Sign Off

I was reminded at class yesterday from a professor that I had not posted in a while. I guess we've gradually been winding down. It truly is incredible to go back to the beginning to read all those posts. The anxiety, the fear, the moment-to-moment changes - they all bring back those exact same emotions. I read the blog multiple times each day along with so many of you, and I knew was experiencing everything first hand. A fellow classmate asked me the other day if I regretted being at Brian's side when he was experiencing each of his cardiac arrests. In truth, at that moment when nurses rushed to inform me of his code, I could have knocked over an elephant to get to my husband. Nothing, not even the fear of watching him die, was going to keep me from being at his side. If he had died, his soul was going to drift to heaven while I held his hand and sang him our song. I will always wonder - did he hear me? I find comfort in thinking that he followed my voice. Without a doubt it was the worst thing I have ever witnessed, but if Brian was going to leave me, it most definitely wasn't going to happen without me fighting for life. The images I continue to see in my mind, the small horrifying details that are still returning to my memory are all worth it when I can walk in the next room and lay my head in his lap or pick up the phone and remind him that I'm so glad his soul chose life. Life is so much sweeter with him around and there's no way I could have survived without the support of all of you. Watching the webpage counter reach nearly 30,000 has been overwhelming and we didn't
even have it working the first week. I think this website has been visited nearly 40,000 times. We received cards from all over the country from people who just stumbled across our page and whose hearts ached for us. Brian and I will forever be in debt to all of you as we are slowly but surely returning to normal life again. Brian's therapists have ensured him that he can make a full recovery if he works for it. His goal is to be walking cane-free by Christmas. I'm trying to convince him to get back to University with me to personally thank each person for their persistence and vigilance in his care. He doesn't want to until he can walk without his cane, but I'm trying to remind him that these people have never even heard him speak and they would appreciate him so much just to visit - regardless of his condition - he lived, and that's what matters to them.
Again, thank you all. Brian keeps updates to his myspace page about once every couple of weeks, so feel free to check it out if you want his words, first hand. http://www.myspace.com/brianwrightr6
Can't wait to see you all soon.
All our love,
Jana and Brian

Elbow Surgery: A Success

Hey there! Brian went in for his elbow surgery this afternoon at around 2:50. About 3.5 hours later, Dr. Gupta called Brian's uncle Little, my dad, mom, Kory and myself into a conference room to tell us that the surgery was a success. While on the table, Dr. Gupta was able to get full range of motion out of Brian's elbow and did not have to apply the external fixator. However, just because Dr. Gupta was able to reconstruct Brian's elbow to the point where he has full range of motion doesn't mean that Brian will be able to move it that much. The majority of how much motion Brian regains will depend on Brian and how aggressive he is with moving it. Where the tendon was removed from his foot is causing Brian a little bit of soreness, but other than that his right arm is still numb for the most part although it's gradually coming back. Dr. Gupta just came into Brian's hospital room to check on him and said everything looked fine and he would be back in the morning. After being discharged, we will see Dr. Gupta again next week to determine when he will need radiation to ensure that the bone doesn't grow back. We are in the Norton Pavilion on Broadway in downtown Louisville, room 261. We are monitoring for infection and pain control. Hopefully we will be able to leave Thursday or Friday! Thanks for all the continued prayers!

Update: July 4, 2007

Happy 4th of July! Brian and I are still house-sitting (thank you to the Buckner family!). It has been a HUGE blessing not only because of gas prices, but also because I've gotten to spend time with their 16 year old daughter and one of my dance students, Mary Elizabeth, who wan't able to go on vacation because of her work and show schedule (in 42nd Street, Hello Dolly, and High School Musical...she never stops!). Sadly, we will be leaving tomorrow as I have to travel to Columbus this weekend for our national dance competition. Brian originally wanted to go to Columbus as well when my brother, Kory, planned on going, but Kory has a basketball camp this weekend and won't be able to make it. Since competition goes from 8AM until 10PM or so each day, I encouraged Brian to get to Whitesburg for some visit time since he won't be able to visit again until after his surgery. When Kory was going along, Brian would have had someone to go do things with and walk with him when he gets tired of sitting. Without Kory, Brian would be bored out of his mind, so things are much better this way! :)
We will both return home on Sunday, and then Brian will have his pre-admission appointment for his elbow surgery early on the morning of the 9th. Immediately following, we will pack up with my mother and brother and head to Florida for some much needed seaside R&R before his surgery. Dad will have to stay and tend to the animals. My mother and father's side all live in Fort Myers and Tallahassee, and they did not get to visit while Brian was in the hospital, so we'll go to them. They've got a whole list of exciting and new things planned for us. We will head to Fort Myers first where we will charter a boat to go deep sea fishing with my Uncle Sam, Aunt Cindy, and cousins (hopefully it will be much more productive than our excursion in Hawaii!) and then take a trip out on my grandparent's boat for some saltwater fishing of our own! We'll stop through Tallahassee on our way home to visit with my Aunt Cathi, Uncle David, and cousins and go scalloping! Brian gets along well with the two boys in this family. Actually, I think these two boys are the ones responsible for the cake up my nose at our wedding! All in all, it will be a lot of driving, but a good vacation to take Brian's mind off of his surgery. Our plan is to return home Sunday or Monday to unpack, do laundry, and repack for his short hospital stay beginning with his surgery on the 17th. Basically, we'll be living out of a suitcase for a few weeks, but it will be well worth it! We are just so grateful to have the opportunity to plan this special trip for Brian.
Your thoughts are prayers are still much appreciated - as Brian prepares for surgery and as we will be doing a lot of traveling. Thank you for your continued support and love!

Update: Monday, June 18, 2007

Well, Brian and I are at his uncle's home in Nashville paying a much needed visit. Grand Recital was a success and now I can relax as well. Brian was cleared for his elbow surgery this past Thursday and we got the phone call today informing us that his surgery will be on July 17th, but she did not have the time in front of her. So, more than likely, Brian will be in the hospital for my birthday. However, there's a good chance he'll get to go home that day if all goes well - talk about a great birthday present. That will also be the first week I start back for the summer session at work, making things a little tricky. On the flip side, Dr. Gupta seems extremely confident and qualified so we are putting our trust in him.
Until the 17th, life is full of doctor's appointments and therapy. We will be "house-sitting" for a couple of weeks, so that will be a huge help in saving on gas money. I am trying to get Brian down to Florida for a few days before his surgery so we can visit some of my family and go salt-water fishing on my grandparents' boat.
In the meantime, Brian's spirits are high. He is still walking with a cane, but his leg, hand, and shoulder are strengthening steadily. Brian has a harder time seeing the progress. His shoulder is staying out of socket less and less. I have told multiple health care professionals that I see very little difference mentally. They insist that he has some attention and memory deficits, which are normal, but are improving and will continue to improve over the next several months. I have noticed that he is more patient...a BEAUTIFUL plus. :) He is giving his all in therapy and I am continuously proud of him. He is so fortunate and is beginning to appreciate all the blessings God has given him.

Thank you all for your continuing prayers, contributions and love. We are eternally grateful.
Brian and Jana

Special Message From Brian

Taken from Brian's Myspace Page www.myspace.com/brianwrightr6:

"It has been brought to my attention several times by my wife that I do not say "Thank You" enough and I agree. My world has been turned upside down in the last few months and I can even see how it has effected me just in trying to type this letter with one hand. It is not that I am NOT thankful for everything you all have done for me and continue to do but I feel it is a since of pride that takes over me to say "Thank You". It is more a reminder for me that I CANNOT do things I took for granted before and it really brings me down to be reminded that I need help. I am not use to asking for help with such simple things as tying my shoes or making a sandwich. I am sorry and if anyone feels that I am not appreciative I apologize. For all the times in the future where I do not say "Thank You" I hope you can see where I am coming from right now and can go back to this letter and understand (and I will try and do better). Thank you all."

"Lucky Man"
I have days where I hate my job
This little town and the whole world too
Last Sunday when the Bengals lost
Lord it put me in a bad mood

I have moments when I curse the rain
Then complain when the sun's too hot
I look around at what everyone has
And I forget about all I've got

But I know I'm a lucky man
God's given me a pretty fair hand
Got a house and a piece of land
A few dollars in a coffee can
My old trucks still running good (Brian and I agree this should say, "My old truck's a piece of junk!")
My ticker's ticking like they say it should
I got supper in the oven, a good woman's loving
And one more day to be my little kid's dad
Lord, knows I'm a lucky man

Got some friends who would be here fast
I could call em any time of day
Got a brother who's got my back
Got a mama who I swears a saint
Got a brand new rod and reel
Got a full week off this year
Dad had a close call last spring
It's a miracle he's still here

But I know I'm a lucky man
God's given me a pretty fair hand
Got a house and a piece of land
a few dollars in a coffee can
My old trucks still running good
My ticker's tickin' like they say it should
I got supper in the ove, good woman's loving
And one more day to be my little kid's dad
Lord, knows I'm a lucky man

My old trucks still running good
My ticker's ticking like they say it should
I got supper in the oven, a good woman's loving
And even my bad days ain't that bad
Yeah, I'm a lucky man
I'm a lucky lucky man

Results of Appointment with Dr. Gupta today

Good afternoon friends,

This morning Jana and Brian had an appointment with Dr. Gupta. The expectation was that he would examine Brian's elbow and set a date for surgery in June. Well ... it didn't go quite like that. They took more x-rays of his elbow and determined that the calcium is still growing significantly in his elbow. As long as it continues to grow they can't do surgery. So they scheduled another appointment for next month. At the earliest his surgery will not take place till July now.

This is some what disappointing in that we were hoping to get the surgery behind us once and for all so all that was left was the physical and occupational therapy. The hope was there would still be some time left this year for Brian to do some fishing using both arms. That probably won't happen now but it doesn't mean he can't do some fishing any way. Brian seems to be energized enough to see what he can do with his right arm given his current limitations. He has recovered a good bit of movement and dexterity with his right wrist and fingers. His strength needs to continue to improve, and should, with therapy. He will just have to learn how to use his left arm still more. Being a "lefty" myself, maybe I can help some.

His walking continues to improve slowly. Jana keeps him moving quite a bit. He doesn't like to use the wheelchair much so walking more is good. Will you pray for Brian and Jana as they continue with their recovery? I know it has been a long haul and our requests for your prayers never seem to cease. If your lives are anything like ours you never lack for issues to pray about. Our world is so needy too. We do appreciate the times you think of Brian and Jana, very much. We thank God for all the many kindnesses sent our way every day, often at our meal times when we are together.

Blessed,

Bob

$1,446.28 raised for Brian and Jana!

Here's a collection of pictures from the yard sale today. Thanks to all who helped and pulled this together. A very special thanks goes to Susan Buckner. What an angel! Thank you, Susan. And to all the folks who overpaid for so many things just because you knew it was going to Brian and Jana, thank you. May your kindness return to you many times over.

Do you like Kory's shirt? I think he found himself a new girlfriend!

Here's a picture of Brian, Kevin and Dusti, his brother and sister in law, and his favorite nephew. Kevin's holding the nephew. Dusti is holding a different kind of kid.

Yard Sale is THIS Saturday! Here's the scoop!

Folks,
It wasn't long after Brian was first admitted into University Hospital that Susan Buckner offered to organize a Yard Sale to help raise funds for Jana and Brian. That was almost 3 months ago. I visited her garage where she and her husband, Bob, used to keep their vehicles. It has been taken over with donated goods from at least 2 churches and a dance studio. It is wall-to-wall goodies! Susan has been sorting your donations, putting things on hangers, sticking price tags on everything from children's clothes to living room furniture! The grand day is almost upon us! Here's the scoop!

• Where: Crescent Hill Baptist Church parking lot (next to the public library)www.crescenthillbaptistchurch.org has directions on their site.
• When: Doors open at 8:00 AM till 2:00 PM, this Saturday morning, May 12th
• What: Besides all of your donations of clothing, toys, gadgets, lawn equipment, furniture, books, there will be baked goods for sale too!

Brian and Jana will both be there to meet and greet folks and to say "thank you" for your generosity and many, many kindnesses. We look forward to seeing you there!

The Wright and Brocious families

Kory and Chelsea Mcarter, CCHS Prom Night

Here's Kory, my 16 year old son, with his gorgeous date, Chelsea. Don't they make a handsome couple? She's a junior. Kory's a sophomore. Kory gets his good looks .... from his momma.

First trip back home for Brian

Good Monday morning (Is there such a thing?)!
It's been a slow weekend for news concerning Jana and Brian. Jana packed up Brian Friday and took him to work with her so they could leave, straight away, for Whitesburg, to see his mom and dad, brother and sister-in-law and his favorite nephew. We've heard from Jana a couple of times. They did go out to see the new Spiderman 3 movie. Jana said "It's LONG! Like 2.5 hours long!" But she gave it a "thumbs up."
They are due back home this evening. We'll get an update and post a few pictures later.

In other news ...
Kory was asked to the Carroll County High School prom by a junior. Talk about a handsome couple. I'll post a picture of them too. Wow. Oh to be 16 again! In such a small town as Carrollton, the prom attracts everybody! A couple cool things they do: All of the seniors in the bid to be Prom King and Queen come from the school's top 10 list of Academic Excellence. I like that! Also, each couple, beginning with the seniors, are paraded in with their names announced for all. It's kinda like a fashion show of sorts. They walk down this path, stop, turn, turn, turn, then proceed. Some of the kids think it's more of a gauntlet then a fashion walk. They practically run to get inside! One of the couples arrived in a huge tractor straight from the farm! (There are still a good number of farmers in the area.)

Sunday we had a surprise. We got a phone call out of the clear blue from an Indian family in Louisville who's folks were here for a visit, from India. In India their parents farm for a living. They wanted to see a Kentucky farm so they hopped on the internet and found Tenacity Farm and gave us a call. Kathleen spent about an hour and a half with them yesterday showing them around. In India every square inch of the farm is in some form of production. Land is very hard to come by. So they were surprised at how spacious we are with our garden and chickens and goats.

I will ask you to remember someone in your prayers, please. Because so many of you have told others about this web site there's quite a network of folks who check in from time to time. It is not unusual for someone to drop me a note and ask for prayers for their loved one that has been injured in an accident. Jared Steen was in an automobile accident last Friday and is in University Hospital ICU. His back is broken in 2 places and has numerous other injuries but it appears there are no brain injuries to deal with. His spirits seem good but he has a long way to go. Jared is 19 years old. Please pray for them as they make choices about surgery for his back. The passenger in the car with him died.

The Lord is our Shepard, we shall not want, ...
Bob

Update on Brian at Home

Folks,
Jana and Brian are making the adjustment to homelife now. They are still working out some kinks. Brian fell in the bathroom tripping over a piece of carpet. He landed on his rear bumper. So we are making adjustments as we learn. He has had both physical therapy and occupational therapy come out to see him and will continue to do so at least 2-3 times a week.
We are still wrestling with the Golf Cart. Looks like we may have to load it up and take it to a Golf Cart surgeon ... I mean mechanic. Sorry. Old habit.
Jana is taking another part time job to help out with their limited income. She is going to work for a surgeon friend, a dance mom who's name escapes me at the moment. Kim. Kim ... ah ... Burger? Maybe? I'm old. She has checked in on Jana and Brian a number of times while in the hospital and has offered her professional encouragement along the way. So many good friends!
What would we do without them. Kindness is such a rare gem it seems these days. With so many wonderful friends Jana and Brian certainly have struck it rich in the most important of ways. Good friends.

We will keep updating you on their progress, maybe not quite as often as before but at least every other day. We'll take some more pictures too.

Thank you for your kindnesses!
The Wright and Brocious families

Brian is on his way ... HOME!

We packed him up and waited 2 hours for the doctor to come bless his departure. Jana and Brian and Uncle Little are in route now. I'll post some pictures I took later this evening. Thanks be to God for gifts that leave us speechless!
Bob

Brian's Update for Monday, April 30th, Day 76

Good afternoon friends,
We are now T-Minus 19 hours and counting. Brian is scheduled to exit Frazier's tomorrow at 10:30 am. Who would have thought 2 months ago that this day would come?

Over the weekend Kory and I got the handrail built for the stairs up to the deck into the house. I also built a step to help him get in their bed that sits very high off the floor. I got some grass cut too but I've got some more to do there tonight. Jana and Kathleen did a good bit of housecleaning so ... we're just about as ready as we're going to get. We'll take some pictures and post them tomorrow evening.

In other news ... we do have a request. The Yard Sale to benefit Brian and Jana will be held May 12th in the Crescent Hill Baptist Church parking lot. The amount of contributions has been overwhelming! Susan Buckner's big garage is just about swallowed up in boxes and furniture and ... stuff! Susan is in desperate need of some help with the yard sale beginning at 7AM that Saturday morning. She is also asking for help with the baked goods and drinks that will be sold too. ANY HELP will be GREATLY APPRECIATED!

Susan can be reached at (502) 394-9872.

Would you consider offering an hour or three to help? Brian and Jana have made plans to be there for a while so folks who have read so much about the two of them but maybe haven't met them before, can do so. How long they can stay will be up to Brian's stamina, of course.

We are about to move into a new chapter. There was a time when we didn't think this one would ever be written. But it's here, by the grace of God and the love of his children which has been shown to us in so many ways by your kindnesses and generosity. Every day is Christmas, every day is Easter.

By your kindness,
Bob

A Suprise Visitor!

After Brian encouraged me to lay down for a nap, I gave in. Only to be awoken by Dr. Eric Davis standing at Brian's bed. There truly are no words for me to describe how truly special this moment was for me. I began to introduce Brian to this incredible man, but before I could finish, Brian said, "I know who he is." Brian recognized him immediately. He was unsure of who he was, but knew that he knew him. I was so star struck, I forgot to take a picture, but I promise, when Brian visits Dr. Davis back at University when he can walk through the front doors, I will have a priceless picture to put on this page and frame in our home. He told us that, while he was supposed to go work at the VA, he's decided his true love is trauma at University and that's where he will remain while still working for Jewish doing some general surgery. I hope the people that have him as their doctor in the future know what a complete blessing this man is. I just wish that all of our families were here to thank him in person as well.
I am overflowing with emotions. I've looked forward to the day when Brian could shake this man's hand and say thank you, and it arrived. It is so hard to believe that one single man can be responsible for all of the wonderful memories Brian and I still have left to share. When Brian and I have children, buy our first home, skip our first steps together - this man will receive pictures in his mailbox.
God is so so good.
Jana

Update on Brian's Heart

Good afternoon,
Back when Brian left University there was still some concern about some remianing fluid around Brian's heart. You may remember that the reason he had 3 heart attacks was due to the large amount of fluid around his heart that basically squeezed his heart so tightly that it stopped beating 3 times. Once they removed the fluid his heart was fine. But there was still some fluid visibile in the Echocardiogram when he left University. The plan was to do another echo later.
Well, that "later" was two days ago. Dr. Gormley came by this morning to give Brian and Jana a report.
There is no more fluid around his heart. Dr. Santos at University said that, in most cases, the body would just reabsorb the extra fluid. Otherwise, the fluid would have to be drained before it built up too much. Absorb it did! In Dr. Gormley's words, "Brian's heart is as good as new!" He said you can't even tell that there was ever anything wrong with it! I have to confess to feeling a wee bit anxious before Dr. Gormley gave us the news. Being so close to getting Brian out of Frazier's I keep thinking something is going to pop up at the last minute. One thing for sure though, it won't be his heart.
Every day Brian grows stronger. He still has one surgery to deal with, the one on his right elbow. It will likely take place in June. He is a bit anxious about it. This is the first procedure he will have that he is actually aware of and can anticipate. Everything else up to this point occured while he was either unconscious or too drugged up to know what was going on. But we'll get through it and get on with their young lives.
Brian has a follow-up ortho appointment at 8:30 in the morning at University. I'm not really sure what else they could say, but we'll see.
We continue to covet your prayers as we shift into new patterns closer to home and look forward to continued rehab and the elbow surgery.

Hope your day is full of promise,
Bob

Brian's Got a DATE!

Folks, Brian is going home. They gave us a date yesterday. It's one week from today. May 1st. It's a little hard to believe, to be honest. Going to the hospital and to Frazier's has become a part of our routine over the past 10 weeks. I know the best places to park. I know the shortest paths from the parking garage to Brian's room. I know what food the local cafeteria offers and I know not to eat the fish sandwich. I catch myself being impatient with people unfamiliar with the parking garage, driving slowly around trying to figure out where they can and can't park. That was me ... a life time ago, it seems.
Chris, the PT that works Brian so hard but so diligently, was measuring Brian for a wheel chair that he will likely need for a while when ever he leaves the house to go somewhere. Speaking of going some where ... guess what the first place is that Brian wants to go? Not Disney World. Not Kentucky Kingdom. Not Europe or even Hawaii. He wants to go to Wal-Mart! What are we going to do with this boy?!
Once we get him settled in and find a rhythm to life again we will have a Homecoming to beat Homecomings. We'll invite the world and see who shows up. So many of you still shake my hand and leave checks and cash for me to give to them. I've run out of words for "thank you." Maybe I'll take up French or Spanish and start again. I've learned a lot of lessons over the past 10 weeks. I'm going to start writing some of them down. I hope Brian and Jana have learned some things too. They didn't ask for this little "side trip" of life but since they didn't get a choice maybe, at least, they learned some things, some things about kindness and grace, patience and truth, friendship and love, forgiveness and tenacity. Not many people get a second chance at life, let alone a third or fourth. It's hard not to imagine a plan that has Brian and Jana's name on it. Life means something different now. I think they have the eyes to see it in its true light. I hope and pray that they know, really know in their bones, where all goodness comes from.
Bob

Brian's Update for April 23rd, Day 78? I'm losing count.

Good morning,

I have some pictures to share with you from this past Saturday when the crew was out enjoying the fireworks and Thunder Over Louisville! What a crew!

Bob

Thunder Over Louisville Saturday, April 21st

Good afternoon all,
Today is "Thunder Over Louisville!' This is the Saturday for the big Air Show and Fireworks display leading up to the Kentucky Derby which is always the first Saturday in May. Frazier's Rehab and Jewish Hospital take the top floor of their parking garage which has a view of the river and downtown, and makes it available for Jewish Hospital patients, families, care givers and their families.
The weather is just AWESOME! The high today will be in the mid 70s with clear blue skies. It should be an incredible night. Jana, Brian, his mom and dad, Kevin and Dusti are all here. The Air Show starts up around 3PM and the fireworks starts around 9pm.
Where am I? I'm at the farm. Doing chores. Kathleen and Kory are with Brian and Jana too. Hopefully they will all get to have a relaxing evening enjoying all the festivities. We hope this will be Brian's last weekend in a hospital. I cut their grass a little while ago and started picking stuff up in anticipation of their homecoming.
I hope you enjoy the weekend. Visit this site for a view of THUNDER OVER LOUISVILLE! www.thunderoverlouisville.org

Good Friday Morning, April 20th, Day 75

Good morning to all,
Please forgive me for getting behind with updates on Brian's progress. I have been and am presently, in a week long class at UPS. Kathleen did talk to Jana last night. Jana, as Brian's wife, as the right to ask to see Brian's complete medical file. She asked for it Wednesday and got to see it yesterday. There was only one significant surprise. Brian had 3 cardiac arrests rather than 2 as we were told. The best we can determine, the 2nd and third took place very closely together. Of course, all that is behind us. His heart was never damaged by any of these because the issue was the sack of fluid around the heart and not the heart itself.
We are still waiting on an update as to when Brian will be released. It could be this coming week or the week after. Kathleen and I will take some time this weekend to begin preparations for his homecoming, doing some house cleaning in their home, cutting some grass, etc. We are still working on the golf cart, waiting on a part to come in. Thanks for all the name suggestions! We will make a choice soon.
Jana has begun leaving Brian alone for several hours while she goes to teach dance. He is getting around better each day. Getting a break from each other helps too. Please keep his elbow and his adjustment to going home in your prayers.

Humbled by your kindnesses and God's grace,
The Wright and Brocious families

Update, Tuesday Morning, 9:45AM

Good morning! Brian has been wheeled off to speech therapy and Dad is at a conference so I thought I would update the blog myself. Dr. Gormley came into Brian's room around 9:15 with a resident doctor, Dr. Schuster, to remove his G-tube. Since they have to stay in 6 weeks and I've never seen one removed. Brian had himself in a nervous sweat before the suture (stich) was even cut loose, but what I thought would be a slow removal, turned into one fast YANK! And voila! Brian has no more extraneous devices attached to him! I think Dr. Schuster even propped up a foot behind her to get some leverage. All in all, Brian said it didn't hurt at all, rather felt funny. I can only imagine. Brian can't eat for another 4 hours, so his appetite has time to grow into something I had better prepare to feed!
Susan, the case manager popped in this morning to tell us that he should plan on going home in a week to 2 weeks! Frazier is asking for 2 weeks, she said insurance may only allow one. And then the outpatient program best suited for Brian has a waiting list so we may have to have home health until a spot opens up for him.

Request for Jana for this Wednesday

Folks, during the week Kathleen or I stay with Brian while Jana goes to teach her dance class. This Wednesday I have something at work that will keep me late and Kathleen has her egg deliveries to make. So, Jana is asking if someone would be willing to come and stay with Brian for about 5-6 hours beginning around 3PM. If it were just a couple hours Brian could handle it by himself. But we are a bit uncomfortable with him being alone for more than that.
If you have some time and could help out, please send me an email at bbrocious@hotmail.com or call Kathleen at home at (502) 532-6324.

We are still on schedule for Brian and Jana to go home in two weeks!

Blessings on us all,
Bob

Radiation

Hello there. It's Jana - I haven't written in a while, mostly due to the fact that it feels like I'm working over 14 hours a day - from 7AM-3PM at Frazier, from 3PM to 9PM at the studio and then back again. Dad forgot to mention that along with the entire reconstructive surgery on Brian's elbow, he will also need a few rounds of radiation therapy, one immediately before surgery and a couple after the surgery is complete. The radiation is usually very effective in cases of heterotopic ossification to prevent further bone growth. In Brian's case, it will be used to prevent the body from reforming any bone after the surgery has been completed. Brian's first question was about losing his hair and I quickly explained that radiation is site-specific & he may lose his hair and have some skin sensitivity but only on where the radiation is performed - his elbow. Radiation and chemotherapy are often used jointly in cancer patients, but chemotherapy is what causes the loss of all body hair. All in all, Brian may very well be able to still have a little summer and early fall to fish and I will gladly take him wherever he wants to go.

Visit with Dr. Gupta, Monday, April 16th

Folks,
We ended up waiting for over two hours but we finally got to see Dr. Gupta. Prior to talking to him Brian got 4 more x-rays of his elbow so we could see the most current status. Dr. Gupta was kind and patient and very empathetic. All of the people we dealt with in his office were exceptionally kind and gentle. Everyone we've talked to have, without our asking, commented about Dr. Gupta being the best there is with orthopedic issues.

Here's what we learned. Brian's elbow is currently out of place. X-rays clearly show the elbow is not sitting in its cradle where it belongs. It also showed the calcification building new bone on top of his ligaments. Dr. Gupta explained that our bodies have an inbuilt preference for stability. Even when a joint is out of place, given enough time, our bodies will try to find a way to stablize it. The new bone growth is also an indication of Brian's brain injury. So Brian's body is attempting to stabilize the eblow joint by building bone to hold it in place. Once the body begins building bone it is difficult to tell the body to stop. Typically this can go on for 6 months. Brian's bone growth has slowed considerably. Brian will go back for another evaluation in 1 month. At that time, we hope, Dr. Gupta will proceed with plans for surgery.

Basically the elbow has to be completely cleaned out of all extra calcium and all ligaments removed. According to Dr. Gupta, in the range of work done to elbows, this is out on the edge. This is extreme. Rarely do injuries require this kind of intensive repair. The new liagments sometimes come from "spares" that we have in our hands and feet. Most likely Brian's will be cadaveric.

Recovery time from this surgery is typically 4-6 weeks. It often requires an exterior, hinged support, held in place with 2 screws in the upper arm and 2 screws in the lower arm. After the 4-6 weeks this is removed. Dr. Gupta stated that his goal is to give Brian a range of motion with his elbow of 30 degrees one way to 130 degrees the other way. This is what Dr. Gupta says will be his goal. Brian may exceed that which would be great. This will give him a range of motion allowing him to do 90% or better of what he was able to do before. Playing a guitar, fishing, feeding himself, scratching his nose, all fall in that range.

Dr. Gupta hopes to be able to do the surgery at the 4 month mark instead of the usual 6 month mark. This would put the surgery somewhere in mid June with a recovery stretching into August if all goes well. Here is where we need to focus our prayers. It seems odd that, given all of the injuries that Brian has dealt with, the one that will linger the longest was never life threatening. His right leg continues to improve as his brain replumbs the nerve connections that control that part of his body. Dr. Gupta checked the progress with Brian's wrist and fingers. It is coming along as well.

In other news, Brian is scheduled to have his "G tube" removed tomorrow morning. This is the feeding tube in his stomach. Brian's not looking forward to it much but it should be a very simple procedure that will be done in his room. He is not to eat or drink anything by mouth after midnight tonight.

Well, that's enough for now. I heard on the radio a little while ago that, while we were in route to Dr. Gupta's office there has been a shooting at Virginia Tech University. 31 people reportedly killed and over 20 injuried. I'm weary of so much pain and senseless suffering. I feel selfish for being able to care for just a small handful of people when there is so much need in the world around us. How much longer, Lord?

Peace, please.
Bob

Brian's Update for Monday, April 16th, Day 62

Good morning!
I just got off the phone with Jana. I will join her and Brian for a visit to Dr. Gupta at 1PM today. He is a leading specialist in upper body orthopedic care. We are going to talk about his right arm in particular.
Over the weekend the decision was made to no longer give Lovenox to Brian, which is a blood thinner. We need to watch for swelling in his arms and legs but this is another step in the right direction. Speaking of steps, Sunday, Chris had Brian walk all the way down the hall, turn around and walk to the gym where he had him going up and down the stairs 4 times. Then it was to the "stair master" type bicycle where he put in another 12 minutes of work.
This past Saturday, my buddy Deke and I worked on the golf cart we hope to have running for Brian. We've got to find an overhaul kit for a Mikuni fuel pump. Hopefully this will get us up and running. We replaced the battery, spark plug, spark plug wire, fuel line and fuel line filter. We are trying to think of a name to give this golf cart so if you have some ideas, share em'!

I'll report more after our appointment this morning.

Bob

More pictures

Folks,

Although these pictures were taken recently they don't show Brian without his C-collar. And he looks so much different without it. But these pictures do show some of the exercises they are putting him through to help him get ready for living at home.

In other news, we got the report from the ambulance service that responded to the 911 call when Brian had his accident. There's a lot of detail. I will post a note this weekend that tells a bit more of the story of that night.

Bob

No More C-Collar! Yeah! April 12th

Folks,
Great news! Brian doesn't have to wear his cervical collar any more! Today Brian had an appointment at the Jewish Health Clinic today to evaluate his recent CT scans and a couple x-rays. We were there for 4 and a half hours waiting with about 70 other people. At first the doctor wasn't sure. He said that the CT scan wasn't conclusive. So they had Brian take 2 more x-rays. It seemed to take forever! But once we got the doctor back in the room with the new pictures it only took him a second to make the call. Needless to say, Brian is very excited! He is celebrating by ordering from Mark's Feed Store the world's largest barbecue pork sandwich! With fries!
We are going to have a grand celebration figuring out all the ways we are going to slowly destroy this C-collar. Burn it, cut it up, drag it behind his wheelchair ... . We figure it tortured him for almost 2 months. It's payback time!
He had a good day with PT. Now they are putting 4lb weights on his right leg. Chris is working him like a dog! But it's paying off. Now that he has the collar off Brian is actually looking forward to therapy. There were a number of exercises Chris likes for him to do but the collar choked him so badly he could hardly do them. He looks so good without his collar! Jana was kissing all over his neck.
It's been a very good day, and we are so grateful.
Bob

Brian's Update for Wednesday, April 11th

Good Afternoon!
Brian continues to increase his stamina and distance covered when they put him on the indoor track. He can make 3 trips around the large room now. If you go to this link you can see the room that Brian does his physical therapy in. When the page loads, wait just a second and you will see a video that shows you all around the room.

http://www.jewishhospital.org/carecenters/Spinal/re_sm_tour.asp

I will share one frustration that Brian has right now. It is obvious that his right elbow will still be a very long way from healed by the time he gets to go home. It may be up to a year before it is back to health. His fishing this summer is definitely going to take a hit. His ability to get around will require assistance for a while too. To get around on the farm we have a gas powered golf cart. It needs some work to get it running reliably but we'll get started on that very soon. We will try to find ways to keep him busy doing other things. We haven't talked to Lowes yet about possible work he could do, so that is another possibility if we can figure out transportation issues. But it is nice to have these issues to deal with, isn't it? Please keep us in your prayers and send along your words of encouragement.

Always,
Bob

Brian's Update for Tuesday, April 10th, Day 56

Good morning all,
I ran by Frazier's this morning to drop off a few things that Jana needed and took the opportunity to talk to Brian's physical therapist, Chris. The updated plan calls for Brian to go home by no later than April 30th. That is wonderful news. What I wanted to know was, do we need to do anything either inside or outside their home to accomodate Brian in the short term. He mentioned only two things. We will need to put up a handrail on the left side of the steps going up to the deck that leads to their entry door and we may need to put a seat in the tub for him. Other than that, nothing else is expected. Of course we are still a little less than 3 weeks from there and the closer we get to his departure the better picture we will have. Chris did say that Brian would require 24 hour supervision in the short term. None of these issues come as a surprise. It is exciting to anticipate his going home! God has been so merciful and generous.

I had another question I wanted answered. "Is Brian having physical therapy due to continuing neurological issues or has his brain and nerve pathways healed and now he is just helping muscles remember how to work from their long inactivity?" Brian still has neurological issues. His brain is having to replumb the nerve pathways that tell which muscle to do what. Imagine that you bought an old house and the electrical panel has no labels on it to tell you which circuit controls which outlet or light. Brian's brain is doing what the creator designed it to do in circumstances like this. It is re-wiring itself. It is the most incredible thing to witness. What we know about the human brain has been completely rewritten in my life time. At one point it was scientific law that stated that the brain is a fixed machine with fixed pathways to control fixed parts of our bodies. If you break that pathway then you have lost the use of that limb. We now know that the brain is extremely adept at replumbing itself to reconnect each limb with a working part of the brain. If you would like to read more about this you might pick up the book I found recently, "Train Your Mind, Change Your Brain," by Sharon Begley. It documents the groundbreaking discoveries in "neuroplasticity."
Brian had a CT scan this morning and gets a spinal xray later today. Then they take these to University Hospital Thursday for an evaluation. I will post more later today.
Please continue to pray for Brian's will and determination and energy. His level of recovery now is pretty much up to him. With hard work we believe that Brian will be able to achieve a 110% recovery. I say 110% because he is learning how to use his left arm and hand in ways he never would have before. He will be ambidextrous when this is all over (able to use both hands interchangeably).

We are so wonderfully grateful!
Bob

3 Weeks and $450,000 and counting, Monday 4/9/07

Good morning!
I hope all of you had a thank-filled Easter. I know I did. Every day is Christmas, every day is Easter. Every day is a gift. Every day is resurrection. That's the lessons I've been learning as I watch Brian and Jana through this process.
Today marks 3 weeks from the end of April. That is the worst case for Brian's stay at Frazier's. At least that's what they told us the last time they evaluated his progress. We should get an update on his timeline this week. That is exciting to think about. We still have a ways to go before Brian is physically capable, in my opinion, of being able to go home to the farm and be able to do the things he will need to do once he's there. He has been working hard and makes progress every single day.
We got a big stack of hospital bills this past week. The first serious stack. The total thus far is close to $450,000. There is likely another surgery on his elbow in the near future as well as outpatient rehab costs. I don't know if these bills include the doctor's bills either. Hopefully, Lowe's insurance will cover most of it, we just don't know exactly how much. Numbers like this are so big ... it's hard to get your head around them. A lot of the line items don't have descriptions, they just have a number and a cost so you don't know what you're being charged for. It's very intimidating.
I will post more a bit later.
Bob

Good Easter Eve, April 7th, Day 53

Good morning!
I spent last night with Brian so Jana could go home and get some much needed sleep. We got up twice in the night to relieve his bladder. Seems the Capri Sun that Brian enjoyed before bed goes right through him! But that's ok. We're glad his bladder is one less issue to deal with.
This morning they were waking us up around 8AM to help us get ready for an 8:30 appointment with PT. Yeouch! We were hoping we could sleep in a bit. Breakfast was already in the room. A donut and biscuits and gravy were on the menu. Oh. And a Pepsi. Breakfast of champions ... NOT.
The bad part of the morning was that we didn't get Brian's pain meds in him before therapy. We learned a lesson. We won't make that mistake again. His elbow was extremely painful. Later, Donna, his nurse, asked him to rate the pain on a scale of 1 - 10. Brian pegged it at a "10." Therapy only lasted 30 minutes and involved Brian standing with his walker. It has a craddle for his right arm to sit in and a handle for him to grip with his right hand. His left hand does a good bit of the work. The issue they want Brian to work on has to do with his right foot. Brian has a tendenacy to lift his right foot from his hip and kinda drag his right foot forward. When he does his right foot points outward instead of forward. His job is to concentrate on keeping the toes of his right foot pointing forward, like his left foot.
The pain in his right elbow got to be so bad we called the nurse and asked her to bring his meds to the PT room. Donna is a weekend nurse. She's been here 20 years. She is gentle and very personable.
This was the first time I went to PT with Brian. I've met Chris and Dawn several times in the past. Today we had ... woops. I forgot her name. Any way ... she was patient and very understanding. My gift for the day came when another physical therapist came in with another patient. I didn't know her. I learned later that she has worked with Brian on a previous weekend. When she saw what Brian was doing she had the biggest smile on her face! Without me saying anything she came up to me and said, almost with tears in her eyes, "Brian is doing so well!" These professionals can see it. Just last night, Brian's night nurse, another one I haven't met before, seemed to be a bit gruff. Not terribly personal, but efficient. Later, when she came back in to check on Brian she told us that she just read Brian's "jacket." I guess this is the file that tells the story of Brian's injuries. She seemed to have a different attitude as she commented how impressed she was with his recovery. She said, "Brian, you are so lucky given your injuries. I'm impressed with your mental facilities given the severity of your injuries! You are very lucky!" I told her that God has indeed blessed him with one miracle after another. Every day is Christmas and Easter all rolled into one.
Brian is resting now as we wait for Jana to make her way here. Hopefully she had a good night's sleep and is ready to go. Brian's parents and brother and sister-in-law and nephew will be arriving some time this evening. We pray for their safe travel.

Amazed by so many graces,
The Wright and Brocious families

Easter Resurrection, 2007

Folks,
I spoke to Jana a few minutes ago to get an update on their day. Brian worked on what they call the "bicycle" which allows Brian to sit down and work these pedals with his legs. There's a picture of him at this bicycle in an earlier entry. The bicycle has 10 difficulty settings. Before today Brian was working at the easiest setting which is a "1." Now he can use both legs. Today he worked at level "5" and took 360 steps in 10 minutes. Even for healthy folks that's a good work out!

He has also been released to drink any fluids he wants. No more need to thicken his drinks so ... bring on the Capri Suns! We are so pleased with his progress, which leads me to thinking about Easter.

This Easter feels alot different to me. I think it's because the word "resurrection" has taken on new meaning. I feel more like Mary and Martha who, when their brother Lazarus became ill, sought out Jesus because they loved their brother and they were afraid for his life. In spite of their efforts to get Jesus to save him, Lazarus died any way. I know a little more about how they must have felt. Sitting on the trauma ward floor with Jana was probably pretty close. All felt lost and hopeless. Martha said to Jesus, "If you had been here he wouldn't have died!" This is the only account recorded in the Bible where Jesus cried. I can hear Martha crying and feel her tears on my own cheeks as she looked into Jesus' face. In my mind I see Jesus holding Martha close to him as they both wept.

After they make their way to Lazarus' tomb, Jesus asks that the stone be rolled back that blocked the entrance. Dumbfounded as to why, they obeyed any way. Then Jesus turns to Martha and Mary and says softly, "Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?"

Resurrection! Their joy surely began with gasps of disbelief that turned to sheer, childlike laughter!

I'm almost to the childlike laughter stage. Brian has been resurrected and given back to us. And just so he remembers the miracle that is his life, Brian is having to work a bit to regain the life he had. But there it is, right in front of him. Nothing will stand in his way now. Don't forget Brian. This is resurrection. This is your Easter! Glory to God.

Live!

Bob

Brian's Update: 4:15pm Thursday

Folks,
Here's some of the work that Brian accomplished today. He took 120 steps and had both legs stretched as well as his right elbow. He did three new things today too. Each are pretty remarkable. He walked up stairs 4 steps and back down 4 steps. He also started doing knee bends! One exercise has him on his knees on a pad and stretching with his left hand, all the way across his chest to his right. In his hand is a bean bag. He has to place it, not throw it, into a bucket that Dawn holds close to her. This exercise requires Brian to use a whole new group of muscles.
He was flat pooped after all that. But therapy wasn't over yet. His speech therapy required him to listen to a story and then answer questions about it. It answered the questions very well.
His appetite is also returning. He ate all the breakfast they brought him and had Jana go get him some biscuits and gravy from the cafeteria and ate all that too!
I think he will sleep very well tonight. His bladder continues to cooperate so that is one less issue for Brian to have to deal with. We are especially happy about that.
Please continue to pray for Brian's right elbow. We need to see still more extension on it. He may have to have surgery at some later date to remove some bone matter.

Blessings on each of you,
Bob

More Pictures for April 5th, Thursday, Day 51

Folks, Here are a collection of pictures taken during Brian's physical and occupational therapy. There is one other significant update. Brian has always been able to sense pressure in his bladder. He just couldn't get his bladder to let go on command. Last night they tried something different. Jana got Brian up and into the bathroom using the wheelchair. He took a seat and then ... eureka! Success! Jana was so excited you would think the Easter Bunny had given her the bestest gift of all! Now we will see if Brian can maintain this control.

Brian's Typical Day at Fraziers and a picture

Good morning all,
Here is a typical day at Fraziers for Brian and Jana. It would help if you keep this in mind when making a choice about when to visit or place a phone call.

7:30 wake-up and breakfast
8:15 physical therapy
10:00 speech therapy
11:00 occupational therapy
11:45 dinner
1:15 physical and occupational therapy
2:00 speech therapy
2:30 Nap Time!
5:30 supper (best time to call or visit)
Lights out between 9:30 and 10:30

Here's a picture of Brian after his therapy sessions!

Sunday is Easter! If it weren't for Easter our prayers for Brian would be in vain.
Here's to a good day for us all.

Bob

Brian's Update for Tuesday, April 3rd, Day 49

Folks,
Brian's therapy is shifting into high gear. His first therapy is at 8AM, even before breakfast. With breaks for breakfast and lunch Brian is doing very physically exhausting work till almost 4:00 PM. What you and I take for granted, such as sitting up, moving to a chair, standing, walking, bending, are things Brian is having to relearn. His body has been almost motionless for 6 weeks so all those muscles have shrunk and lost their strength due to inactivity. When I got off work yesterday and got to Brian's room I found Brian, Jana, and Benny all asleep. This was about 4:45Pm. Brian slept till about 5:30 when supper arrived. After supper they ususally relax a bit together between nurses coming in to give him a bath, check his vitals and give him his various meds. They are in bed by 10:30pm at the latest most nights.

The weekend schedule is not quite so taxing but he still gets physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. Weekends are the best time to call. If you would make sure you call before 9:30pm would be best. The number of phone calls have increased recently as fewer people are looking at the updates online. If you would like, you are welcome to call Kathleen or I at home and we can give you an update too. One of us sees Brian almost every day and we talk to Jana several times each day. Our home number is (502) 532-6324. Please don't hesitate to call but try to do it before 10PM.

Brian began work today with a new walker. Because he can't use his right arm yet to help with the walker he is using a special one-handed walker. He took over 70 steps today. The therapists are trying to get Brian to let his right arm hang at his side rather than bent at the elbow and held close to his chest as it has been for most of the past 7 weeks.

Today the Urologist did a pressure test of Brian's bladder to determine how much pressure he can put on it and whether or not there are any blockages complicating his recovery. We won't know the results until tomorrow at the earliest.

Thank you for all the cards! You should see his room. Jana has one wall almost covered and has started stringing them from the ceiling. We're afraid if the string breaks somebody is going to get crushed under all the cards! But we love it. Brian comments often about all the cards and nice notes people send. He never knew so many people cared so much. When we offer a prayer before our meals with Brian we are careful to say thank you for your love and generosity.

I am in a play at church this Thursday (Maundy Thursday) and tonight is dress rehersal so this will likely be my only post for today. Thank you for your thoughtfulness with Brian's schedule. This is an exciting time as we watch Brian recover but it is very hard work for him.

Peace and safety for us all,
Bob