Today was a good day! Cale was a lot more active, finally while I was there! Haha! It wasn't really big movements but he moved his hands around a lot. Watching was so great because it was like his hands were discovering everything around. He played with my hand for a long time too! :) It was super sweet! It's very obvious now when he's sleeping or awake. Every day is so exciting waiting to see what he's going to do next! Oh yeah he yawned today too! The nurse said that's normal but for us it was new and since we're always with him I'm pretty sure it's new for him too! I can feel myself getting antsy wanting him to just come out of the coma and say "hi girl!" I guess one day that will come...
Yay for such good days! :)
Again, I can not say enough, thank you for ALL the prayers!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Update - Joy
The infection that I mentioned is VRE (Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci). VRE, like many bacteria, can be spread from one person to another through casual contact or through contaminated objects. That is why we have to wear gloves and gowns. I spoke with the nurse and she said that the area where the infection is located is not treatable, but it is also not something that they are not concerned about unless is spreads. If it spreads they will treat with antibiotics to clear it up. That's all we know for now, but will continue to post updates as we have them.
Update - Joy
Cale is pretty quiet again today. The doctors are lowering his sedation meds today & the amount of help he gets from the ventilator is also being lowered. Cale has a new infection that requires us to wear gloves and gowns while in his room. The only way there will be problems is if the infection gets into an open cut or sore. Everything else is stabilized and Cale is doing really good. We are excited about having a hot homecooked meal today, which is being delivered to the hospital for us to take to the hotel. God has been so faithful in providing for our needs, we had use of a car that broke down & is in the shop. We now have another vehicle to use until Thurs. & after that we will have to see what God does. We have all been blessed while we have been here & God has provided us with a lot of willing servants.
Update - TJ
I'm watching Cale right now and he's trying to get his fingers out of the braces on his hand. There's a strap over his fingers but he's been lifting his arm a couple times over the hour and wiggling his fingers a lot... not goina tell the nurse... hes got his pinky out and is trying to get the rest of his fingers now. Almost has the index finger out... think he fell asleep. I had been trying a couple of hours ago to get him to work his fingers out. He would move a finger and I would tell him what one he was moving. Couldn't tell if he was getting frustrated with me or not so I told him if he didn't want me to both him to just close his eye. Sat back down and noticed he keeps his eyelid open half way but when I walk over in front of him he closes it so I got the message. Stoked that he's being the good ol' determined Cale that can do everything on his own.
Just talked with the nurse and she said while she was drawing blood for his lab that he squirmed his hand out of the brace then also. Kathleens goina have a good talk with him later. She's missed out on him moving around for the last two mornings now.
Just talked with the nurse and she said while she was drawing blood for his lab that he squirmed his hand out of the brace then also. Kathleens goina have a good talk with him later. She's missed out on him moving around for the last two mornings now.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Update - Joy
The doctors told Kathleen & Kathy that the consciousness level of a person is from 3 - 15, with 3 being in a deep coma & 15 is fully conscious. Cale's level is currently at 7 & once he reaches 8, he can be moved to rehab. During this next week they want to try and get Cale off of the trach tube, so that he is breathing completely on his own. This all depends on whether or not he develops anymore infections or any other problems.
He has not been very active this morning, except for a little bit of moving this morning. His eyes are opening about halfway, & the doctor said that is a really good sign. Today is the first day that the doctors have actually said that he is improving.
We have known all along that he is improving, because God has been healing him.
He has not been very active this morning, except for a little bit of moving this morning. His eyes are opening about halfway, & the doctor said that is a really good sign. Today is the first day that the doctors have actually said that he is improving.
We have known all along that he is improving, because God has been healing him.
Update - Kathy
When I went in to see Cale this morning it appeared that he was sleeping. I said good morning to him and rubbed his cheek like I always do. He moved his head away from my touch and it surprised me since he has not done that before. After just a few minutes he appeared to wake up. His eyes opened a little more than they have been. He was clenching his hands tight so I grabbed his hand and told him "Cale, it's mom. Can you relax for me." I felt all the tension go from his hand and he held on to mine and slowly started rubbing my hand with his thumb. If I tried to pull my hand away from his he would just squeeze my hand as if to tell me to not let go yet. I felt so happy at that point I thought I would see if maybe he could do a bit more. I asked him if he could here me to blink his eyes. And he did!!! Then I asked him to wiggle his toes, and he did!!! As I sat there beside him and talking to him, he continued to rub my hand with his thumb and fingers. When the nurse came in to put medicine in his IV he lifted his arm toward her. This all means so much to me and it makes it hard to leave his room. I just want to sit there with him so I don't miss a thing.
The nurse said that he had a good night last night. His white cell count is normal and all the blood and urine tests look good. He is continuing to cough well to clear his lungs. They finally have a good handle on his infection and fever. The respiratory therapist says his lungs sound a lot better too. I am so very happy right now to finally see a little bit of Cale shine through.
The nurse said that he had a good night last night. His white cell count is normal and all the blood and urine tests look good. He is continuing to cough well to clear his lungs. They finally have a good handle on his infection and fever. The respiratory therapist says his lungs sound a lot better too. I am so very happy right now to finally see a little bit of Cale shine through.
Update - Kathleen
I’m not sure where to start with all the thoughts running through my head. It’s been over two weeks since the accident and part of me feels like this will never end. Cale and I have such a special relationship that I know when this all ends it’s just going to get better. A lot of times people joke and say we make them sick because of how we are with each other. On March 17th Cale and I will be married for 5 years! Since we’ve been married he’s been deployed twice, the first deployment ended up being 16 months and the second was this last year. Those times that we weren’t together were so hard, but for us, anytime that we’re not together we have a hard time with it. When he’s at work we even text each other and still can’t wait for him to get home so we can be together again. Some people have said it’s only because he’s been gone so much on deployment but it’ll all change once he’s home for good. Well, there aren’t too many marriages that I know of that make it through army life. It’s a hard life being gone from each other so much. I’m not saying this all just to babble but to say, that through all the hard stuff we’ve had to face, which for us, him going off to Basic and AIT and then through his two deployments, God was God through all of it. None of those times were fun for us but our life was created for more than just the two of us being together and being happy. Our life was created to love God and love people and do His will. The accident was not in our plans, that’s for sure! But, through it God is still God. The doctor that talked to me the night of the accident about Cale, said that he was in critical condition. I didn’t really know what that meant, I just wanted to see him. When I finally was allowed to see him, my heart fell out of my chest and onto the floor. There was my happy, energetic, crazy, loving, husband, lying there lifeless. From that moment that I took the chair by his bed and stayed all that night until morning when they kicked me out, and even now, I’ve been covered in God’s peace. I didn’t know what the outcome was going to be but I knew 100% that Cale belonged to God and not to me. The doctor later told me that if he would have told me what he was thinking that night, he would have said Caleb wasn’t going to make it. Just this last Tuesday, I’ve had another doctor come talk to me about how right now we’re doing good to encourage him but in 6 months he might still be in this condition, and we may have to look at different options. Later that afternoon is when, for the first time Cale lifted his arms and moved his thumb when the nurse asked him to! Later on the respiratory therapist said that sometimes when the scans show theres nothing, surprises happen. The nurse said Cale might be a miracle. None of the doctors here were expecting Cale to get this far, especially this quickly! My prayer from the beginning, along with so many others it that Cale would have a quick and full recovery! The reason doctors say that you just never know with a brain is because God works unexplainable miracles.
It’s hard for me to wake up in the morning because when I’m dreaming at night, Cale is awake and we’re happy and playful again. It’s hard for me to say good night to him and leave the hospital at night because I want to stay with him, by his side, all the time. I still have a hard time with not understanding why he’s in a coma and I’m totally fine. I think about how we wanted to start our family and start our new life and I get frustrated that we can’t do it right now. I do know that even with all of it, God is still God and I find my strength in the love letters that God created for me to read and I can feel His arms wrap around me.
My prayer is that Cale’s recovery would not just be another story of someone else surviving a wreck or severe brain injury but that God’s power and name would be so visible in every part of this like I see. We will have victory in Jesus name!
Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10
It’s hard for me to wake up in the morning because when I’m dreaming at night, Cale is awake and we’re happy and playful again. It’s hard for me to say good night to him and leave the hospital at night because I want to stay with him, by his side, all the time. I still have a hard time with not understanding why he’s in a coma and I’m totally fine. I think about how we wanted to start our family and start our new life and I get frustrated that we can’t do it right now. I do know that even with all of it, God is still God and I find my strength in the love letters that God created for me to read and I can feel His arms wrap around me.
My prayer is that Cale’s recovery would not just be another story of someone else surviving a wreck or severe brain injury but that God’s power and name would be so visible in every part of this like I see. We will have victory in Jesus name!
Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10
Friday, February 26, 2010
Update - Joy
Cale is being lazy today & not moving too much. He does have his right eyelid opened ever so slightly, but we are not sure if he is intentionally doing that or not. The fever seems to be under control now & the cooling blanket is completely gone.
We have been so blessed this week to have pastors & members of Memorial Baptist Church come in to minister to us and pray over Cale. If anything else exciting happens, one of us will post it.
We have been so blessed this week to have pastors & members of Memorial Baptist Church come in to minister to us and pray over Cale. If anything else exciting happens, one of us will post it.
Update - TJ
In with Cale right now. It's the first night since Joe left but Cale's helped me through it. It had been a quiet night until around 5 AM when the nurses came in and woke him up a little. He's been moving his hands and chomping his jaw (which kills me every time). Watching him move just reminds me that he's always been a fighter and he's not take it easy. He kept trying to grab at the lines connected to his hand and remove them. I know he's still in a coma, yet I reminded him that Kathleen was going to be here in a few hours and he needed to keep his strength till then. Within seconds stopped pulling and slowly began to close his eye and fall back asleep.
The hardest part about all of this is just waiting. I keep expecting him to just wake up and be himself but the reality of it is that it's going to be a slow process. I can't wait for Kathleen to get here, she's been so excited the last couple days with him moving around. I know today's going to be a great day for the both of them.
The hardest part about all of this is just waiting. I keep expecting him to just wake up and be himself but the reality of it is that it's going to be a slow process. I can't wait for Kathleen to get here, she's been so excited the last couple days with him moving around. I know today's going to be a great day for the both of them.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Update - Kathleen
When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your savior.
Isaiah 43:2-3
Isaiah 43:2-3
Update - Joy
There are quite a few things to tell since yesterday. Cale has started to move his thumb on command, this is the first time that he has been told to move his thumb and he has responded. He was taken off of sedation as of 12:30 yesterday & when light was shined in his eyes there was a definite reaction. Last night while Kathleen & Joe were in his room, he was playing with Kathleen's hand, moving both arms, moving his toes & pulling at his gown. Late last night when they again shined light in his eyes there was reaction & his eye moved away from the light. Yesterday was two weeks since the accident & Cale has come a long way. We praise God for the incredible miracles that have taken place so far.
Today, we found out that they will have to do the EEG over, because it was inconclusive, due to the cooling blanket, which has to be off for at least 24 hours prior to performing this procedure. They have started to wean him off the ventilator. He still has pneumonia, but the pain is more under control, so they feel it is safe to do this. Rehab was in to see him today & feel that he is not ready to be moved into rehab yet, due to the infection in his lungs, the problem with fever & other health issues. They have put splints on his hands to keep them from curling, which will be on for several hours & off for several hours. He has been resting quietly today & keeping his hands to himself.
Today is a day of praises, with the promise of more to come.
Today, we found out that they will have to do the EEG over, because it was inconclusive, due to the cooling blanket, which has to be off for at least 24 hours prior to performing this procedure. They have started to wean him off the ventilator. He still has pneumonia, but the pain is more under control, so they feel it is safe to do this. Rehab was in to see him today & feel that he is not ready to be moved into rehab yet, due to the infection in his lungs, the problem with fever & other health issues. They have put splints on his hands to keep them from curling, which will be on for several hours & off for several hours. He has been resting quietly today & keeping his hands to himself.
Today is a day of praises, with the promise of more to come.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Update - Joy
They did the EEG (brain scan) to check for seizures and the results should be back this afternoon.
Update - Joy
Today I have the honor of sitting in Cale's room all day. Kathleen & Kathy had to go to Fort Bragg to take care of some things.
I have been sitting by Cale's bed singing praise songs for him, talking to him and just watching him breathe. I have watched as he raised his arm as if to say good morning. He was moving his hand back & forth on the pillow as I sang softly. When the nurse came in to take blood samples, give him medicine & reposition him in bed, Cale's right eye started to flutter, but never actually opened. Today they have shut off the cooling blanket, to see if Cale's temperature will remain down. If his temperature begins to rise they will turn the blanket back on. There is nothing else to report at this time, but I will let everyone know as soon as there is. My Father is sitting with me as I sing praises to Him who has the power to heal.
I have been sitting by Cale's bed singing praise songs for him, talking to him and just watching him breathe. I have watched as he raised his arm as if to say good morning. He was moving his hand back & forth on the pillow as I sang softly. When the nurse came in to take blood samples, give him medicine & reposition him in bed, Cale's right eye started to flutter, but never actually opened. Today they have shut off the cooling blanket, to see if Cale's temperature will remain down. If his temperature begins to rise they will turn the blanket back on. There is nothing else to report at this time, but I will let everyone know as soon as there is. My Father is sitting with me as I sing praises to Him who has the power to heal.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Update - Joy
Cale is having issues with fever, his brain wants to go to a very high temperature which is very dangerous. They are trying to regulate his temperature with the cooling blanket, which causes him to shiver. They are going to try to regulate his temperature by raising the temperature of the cooling blanket to 38 degrees C. Which will cause him to have a fever, just not a dangerously high fever. They want to start monitoring his brain activity to check for seizures, but the shivering messes up the results of the EEG. They are also putting him on a higher dosage of medicine. As far as his brain progress, it hasn't gotten any better or any worse, neurologically he is the same.
Now on to a happier note, while the nurse was working with Cale, he raised his arm off of the bed as if to ward her off. He has made slight movements before, but nothing like this. The nurse will be watching him closely today. It's just like Cale to have the doctors deliver the news that they did and then to raise his arm as if to say, "I'm here and I'm fighting".
We serve a mighty God, who is watching over all of us and keeping our spirits lifted. While we sit in the waiting room and pray for Cale we have had the opportunity to pray for others and learn their stories. There are certain people here who stop by every day and ask about his status, we get the status on their loved ones and we pray for each other. God is at work here in so many ways and with so many people that there is no way we could feel anything but thankful for the way God loves us.
Now on to a happier note, while the nurse was working with Cale, he raised his arm off of the bed as if to ward her off. He has made slight movements before, but nothing like this. The nurse will be watching him closely today. It's just like Cale to have the doctors deliver the news that they did and then to raise his arm as if to say, "I'm here and I'm fighting".
We serve a mighty God, who is watching over all of us and keeping our spirits lifted. While we sit in the waiting room and pray for Cale we have had the opportunity to pray for others and learn their stories. There are certain people here who stop by every day and ask about his status, we get the status on their loved ones and we pray for each other. God is at work here in so many ways and with so many people that there is no way we could feel anything but thankful for the way God loves us.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Update - Kathy
Cale's nurse said the bronchoscopy went good. He had quite a bit more in his lungs than the last time. They took the staples out today and now we just have to wait and see the results from the cultures taken. He looked comfortable and breathing a lot easier than this morning when we left.
Update - Kathy
The doctor told us this morning that Cale's white count went up last night. They will be doing another bronchoscopy today to check for any other infections they may not be aware of. Right now he is on two very strong antibiotics to treat the pneumonia and possible meningitis. He explained by checking for other infections, if they are present, they will better know how to treat them. They also did blood and urine cultures as well. He seemed a little bit more agitated today so I asked about the heart rate being up a bit. His nurse said that Cale is young and has a strong heart so we need to look at that as secondary and it hasn't been in a danger zone. As I sit there and try to comfort my son I feel so helpless as a mom. I just want to take away everything and make it all better.
update - Joy
Kathleen just told me that they are going to do another bronchoscopy on Cale. He has an infection in his lungs that they thought would be taken care of with the strong antibiotics they have been giving him. He is still in stable, but critical condition.
Update - Joy
There is nothing new to report, so far today. Cale is holding his own and still fighting. I sit and look out the hospital window & I know that God has made this beautiful day. Cale will wake up & God will have a beautiful day waiting for him to see and a beautiful wife sitting by his bedside. It's been hard for Kathleen to leave the hospital each day, not knowing if she had to get back in a hurry if we would find a way. Thanks to God's intervention & timing we have a car that will make her feel more at ease about leaving to take a break & rest. For the time being we sit & we wait on Cale's body to completely heal, so that he will wake up. Kathleen, Kathy & I are thankful for every single person that has supported us in prayer, financially or by coming to the hospital to give out hugs. Each new day brings us closer to the day Cale will open his eyes, today is a new day.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Update - Kathleen
Life right now, is such a roller coaster. I feel like my emotions are always up and down and I never really know what I’m feeling. Even when I’m surrounded by people and we’re laughing about something I sit there thinking about Caleb and how he’s not getting to laugh. I eat food and think about the last meal we ate together. Thursday and Friday night I had taken a pain pill for all my awkward soreness and that helped knock me out too! Last night I decided to try to sleep on my own and instead of sleeping I laid awake all night thinking about the day of the wreck and all that we talked about and did, about how happy we were. It plays over and over in my mind. I also kept thinking about him opening his eyes and what it’s going to be like when he wakes up. Happiness, is something I haven’t felt since the 10th, and being with him. Thankfully, I serve a God who is above all the emotions that run through me and He fills me with His joy. I feel so tired and worn out and ready for all of this to be over but I serve a God that fills me with His power and strength.
I am confident that Cale will pull through this. He also loves and serves a God that is bigger than anything that can damage his earthly body and God can fill him with the strength to fight until the end. The struggle I’m having, is every day, sitting next to his bed and seeing him lying there, not able to laugh and play with me. He’s not able to talk to me and tell me what he’s thinking and I’m not able to comfort him the way I want. Sometimes I think if I could just crawl up in his bed, cuddle up to him, lay my head on his chest, wrap my arm around his waist, and intertwine my legs with his that he will wake up and everything will be great. For some reason the nurses around here seem to think that’s not a good idea…
I know God is holding Cale in the palm of his hand. The support I feel and all of the amazing things God is doing are so encouraging. Thank you everyone for praying. I know Cale is going to feel so special when he finally wakes up and sees how much he’s loved! :)
Song of Solomon 8:6- Love is as strong as death.
I am confident that Cale will pull through this. He also loves and serves a God that is bigger than anything that can damage his earthly body and God can fill him with the strength to fight until the end. The struggle I’m having, is every day, sitting next to his bed and seeing him lying there, not able to laugh and play with me. He’s not able to talk to me and tell me what he’s thinking and I’m not able to comfort him the way I want. Sometimes I think if I could just crawl up in his bed, cuddle up to him, lay my head on his chest, wrap my arm around his waist, and intertwine my legs with his that he will wake up and everything will be great. For some reason the nurses around here seem to think that’s not a good idea…
I know God is holding Cale in the palm of his hand. The support I feel and all of the amazing things God is doing are so encouraging. Thank you everyone for praying. I know Cale is going to feel so special when he finally wakes up and sees how much he’s loved! :)
Song of Solomon 8:6- Love is as strong as death.
Update - Kathy
Cale is still responding well to everything the doctors are doing to control his heart rate, blood pressure and fever. He is still on the mild sedative for his heart rate. He gets medicine for his blood pressure and antibiotics for inflammation on his brain that could possibly be meningitis. He has a cooling mattress under him to control the fever and a heating blanket on top because otherwise he shivers. The doctor came in this afternoon and told Kathleen and I that his CT scan showed that his brain is stable at this point. He said that we need to look at this as good news. They have gotten everything stabilized now. The plan for tomorrow will be to cut back on the respirator to have him go to breathing more on his own. That will put him where he was before they did surgery on his femur. He also said that will prevent him from getting pneumonia any worse. They have also been doing nebulizer treatments which help with his breathing. Right now with everything stabilized, it is so peaceful to just sit in his room and know that he is healing. Cale's brother Ty and his wife Nikki came today and noticed a big difference in how much he is healing. After looking at pictures of Cale and Kathleen's car today I realized that a big miracle has already happened. Cale is alive!!!!
Update - Joy
Cale had a very good night, his heart rate & blood pressure are doing really well without the morphine drip. He is still on a light sedative, the cooling blanket & heating blanket. Joe said he is initiating the breathing again. We are waiting for the doctors to make their rounds this morning & hopefully we will know more then about the results of the CT scan they did yesterday. I was reading in the book of Matthew this morning and in chapter 21 verse 22 it says, "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." I believe Cale will wake up and be whole again and with all the prayers going out for him, I believe God will answer. Sometimes, our faith may waver, if even for a moment, but if we truly believe that God will answer in His time, then that's what we should do, believe and have faith in our heavenly Father. I have been angry, as I know others have; I have asked why did this happen, as I know others have. I have reconciled to all of that and I know that God has a purpose and a plan for everything that has happened and will happen for Kathleen & Cale. So, if you are one of those who are angry and asking why, pray and ask God to help you be reconciled to His plan. I will do another update when we have more information from the doctors.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Update - Kathy
They took Cale off of his morphine drip this morning. The doctor would like to keep him off of this so he can better evaluate him neurologically. I just went back in to see him and his heart rate and blood pressure still looked good, even without the morphine. Appears that he may have made it over that hump, so now maybe they will not have to give him such a strong pain reliever. Just the light sedative may work fine for him for now. They were just preparing him to go to get his CT scan when I went back there so I will wait to see him once that is done.
Update - Joy
Here is a brief update on Cale this morning. Cale had a very good night, partly due to the morphine drip. They are going to do another CT scan to check the swelling of his brain. The doctor wants to take him off of the morphine drip after they do the CT scan, because they want to see how well he does without it. He is receiving a light sedative along with the morphine which keeps him from being so agitated. To date he has reacted very well to everything the doctors have done. We continue to pray for him here every day, all day. We all feel God here with us and with Cale. I will update again later if we have any other news. We feel the love from everyone in what you have commented on this blog as well as through facebook and emails.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Update - Kathy
This day has brought us some discouraging news, but the Doctor did say that Cale is responding to the treatments he is receiving. That is good news. Everyone please continue to pray with us and for us.
Update - Joy
Cale's heart rate & blood pressure continue to be elevated. He is now on a constant morphine drip to assist in lowering the heart rate and helping with pain. Another scan was done of his brain and there is some more swelling, everyone who goes into his room now are to remain as calm and quiet as possible. He was put back on a ventilator today, the doctors said it is not because he can't breathe on his own, but they want to ease his effort. There are preventive steps being taken to guard against meningitis and there is also the possibility of bone marrow emboli due to the fractured femur. The last two issues are not definite problems, but the doctors are looking at everything in a preventive aspect.
Update - Joy
Cale is still fighting, his body is healing and now we need him to wake up. Yesterday they put a cooling blanket on him to the keep his fever down. After they bathed him last night his heart rate shot up and he started to shiver uncontrollably, so they have added a heating blanket that blows warm air on him. His body temperature on the inside is being kept cool and his outside body temperature is being kept warm. We may know more after the doctors make their rounds this morning. I want to make sure that everyone understands that they removed his ventilator tube several days ago, but the tracheotomy tube is still in. The doctors had thought about removing the tracheotomy tube, but have decided to wait on that until they have the pneumonia under control. Once they remove the tracheotomy, Cale will be breathing entirely on his own.
The biggest miracle that God has shown us so far, is that Cale survived this accident. Looking at pictures of the car ( I have not seen the car, but everyone else has), it doesn't look that bad, because the top of the car has been cut off. When I got on a plane in Pasco, WA to come here, the doctors had told me that Cale's prognosis was not very good. I have been here a week now and the micro-mini baby step miracles that happen every day are just a continuation of the really big one. I am in awe of my Father the great healer, he has been my rock & my strength for the last week. This morning I was able to send a message to the marine who sat & talked with Kathleen, keeping her calm until help arrived. One more blessing He has bestowed on us. Thank you Lord, for your divine intervention.
The biggest miracle that God has shown us so far, is that Cale survived this accident. Looking at pictures of the car ( I have not seen the car, but everyone else has), it doesn't look that bad, because the top of the car has been cut off. When I got on a plane in Pasco, WA to come here, the doctors had told me that Cale's prognosis was not very good. I have been here a week now and the micro-mini baby step miracles that happen every day are just a continuation of the really big one. I am in awe of my Father the great healer, he has been my rock & my strength for the last week. This morning I was able to send a message to the marine who sat & talked with Kathleen, keeping her calm until help arrived. One more blessing He has bestowed on us. Thank you Lord, for your divine intervention.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Update - Joy
Cale came through the bronchoscopy really well, they did not get as much junk out as they did the first time which is good news. His heart rate, respiratory & blood pressure are doing really good, they are back to almost normal levels. They have put the cooling cover on him and his temperature is gone. His mother Kathy said he looks more relaxed and we are all happy about that. God is so good, He gives us all strength & He has given Cale a few more micro-mini baby step miracles. Love to you all!
Update - Kathy
They will be putting a cooling blanket on Cale to help control the elevated fever. We are trying to wait patiently for them to let us back in his room to see how his bronchoscopy went. I can't thank everyone enough for all the support with this difficult time.
Update - Joy
Kathleen just came out and said that we will have to wear masks now, they think Cale may have the flu now also. The test results should be back in a couple of days, but the masks stay on until they know for sure.
Update - Joy
I just came out of Cale's room and talking to the doctors. His pneumonia is worse this morning, so they are going to clean out his lungs at 2:00 pm this afternoon. He is still having problems with fever, so they are placing a cold cover on him today to help bring down the fever. He has a fractured clavicle that is causing some tinting of his skin, the clavicle should heal on it's own. His heart rate and blood pressure are still elevated, so they are upping the dosage of medicine to bring those down. The doctors said if they had to choose an infection it would be pneumonia, because they have dealt with pneumonia a lot and it is the easiest to control. I was looking at Cale from both his right and his left side, while standing on his right side he appears to be sleeping. When I switch to the left side, I see all of the staples in his head, the bruising on the eye and neck and I just have to thank God for bringing him this far. He is alive because of God's divine grace and God has a special plan for Cale and Kathleen. Everyone here has been extremely kind and helpful. There are a lot of families who sit and wait for the outcome of their loved ones just as we do and we are able to share a common bond with them. We share stories and prayers for each other, we are not alone as God does His miraculous work in Cale.
I was in the Chapel and God laid it on my heart to pray for the 16 year old who pulled out in front of Cale and caused the accident. I just have to wonder what he and his family must be feeling. For all of you who are praying for Cale, I would like to ask that you also pray for this young man. Pray also for my son Juan, who witnessed the accident and was the first to see his sister and Cale. He is having trouble getting the images out of his head, also pray for my 11 year old granddaughter, who was also a witness to the accident. Continue to pray for all of us who are here lending support to Kathleen in whatever way we can. Kathleen, Kathy and I extend our love to all of you.
I was in the Chapel and God laid it on my heart to pray for the 16 year old who pulled out in front of Cale and caused the accident. I just have to wonder what he and his family must be feeling. For all of you who are praying for Cale, I would like to ask that you also pray for this young man. Pray also for my son Juan, who witnessed the accident and was the first to see his sister and Cale. He is having trouble getting the images out of his head, also pray for my 11 year old granddaughter, who was also a witness to the accident. Continue to pray for all of us who are here lending support to Kathleen in whatever way we can. Kathleen, Kathy and I extend our love to all of you.
Update - Kathy
I am now set up to put posts on this blog. I just wanted to let everyone know my deepest gratitude goes out to all of those who are praying for my son, his wife and family. It does help to know that so many people are involved in Cale's recovery. The days are long but we are all trying to be strong for each other. Cale is getting wonderful care with really good doctors here. I know in my heart that he will pull through this and pray for strength to see us all through these tough times. God Bless you all.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Update - Kathleen
Today, Cale has had trouble all day with his high heart rate and his respiratory rate. I was able to sit with him pretty much all day until they would kick me out :) I had my blanket and bible in the chair with me along with my ipod and was just with him. About 4:45-almost 6 his breathing seemed to worsen. His heart rate was staying around 120 and he set the alarms off for the ventilator every couple minutes. The nurse finally sent for the respiratory doctor and there wasn't much he could do. They decided to try putting him on morphine to see if that would calm him. The nurse said it could be a reaction to him feeling pain. It's a good thing for him to react to pain but the effect is what's not good. Kathy, his mom, just went in to say good night to him and they wouldn't let her back. The morphine didn't seem to do the job...not sure what they're doing now. I'm staying all night with him since I've been able to sleep at the hotel for a few nights now (thanks to everyone that has given financially for that!). It was so good to just sit by his side and feel so much peace. Before, I had been feeling peace about the situation but in his room, every movement I would jump up and talk to him and hope that he would wake up. Now, I can feel peace sitting next to him, being reminded that in God's perfect timing my husband will wake up and the next part of healing will begin. I definitely can't wait for that day!
As for me, for those that have been wondering, I'm eating and taking care of myself. The first couple days I had absolutely no appetite and even when I would try to eat I didn't think I could keep anything down. I ended up getting dehydrated and they had to poke me again and pump me up through and IV. I'm not a fan of being poked so that straightened me up pretty quick! Haha! I know when this part passes and we start rehab, he's going to need me to be strong and healthy. My staples were taken out today too!
I have been so blessed with everyone that has been able to come so far and help carry the burden here. My mama Joy, TJ Bechard, Kristen Andrion, Joe Owens, Rachel Ehrsam, Hannah Hayner, Pastor David Hayner, his brother Ty and his family, my brother Juan and his family, and of course my mother in law Kathy have ALL been so amazing and have sacrificed so much. Then on top of all the support of everyone that has been here, I have all the support of everyone that has been praying for us and helping in other ways. I feel so overwhelmed with blessings. Thank you so much.
As for me, for those that have been wondering, I'm eating and taking care of myself. The first couple days I had absolutely no appetite and even when I would try to eat I didn't think I could keep anything down. I ended up getting dehydrated and they had to poke me again and pump me up through and IV. I'm not a fan of being poked so that straightened me up pretty quick! Haha! I know when this part passes and we start rehab, he's going to need me to be strong and healthy. My staples were taken out today too!
I have been so blessed with everyone that has been able to come so far and help carry the burden here. My mama Joy, TJ Bechard, Kristen Andrion, Joe Owens, Rachel Ehrsam, Hannah Hayner, Pastor David Hayner, his brother Ty and his family, my brother Juan and his family, and of course my mother in law Kathy have ALL been so amazing and have sacrificed so much. Then on top of all the support of everyone that has been here, I have all the support of everyone that has been praying for us and helping in other ways. I feel so overwhelmed with blessings. Thank you so much.
Update - Joy
God is the great healer and we praise God for that!! During the surgery on Cale's femur, the doctor's discovered that the pelvic fracture was a fracture in his hip socket, which does not require surgery. The fracture will heal on it's own, one less surgery that he has to have done.
Update - Joy
We are back at the hospital this morning, Joseph & TJ have left to go and get some sleep. Kathleen & Rachel are back saying good morning to Cale. Cale has pneumonia, but that is to be expected & the doctors are already taking care of that problem. It's just one more little setback that Satan is throwing out, but we are not discouraged because we know that God will win this battle. I sit here writing this and can't help but think what it will feel like when God opens Cale's eyes and I am able to tell the world. What a day of rejoicing that will be!!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Update - Kathleen
I still can’t believe this has happened. I think more then the fact that the accident happened, it’s that I was in the same car and I’m fine. I just don’t understand. We were so happy to start the next part of our lives. We were about to take a trip driving across the I still can’t believe this has happened. I think more then the fact that the accident happened, it’s that I was in the same car and I’m fine. I just don’t understand. We were so happy to start the next part of our lives. We were about to take a trip driving across the US and then move to NC and get a puppy and start having babies and that all changed so quickly. It’s just so sad. With all the frustration of this and just wanting it to all be over, I have seen God do so many things through this already. It’s going to be a long road but I’m by his side and I’m going to love him through every moment.
Thank you everyone for understanding that it’s still too hard to get on the phone and talk with everyone. I try to be next to his side as much as I can and can’t and don’t want to have a phone during that time. Also, thank you so much for all the prayers and financial support. Hotel and food are an expense that with all the help it’s nice not to have to worry about them. We’re still trying to get a car until we can get my Honda here but God will provide!
I can feel all the prayers for me. Everyone is telling me that I’m so strong and their proud of me but for me there’s no other option. Caleb needs me to be strong. I find strength in the Lord. I’m reading through the bible this year and the other day I was reading in Isaiah about the Assyrians being wiped out and enemies being destroyed. After I was done, I said “Those weren’t very encouraging verses!” and his mom said “Yes they were because Cale has enemies that need to be destroyed!” then last night before bed I was praying and God gave me the picture of how we’re soldiers in this battle and we can claim victory in His name. Today I was reading through Judges and felt again encouragement with this battle and the enemy being destroyed. It fits so well since Cale is a soldier!
Thanks again for all the prayers! Love you all!
Thank you everyone for understanding that it’s still too hard to get on the phone and talk with everyone. I try to be next to his side as much as I can and can’t and don’t want to have a phone during that time. Also, thank you so much for all the prayers and financial support. Hotel and food are an expense that with all the help it’s nice not to have to worry about them. We’re still trying to get a car until we can get my Honda here but God will provide!
I can feel all the prayers for me. Everyone is telling me that I’m so strong and their proud of me but for me there’s no other option. Caleb needs me to be strong. I find strength in the Lord. I’m reading through the bible this year and the other day I was reading in Isaiah about the Assyrians being wiped out and enemies being destroyed. After I was done, I said “Those weren’t very encouraging verses!” and his mom said “Yes they were because Cale has enemies that need to be destroyed!” then last night before bed I was praying and God gave me the picture of how we’re soldiers in this battle and we can claim victory in His name. Today I was reading through Judges and felt again encouragement with this battle and the enemy being destroyed. It fits so well since Cale is a soldier!
Thanks again for all the prayers! Love you all!
Update - Rachel
Hi everyone! Cale's going into surgery right now. They're operating on his femur. Please pray! We'll update on how it went afterward. Thanks!
Update - Joy
I was in to see Cale this morning and Kathleen was reading to him from the Bible and he started to move his head and he lifted his shoulders a little bit. There is a lot more movement today, so we are praying that God will open his eyes soon. He is currently on a waiting list to go to surgery to fix his broken femur. Once this surgery is complete, he will only have 2 more that we are aware of. God is awesome and has brought a sense of peace to all of us today.
Update - TJ
This morning has been pretty hard. Joe and I have been up talking to him all night and encouraging him to respond to us and wake up. He was continually reacting to our voices to the point that his body was jerking non stop and I became overwhelmed and stopped encouraging him to wake up. For a moment my mind was scared that he would come too. The nurse reminded me that he will come out of the coma when he is ready. He has severe injuries and he most likely will not just snap back to life. It's hard to remind myself of this because we all just want the Cale we know to wake up.
Yesterday his pastor visited and prayed that he would wake up within the day. He didn't, but it reminded me about the fact that we are human; we are not God. God sees everything and in a way that we will never comprehend. Because of that simple fact I understand that the exact moment that Cale wakes up is the exact moment that God wants him too.
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. | Romans 5: 1-5
Yesterday his pastor visited and prayed that he would wake up within the day. He didn't, but it reminded me about the fact that we are human; we are not God. God sees everything and in a way that we will never comprehend. Because of that simple fact I understand that the exact moment that Cale wakes up is the exact moment that God wants him too.
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. | Romans 5: 1-5
Monday, February 15, 2010
Update - Joy
Today they started Cale on a medication to stimulate his brain with the end result that he will wake up. He is no longer in an induced coma, he is in his own coma. He is not receiving constant pain medication, he receives it every so many hours through his feeding tube. The plan of the doctors is to operate on his femur tomorrow, I will keep your informed if that happens so as many as possible can be praying. We are wearing down at times but God and good friends keep us going. When Cale is eventually transfered to rehab it is in this same hospital complex. So we won't have to go very far to be with him. We love you all and pray that within the next week he will open his eyes.
Update - Joy
Cale is running a slight fever again, he's had a bloody nose and he has cerebral spinal fluid draining from his hear. The CSF drainage will be watched for a couple of days and then they will bring an EENT(ears, eyes, nose& throat) dr to repair any damage. He is still doing well as far as slowly improving. He is responding well to Kathleen's voice and touch. We had a really rewarding short sermon and prayer time this morning and I believe it was helpful in renewing the minds and spirit of all of us. We are still praising God for every micro-mini baby step miracle that happens every single day.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Update - Joy
Cales brain activity levels need to be constantly at 40 or above to be conscious and wake up. His brain activityis currently staying between 17 and 26. He has some optic nerve damage, but the retinas are not damaged. Today God did something amazing in Cale's room. Pastor Hayner, he is the associate pastor at the church they attended in Watertown, NY, and Hannah Hayner were in Cale's room and they were praying for him Hannah was praying that Jesus blood would flow through his veins and bring life to him. At the same time that she was saying it Cale's shoulders lifted off the bed, his head was moving and his arms and legs were moving. Cale has had more movement today than any other day, for this we are all praising God.
Update - Joy
Cale is running a slight fever this afternoon. They have also removed the central IV which is inserted in the neck and placed a new peripheral IV, which is in the arm. I have been on the phone with a Capt. Gardner, which is Cale's OIC at Fort Bragg. Cale's ETS (discharge date) has been canceled and he is still a part of his unit at Ft. Drum. They are setting it up for a Casualty Assistance Calls Officer to come and take care of everything for Kathleen. Cale is still receiving full benefits, so they will have no money problems and the hospital is fully covered. It will take a little while to get all the paperwork done and get the Casualties officer here to Greenville. Kathleen wanted me to express the deep gratitude and love for all those that have so generously helped financially, emotionally and with all of the prayers. We both feel so surrounded by love that at times it is overwhelming. I sit and read the responses to the updates I am posting and I start to cry. It is even hard for me to write some of the times, because of the strained emotions. Kathleen, Kathy and I are extremely grateful that we only have the task of worrying about Cale and all of the other details are taken care of.
Update - Rachel
Cale is moving his head more. He moved his arm. He's squeezing Kathleen's hand more often, especially when she talks to him. His eyes are not open but we can see his eye moving underneath his eyelid. The Intracranial Pressure (ICP) monitor was taken out a couple hours ago. His ICP has been low and very good for so long now that the doctors feel confident it will not go up again. Also, he has a continuous EEG monitor on, monitoring his brain activity. The doctors have told us they want it above 20 and that when it remains above 40, he should be regaining consciousness. The level is at times between 16-20. When he is talked to, it begins to rise into the high 20s, low 30s. It is also spiking at times. The highest was last night. Joe and TJ were sitting with Cale and talking to him and the monitor showed 53. Praise God!
Adding to the injury list, Cale does have pelvic fractures as well. The doctors have not operated on any of the broken bones yet. They are hoping to have all the operations done by the end of the week. When these are taken care of, they will transfer him to a rehab unit which specializes in Cale's type of head trauma. Keep praying for continued improvement.
Adding to the injury list, Cale does have pelvic fractures as well. The doctors have not operated on any of the broken bones yet. They are hoping to have all the operations done by the end of the week. When these are taken care of, they will transfer him to a rehab unit which specializes in Cale's type of head trauma. Keep praying for continued improvement.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Update - Joy
Tonight Cale moved his head slightly to the left, when his mother and Kathleen were leaving and said goodbye to him. The doctors are saying it was just a spasm in his body, we believe it is another miracle from God. It was after this incident that Kathleen was in his room and she saw his eye move behind his eyelid. She asked him if he moved his eye and said do it again and he did, who doesn't believe that is God's work. The daily little miracles make everything okay here, sitting in a waiting room for hours doesn't seem so long, answering email, text messages and phone calls is now a blessing because I can tell about the miracle that is going on in an ICU room. I have not worried about how anything is going to get taken care, food, transportation, a place to sleep or shower, Gos has that under control. So I can spend my time here taking care of Kathleen, being there for Kathy & Cale and answering all of your questions. God answers the prayers of the multitudes, and I am here to tell you that there is now global prayer going on for Cale. In every country, and state there is at least one person praying for Cale. It's amazing and overwheming for me at the same time to hear from people that I don't know but that know Kathleen or Cale. Tomorrow I look forward to seeing some more little baby step miracles that I can share with everyone.
Update - Joy
We were just told that Cale also has facial fractures and they will have to do surgery to repair those fractures. The doctor is hoping to have all of the surgeries completed and bones set within a week and then will be transfering Cale to a rehab center that is here in Greenville that specializes in this kind of brain trauma.
Update - Joy
Cale is responding to pain now, he sqeezed Kathleen's hand this morning and he coughed when they were removing the ventilator tube. Cale is now breathing mostly on his own, he is initiating the breathing,but there is still some assistance. He is making faces when he feels pain, but neurologically he is the same. As I write this I think how small all of this seems, but in the whole scheme of things every thing that he does now is so very major. We needed a miracle and through all the prayers and love, I am watching a miracle happen. I don't know how long I will be here, but I am not leaving until he comes out of ICU. We may know more after Kathleen is through talking to all of the doctors, she is with them now.
Update - Joy
Thank you all for your prayers, at this point that is the best thing that can be done. Cale is improving in micro-mini steps. Last night he took severals on his own and he moved his foot a little on his own. He is still in an induced coma, so he has not been awake. My son's mother-in-law has her church working on a fund-raiser to help pay for the hotel room we have, which will start to cost us on Monday. There is a veteran's group here called Home Away From Home and they paid for a hotel room for us for the first four days. Cale's mother Kathy arrived last night, his brother made it yesterday mornig and his best friend TJ has been here since Thurs. There are more friends arriving today, so Kathleen has support here at the hospital. She had to be hooked up to an IV yesterday to be re-hydrated, she was dehydrated because we wee not able to get her to drink or eat very much. She is now taking better care of herself. The doctors still have to do surgery to repair his broken femur but that will have to wait until later in the week. Everytime they have to do anything with Cale, even repositioning him means they have to wait awhile after to do anything else. The stimulation to his brain has to be minimal at this point. If there is anything that we need, we will post it on facebook and also contact the few people that I am in costant communication with. I would appreciate it if anyone wants to contact me or Kathleen that you call or text my phone 509-460-7619. Kathleen is still not in a good mental state to talk to anyone and we are reading text messages to her a little at a time. If we have any other news we will let everyone know as best we can. Again, thanks to everyone who has prayed and continues to pray, your prayers are making a difference.
Friday, February 12, 2010
The Accident
Caleb Michael Darling is a Sergent in the US Army, just finished up his two tours in Afghanistan and got back state side about a month and a half ago. He built up enough leave time to take the last three months until his discharge and go on a trip across country to visit friends and family. Him and his wife Kathleen had left their first stop in Virginia and were heading down to Beulaville, NC to visit Kathleen's brother.
They met up with her brother about 10 minutes from his house to follow him in. They were following behind her brother, when about 200 yards from her brothers house a car pulled out in front of Cale who swerved to miss him. They missed the car but over corrected, going off the road and hitting a tree about 20 feet away. The car hit the tree on the driver side door. It collapsed the door and roof around him pinning him against the steering wheel. Her brother saw all this in his rear view mirror and was the first to the car. Another member of the military stopped and together, he and her brother got Kathleen's door open. A nurse that was late for work drove up to the accident and was able to help keep Cale alive until paramedics arrived. Firefighters had to cut the roof of the car off to get him out. Kathleen was sent to one hospital for her injuries while Cale was airlifted to Pitt County Memorial Hospital, which is the best trauma hospital around.
When Cale arrived, Doctors didn't think he was going to pull through. They had a Chaplin and social worker come, but he was still showing that he had fight left in him. The Neurosurgeon decided to perform a surgery, removing a piece of his skull to decrease the pressure as his brain swelled. The Neurosurgeon said that most people in as serious condition as Cale die en route or on the operating table, but Cale pulled through it.
He has a broken femur, facial fractures, hip fractures, clavicle fracture, a severely damaged optical nerve, collapsed lung, cerebral spinal fluid leaking out of his ear due to possible brain damage.
Kathleen's OK, she had just a few staples in her head. At first they wouldn't tell her where Cale was but they transferred her from the hospital she was at up to Pitt. There she was able to make a deal with the doctor to discharge her as long as she stayed around the hospital which wasn't an issue considering she wouldn't leave his bedside.
Please be praying for both of them. We are in the process of setting up an account for donations to help with the expenses while everything settles. Luckily Cale is still property of the US Army and is insured by them so they are taking care of all the medical bills. The address of the hospital is posted on the top right of the blog if you would like to send gifts and flowers.
Kathleen is with friends and family here, and will be until Cale wakes up and they are sent home.
They met up with her brother about 10 minutes from his house to follow him in. They were following behind her brother, when about 200 yards from her brothers house a car pulled out in front of Cale who swerved to miss him. They missed the car but over corrected, going off the road and hitting a tree about 20 feet away. The car hit the tree on the driver side door. It collapsed the door and roof around him pinning him against the steering wheel. Her brother saw all this in his rear view mirror and was the first to the car. Another member of the military stopped and together, he and her brother got Kathleen's door open. A nurse that was late for work drove up to the accident and was able to help keep Cale alive until paramedics arrived. Firefighters had to cut the roof of the car off to get him out. Kathleen was sent to one hospital for her injuries while Cale was airlifted to Pitt County Memorial Hospital, which is the best trauma hospital around.
When Cale arrived, Doctors didn't think he was going to pull through. They had a Chaplin and social worker come, but he was still showing that he had fight left in him. The Neurosurgeon decided to perform a surgery, removing a piece of his skull to decrease the pressure as his brain swelled. The Neurosurgeon said that most people in as serious condition as Cale die en route or on the operating table, but Cale pulled through it.
He has a broken femur, facial fractures, hip fractures, clavicle fracture, a severely damaged optical nerve, collapsed lung, cerebral spinal fluid leaking out of his ear due to possible brain damage.
Kathleen's OK, she had just a few staples in her head. At first they wouldn't tell her where Cale was but they transferred her from the hospital she was at up to Pitt. There she was able to make a deal with the doctor to discharge her as long as she stayed around the hospital which wasn't an issue considering she wouldn't leave his bedside.
Please be praying for both of them. We are in the process of setting up an account for donations to help with the expenses while everything settles. Luckily Cale is still property of the US Army and is insured by them so they are taking care of all the medical bills. The address of the hospital is posted on the top right of the blog if you would like to send gifts and flowers.
Kathleen is with friends and family here, and will be until Cale wakes up and they are sent home.
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