An update and a story

It has been two weeks or so since my last post on the blog. I am writing tonight with tremendous joy and happiness, but the source of my joy and the status of Greg's progress is going to start with a little story.

While sitting at home tonight I received a call from my buddy John.  He had been riding alone with Greg in the car enoute to meet Jill, Ann, and the boys for an ice cream, when Greg told John that he had played golf yesterday.  Knowing that one of Greg's issues has been what I believe they call confabulation, where he thinks that something took place that really didn't,  John thought'  "oh damn, here he goes."  How do I respond to this?  When they met at the ice cream parlor John immediately, surely quietly, told Ann about Greg's golf story.  Ann, unaware of yesterday's events, shook her head and dismissed Greg's story.  They both asked Jilly, who with a big smile said "yes, he played golf with Pops".

Now, let me back up here a couple of days.  Greg moved back to his house with Jill and the boys on Thursday. I am so happy for all of them, it has been such a long road.  I must admit that Donna and I miss having the big guy around.   He is always so good natured, thankful, and comical.

On Friday Greg had his first outpatient follow up with Dr. Du.  She was very pleased with his progress.  Although he still struggles a bit cognitively, his physical comeback has been amazing.  Greg asked the doctor about his limitation and restrictions.  Dr. Du cleared him for very light lifting and wants him careful when bending over.  Although returning to work will be a ways out, she did give him the go ahead to play a little golf.  He is making great strides, will have a CTA scan in June,
and needs to follow up with a neuro oncologist to talk about the still present Glioma tumor.

It didn't take Greg long to suggest that we go out and give it a try. So Saturday afternoon we headed to the course.  I had to carry his bag from the parking lot to the clubhouse, something he better not get too used to. We used a cart and played nine glorious holes. I can't tell you the joy!!! It was only April 1st that he was discharged from the Brigham, and admitted to Spaulding. An absolute miracle!!! As you can imagine, there were many times over the past ten weeks when I doubted we would  share this experience ever again. Certainly not in APRIL 2013.  I have said it over and over and over, he continues to amaze us!

Now it would be poor sportsmanship on my part if I didn't come clean.  Being beat by a guy who just had three brain operations, weeks in the hospital, and procedure after procedure, was quite humiliating.  I am going to use the excuse that my emotions were out of control, and I was too distracted making sure he was ok.  The fact is I really sucked, but it didn't matter one bit. I hope he continues to dominate so, for the first time ever, he can give me strokes. I just wonder how I can get my doctor to say "no work, but golf all you want. "

Bottom line is that he is getting better every day, and when he shares stories with us, we better start believing him.  All good.

Keep believing.

Mike

April 14th- the next chapter

Continued amazement!!!!!!

Happy Sunday to everyone.  I wish that spring would get here, I'm ready for it. 

I could not be happier today and am so pleased to be writing this blogpost with such joy and optimism.  Yesterday morning Jill and I went to Spaulding to pick Greg up at discharge.  That's right, he was discharged from the rehab yesterday and will be making his transition home.  For now he will be staying with Donna and I at our house.  This will allow Jill and the kids to spend time with him ( no more daily trips to Boston), yet give him a more quiet place to transition before going home.  This will be easier for the kids as well.  

He is doing absolutely awesome.  After making his breakfast, something I assured him he should not get used to, he showered and we took a twenty minute walk.  He is physically showing only minor issues with his gait and needs primarily to work on his endurance.  Eight weeks in a hospital bed have an affect. This will come along. He is making progress on the cognitive rehab as well.  Memory and confusion continue to be the issue and we will be focusing on that part of his therapy constantly. Donna is great at sitting and explaining things to him.  He will be starting his outpatient therapy at Spaulding / Framingham tomorrow...no more fighting the traffic on rt.9, the pike, or Storrow drive.  This will certainly make it easier for all of us, but more importantly less stressful for Greg as well.  

Last night Jill, the boys, and John and Ann came over for a visit and we had a really nice dinner together. Somewhat celebratory as we have a lot to be thankful for. He was really tired by the end of the evening and reports that he "slept like a rock".  He then asked, " that is the right saying isn't it"?  

Jill just came to pick Greg up to run an errand together.  They are going to Home Depot to pick out a new light fixture fore their bathroom. He will be exhausted and ready to settle in and watch the Sox and the Masters most of the afternoon.  Meanwhile, two of Greg's coworkers, Ryan and Matt,  are at Jill and Greg's house.  They volunteered to give Jill some time to do a few handy projects around the house that she wanted to get done before Greg came home. Giving up their day off to help out shows just the kind of support we have and the kind of people Greg works with.  

Greg continues to be ahead of the curve in every aspect of his recovery. Although we realize that this will be an ongoing challenge for all of us, and that the road will not always be smooth, his attitude, humor, thankfulness, and smile will be our gift.  Our friend Tony Baudanza sent a passage from a book that I have have summarized and shared with Greg......

        ........."when you are surrounded with darkness, do not shake your fist and raise your voice and curse the darkness.  Rather be the Light unto the darkness, and don’t be mad about it.  Then you will know Who You Really Are, and all others will know, too. Let your Light so shine that everyone will know how special you are.”

Later today, or perhaps tomorrow I am hoping to have a guest blogger!!!

Have a great day, and thanks again for the love and support.  

Mike/ Pops

April 7th

Hey everyone:

It has been almost one week since my last blog. I have been getting calls and emails commenting on my laziness or wondering if something happened,  I had given warning that my postings would not be daily.  it has been difficult working a regular day and fighting the afternoon and evening traffic getting to and from Spaulding.  By the time we get home at night Donna and are usually pretty spent.  I will try to get a few more postings up this coming week.  

Greg did get transported to Spaulding on April 1st.

Greg has settled into his new digs at Spaulding. Thank goodness the rehab care is so good, because the physical plant or food is not that attractive. I can see why they are moving at the end of the month to a brand new facility. Guess we got a bit spoiled at the Brigham.   The view from his room does overlook the Zakim Bridge and the Bunker Hill Monument, which is pretty cool, especially at night.  

More importantly, Greg is doing really well and continues to exceed all expectations and amaze us every day.  Physically there are really no deficits apparent at this time. He is doing great with his OT and would likely beat us all with brain teasers and games.  His issue continues to be cognitive,  imagining things and having a difficult time with memory. More clarity than a week ago, but still confused. I hesitate to say "pleasantly", as before, because his usual good spirit has dimmed a bit.  This is indicative of a couple of things.  He is more aware, understands when he gets confused, and this causes frustration.  We need to keep him thinking positively and not let him get down. His increased awareness is a good sign.  

Yesterday the boys, Jake and Gavin, came to see their dad for the first time in almost seven weeks. I know that Greg was really pleased with he visit.  It does make him want to go home more than ever.  We assure him that his continued hard work and positive outlook will make it happen soon.  Greg has 4-5 hours therapy every day and although hone can't always remember what he did, it is working. 

Several people have been to visit, but it has to be worked around his therapy times and the 1-8 visiting hours.  Not always easy. If anyone has a question feel free to give me a call or shoot an email. Natalie has been dealing with sick kids most of the week and Jehan and Jason have been away at a wedding in NC.  I know they will see a change when they get to visit him.  

This chapter is harder in some ways.  A worse commute, need for more patience, and working hard to keep him upbeat.  All while everyone is trying to achieve some normalcy in our daily schedules. In other ways, we know we are moving further down Greg's road to health.  

Thanks to everyone for your continued outreach, prayers, love, and support.  

Mike

The Miracle of Easter

Got to Greg's room this morning and what a surprise!  

This is what I found..... 

Greg's bed was empty and the nurse reported he had gone out for a jog, wanted to get ready for the marathon. ( he never was a runner)

When he got back he said, " hey Pops, excited about the Sox opening day?"

He told me he needed to be in he office early today, had some things to wrap up on the Wey and Leone projects.

Asked if I wanted to set up a tee time when Marlboro CC opens at the end of the week. Pu those ProV' s to good use thanks to John.  Even suggested a rematch in the father/ son tourney.  John, we can't let he and Adam continue to dominate.

"We need to have a staff meeting to run through some ideas I have for advertising and marketing this Spring"

He couldn't believe Gavin, at eight months was almost walking.

He was hoping we could all go to the Cape this weekend and maybe do a little fishing on the Busy Seas'n.  Even knew his chances of catching fish on our boat was more likely than on Time Well Wasted"

He said Jake will be ready for T- ball before you know it. " Keep him away from that lacrosse field, he is too good an athlete."

He wanted to know if YaYa and Owl were taking the boys this weekend, because he and Jill were going away for a romantic getaway weekend.  If he only knew how much " YaYa and Owl had  been "taking the boys"

His understanding of Revit, our new CAD software, has been perfected. He is ready to teach it to the rest of our office.

He was happy to report that his Mom detailed his car.   Great news, I am off the hook!

He was looking forward to seeing Natalie and Sean's new basement and was wondering where the Golden Tee was going to go?

He said he had to get one of the guys in the office to help do some survey work at Jehan and Jason's. wants to finally get a plan done for them and get "her" off his back. 

He is looking forward to watching the B's and C's in the playoffs on his TV lying on his couch.  Sound familiar Jill?  Bet you never wanted for that like you do now!

Things were just like the days before February 19th.  He busted my chops, made his Uncle John  and I laugh until we cried every afternoon as the day came to an end.

April Fools!!!!!!

Actually, I am here at the Brigham for breakfast, my routine for the past six six weeks. He is sleeping, I am writing the blog update, about to order his breakfast so I can get to the office.  He will bust my chops when he wakes up and ask, "what time did you get here 2:30?

We are pretty hopefully he will be transported to the Spaulding today and we can continue working toward all of the things we are hopeful for. 

Have a good Monday!

Mike

Easter Sunday

We are waiting for Easter breakfast to arrive. 

Yesterday we got a wheelchair and I brought Greg outside to greet Donna and Jill on the sidewalk when they got to the Brigham. His first breath of fresh air in almost six weeks. Jill was surprised but he wasn't all that impressed. 

Today when D and I showed up and I suggested we take another wheel around the hospital. In typical Greg fashion he busted my chops. He apparently doesn't like the sweater I'm wearing today and really doesn't want to be seen with me on public.  

Dr Du was in yesterday and Greg actually asked her about rehab, and how long that would take. She really does not know, did say that Greg is ahead of the curve, which makes predicting the rehab timeline difficult. Not a bad outlook .... Could be a lot worse.

We hope the journey to Spaulding begins tomorrow. 

I hope everyone has a nice Easter !!

Best 

Mike

Easier weekend March 30th

Good morning.... What a beautiful day

I continue to write my blog so that means we are still here at the Brigham and we will be celebrating our Easter on the 10th floor.

We have had a busy morning. Started out with breakfast and then a shower and shave,  Want to look handsome for Jill and Donna's arrival later this morning.  

I find Greg is remembering things better than only a few short days ago, although this morning he argued with me( nothing unusual about that).  He said Donna was going to be really mad at him because he was in  a plane crash in Brazil last night, which is where the scars on his head came from.
This guy has been all over the world the past week or so. He told me that yesterday he was in Portugal with his buddy Ben and an old friend from prep school, Mike Weed.  He has actually been in Portugal with Ben.

As Donna and I were driving home last night, recognizing the sutle improvements that Greg is making, we not only admitted to just what a fearful situation we had been in, but also how fortunate we are now. We have both heard stories from other people.  People who know other people....you know how that goes.  As we celebrate Easter, we realize just what a miracle it is that Greg is so far along, and that the long term outlook is so promising

Although his progress over the past couple of weeks is truly miraculous, we cannot set ourselves up for a major disappointment and fail to expect and accept the anticipated ups and downs ahead on his road to health.

Glad to get my time with Greg this  morning, and can't wait to pick up Jake and Gavin to go to Maggie's "rainbow unicorn" birthday party later today.

Have a great day and wonderful Easter weekend.

Mike

Another Friday at the Brigham March 29th

Surprise...... Still here, and so my breakfast routine continues.

We had thought a bed was opening up at Spaulding, but unfortunately it did not and Greg here still here at the Brigham. 

Last night Jehan, Natalie, and Sean paid a visit.  For a good part of the evening Greg was really, really good.  Dr. Du came in and was very impressed with all of his answers to her typical questions, " your name, where are you, what year is it".  I think he was really showing off!!  He spent part of yesterday actually working on word find puzzles,  and Jill reports he was actually pretty good at it.....such progress!  But then his confusion comes back. 

He is really beginning to recognize the fact that he hasn't seen the boys, Jake and Gavin, for some time.  He talked about missing them last night.  Things are slowly coming back and this gives us reason for continued optimism, but it is also hard to see him feel this sadness.

Lets hope for the move today.  My fear is that if not today, the holiday weekend will impact any potential change of venue and make the transition a bit less effective. I'm sure the activity at Spaulding would be different over Easter weekend.  Anybody up for an Easter egg hunt at the Spaulding ?  Just kidding!

I am really looking forward to Maggie's birthday party tomorrow.  Can't believe she is going to be three.   It will be so much fun to have all the grandchildren together.  It has been so long given the circumstances and I miss seeing them.  

I will let you know how the week ends.

Have a Happy Easter!!

Mike