TO CATCH YOU UP TO SPEED...

HOW OUR BLOG BEGAN, in AUGUST 2010: As many of you know, Phil has been struggling with a very complex series of neurological issues for about 5 years. This past spring, the issues became especially intense as a result of an unexpected cognitive decline and a fall on May 15th that resulted in a head injury and further decline. And then, on July 16th things catapulted to unbelievable, as Phil suffered from a severe "electrical storm" in his brain that essentially created a status of brain death for two full days. Inexplicably, the very morning that neurologists and other medical team members were planning removal of life support, Phil began breathing on his own and his brain waves returned to a stable, while still abnormal, level. Since then, each day has been a unique journey. And while he and his body continue to demonstrate a will and capacity to live, he continues to have severe deficits and it is quite uncertain as to the path he will take. As loved ones close in can attest to, it has been tricky to keep up emotionally with all of his changes, and provide the needed support. We can only imagine the hard work Phil has gone through as his brain has taken him through such roller coaster experiences. It is our goal here to keep family and close friends apprised of Phil's ongoing story, and to build connections that honor him.

AND THEN, SEPTEMBER 11, 2010....Dad's remarkable journey alongside us culminated in a gentle, generous death.

And so, my goal here now as his daughter is simply this: to record snippets...pieces of his life that my memory offers back to me, pieces of myself as I learn to live without a dad. I hope all who meander by find life, and hope, and peace.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

new concerns

Hi family,

Wanted to let you know I saw dad yesterday and, while in some ways he was more responsive in therapy (putting more voice behind his whispers, and being a bit more alert, in small doses), the therapists were concerned because occasionally his eyes were rolling toward the back of his head, and he would "space out" for brief moments. He also intermittently had slight facial droop on the right. They were concerned that he was experiencing some new "electrical mini-storms" -- similar to some of the things they saw prior to his massive storm on July 16th (which caused his 2 days of brain death).

Mom mentioned that today they are seeing more of the same concerns...his status seems a bit unstable again. So keep him in your thoughts over the weekend! Will keep you posted.

xoxo k.
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7 comments:

  1. DanielAugust 20, 2010 at 7:53 AM

    Thanks for the update.

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  2. GingerAugust 21, 2010 at 2:40 PM

    Thanks so much for doing the blog, Karen - and for keeping us all up-to-date with what's going on...

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  3. UnknownAugust 21, 2010 at 3:30 PM

    I know Karen is probably getting ready to do another post soon, but in the meantime, wanted you to know our condo is available should anyone want to go visit. That'll help keep travel costs down. Having just gotten back, every day there feels like a week; its not easy being there, but it does feel good to see Dad, and know it provides a layer of visible support to the local family.

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  4. KatiAugust 24, 2010 at 1:02 AM

    DITTO! We would LOVE, just LOOOVVVVEEE, to have any out of town visitors! Just whisper the date and we're at the airport!! xoxo k.

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  5. KatiSeptember 14, 2010 at 11:56 AM

    FROM A COLLEGE FRIEND, via FACEBOOK:

    Karen,
    Read your blog spot. It's just beautiful. So sorry to hear about your dad. Know that you and your family are in my prayers.
    Kristin

    ____________________________________________

    FROM ME TO HER:

    thanks for your encouragement Kristin! i continue to learn so much about life and death, which i think will help me to be a much better therapist. hope all is well! karen

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  6. KatiSeptember 14, 2010 at 12:41 PM

    via FACEBOOK, August 20:

    FROM A DEAR FRIEND DATING ALL THE WAY BACK TO JUNIOR HIGH!

    Karen, thank you so much for sending me this link. We lost Jack's dad last September but reading your blog makes it all seem like yesterday. It was very hard to see him go in the end but I am so thankful for every day that God gave us together. I look forward to following your journey with you.
    Tammy
    __________________________________________

    FROM MY ADORABLE, HIP COUSIN JEANNE:

    thank you. we'll be with you all in spirit today as we remember Marie Creighton at the school in her name. Love you all so much.
    Jeanne
    __________________________________________

    FROM MY FUN AND LIVELY COUSIN (who is due any day now to have her family's first BOY!!!)

    Thanks for the update Karen. Continuing to pray.
    Mindy

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  7. KatiSeptember 14, 2010 at 12:57 PM

    MORE FACEBOOK LOVE:

    FROM TIM'S AND MY LIFELONG FRIEND DEB:

    august 20: Karen thanks so much for sharing your blog on your Dad. So sorry to hear he is suffering so much. This has to be a difficult time for everyone. You are in our prayers. We will still plan a trip soon when things are calmer for you there. Love you and miss you and Tim. Deb
    ______________________________________________

    FROM KATHY...GROWING UP, SHE AND HER FAMILY WERE PART OF OUR CLOSE FAMILY NETWORK OF FRIENDSHIPS:

    august 18: Hey, girl! My mom was down in Lynchburg visiting with the Rices a couple days ago, and she told me about your dad. I am just devastated. I always loved spending time at your house and have only fond memories of your parents. Please give your mom a hug for me! I am praying for God to work a miracle and restore your dad's health, and I'm also praying for you guys for peace and strength.
    Kathy

    august 20, my response to her:
    thank you so much Kathy! Such needed prayers. Our families do go way back, don't they. Hard to believe it's 20+ years!

    We would love your prayers. You and your family can keep up with Dad's journey at a new family blog we have just set up: philipbruce.blogspot.com.

    We hope to encourage people who are dealing with suffering or end of life issues as well as update family and close friends, so please feel free to share it with anyone who you think would benefit.

    thanks for all the love and care! Karen


    kathy, august 20: Thanks, Karen -- I'll check out the blog. I saw Daniel's fb page and looked at some of the old pics of your dad -- what treasures! I always loved his smile (which I remember as almost always being there!) Kathy

    ReplyDelete

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