Update #33

Jan 30, 2012
So, yesterday Chase passed his Swallow Test. He can now eat pureed food. He started eating yesterday and then the better and better he does - he will eventually get his feeding tube out.

This morning, the Trauma Nurse Practioner informed us that Chase was going to be eating 5 times per day as well as having a stricter schedule. They have their big staffing today, but for right now he is in the transition phase into full Rehab (which is so exciting; one more step closer to home). Chase is eating like a champ and handling his therapies well - which is all very "exciting" as she put it. He continues to move in the right direction.

Everything stems from his neck and trunk (mid-section), so please pray that he becomes stronger and stronger every day. We hear and feel your prayers - we have faith that the Lord answers our prayers. Also, as his trunk and neck grow stronger - speech will come. I was told today that speech comes last - so the focus is on him physically growing stronger, especially his core. We appreciate your precious prayers for our son and know, without a doubt, that they are heard and answered.

I feel lifted up so much by so many people's kind words and gestures toward me and my family. My husband is being such a super trooper and I appreciate all those willing to step up and help out with our girls. Keeping their life as "normal" as possible is key right now. Their teachers and school has been amazing; we feel blessed & honored to be part of such a wonderful community.

What I am finding is that the progress in the PICU was day by day, where the progress here is week by week. 2 weeks ago today, my child was in a deep coma. He still has a bruise on the right side of his chest where the neurological team pinched him so hard, and received no reaction. Terrifying as a parent.

Chase is in there - he knows he is loved and he is comforted by the words that I read him. He is wanting to sit up more now in bed - a sign that he is getting stronger. Again, pray that he continues to grow stronger every day and continues to show signs of improvement.

The fact that chase passed the swallow test is quite a feat; we are hoping that he can have his feeding tube out soon - it's up to him if he can eat the proper amount of foods (they measure everything). So far, he has hit his marks and is on track. He will (hopefully) stop his feedings throughout the night so that he can be more on a regular, normal schedule - we eat during the day and not at night etc.

His rest at this point is critical - so he eats, rehabs, rests and then has quiet time in between - this time is set aside for quiet activities such as reading, visiting quietly with loved ones or watching a familiar movie. He loves to snuggle me, which I just cherish our quiet moments at the end of the day. They make watching him work so hard and struggle worth it.

He has so much love around him; the feeling of love is thick in his room. His progress is astounding. As he continues to move through the Rancho Scale, I continue to feel so proud of him. His awareness is almost fully there. He is in there and just needs continually re-assurance to be patient with himself and kind. We encourage him to pray and ask the Lord to help him. He blinks that he understands and he closes his eyes when we pray. Such a good, obedient boy - he is still our Chaser, just a little stuck right now. Thank you so much for your love and prayers.

"When life gets to hard to stand, kneel."

Slow and steady,

Jen