the front.  I got a pretty good smile out of her.  Kelly and I helped her stand a couple of times and watched her sit on the side of the bed and peddled for several minutes.  Our Nanny (GG) came in town later that evening and she will be staying until December 1st. 

Sunday:  Scotty and I took the kids to a birthday party downtown at the Science Museum, so I texted Courtney that we would be coming by afterwards around 4pm.  Obviously we had the kids with us and children aren’t supposed to visit in this ICU (and they are much more strict than 7th floor) so I had Scotty and Shaffer stay in the waiting room as I snuck Kaden in with me.  Of Course we were stopped right away and yes, I fibbed and said she was 12 even though she’s only 9 and a small 9yr old at that…but I quickly mentioned we were going to see Courtney and they said “Oh she will like that”  So I surprised Courtney with Kaden.  When we entered her room she had quite a roomful already and they typically only allow 2 visitors at a time.  Nanny (GG), Mom (Dottie),  and Lindsay were there.  So now there is 5 of us in her room, so we pulled the curtain closed on both sides trying to hide the fact we had so many in her room.  (Keeping our fingers crossed they don’t kick us out)  Ok, so I’ve had a Dr. Pepper since my vow to discontinue as long as Courtney tries to stand and I confessed my weakness to her yesterday.  It was a long day and I broke down.  We talked about Kaden’s latest singing performance and what everyone did for Halloween.  It was good having so many in her room at the same time.  I know she enjoyed it and I’m sure it felt like she was at home.  Anyway,  Courtney sat in her chair yesterday for 4 hours.  She’s still holding strong so for those of you who devoted to give up or work out for Court as long as she continues to work hard…you gotta stay on track because she’s working hard!  One of our major concerns right now is her swollen stomach.  The docs have run X-rays, Sono’s  and all kinds of tests and they are continue to have to drain 5-6 liters of fluid almost daily from her.  Please pray for Court as she is in a lot of pain from the procedures they are having to do. 

Courtney, I’m so proud of you!  I’ve watched you work so hard on standing and peddling your feet.  I can only imagine how hard that is for you…but I’ve seen improvements.  Not only in your strength, but in your will.  You are amazing and Jesus is with you.

Sorry, I just had to post this link I came across today when I really wanted a DP…

http://health.yahoo.com/experts/drmao/20270/what-soft-drinks-are-doing-to-your-body/

The Challenge is working! October 28, 2009

We have all been having DP withdrawals and I keep looking around to see if there’s one I can sip off of, but it’s all worth it!  You guys can’t even imagine how awesome it is that everyone has stepped up to the plate and has sacrificed something for Courtney’s well being.  IT’S WORKING!  She has been trying her hardest to take a step further than she has in the last month.  Courtney has thoroughly enjoyed hearing all of your comments about what you are giving up to inspire her to step it up.  As a matter of fact, she texted me this morning…”Another day of no Dr. Pepper “ 

Kelly went down to visit Court right after work yesterday and read her all the comments.  When I went down late last night she started telling me about the comments.  She absolutely loves it!  This challenge has really got her talking.  It has motivated her and it’s what we really needed.  It is because of your own personal challenges that has her going, so please keep them coming.   Her appetite has returned and she asked me to bring her a cheeseburger kids meal and she scarfed it down. 

I left my visit with Court last night, and again I felt the heavy weight off my chest.  I could see a turn in your spirits.  Keep up the hard work and we will too! 

XOXO, Megan

Courtney’s Challenge October 25, 2009

Today I had a good visit with Courtney.  Her RT, John, came in and was giving her some tough love about lying in bed so much.  I agreed with John, and told Court that she needed to try standing more often.  I told her that good things come from working hard.  I know standing is very hard for her, but she has to keep trying.  She told me it makes her anxious to stand because she has fallen before, so she’s afraid of it happening again.  I know you’re scared, Court, but you have to keep trying!  I told her that she needs to stand so that she can build her muscle mass back up so she can walk again, because they won’t let her out of the hospital until she’s walking –  and I know she wants out of there.  I said something to her about needing to be out by Thanksgiving, and that made her cry.  When I said it, I was really just messing around with her (trying tough love), but I should have thought about how that would come across from her perspective.  I told her I was sorry and that I didn’t mean to hurt her feeling, because I know she is working hard and we can’t put a deadline on her recovery.  I asked her if there was something I could give up, or if there was something I could do that she knows is hard for me, so that way we can kinda work through this together.  She didn’t have any suggestions, so I told her I would give up drinking Dr. Pepper (which anyone who knows me knows that I’m addicted to Dr. Pepper) and she smiled.  I know giving up Dr. Pepper isn’t has hard for me as standing is for Court, but I want to be able to show her I’m supporting her in some way.  I told her that I wouldn’t drink any more until she’s walking, but that if I found out she went a day without standing that meant I was allowed to drink a DP that day. 

Then my mom called.  After I got off the phone, Courtney asked who it was.  I said “that was mom.  She just got home from church, so that means I need to get home to get the boys.” (Marty was working today, so mom watched the boys for me so I could go to the hospital).  Courtney said, “I don’t want you to leave yet.  I want you to help me stand.”  I was so delighted to hear that!  I told her that wouldn’t be a problem, I would help her stand.  We had to wait a minute while her room was being cleaned, but as soon as she could, she called the nurse in to help her stand.  The nurse and I helped her to the side of the bed and she stood up once.. twice.  The third time she stood, she picked up both feet and the nurse told her she was getting fancy.  She sat down and said, “how many times was that?”  I told her that was three times, and the nurse asked if she was done.  Courtney said no, and I asked how many times did she want to stand – “5 times” she said – and she did.  She stood up 5 times!  That was very hard for Court, and I’m so happy she did it with me!  I told her she did a great job, and she told me she was going to stand again when my mom got down there.  Sure enough she did – she stood another 3 times!

On my way home I called Megan and told her about the pact I made with Court, and she said she would give up drinking DP too.  Then I told my mom when I got to her house, and she agreed she would give it up as well.  I know that might not sound like a lot, but we all drink WAY too much Dr. Pepper and Courtney knows it (so sorry DP, you’re about to lose a lot of business).  Anyway, I hope that by doing this, Courtney can see that we all are supporting her and want her to pull through this.  If anyone wants to join in on our pact, just post what you want to do.  It can be anything, but I wanted to make it something that would make our lives better by being a little healthier.  I hope you will join in on “Courtney’s Challenge!”

Thank you, Courtney, for working so hard today.  You are amazing and I know you will beat this thing – no matter how long it takes.  Stay positive and just keep trying; God will take care of the rest.

Love always, Kelly

2.5 hours October 23, 2009

Courtney was in good spirits today.  I was able to share some funny pics with her and make her laugh a little.  Courtney told me that was able to sit in the chair for 2.5 hours today and was able to take a couple of steps to the chair.  If you only knew how big of an accomplishment that is.  I’m proud of you Court!  She still has a whisper since they plugged the trach, but her voice will come back.   She’s starting to get her appetite back too.  Thanks Aunt Jane for decorating Court’s room with Halloween stuff and I’m sure she was happy to see Cousin Laura! 

Court keep the spirits up and you will continue to get stronger everyday.  Mom said she found this video and she wanted me to post this for you.  I love to see your smile! 

Motivation: October 20, 2009

Incase you don’t have Court on your Facebook, her post today was “man what a day. they drained 5.5 liters of fluid from stomach’ then i had port removed, they also attempted to start picc line.  i bet the picc man 10 dollars that he wouldn’t get it and yep i got $10″ 

It was good to hear your sense of humor Court…  I wasn’t able to make it down today because Shaffer was sick and had to stay home with him, but he seems to be doing better and no fever so I’m sending him back to school tomorrow.  Scotty’s out of town the rest of this week, so I’m going to try and see you before I have to pick the kids up from school.  It might be tough with work and all.  Court’s been having some really rough days and needs to keep her spirits lifted.  She’s really weak and still has a hard time standing on her own.  Mom took the day off to spend time with her and was able to meet the Psychologist and Chaplin who’s been visiting Courtney. 

Keep up the hard work Court!  I know you don’t feel it, but you are making forward progress. 

” Don’t be afraid your life will end; be afraid that it will never begin.”

The only place you’ll find success before work is in the dictionary.

We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.

The one thing that doesn’t abide by majority rule is a person’s conscience.

Learn to listen.  Opportunity could be knocking at your door very softly.

Love and you shall be loved.  A closed mind is a dying mind.

I was taught that the way of progress is neither swift nor easy.

” I wasn’t afraid to fail. “  Something good always comes out of failure.

Our greatest glory is not in never failing but in rising up every time we fail.

Every passing moment is a chance to turn it all around.

What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.

It is common sense to take a method and try it.   If it fails, admit it frankly and try another.  But above all, try something.

I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells.  Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living.

Wheresoever you go, go with all your heart.

Laughter is the shortest distance between two people.

It’s never too late to have a happy childhood.  Think Disneyworld…

You see things and say ‘Why?’;  but I dream things that never were and I say ‘Why not?’ “

Learn by practice.

You don’t just stumble into the future.  You create your own future.

All people are gifted;  some just open their packages earlier than others.

One who makes no mistakes never makes anything.

Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift; that’s why they call it the present.

Desire nothing for yourself, which you do not desire for others.

Intelligence without ambition is a bird without wings.

Control your emotion or it will control you.

Let us not look back in anger or forward in fear but around in awareness.

Patience is the companion of wisdom.

Whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well.

No gift is too small to give, nor too simple to receive, if it’s chosen with thoughtfulness and given with love.  Be a Donor!

The Best about Courtney (aka Court, Courty, Cookie, SpicyOne…) October 19, 2009

I have an idea that might lift her spirits…

Courtney has always been one to give back and take care of others before herself.  Have you ever had a great memory with Court?  Is there something you admire about Courty?  Has she inspired you in some way?  Is there something that reminds you of her?  Do you have a great story to tell her?  A great scripture to share?  I would love to have a down pour of comments to read to her.   Please share your comments and enjoy what others write. 

I’m telling you ahead of time, your comments are going to be great

Fried Chicken… October 19, 2009

I had a really busy weekend so I wasn’t able to visit with Courtney as much as I would have liked to, but I was able to spend a couple of hours with her last night.  Scotty and I took the kids to Babe’s Chicken in Frisco after Kaden’s All City Choir performance at the Frisco Art’s Festival.  Babe’s Chicken…yummy…if you ever come to TX or live in the Frisco area, I’ve decided it’s a must see and eat.  I told Courtney yesterday that when she gets out that I have to take her there!  I took her some of the leftover Fried Chicken and if she would’ve had the space in her swollen tummy and had a better appetite I’m pretty sure she would have devoured it, but she did pretty good.  When I got to the hospital Mom was there visiting.   Courtney mouthed she would like her hair washed, so Mom and I washed her hair, sponge bathed her body and french braided her hair.  We helped change her gown and got her clean sheets.  It’s not much, but I’m sure it helps you feel a little better.  Court’s legs are extremely weak and she doesn’t like us having to help her so much, but she will get stronger…You WILL get stronger!  Court had another bronchial procedure and the Dr’s say everything looks good.  She also saw the Psychologist the last couple of days and he’s been really good for her to talk to.   The Dr’s say they want to have her trach out within a week, so they are working her really hard on doing trials to get her breathing in/out of her nose and mouth again.   There’s a baby step forward…

One of Courtney’s biggest concerns and causes her the most anxiety is her weak legs.  She can barely slide her legs to the side of the bed and can’t stand without a walker.   We have told her several times that it’s going to take time to build those muscles back up and it will take time, but we all know how independent Courtney is and it’s driving her stir crazy! 

Thank you ALL for your thoughts and prayers and comments on the blog.  Thank you Chase Oaks Church for sending visitors Courtney’s way!    I can’t Thank You ALL enough.  Please keep them coming!

Much Love,

Megs

A Ray of Sunshine October 15, 2009

The sun finally broke out today in Dallas, and yes Randi it felt like it was here for Court.  I actually said to her at the hospital today that she should sit next to the window to soak up some sun and get some vitamin C.   She quickly corrected me…and mouthed “It’s vitamin D”.   She cracks me up.  She’s so smart!     I told Court she looked a lot better today although she had a pretty rough day.  She had to have another bronchial procedure and they drained some fluid out of her swollen tummy.  Court said it relieved a lot of pressure she’s had the last few days.  She also said she sat most of the morning in the chair and was able to walk (with assistance) for just a bit.  Courtney told me about the hospital Chaplain who’s has been visiting her.  They’ve had some really good talks and I know he’s been a blessing for her…and us.  Thank you Chaplain, you are a God send!  Courtney’s speech therapist came in her room while I was visiting and mentioned they are going to start to trial her tomorrow without the trach.  They want to get the trach out!  YAY!  Court put the PMV in and as of right now doesn’t have a voice but it will come back, it’s just been sooooo long since she’s used her vocal cords.  One of Court’s biggest concerns right now her legs.  She’s extremely weak and unable to walk without support, but that’s ok…a little PT and exercise, your legs will be back in due time.  I was able to get a few smiles and some conversations, so it was a great visit!

Thank you ALL for submitting the comments on the blog from “A Cry for Help”.  I read her all the comments to Court on Tuesday night and she really liked it a lot.  Rhi, you’re absolutely right…and she enjoyed hearing your comment and Annie, your comment was beautiful and it was nice to hear from a stranger…now friend.  You guys are all SO great with the encouraging words and I read them to Court every chance I get…keep them coming! 

Court, keep the spirits up and keep working those legs!

All My Love,  Meg

A Cry for Help! October 12, 2009

Hey Friends, Family and Strangers…we need your thoughts and prayers to give Court the strength and determination that she WILL get better, stronger and live long.  The last few days has been rough and although she’s made big steps like getting off the vent, last chest tube removed and has been given the ability to eat solid foods, this recovery is driving Courtney crazy.  It’s been 16 days since her surgery and although she’s made big steps…she doesn’t feel it.  She’s still in ICU and on O2, extremely sore, weak and tired.  We try to give her all the encouragement we can but I think she’s tired of us.   Over the last few days it has become harder for Court to walk alone, and won’t sit up in bed.  Court needs your visits.  She’s VERY lonely!  If you are in town, please go see her!  (Unless of course you show ANY sign of cold or flu like symptoms) 

Please continue to send your wonderful comments, thoughts and love to Court they are MUCH needed. 

Courtney~  Your Mind is the strongest, Your Will is your strength…Tell yourself you can do this and you will prevail.   All My Love,  Megan