Funeral

Mike passed away Wednesday, December 15th, 2010.

Funeral information is as follows:

Visitation will be Sunday, December 19th from 5:00 - 7:00pm at Hillcrest Memorial Funeral Home located at 601 Highway 80 in Haughton.

The funeral will be at the same location on Monday, December 20th at 10:00am.

November 11th Update

On October 13, 2009 the CNA at Landmark failed to buckle Mike into the shower chair. As a result, when the aid turned his back to get a towel Mike fell out of the chair, hit his forehead and suffered a C2 fracture. I know that you are reading this thinking "Oh my!" "What are they going to do?" Well, at first, I was shocked. Mike was immediately taken to the ER and admitted to Willis-Knighton where our wonderful doctor agreed to keep him and do multiple tests. This is my take on the situation, this was a blessing in disguise (No I was not happy, but you have to take the good with the bad and see that God does have a reason and I think this was the reason)... had this not happened, Mike would not have had a reason to have a current CT, MRI, EEG, chest x-ray, or labs, etc... Upon doing all of these tests we found out that Mike is not having any active seizures, there are no new changes on his CT or MRI when compared to his previous tests on file from 2008 when he was at Willis Knighton LifeCare. The doctor did not make any changes to his medications. Now to the fracture, YES, Mike did get a cut on his forehead. Yes, Mike did have to have stitches. The doctor did not want to do surgery and he decided that all that was necessary was a neck brace. Mike was in the hospital from Tuesday until Friday. He went for his follow-up visit with new x-rays and his fracture is healing. The doctor wants to see him back in December for more neck x-rays.

Also today November 11, 2009, Mike received his NEW wheelchair. We are very excited about this as this was designed and made especially for Mike. Please remember Mike is still at Landmark on Baird Road in Shreveport. You may visit at anytime.

Recent updates from Ericka

Mike is stable and currently settled in at Landmark of Shreveport. Landmark is located at 9105 Baird Road. Mike is in room 515. Please feel free to visit him as much as possible. Remember, Mike is not aware of time or place and does not speak. If Mike is not in his room, he might be in the great room which is located toward the front of building. We are only able to shave Mike about once a week due to the fact that his skin is sensitive and dry. When you visit with Mike, if you would like to push him outside, or to another area to sit with him you may do so. You do not have to stay in his room with him. Please continue to pray for Mike during this time of recovery for him.

As of today (9/10/09): I just found out today that insurance finally approved the custom wheelchair for Mike. What this means is that Mike will be more comfortable when in his wheelchair as this one is made more to his size specifications.

Update - Mike will be coming back to Shreveport

I am sorry that I have been so long in getting an update on Mike for the blog. Mike continues to be healthy and is doing well. He is at Touchstone NeuroRecovery in Houston. Sonny and I are currently in the process of working with insurance and Touchstone to transition Mike's move back to Shreveport. Blue Cross has determined that Mike's level of improvement has slowed down and it is not necessary for him to be in a rehab facility. After several physician meetings, phone calls to insurance and discussions with our local physician here in Shreveport, Mike should be back in Shreveport by the end of June. Please continue to pray for Mike, his health, his mental recovery, and our family. As soon as we get Mike settled in, I will let everyone know where he will be so that everyone can visit him and spend as much time as possible with him.

Update

Mike is doing well in Houston. They continue to work on his strength as he lost so much in January, February and March. Therapy is continuing to use a soft cast to stretch his left arm in hopes of bringing it out of the 90 degree angle that it tends to stay in. Speech is working with recognition techniques. Insurance has approved a new wheelchair that will fit Mike better as the other one was just too big. Sonny and I continue to be very pleased. The kids and I will be there this Friday. I have a meeting scheduled with the physicians for an update on Mike's prognosis. Sonny and I still do not know what Mike's future holds but he is in very good hands at TIRR and we continue to pray for the best as God continues to be in control. I also want to thank Kevin and Robin for visiting Mike in between Sonny and my visits. We could not do this without you two. You mean the world to our families.

Mike has moved

I just wanted to let everyone know that Mike is now settled in at TIRR in Houston. His dad and I moved him down there on Thursday, March 12th. On their initial evaluation they have set a goal of four weeks. This will be evaluated each week. We ask for prayers that Mike improves and that this can be extended as four weeks is not very long. TIRR is an outstanding facility that specializes in rehabilitation and research. Right now they are focusing on his left side as he continues to have no use of that side of his body. He has also been evaluated by an eye specialist, had multiple tests and changing to medications in hopes improvements. Since January, Mike's "two steps back" took him to where he was last March-April after the accident last year.
Memorial Hermann

March 2nd - Update

Sorry for the delay for an update on Mike but January and February have been pretty rough. Mike is now off of his antibiotics. His pneumonia has cleared. He is still at Plano Speciality Hospital. He has been evaluated by Timber Ridge in Benton Arkansas which is a TBI Rehab Facility. Sonny and I are waiting to hear back from Touchstone Neuro in Houston. They are supposed to evaluate Mike this week. Once this is done we will then have to decide what our next step is. Mike took a really big step back but we are confident, prayerful and we know that God continues to be in control. Once I know what the next step is, I will have Sharron post about Mike's move. Thank you for your continued prayers for Mike.

Pneumonia for 2009 (1/22/09)

Mike's pneumonia has caused him to take two steps back but its okay. His attending physician would like for him to stay on IV antibiotics for awhile. So, what does this mean? Well, Mike was transferred to Plano Speciality Hospital yesterday afternoon (1/21/09) for long term IV antibiotics and also to have his sodium levels monitored. He will also be able to get a little therapy while he is there. Sonny saw him before he transferred and said he looked good and was pleased. The set up at this hospital is like LifeCare at Willis-Knighton. On the positive side... God is Good the kids and I will see him this weekend, he will be under the care of his pulmonary physician who has been seeing him as an outpatient for the past several months and has seen him prior to this hospitalization, and he will get some form of physical therapy, he is still moving his right side, he will still hold your hand and open his eyes to command. Where do we go from here? I do no know yet. Will Mike go back to Pate? I do not know yet, Everything will depend on how long he stays in the hospital for his pneumonia. Please continue to pray but I do know that everything will be fine. It just takes time.

January 5th - One Year Anniversary from Accident - Christmas Update

I would like to send a special thank you to AEP Haughton and Eastwood Baptist Church for their help in allowing the children to have such a special Christmas this year. We spent Christmas with my family and Mike's family and it was wonderful. Mike's son Kevin was able to fly in which was a special surprise for everyone. We left on December 26th headed to see Mike and spent the weekend with him. Kevin was so pleased to see his dad. He agreed with Sonny and I that Mike looks great. Mike was so focused on watching Kevin the entire three days. Mike still is total dependent and does not talk or show emotion. The kids played games, fought over who was going to push him in his wheelchair, who was going to sit in his lap, and Wesley brought Spike the dinosaur to show his dad. Of course the kids all had to tell him about Santa and how much they missed him. We brought lots of pictures to put on his digital picture frame and the kids unwrapped presents for Mike. We all just keep waiting and praying as Mike has not quit fighting his fight and God is good. Today is one year. Mike continues to be healthy and we continue to pray and I continue to tell the kids that their daddy loves them very much.

From December 12th

I somehow missed posting this update. Sorry..here it is:

Mike spent the first part of the week in the hospital because his sodium had gotten too low. By Wednesday it was back up to normal and he was discharged back to the ranch and is doing fine. While he was at the hospital he had a CT and EEG which showed no active seizures. The kids and I will be leaving Saturday morning to spend the weekend with Mike. He turned 43 this week. Please remember to keep him in your prayers.

The kids and I spent Thanksgiving weekend with Mike. He seems to be feeling good. He saw a pulmonary specialist last week and is on breathing treatments and he is doing very well with them. He goes back for a checkup on Friday, December 5th. Mike continues to keep his left arm tight and close to his body so Dr. Nguyen feels that a Botox injection may help loosen the muscles in Mike's hand and arm. Mike continues to hold his head up well but when he gets tired he rests his chin on his chest so this week he will also get a Botox injection in his neck. He had his last one back in April with good results. Pray for Mike to have a good week. Pray for good results from the Botox and the pulmonary check up. Pray for Mike to respond in therapy.

The latest

I wanted to let everyone know that Mike continues to be stable. We had a good visit with him this weekend. Audrey read him a book called the "Boogie Woogie Man". We took him out in his wheelchair to look at the horses. Sunday he seemed to be very tired and slept most of the day.

The Latest

Mike continues to do well. He is officially over his pneumonia!!! His breathing is good. His neck strength is continuing to get better. He is able to hold his head upright for longer periods of time now. We had a great weekend at the Ranch. The kids really showed off for "dad" showing him how they played soccer. We brought pumpkins for Mike's room and lots of new pictures for him. Please continue to keep Mike in your prayers.

Update from October 10th

Mike had a doctor appointment this Wednesday, October 8th. He is now up to 152lbs. His lungs sounded great. His swallowing is continuing to get better. The doctor stated that they are going to try having Mike wear a patch over one of his eyes to possibly help with his neck. The doctor said that sometimes patients hold their head to one side when they experience double vision so they are going to try this and see if there is any improvement. All of Mike's therapist agree that Mike is tolerating his therapy great and are very pleased. Last weekend was an excellent visit. Mike SMILED at Baylee!!!!

Monday Update

Mike is doing better. He still has pneumonia but it is now only in one lobe instead of both lower lobes. He continues to get stronger but it is a slow process. He looks great and seems to feel really good. He is staying awake longer some days and some days is still really tired and sleeps most of the day. He is holding his head up better and straighter. Last weekend I asked him to wave bye both Saturday and Sunday and he gave us a three finger wiggle. We will be going back this weekend.

September 12th

For those of you who have called and those who are wondering, Mike will NOT have to be moved this weekend due to hurricane Ike. Mike is about an hour north of Dallas. They will probably get a lot of rain and wind just like us. There should not be any threat of flooding as the house that he is living in and the treatment facilities are located in an elevated area. Thank you for all of your phone calls and prayers.

September 9th

Mike went to the doctor on Tuesday (September 9th) and he does have a pneumonia and he was started on antibiotics.

The kids and I spent the weekend with Mike. He seemed relaxed and we enjoyed our weekend. The kids played cards Saturday night with several of the patients while Mike and I watched. Mike was able to stay awake most of the time. On Sunday we spent most of the day on the porch while the kids road their bikes and checked out the horses until it was time to leave. This was our third trip and it seems like I can now make the drive in about 3 1/2 hours thanks to my brother-in-law.

A Quick Update

Mike continues to get settled in at Brinlee Ranch. The kids and I are going back again this weekend to see him. He has had a severe respiratory infection since he arrived from New Orleans. His doctor at the ranch has him on several medications to help dry up the congestion. Mike is still coughing but is doing well. Mike still tires easily and sleeps a lot but looks great. We love the new place. On August 30th and 31st, I took Mike outside and even though he was asleep, the kids were able to ride their bikes and they loved being able to say “look at me dad!” Inside, Audrey worked puzzles, Baylee got to watch TV and Wes played with some toys that we brought and it was great because each one of them got to have Mike with them whether it was at the table, by the couch, or in his room. For me, I just got to sit and hold his hand, rub his shoulders, and talk to him. Whether he was asleep or awake, we all left saying that we couldn’t wait to go back. WOW, so much better than New Orleans.

I know everyone wants BIG news but this is a very slow process. Please remember that. Mike continues to not be aware of time or place. He can not speak. He can not eat. He is in a wheelchair. He is totally dependent on others. BUT I do feel that at times, he does know that we are there and he is aware of us.

The ranch offers Mike a home and us a place to visit that is set up like a house. He has a private room that we have decorated just for him. We have brought so much of his personal stuff and artwork that the kids have done for him to make it “his” room. He has a great staff of therapists, physicians, nurses, and caregivers. They set small goals that he can reach instead of setting large goals that are out of reach. Right now, we are focusing on him being healthy, getting over his respiratory infection, and being able to participate in therapy Monday through Friday and getting stronger.

Mike's Move and Other Updates

Last weekend (August 9th and 10th) Sonny and I decided that Brinlee Creek Ranch was the best place for Mike. The first part of this week has been very busy making sure everything has been taken care of and getting Mike ready for his trip. I bought Mike a plane ticket and on Wednesday morning he was on a plane to Dallas. From there he was taken to Brinlee Creek Ranch in Anna, Texas. Angie, the coordinator for Pate Rehab has been wonderful. She flew one of their nurses down to New Orleans to fly with Mike so that he would be monitored at all times. Once he arrived at the ranch he was again checked by the staff nurse to make sure that he had made the transition okay. When I arrived at the ranch a short time later, Mike was resting comfortably and doing wonderful. Today (Thursday - 14th) and tomorrow he will be settling in and also will be assessed by several teams.

Pate Rehab is what is called a Post Acute Rehab facility. Mike will work his way up to participating in therapy from 9 in the morning until 3:30 in the afternoon six days a week. This will be a big change for him. I spent much of yesterday meeting with his team leaders and physicians as well as spending the afternoon and evening with Mike. Mike's brother lives about 20 minutes away and Mike also has a sister who lives about an hour away. It took me four hours to get there yesterday as well as over the weekend. I am sure with time, I will be able to find a shorter route.

Mike continues to do well. He is not aware of time or place. Right now he has a cough and is a little congested. The nurse was going to see about having the doctor see him today (Thursday). He looks wonderful. Mike is up to 140lbs. I brought some of Wesley's transformers with me and gave him one while I was sitting with him. I decorated his room with many of his personal things hoping that these items will help him in time. The staff and physicians all are very positive. Once Sonny and I both spent time here we were both at peace and knew this was the place for Mike. Brinlee Creek is a state of the art, moderate rehab facility. It is awesome. The kids and I will be back next week. They can even bring their bikes to ride and Mike and I can sit and watch :)

After this weekend, I will get Sharron to post more information about visiting and such. This is a wonderful place. Feel free to visit their website.

New on Mike

Mike continues to do well. He continues to be healthy and is tolerating his therapy. Sonny (Mike's dad) and I are in the process of visiting locations for continued rehab for Mike. This is the next phase for Mike. Even though he remains semi-conscious he continues to go through daily therapy and is ready to progress to what is called "post acute" care. We will be visiting two locations in Texas this weekend. Mike has been accepted to several outstanding TBI rehab programs. These facilities specialize in recovery for patients who have had a traumatic brain injury. The two that are in Texas have evaluated Mike and feel that Mike can make progress in their programs.

Please continue to pray for Mike and that God will guide us in making our decision on which program will best meet Mike's needs.