October 2004
Another GOOD week with respect to stability and the absence of the 'episodes' that plagued Chad for months but a frustrating week with respect to getting ANYBODY at Kaiser to take action on Chad's severely contracted feet. Other than family members nobody at Kaiser has done anything to prevent 'foot drop' which has gotten more severe as time passes. In fact it was suggested by the doctor on 'rotation' this week that Chad's contractures may need to be surgically relaxed. In simple terms, instead of doing anything to 'prevent' the contractures such as daily therapy, range-of-motion or the application od dynamic splints, the doctors have allowed the contractures to get so severe that a surgical process that relieves the tension in the calf muscle may be required. Now that the 'episodes' have subsided the doctors have ordered that Chad be placed upright in the cardiac chair twice daily for two hours at a time. As of week's end the staff had not been carrying out the doctor's orders which will need to be resolved this upcoming week. And on another positive note, Michelle resumed Chad's physical therapy sessions this week and had him sitting upright on the edge of the bed working on his posture and weakened neck muscles. Chad also got a first visit from a speech language therapist for evaluation. Click here to review excerpts from her evaluation. Preparation for the Chad Kunis Casino Night Fundraiser on November 13 continue. Elke & Steve have the bull by the horn, and along with many of their friends are planning for a successful evening of fun.
10/11-10/17
For the two of you who sent an email saying you 'thought' you saw Chad on Saturday: CHAD SIGHTING CONFIRMED!!! That was our Chad in sweatpants, cross-trainers, Stanford shirt and cap cruising Santa Teresa streets. For the first time since early June, Chad's Mom had him in his wheelchair and took him for a brief stroll through the neighborhood, complimented by fresh air, sunshine and the well-wishes of onlookers.. The adventure also confirms another good week, free of episodes and characterized by more stability.. Chad was also the recipient of a couple 'positive energy massages' this week from Brian and Dave (friends of one of Chad's neighbors). Kathy, our speech language therapist, continued to work with Chad this week developing responses for 'Yes' and 'No', a long process of baby steps in a positive direction. Chad was in the cardiac chair for at least two hours each day this week. On a less-than-positive note, the subject of foot contractures seemed to be overlooked this week (but definitely NOT forgotten). Tickets for the Casino Night Fundraiser are selling quickly and unfortunately there is a limit because of the size of the facility, so if you are planning on attending get your tickets while they are still available.
10/18-10/24
Another 'good' week passed. No episodes, continued stability, daily time in the cardiac chair and overall, just 'lookin' good'. On a disheartening note, Kaiser hospital has banned Chad's private, independently-paid speech (Kathy) and physical (Michelle) therapists from working with Chad in their facility. According to Kaiser, medical personnel who do not either work for Kaiser, or are under contract with Kaiser, CANNOT provide healthcare services to patients inside their facility. (webmaster's opinion withheld on that subject). As a result the only 'therapy' Chad received this week was at the hands of his family and friends. It looked like by week's end Chad was developing another UTI as he had some pretty high temperature spikes on Saturday evening (102-degree range). The hospital staff (nurses, assistants, lift team) did what they could to get Chad's focus off the temperature spikes later Saturday evening when they piled into his room to watch the Red Sox beat St. Louis in game 1 of the 2004 World Series. Go Sox!
10/25-10/31
The results of last weeks urine culture came back negative but on the flipside there were no obvious temperature spikes reported this week. Chad was increasingly 'vocal' throughout the week and a couple of times we had to close his hospital room door. The Kaiser speech therapist (Faith) worked with him this week using ice chips, ice cream and encouraging him towards 'Yes' and 'No' responses. His doctor and the staff nutritionist are still searching for the right balance of food to stop the continued weight loss (1-2 lbs per week). In total Chad has lost 64 pounds since January 4. Chad appeared to be listenting intently with an appreciative facial expression as his youngest sister Deanna has come by to read to him a few times this week. The hospital staff that had to work through Halloween evening got their own treats as Chad roamed the halls passing out candy from his cardiac chair (powered by Mom). One more reminder, tickets for the November 13th Casino Night Fundraiser are selling quickly and unfortunately there is a limit because of the size of the facility, so if you are planning on attending get your tickets while they are still available. DEALERS and VOLUNTEERS are still needed. Contact Elke asap if your are interested in helping as she needs help over the next two weeks in preparation for Chad's fundraiser. And on a closing note, the month of October was probably Chad's best full month to date. Reading back through the weekly updates, he has been episode free, more stable than in the past and much more vocal than ever before...basically just 'lookin' good'. Keep up the good work Chad and thanks to all the family and friends for their continued support.