Friday Sept 12th,2008

Here is a new report on how things are going …..
Last week Chris received a call from the Infectious Disease Doc….(he wouldn’t usually call unless there is something going on.)

Recently, Chris had another open wound….

Much like the one he had the last time before he ended up back in the hospital for surgery on his leg… because of infection in the bone. Just to be on the safe side.. he had a swab done. Then he had his blood work done…..He also had an X-ray done on his leg again….And saw the Bone specialist.

Then he received the call about an appointment to see the Infectious Disease Doc.
(just a note: the open wound healed up really nicely all on it’s own. PTL)

The bone specialist is still watching the bone to see the new growth happen.

On one side of the leg… The bone seems to be growing in and getting denser. On the other side… it is still not filling in like it should be…..The report on the X-ray…raised some concerns… it maybe of no concern but i is something that could also be an early warning of infection still inside the bone.

The ID Doc looked Chris over and because…

There is: NO REDNESS
NO FEVER
NO HOT FLUSHES
NO OPEN SORES
NO PUFFINESS
NO HEAT
NO PAIN
NO RICE KRISPY FEELING IN THE GRAFTED AREA
NO SICKNESS
NO IMMOBILITY (he still is walking lots…like most nights up to the Star bucks)
NO ADVERSE MOVEMENT IN THE COUNTS FROM HIS BLOOD WORK
(we are so thankful the ones they are most concerned about have gone from 26 to 4 which is beautiful
and the other one went from 10 to .07 just so wonderful….)

The Doc says that he is hopeful that there has just been someone who read the X-ray who might not be aware of the muscle flap and Chris history…. But after his next X-ray on the 22nd they will hopefully be able to tell more.

He was very pleased with what he saw in person compared to what he saw on the reports….

The other night Chris came up behind me (Karen) and gave me a massage on my shoulder muscles… I was delighted to feel the strength in his left hand, it was the same as his right… I hear this “massaging” is really good therapy for his left hand. Right???

Chris is still doing physio 3x a week. And will begin working with the occupational therapist more in the next while.

Chris is really doing well. It has been a long journey and there is still so much more ahead….but He has determined to take it one day at a time and each day be a little better, a little stronger than yesterday…

At this time…. There is lots of waiting, appointments, then waiting to see if there are any changes… then again another x ray, then more waiting… but each day he is healing more….and more.

He has finished with the neuro psychiatrist for now. He was able to pin point some areas where with some help (much like physio is for his arm and leg) He will be able to build up strength and strategies… but it will take a lot of work and exercise. T

hey said there would be much improvement… also… TIME is such an important part of this healing process.

Chris went up to a family wedding in Vanderhoof and he and his cousin Courtney teemed up in one of the family games…

They didn’t exactly win the race but it was lots of laughs and a wonderful time with everyone taking part.

Also He went on a camping trip with His sister and her husband and with his brother…..He and Deb and Tim spent time floating in the lake, bagging a few rays and enjoying the clouds, rain, and time together.

He enjoys getting out with friends and family….. after all how much mom and dad can one guy handle…( He still is the champion at scrabble) He is getting around more and when someone comes and gets him.. He enjoys time out with Jon and Patti and the fam or Coffee, dinner or movie with Tim… Or Deb dragging him to shopping, coffee, threadings and manicures with her… on the way somewhere… Coffee or Spaghetti Factory with Aunty Sher , Uncle Dan, Alanna and Courtney.

He also started a wood working project, building bed side tables… He is amazing. He has such a good sense of humour.

Again we are all so thankful to everyone who is and /or has supported Chris and all the family and who stood with Chris and all the family in prayer, help and well wishes during this past 17 months. As he comes to your mind through this next while please continue to pray and thank God for continued healing for his body, soul and spirit.

We know there will be many good times and times of overcoming ahead….but with God’s help and the help of friends and family… we shall over come.