Update #39

Chaser laughed his head off... All day. I can't get enough of the progress he is making. Every night I hit my knees and thank the Lord for giving me a second chance with him. He is so amazing.

Today, his doctor came in and said that he had been reviewing chase's case and thinking about him throughout the night. He was wanted to discuss with us ruling out if he had a genetic disease in his brain that caused abnormal capillaries and arteries. If he had it, we would have never known - until his accident. They just wanted to ensure that there are no new bleeds in his brain that may be happening. So, after Justin and I discussed it, we went with the doctor and decided to order the MRI. With this genetic disease, chase would have seizures in the future possibly. They would have to draw blood and run labs and have us consult with genetic counseling.

So, chase had a CT scan - he was terrified . It's less than an MRI but easily daunting. While I held his hand while he got his head scanned, it brought me back to his last MRI - which took 30 minutes just to get him all set up and moved over and arranged because he had tubes coming out of everywhere. I looked at the two chairs my mom and I had sat in - squished by all of Chase's machines. I squeezed chase's hand, grateful to see the terrified (normal) look in my son's eyes. I talked to him and we got through it.

Right as we were finishing dinner, the doctor came in and said that there was no new bleeding in his CT scan and that it looked "great." additionally, around his basal ganglia - it's pink and showing that the blood is re-absorbing properly and healing. So: in a nutshell: chase does not have the genetic disorder (MMA? - I can't even recall). Another miracle!!

The doctor also said that they believe that chase hit his chin on the side of the slide as he fell - which is what sliced his basal ganglia - and then fell to his head. He had no bump or skull fracture on the back of his head - so many miracles to count.

As well, chase is eating semi-solid foods: pancakes, noodles (all kinds of pastas), cereal and some meat dishes - he is well on his way to solids. Also, his head control is nearly perfect (thank you for the prayers) and his "trunk" is now being more focused on and continues to improve by the day.

Now that we have ruled out everything, chase will just continue his therapies and program, rest his brain so it can heal and continue to eat like a champ to keep his strength up. I am so grateful for his work ethic - he is such a hard worker and it shows. Nurses who have been here for years are blown away by his progress and awareness.

I just love kissing him; he is perfect. I am so grateful that he is mine and that we get to enjoy being part of such an amazing family together. We are so blessed.

We continue to be so grateful for your love, prayers and support. I am not naive in thinking that my son could be paralyzed, face shattered, brain dead or dead. He is a miracle and know that the power of the priesthood saved his life, as well as the prayers and support that surround us. Chase has many angels watching over him - here on earth and on the other side of the veil.

Thank you all so very very much - for the meals, prayers, well wishes and support. Thank you for those helping keep my home tidy and my husband and daughters supported. Thank you thank you thank you.

Big day.

Slow and steady,

Jen