Welcome Home Jerry aka Papa!

Jerry is at Lewis Gale and is resting tonight. He was moving a lot tonight, apparently expressing his happiness at being home. The doctors at Lewis Gale are very pleased with his condition. At this time they have limited visitors to a few times a day for only 30 minutes since he is still in ICU. Jerry is exhaling so well his trach tube popped out briefly. The doctors were VERY excited about this new development. Jerry has lost 17 pounds of muscle and weight. Not alarming- the doctors were again very pleased at the condition he is in considering he has not been mobile for 5 weeks.

Again, thank you for all your prayers today. The love of God was certainly felt all over this country today.

Team Jerry all the way!

Eastbound and Down....AND HOME AT LAST!

Jerry landed in Roanoke about 4PM EDT. We are so grateful for all the prayers that were said and are still being said. He is at Lewis Gale. I will update the blog when I have more info. But for now, HE IS HOME where he belongs. Thanks be to God!

Team Jerry all the way!

PS- Please pray for the flight crew's safe return to Indianapolis. These people are volunteers and do this out of the goodness of their Christian hearts. God bless them all!

Up Up and Away

Hi All- It's April today! I am asking for lots and lots of prayers. The plane to pick up our beloved Jerry is about to land in Kansas. From there he will be flown to Roanoke. I am asking for all those who believe in the power of prayer to send prayers for the entire flight crew and my in-laws. We are excited, scared, and nervous to begin this new chapter. Nothing is the same as a month ago, but we know with God's grace this new chapter will be one we can use to inspire others. I feel something powerful will come out of this situation. I am already so grateful to the GBS Foundation for their infomation and encouragement.

Team Jerry all the way! I will update as soon as the plane lands. We need to continue to pray for a safe return flight for the crew headed back to Indianapolis as well.

One More Day

Hi everyone!

Well... the day is almost upon us when Dad and Mom will be arriving in Roanoke. They should arrive sometime between 2:30 to 3pm on Friday, weather permitting and avoiding unforeseeable delays. If you would like, you can track Dad's flight by going to www.flightaware.com and clicking on the the Live Tracking button. Then type in the Tail# box: N910NF. This website tracks the flight from beginning to end.

Dad is feeling a little more discomfort in his abdomen today, so the doctors are doing a few tests to make sure everything is OK. Not to be too graphic, but the man hasn't visited the throne since he got sick, so whoa be-it unto any brave man or woman who breaks that dam (hehe).

OK... this will probably be my last update until I return home unless I can find a public computer in Roanoke with Internet access. Take care and keep those prayers a goin'!

Team Jerry all the way!

Friday, Friday, Friday!!!

Hi gang! This is Todd.

As of the time of this post, Dad is scheduled to be in Roanoake, VA by Friday afternoon (between 2:30 & 3:00pm EST). Since we are having to pay for the flight ourselves (thank you Anthem... NOT!), Mom will also be accompanying him on the plane. So the two of them will back on VA soil by the end of the week. That's the good news.

Folks, I don't feel comfortable doing this, but I've been told that I need to swallow my pride for the sake of my family. So it's like this...

As you can imagine, the cost of the medical flight and ambulance transportation will be substantial, and bills are steadily coming in. It's going to take a while for Dad to get signed up on Disability, and even then, there's an inevitable delay before that will kick-in. So if anyone is interested in donating money for us to use to pay Mom and Dad's mounting bills, please mail the money to the address in the earlier post regarding the Benefit Account. I'm sorry that I can't give you a donation receipt for the sake of a tax deduction, but I know that anyone that is sending money in is not doing it just for that purpose. Any amount, no matter how small, will help and be greatly appreciated. OK... enough of that.

Dad is slowly progressing in his limb movements. He has a little more action in his forearms, legs, lips and chin. Mom says that he's really trying to open his eyes. Hopefully, that will happen soon.

Please pass the word around about Dad and Mom coming back to VA on Friday, as well as the need for donations. And be sure to say an extra prayer on Friday for the flight crew and hospital staff that will be handling Dad's transfer.

God bless all of you!

Team Jerry all the way!

Eastbound and Down

Hi everyone!

We just received confirmation that Dad will be coming back to Virginia by the end of the week, maybe as soon as Wednesday. He will be transported via a Med-Flight service to Roanoke, VA, and will be hospitalized at Lewis-Gale Hospital in Salem. The insurance company denied his claim again for the flight cost, so we will be footing the bill ourselves. But at this point, we’re just happy that Dad is going to be closer to family and friends who can visit him and help with his recovery. Plus, Mom will get to fly with him, which I think will help to keep him calm during the flight.

We’ll let you know his new contact information once we have it. Please keep him and Mom in your thoughts and prayers. And make sure to let everyone know about the benefit account that we mentioned in the last post.

Team Jerry all the way!!!

UPDATE!!!!!

As of 7:35pm EST, Dad is scheduled to be transported to Lewis-Gale in Roanoke on Friday (7/30).

Benefit (Donation) Account for Jerry

We are so appreciative of everyone who continues to ask what they can do to help, or if they can send money to assist with the mounting bills. With that in mind, we have created a Benefit Account at BB&T Bank that will be used to deposit the donations that we receive from everyone. We opened a P.O. Box in Danville that will serve as the main address for receiving donations. The address is:

Todd Hawkins
P.O. Box 2364
Danville, VA 24541

Please make checks payable to the “J. Todd Hawkins Benefit Account”, or the “April C. Hawkins Benefit Account”. New federal regulations prohibited us from setting up the account in someone’s name who is unable to sign the required documentation, so that is why the account is in our names. April and I will be using the money to pay various bills for Mom and Dad, including medical, personal and/or travel expenses.

If you are not able to send any money, then your prayers and thoughts are still welcomed and appreciated. We do not want anyone feeling like they have to give money or giving more money than they should. Please know that the love and support that you have shown us over the past month has warmed our hearts and kept our spirits high, and we thank you for what you have already done and continue to do. Truly, we could not have made it this far without you!

Lastly, as many of you have been kind enough to keep non-computer users informed of Dad’s progress by way of this blog, please spread the word around and let everyone know about the benefit account. As always, you too are in our thoughts and prayers!!!

Team Jerry all the way!

The Latest!

Hey Everyone!

There is still no change in Dad's condition. He rested somewhat well over the weekend, but we're still waiting for things to start moving again... literally.

We're hoping to hear from Lewis-Gale soon about whether or not they will accept Dad as patient. From there, we'll be moving on to Lynchburg and other area hospitals. Hopefully, we'll get him to the East Coast by the first part of August.

Thanks again for all your continued support.

Team Jerry all the way!

Here it is- an update!

Hi everyone! Jerry developed an infection in his PIC line, so they moved it to his other arm and are treating the infection with antibiotics. This is not uncommon, as PIC lines can get infected and have to be moved. The good news is that his lungs are showing clear on the XRay, which means no more pneumonia.

Everyone has been wonderful to all of us. Lots of you continue to ask what you can do to help. Well, we need to get him home and get some bills paid. An anonymous donor is willing to help us if we can raise some funds. I am in the process of setting up a fund at BB&T in Jerry’s name and should have more information to post on the blog later on. The medical bills alone are going to be astronomical, not to mention the day-to-day stuff. If anyone has any creative fundraising ideas, post a comment to the blog, email, or call us when you get the chance. Sorry if you get our voicemail, but we’re finding ourselves on the phone a lot these days. Like everyone, we love him so very much and want to bring him home soon. So get those ideas flowing and let us know what ideas you have! Call us- (434)793-4143. God bless you all.

Team Jerry all the way!

Not So Fast!!!

OK... we had a bed, and now we don't... well... it's more like a maybe, but not for sure... let me explain. It seems that while the doctor at Wake Forest is willing to take on Dad's case, the hospital has to accept him as a patient. Not sure how one doesn't beget the other, but at this point, I could wake up in the morning with my head sown to the carpet and wouldn't be anymore surprised than I am right now(Clark Griswald reference, for those of you wondering). So we're waiting to hear back from the hospital on whether or not they will accept him.

Let's pray that the review board at the hospital is willing to take no Dad's case and says "Yes" really quick.

Team Jerry all the way!

Found a Bed

Hey everyone!

We just received confirmation that Wake Forest will accept Dad as a patient. Now, we have to wait to see if the insurance will approve his med-flight. Mom is very excited and was crying with tears of joy. Hopefully, Dad will be headed East bound soon.

We'll keep you posted! Team Jerry all the way!

HOLY COW!

JERRY IS MOVING HIS LIPS AND HIS CHIN! Thank you God! Now, let's work on opening your eyes Jerry!
Team Jerry all the way!

On Standby

Hi everyone!

Sorry that we didn't update the blog yesterday, but there was really nothing new to report. Plus, we were hoping the doctors would start looking for a place that Dad could be transferred to this week on at the East Coast so we could report some happier news. But for some reason, they have decided to wait until Wednesday to start calling around to the different hospitals. We're sure why they are waiting, but we are pushing them today for an answer on why and hope that our inquiry alone will speed up the process. Now, on to our main concern... Dad.

Jerry Dale hasn't really done anything new over the past few days. He is still able to wiggle his hands and toes, but his strength in those extremities varies each day. Of course, this is all to be expected. The literature on GBS tells us that most patients start to see some minor changes after the initial 3 week period, which ended yesterday. But that's based on normal cases of GBS. Since Dad's case is so severe, we're guessing that it might take a little longer before we see some more improvements. The GBS literature also talks about patients with unique cases taking longer to recover. As I know most of your are saying it in your heads right now, I'll say it out loud... "Leave it up to Jerry Dale to be unique!" (hehe) But to know Dad is to know that that's just how he rolls!

OK... we'll update the blog again when we have more news. Take care and thanks for your continued support!

Hand and Foot Shake

Hey gang!

Well, Dad is doing about the same. He is still moving his hands and feet, but there is no new movement anywhere else on his body. Mom says his spirits are up and the people at the hospital are more optimistic about his recovery. As we understand it, the doctors are starting to coordinate their efforts to get everything ready so Dad can be transported at the earliest possible moment. But first, they have to find him a place to go, then they'll call the insurance to get the flight approved. Let's hope and pray that the insurance company does right by Dad and pays for him to get back home.

Again, if you live in the Southwest VA area, call Congressman Boucher's office and tell him that you would like him to intervene on Dad's behalf with the insurance company (Anthem). He is one of the people who voted for the new Health legislation that was recently passed. So it should stand to reason that he would have some pull to get this thing done the right way and fast. Tell him Team Jerry is watching and if he thought the Tea Party was a thorn in the Dems side, wait until he gets a load of us (hehe).

OK... that's all for now. I know that I keep saying this, but I just can't tell you how much it means to us to see the support that each of you have shown over the past 3 weeks. Know that we love each of you and you and your families are also in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you!

Tomorrow

Don't forget! Todd is having a birthday tomorrow. If you get a chance, please wish him a happy birthday. His phone is 434-203-1240.

Don't Count the Chicks Yet!

Dad has been a little more active over the past few days. It started with his feet and hands, and now he is feeling different sensations in his eyes. Hopefully, this means that we have seen the "peak" of the illness and the ship is turning around. However, we know from the past few weeks not to get our hopes up too high, because there's been just as many valleys as there have been peaks to Dad's condition. So we're cautiously optimistic and not letting it get past that point right now.

We're still working on getting the insurance company to approve transport back to the East coast. Mom and I have talked with them, as well as Congressman Boucher's office, who is "looking into it". If you live in Southwest VA, be sure to do what Mom did and call the congressman and tell him that you are concerned about Dad's situation with the insurance company not approving his medical transport from KS back to VA and you would like to see him intervene on his constituency's behalf.

OK... we'll update everyone again soon! Go Team Jerry!

Quick but AMAZING update

Jerry is moving BOTH hands now! This has not happened in almost 3 weeks. BOTH hands! Todd is actually cautiously happy. We know bad days will happen, but 2 weeks with a lack of positive news is hard. This is good stuff!

Team Jerry all the way!

Pretty Exciting Stuff

Jerry has had three big days in a row. On Monday he was off the vent for 10 minutes. Tuesday he was off the vent for 5 and a half minutes. Yesterday Mary Sue encouraged Jerry to open and close his hand as if waving at Anna Leigh. For the past few days he has not been responding. When asked, he opened and closed his hand! This was something new and wonderful! Later in the day, Mary Sue told his nurse the pressure boots seemed to be bothering him. They took them off and BOOM, 10 minutes later he started communicating with his feet! He told Mary Sue the boots bother him and he won't move his feet with them on. Mary Sue called and told us it was a great day! Even if it's baby steps like answering yes and no questions with his feet, we will take it! It was encouraging to say the least. Todd finally got excited and smiled. It was so nice to see him smile and feeling upbeat. Granted we will have setbacks, but like I told someone at church, I will take the small stuff and build upon it. I will update later when Mary Sue calls. Prayers and thoughts are needed, but a promising 3 days are a start!

Team Jerry all the way!

Quick Post

Mary Sue just called us. She is incredibly appreciative for the emails, cards, etc. you are sending. She said they lift her spirits. Mary Sue firmly believes Jerry is enjoying them as well. Please keep them coming. Send as many as you like.

Team Jerry all the way!

Another Day, Another Day

As time passes, Dad is becoming less and less responsive. But this is to be expected as the GBS effects peak within Dad’s system during what is now the 3rd week. His doctors have conferred with Wake Forest’s Neurology Dept. and they are willing to accept Dad once he is ready to travel. According to Dad’s doctor, he is not stable enough to transport right now due to the time involved in getting him from point A to point B. So they want to give it another week before we consider moving him. Again, this is consistent and expected with the GBS diagnosis.

Mom is starting to tire, as the day-to-day emotional seesaw that she has been on for the past 2 weeks is beginning to wear on her. I would appreciate it if any of you that have the means could send her words of encouragement either via the hospital’s email system or Dad’s cell phone (276-492-6604). Even though she knows it already, she needs to be reminded that we're all behind her and Dad and that things will get better.

Lastly, paying for the plane trip home! Congressman Boucher’s office contacted me today and we talked about Dad’s situation. They will make some calls on our behalf to explain the situation and motivate the insurance company to reconsider their initial denial. But I’m not counting on anything happening, and Dad's case worker reitterated that sentiment to me today. So I am going to look into the possibility of establishing a Fund for Dad at one of his local banks for anyone who wants to donate towards his cause, just in case we have to go-it alone. Lots of people have asked how they can help, and this will be one way they can do so. Once I have more details, I’ll post them to the blog and I’ll need everyone to spread the word to those of you who are reading and keeping others informed.

OK… that’s all for now. I hope to have more later on. Take care of yourselves and keep Dad and Mom in your thoughts and prayers.

No Changes... No Worries

Hello everyone! This is Todd writing.

I spoke with Mom (Mary Sue) this morning and I just got off the phone with Dad's nurse, and there has been no significant change in his condition over the past 24 hours. While Dad has developed a slight case of pneumonia and has become less responsive over the past few days, these are things that were expected to happen, so we are not that worried at this time. He is entering the 3rd week of having this condition, and according to all the literature that we've read, this will hopefully be the last week of deterioration. Supposedly, with most patients, the syndrome starts to subside going into the 4th week and so forth. So let's pray and keep our fingers crossed that it's true.

We are trying to find a hospital to send Dad to in NC or VA for the duration of his hospitalization. Duke does not have an open bed for him, so we're looking at Wake Forest. If that doesn't pan out, then we'll try UVA. If you're wondering why our regional medical facilities are not being considered, it's because of Dad's unique case of GBS and the team of Neurologists needed in order to properly treat and monitor his condition. None of the regional hospitals are equipped for that type of managed care, so we're forced to only consider some of the larger facilities.

OK... we'll update everyone more as information comes in. Thanks again for all your thoughts and prayers. They are very appreciated!

Exhausted

After a long night of checking messages and returning phone calls (21 of them), Todd, Anna Leigh and I returned home early this afternoon. There is no new news to report. Absolutely nothing. Todd and I are exhausted- mentally, emotionally, and physically. If you have tried to call tonight, we apologize. He needed a night off from phone calls. He just needed to vegetate, so he went downstairs without his phone. I cannot blame him. He just wants everything to be back to normal. Don't we all?

Anna Leigh and I had Vacation Bible School tonight. It was a welcome distraction! I taught the 4 and 5 year olds- and I was laughing by the end of the night. It felt so much better to laugh than cry.

We love you all. Again, sorry if we missed your call. Todd just needed a few hours to decompress.

Team Jerry all the way!

Not crazy about this roller coaster

Up and down, left and right- these swerves and curves are leaving us feeling quite nauseated. Todd's dad continues to ride the roller coaster that is GBS. I will let him give you more info later but nothing has truly changed. They are all still scratching their heads at times because this GBS is not to true to form in many ways. However, it is in many ways as well. He is moving his foot and hand so we are pleased with that.

We cleaned Jerry's truck out today. It was heartbreaking to say the least. My mom and dad came along for the ride. Blake and Jim showed up and helped. Thank you to my parents and Jerry's brothers for their help. You guys are great! Family is what it is truly about.

I will let Todd update later. He is talking to his mom now and paying bills. We are headed home in the morning because I have to teach vacation bible school at church. I welcome this distraction.

Soon I will order bracelets for everyone to wear until Jerry is home and well! This is part of Anna Leigh's master plan to get her Papa home.

Team Jerry all the way!

April

OH... what a day!

Hi Friends and Family! Well, it's been a roller coaster of a day, but I'll try to keep this to a Reader's Digest size posting.

Dad's condition worsened through the day, so much so that his neurologist wanted to airlift him to KU this afternoon. But in speaking with the doctor, he couldn't name a reason for moving him other than he was tired of scratching his head. So I vetoed the move until Monday to give Dad some time to turn around. After all, we knew he would get worse before he got better and if I'm going to approve him being airlifted to somewhere, then it better be in the direction of the East Coast.

Mom called back shortly after I got off the phone with the neurologist to say that Dad was doing a little better and that she had asked the doctors to do a couple of more things to help Dad with a few of his conditions. Not to go into too much detail, but let's just say the dam needs to break on the south end for some much needed relief, if you know what I mean.

Duke is no longer an option for Dad, because they have no place to put him. More than likely, they didn't want to house someone with this condition. Needless to say, our Blue Devil loyalties are now swaying. I called Wake Forest and got their contact information for Dad's doctor to call and talk about moving him there first thing next week. It's the same distance as Duke from our house, so there's no real downside.

The main thing we need everyone to do is to keep praying for a turnaround, and that we can convince the insurance company that bringing Dad back to the East Coast is a good investment is his future health and their bottom line.

I'll update everyone more as things develop over the weekend. Until then, thanks to everyone for your continued support. And don't forget that Saturday (7/10) is Mom's birthday, so be sure to call her on Dad's cell (276-492-6604) and wish her a HB.

Stuck in Kansas

Dad is ready to come home! Well, let's clarify just a little... he's now transportable. This means that anytime that we can get a plan together to get him back to VA or NC, Dad can be transported. However, as in all things in life, there's a rub. Can anyone guess what it is? I'll give you 3 chances and the first 2 don't count. That's right... Insurance!

It seems that Dad's health insurance has denied our request to have him transported closer to home, which means that any med-flight of any type would have to be privately funded. The first estimate that we received for such an endeavor was just under $20K. So the search is on for a “money tree”. Anyone who finds such a rarity, please contact us immediately.

However, do not despair... Dad will be coming home. Some way or another, we will find the means to make this happen. There are a few different organizations out there that might be able to assist with the cost to make it a little easier to come up with the money. But I have to make contact with them and I'm sure there is an approval process that will slow down the timetable.

On to more important things… Dad. He had the tracheotomy procedure done yesterday, which will help him in different ways. I called last night and the nurse said he was resting somewhat comfortably. They were going to up his pain meds to help with some of the initial discomfort that comes from the procedures that he has endured the past two days. Mom is also doing well… she just wishes she could snap her fingers and have her Jerry back before he fell ill. For that matter, don’t we all.

I am such a blonde!

Sorry for no further updates yesterday. I had a little mishap with the stove! Good news is the stove is fine but my hand is going to require some healing time. To make a long story short, my hand made contact with a burner that was still on. Ouch! I had to see an ortho doctor today and should be ok. I have to return next week to have it checked and hopefully will not need skin grafts. Todd laughed after a bit and commented how poor the medical equipment was. He deemed himself a hospital snob.

Jerry is having a feeding tube inserted and a trach. There has been no real change but this is to be expected. He enjoyed his visit from Liz and Sherri. It did a world of good and brightened his spirits. Mary Sue said he is loving the emails you are sending. Please send more.

Todd will update more later this evening as I am hunting and pecking to type!
Love to you all-
Team Jerry all the way!

Email

Jerry is able to receive email! If you wish to send an email, here is a detailed list of instructions:

1. Click on the following link:

Email to Jerry Hawkins

2. Fill out the required information. Jerry is in Room 3285.

3. Type your message. Click "Send Mail".

4. Congrats! You sent Jerry an email!

Have a great day! I will update the blog once I hear from Mary Sue.

Team Jerry all the way!

More movement

Todd arrived home safely after a major screw up on my part. I told him the wrong flight time. I can't imagine why- especially since I have been averaging 3 hours of sleep a night! No worries- he caught another flight and made it home an hour later. I am still getting ribbed about it this morning.

Jerry was moving his wrists on Saturday. The wonderful news was he was still doing it on Sunday! He is able to recognize and answer questions by moving his foot. Todd developed a communication system with his father that all the nurses learned before he left. Todd is simply amazing. He did such a wonderful job with his father. I know if I am ever ill, I want him right there!

Jerry will have a trach and feeding tube put in on Tuesday. He has developed a slight sinus infection from the tube in his nose so they feel it is neccessary to move the feeding tube. Liz and Sherri are flying out today to see him. Todd and I are very grateful to them for the visit.

Todd has a lot of business and other general stuff to take care of this week. If you have a moment, shoot him an email or give him a call. He's doing well- exhausted and feeling slightly guilty about coming home. However, he will be going back soon.

Team Jerry all the way!

Cards, Cards, and More Cards

Hi Everyone-
If you have time, grab the funniest card you can find and send it to Jerry. Let's keep him laughing and fighting. You ask what you can do to help- here it is! Here is the address:

Jerry Hawkins, ICU patient
Stormont-Vail Hospital
1500 SW 10th St.
Topeka, KS 66604

Forget Team Edward or Team Jacob- TEAM JERRY ALL THE WAY!!!

Maintaining

Todd just called. Jerry was excited to see Mary Sue. I think it did a world of good for him. Other family members are going to make quick trips out to see him. I think it will give him even more ammunication to fight this ugly illness. Todd is coming home tomorrow! While it is a happy day for Anna Leigh and me, it is a bittersweet one for Todd. He is preparing himself to leave his dad. We discussed it and he will be returning to Topeka at some point. Anna Leigh and I are doing well. I share a little more each day concerning her beloved Papa. She prays for him each night. What a great little girl we have!

On another note, isn't it amazing we have the freedom in this country to travel, voice our opinions, and be able to go to a hospital in a time of need? Happy 4th of July! Let freedom ring!

Late Friday Night

Just to let you guys know Mary Sue and Johnny made it safely to Kansas City. Todd just dropped Johnny off and the truck is headed back to Tennessee. Mary Sue and Todd are headed to the hospital. Jerry received another treatment today. Todd was anxious to return to the hospital to see how he did. Keep praying- keep your fingers crossed as we need a lot of luck here.

Friday Afternoon Update Part 2

Here is an update on Jerry's progress from Todd.

Hi gang!

Here is the latest. Mom and a friend of dads are flying in today. The friend is taking dad's truck back to TN for us. Mom is going to stay here for while with dad, but we're not sure how long she'll be able to stay.

Dad is doing alright, but there's no improvement. He had a little regression in that he was moving his hands a little more yesterday than what he is today, and he is just moving his toes today versus his legs and feet yesterday. But this is to be expected with his condition, so there are no alarms going off just yet.

I talked to more doctors today and all of them reminded me that it will be a long while before dad recovers.

If I can get mom settled in tomorrow, I will be leaving here on Sunday to return to VA.

OK, that's it for now. Can someone please update Jim? He called April last night because he hadn't heard anything lately.

Thanks,

Todd

Friday Afternoon Update

I heard from Todd this afternoon. The GBS seems to be running its course. Jerry lost a little more movement in his legs but this to be expected. No one is alarmed. They are actually optimistic because it indicates the peak is nearing. We are hoping we are going to hit the downside of the slope soon. His typical hot nature is heating up- hee hee- and he is having to have a fan on him now. Other than this, no real changes. Todd says they are just waiting for improvements to show up.

Keep praying- this is an ugly, mean illness. However, Jerry is going to win this war!

Good Morning ~ July 2, 2010

Todd's mother is flying out this afternoon. She is traveling to Topeka to be with Jerry. Todd is going to stay a few more days and get her settled. Todd is then coming home. Anna Leigh will be so very happy to see her Daddy! Todd is tired but is enjoying his time with his dad. Please pray for Mary Sue's safe travels. Let's keep those prayers coming. Keep going Jerry- kick GBS to the curb!

Thursday, July 1 Late Day Update

I just got off the phone with Todd. His dad is able to move his hands a little more. Todd is optimistic that this is the beginning of progress. Todd said we still have a ways to go but this was encouraging. The current plan is for Mary Sue to arrive in Topeka tomorrow. Someone is flying out to drive the truck home. Todd is going to attempt to come home Sunday morning.

Thanks again for the phone calls and prayers. Let's keep them coming!

Thursday, July 1

Here is the current update on Jerry's status via email from Todd. Keep those prayers coming!

Hello again!

Here is the latest update on Dad...

I met with the Neurologist late yesterday and after consulting with a doctor at KU, they are confident that the correct diagnosis is GBS.

Dad lost more movement in his arms and hands yesterday, but this was to be expected. He is now communicating mainly by shaking his legs to questions. He's had his 3rd treatment and they had to put him on the ventilator again. But, he was off of it and breathing on his own for most of the day yesterday, which is good. I talked with his lung doctor this morning and he says they will take him back off of the ventilator today to keep his lung muscles strong.

I also met with Dad's hospital-generalist, Dr. Tan, today. He was Dad's admitting doctor when he came into the ER and was continuing to follow up on his progress. He is planning on speaking with Dad's physicians back home to discuss the GBS condition and to do some additional fact finding.

Overall, Dad is maintaining. Since they are more confident now in the GBS diagnosis, the doctors are less alarmed about his lack of progress. If you read about it, GBS has a peak as far as how much of the body it effects. It is believed that Dad is nearing the peak and will hopeful start to gradually recover. But the unknown factor is the recovery time and progress. It is not inconceivable for us to expect Dad to be in the hospital for months; but that's at the far side of the spectrum. The other side is that he could progress enough to be moving himself around in the next 3 weeks. The doctors are encouraged by the fact that Dad still has so much muscle tone at his age, while also being under 60. So they are hopeful that his recovery will be swift.

Mom is currently in process of making plans to get to Topeka. We are also making arrangements for his truck to be taken back to TN. When I get back to VA, I will take care of his Ford and make my way to Richlands to handle some things for his business and the house. If we need anything, we know and probably will call some if not all of you to ask for some assistance. If anyone wants to come out and see Dad, just let me know and I'll try to help with planning the trip as much as possible.

Well, that's all for now. Dad is finishing up his treatment for today and then they are giving him a sponge bath and changing his linens and gowns. Since I've seen enough shocking things to kill a buffalo in the past couple of days, I decided to pass on seeing Dad naked. I've got to run an errand for him and get some lunch too. BTW... sorry that I missed some of your calls on Dad's phone. I'm not familiar with it and just figured out how to determine if he had messages or not. Please let everyone know that I'm not ignoring anyone, I'm just concentrating on Dad and making sure things get done. Not to mention, cell phone batteries aren't worth a damn and don't last at all.

OK... talk to you again real soon.

Todd