May 31, 2012

Well today was a big day. We were up early and off to Long beach Memorial for the Baclofen pump trial. The trial will show if you are a good candidate for the pump. (Muscle relaxer delivered to the spinal cord by way of a "pump" inserted in just under your skin) I was really looking forward to this being successful because it should ease your chronic pain and also reduce your spasticity and allow you to get more out of therapy. Well that being said, your spasticity didn't seem to be reduced too much, your BP dropped very low, broke into cold sweats and since we arrived home you have vomited (not to mention other gastrointestional issues). All in all, not that neat of a day! Haven't gotten the official word that this was not successful, but I have a funny feeling...One good thing, even if this pump cannot be used, Dr Gurskis will press on to find something to help ease your pain! I know I ask alot, and I appreciate ALL the progress and good fortune God has bestowed on us, but this CONSTANT pain must be relieved! You are so strong and are enduring so much...Noho ikaika...stay strong, sweetheart! I love every inch of you, inside and out! ♥ Mama bear ♥

You're Invited! Cole's Welcome Home Party

Aloha to Cole's friends and family

We have been back in Manhattan Beach for a couple of weeks now, after being away for nearly 7 months, and are getting settled back into life at home.   Cole has begun his new outpatient therapy at Long Beach Memorial Hospital, and continues to progress on his long road to recovery. We look forward to seeing all of you at his Welcome Home Party being given by  the "10th Street Girls" on June 24.  Please see below for details.  Thank you all again for your outpouring of love and support for Cole, and we hope to see you on the 24th.

Nancy and Mark

Click the image to view and print the flyer:

We also have some very good news to share with you....THE COLE'S ARMY T-SHIRTS HAVE ARRIVED! The price is $25 per shirt. The proceeds will be used to start a general fund to help with Cole's needs as we move forward in his rehabilitation. Please allow about 3 weeks for delivery.

We thank you for all your overwhelming support of Cole on his journey to recovery, and remind you to keep praying. It really does work!

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May 24, 2012

Cole, you are truly an inspiration! You are working sooooo hard, through soooo much pain and frustration! Not ever very happy about it, but you get it done, son! Today you took four steps with only the help of parallel bars (a little help from the Pt) for support! Like I said, painful and frustrating...I'm sure your wondering..."why is this so F*#@&ing hard?" "I should be able to do this!!!!" Your frustration came out verbally when you were asked to straighten your right arm...you yelled, "why can't I do this...why is this happening?!" My heart just wither up inside me...I'm so sorry, Bear, but everyday just means you are one day closer to the end of the nightmare! Keep paddling, my sweetheart! My love for you grows daily ... ♥ Mama Bear ♥

May 23, 2012

Big day today, Cole! We went to see Dr. Gerskis to see about the Baclofen pump being put just under the skin of your abdomen to deliver the meds directly to your spine to control your spasms and pain. This would also allow you to get off of some of the 15 plus meds your on now. I really liked him. spent 1 hr plus tell us just how it all works starting with the trial that must be done first by giving you a lumbar puncture. Your spasticity would be measured before, during and after to see if you would be a good candidate. If so, the pump would be surgically inserted while under general anesthesia. Really happy to find this Dr.!! The one we saw in Chino spent about 30 seconds (no kidding) with us and never even examined you! Glad that it worked out this way even if it took forever to get to where we are today! There's a reason for everything in life! Back to LB for a couple of hrs. of therapy tomorrow! You doing awesome, Bear...keep paddling! love, love, love you! ♥ mama bear ♥

May 22, 2012

Well, Cole...we are off to Long Beach for your first official day of out pt therapy! Last week at the evaluation one of the therapists said she wanted to get you in the pool soon! I hope you like it as much as I think you will! On our way today , we will swing by and see grandma at her new home...Sunnyside. She really wants to see you. :( Poor G-ma...not happy about leaving the trailer, but last least we know she's safe. love you bear! ♥ MB ♥

May 16, 2012

Cole Bear...arrived home in Manhattan Beach last thusrday, the 10th of May...WOW! May already! Seems like Oct 28 was a million years ago, but also seems like yesterday. You have adjusted pretty well, (but gotta say, this 24/7 things...WOW...and I'll leave it at that) you don't recognize the house, but you do recognize the things inside! Tyler comes by almost daily and Pat has been in and out also! Chavez came in for the weekend, but went back to AZ on Monday. You started out-pt rehab at Long Beach memorial. New faces, new gym, long car ride, multiple car transfers, more adjustment, but you held up well today in spite of it all. I just wish your pain could be controlled. All I can seem to do is to take the edge off...never able to get you completely comfortable! Makes MB sad...frustrated! Hate to see you in pain..hate to see your brain struggling to remember what happened minutes before...hate to see you have to fight your own body, to see you want to eat ,but at the same time not be interested, to have every part of your control taken away...just breaks my heart, Bear! But, God is right next to the three of us through it all...keep paddling...one day, my kid, it will all be over! I love you, Cole! ♥ Mama Bear ♥