Morning rounds...

Bob is focusing more with his eyes and moving his hands nad feet. He still isn't doing the hands and feet on command, but he's doing it "on Bob's command".

Today's nurse said he needs to do things more on command before they move him from ICU. He also needs to be able to clear his trach better on his own before moving him.

Today, is Sunday, and I'm sure he's having a "bird" not being able to sing and do "his" thing in church. Pray an extra prayer for him today. Also, ponder about the lesson you have learned from God because of this incident.


email: jiachini@msn.com
stroke info: www.strokeassociation.org
OHSU: 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park. Rd., Portland, Oregon 97239

singing..."Here he comes...Mr. Robert" 5/30/09

I spoke to the night nurse. She said Bob had a good day. His eyes are open, he's moving his hands and feet, and he breathed all day long by himself. There is talk of moving him out of ICU soon. She said the day staff commented that his personality is beginning to show.

God is using a good person to teach us all a lesson. Let's hope we can figure out the lesson that pertains to each one of us individually. I can come up with several. One is that those who are important in my life can be gone in a split second, so treat every second as though it is your last with them. What is your lesson from this?

email: jiachini@msn.com

stroke info: www.strokeassociation.org

OHSU: 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd. Portland, OR 97239

5/30/09 at lunch time

Bob is more alert today. He was wiggling his left foot this morning. Michele, sister, read him all of the emails that I printed out. He seemed to be getting emotional over them, so she backed off a bit. That's my t, though. His bark is waaayyyy bigger than his bite. He's a teddy bear.

email: jiachini@msn.com

stroke info: www.strokeassociation.org

Better news yet!

Michele, t's sister, spoke with the doctor today. Another CAT scan was done this morning, just to check things out. The results showed that everything is positive, and the doctors don't see any reason why he won't recover. Woo-hoo.....I'm jumping out of my skin!

I'm so excited to have my t back. Also, I can't wait for my big bear hug! HA! If he thought I was clingy before this, he's going to learn what the real definition is of clingy in the very short future.

Keep those prayers coming though. We're in for a long journey together.

Right before all of this, Bob and I were working on a new project. I'm going to continue working on it. I will keep you all updated as it unfolds. It's focus is traveling mobility. If it were completed, some of the items included in this project would have been handy.

Email: jiachini@msn.com
stroke info: strokeassociation.org

Friday 5/29/09

This is the first weekend I've been home and away from my t (I call Bob, t). I feel more at ease leaving for a few days, since he was bright-eyed and bushy tailed last night; but it's going to be the longest weekend ever.

I'm in the process getting him transferred to the VA in Roseburg for his extended rehab that he will need when he leaves OHSU. Anyone know any tricks or have clout to make the process easier? Most of you know he was a cardiac ICU nurse in the Army during the Vietnam War. He was stationed stateside. Currently, he rides with the Patriot Guard. After each ride, he comes home so emotional. That's one thing I love about t; he has such a sensitive side that he makes me cry too.

Your prayers and thoughts have helped tremendously. Please keep them coming. I'm reading your emails to Bob. They can be sent to jiachini@msn.com

For more information about stroke, visit www.strokeassociation.com

Bob's awakening! 5/28/09

Bob is awake! Talking to him tonight was like talking to an actual person. His eyes were clear, not blood-shot and foggy. He looked at each person who talked to him while standing around the bed. (This morning, his eyes still were searching.) I want to thank all of you for your prayers. Please continue them. Like I said yesterday, we are at the end of the runway, ready to take off.

Many of you have asked where have I been staying. I have been staying at the Crown Plaza in Lake Oswego. This hotel gives family members and friends of OHSU patients quite a big break on rates. Bob and I have stayed at this hotel previously. I need shower accomodations, and the Crown Plaza meets that need easily. Many hotels we've stayed at say they have handicap rooms; I'd like to see the person who designed the bathroom, sarcastically said.

I'm printing any email sent to me, and I'm reading them to Bob now that he's awake, so please keep sending them. jiachini@msn.com

For more information on strokes, visit strokeassociation.org

5/27/09 Bedtime visit

Any type of movement Bob makes is celebrated with great delight by everyone. Tonight, he made the funniest facial expression that made us laugh. I was wiping his forehead with a washcloth that was not quite warm enough for Bob. He wrinkled his nose and forehead, as to say, "What the f***!" He doesn't talk or make noises yet. He can't move his arms far enough to push things away. Like I said, any movement is celebrated; his facial expression was funny.

I can't wait to get a hug from Bob. I miss him.

Bob is at OHSU, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239-3098

email: jiachini@msn.com (I'm saying all emails for Bob to read)

Stroke information, visit www.strokeassociation.org.