January 2005
A new year...Chad continues to relax comfortably at home as his new ‘digs’ near completion (which is conveniently the webmaster's excuse for being a little late in the 'Weekly Update' department). Other than moaning loudly at various and unpredictable times throughout the day and NIGHT, he seems to be stable and with only slight fevers and other maladies that require closer watch. It appears that none of the medication he is taking nor the valium prescribed by his doctor can calm the loud moaning. Further frustrating everybody is the fact that there is no consistent rhyme or reason to the moaning, nor the volume level. Both his physical therapist and speech therapist are making regular visits and both are reporting optimism as they work with him. Chad gets out of bed and into his temporary wheelchair or a recliner at least once a day and sometimes more. He has been unable to get outside over the past two weeks because of inclement weather but with the outlook looking brighter, we are hoping to get out to the backyard for fresh air and visits with the family mutts.
Jan 16 - 23
The highlight of the week came late on Sunday when Chad finally moved into his new digs. His spacious new accomodations will make it easier to care for him, move him about over the hardwood floors and the over-sized, gym-style shower will make it much easier for bathing. This has been a project long in the making and a special thanks goes out to Chad's neighbors and their friends for their long, hard work in every aspect of the room's construction and for all the contributions and fundraisers that provided the funds for the project. Therapy went well this week. Michelle and Joyce agreed that Chad was more flexible especially in his shoulders and arms. Both of them also agreed that Chad should wear his tennis shoes and new hand splints throughout the day. The loud, unpredicatable moaning is ongoing despite any attempts to get him to relax via his meds. Chad sent some special thoughts this week to his cousin Trevor who is beginning the long road to recovery from multiple brain surgeries over the past two weeks to remove a tumor.
