Msg 20 - Discharged for Phys Rehab

At noon today Cameron left County Memorial Hospital transported by Chantal traveling to The Rehabilitation Foundation Santa Barbara. After a morning of angst while waiting for hospital staff to finalize release paperwork and obtain a final doctors order, a long awaited milestone for Cameron has been reached. I know he is anxious to start the aggressive rehab process that the center is well known for. It is quite possible that he will have enough normal ambulatory movement to be home after a week and to continue rehabilitation on an out-patient basis. I know the process of working long unused muscles will not be the most pleasant experience. However, if anything, it is a moment to celebrate. The centers location and contact information is posted under the "contacts" link.

Msg 19 - Tentative Discharge

Cameron has progressed to a point where he will be transferred to a rehabilitation center in either Santa Barbara or Oxnard. He will most likely go to Oxnard which is adjacent to Ventura on the south side. We will know more early next week. He has been walking with assistance and using a guide that is similar to a cane and looks like one side of a normal walker. This is huge step forward as he continues to regain strength in his leg muscles while learning safe techniques to avoid overstrain on weaker muscles. It is safe to safe say he is on the downhill stretch for recovery.












As for the future outlook, his physical therapist was hesitant in commiting to a definite date. Although, he cautiously agreed that Cameron would most likely be completing therapy on an out-patient basis before the holidays. Where then, he can at least enjoy some more normal conditions. Mostly, he will need a three week treatment intended to familiarize his body with the new kidney. The treatment will be administered through his regular dialysis treatments. Ideally, with good planning and proper timing we can look for a surgery to occur in early January.

When family is not around Chantal has been assisting a lot with communication and ensuring necessary planning occurs based on Camerons needs. She has been a valuable member in Cameron's support. This week she will be traveling to Holland for a family function and returning on Oct 30th. Curtis will support in communication during her absence, Omar will assist as well. Cameron is receiving many visitors from the Continental's team and yesterday he received a visit from Aunt Willie and her family.

Information will be posted for the Rehab Center once that becomes final. You can find it by going the the link listed as "The Doctors".

Curtis

Msg 18 - Update

Cameron was moved to the 4th floor which was one more step to recovery. On Oct. 5th fluid was discovered in his chest near the lungs and the sack around his heart. He was moved to the CCU where they put a tube into his chest as well as the sack around his heart. Today I was able to speak with one of his doctors. It is unclear as to where the fluid in his chest came from but it is thought to possibly be just a result of the surgery. Fluid does tend to pool there some times. It was a good amount of fluid but not enough to collapse the lungs so this is good. As for the fluid near the heart it was just old blood and fluid resulting from the previous surgery, nothing to be alarmed about. Today an ultrasound of the chest and heart showed everything to be in good condition so the tube that extracts the fluids near the heart was removed. They will watch his chest for a bit more but the ultrasound showed no fluid at this time. Cameron will be returning to the 4th floor sometime this week continuing the process of his recovery.

On another note, Cameron’s line to his heart for dialysis had some clotting. This is uncommon but not impossible. The doctor said it looks good as of now and they will be watching it. Cameron has a week left of antibiotics and will then be receiving a shunt in his arm. This is really the last thing the doctors have on their “to do” list for Cameron. Once he receives the shunt it will be 3 weeks before it can be used for dialysis. The swelling in his arm and leg has almost completely left except for some swelling in his left hand. He will be receiving physical therapy today which is going very well. Cameron’s problem holding down food has improved, as he has not had an upset stomach since the problem arose. All in all Cameron is doing very well considering everything that he has been through. He is amazes me everyday.

I will be returning to 29 palms tonight and then on to Idaho Friday for my post deployment leave. Curtis will still be in the area and at the hospital on fri the 13th for the weekend, if you have any questions. Chantal and Omar have been very helpful in updating us when the family is not around which is a huge blessing. I am certain that we will all stay well informed.

Guy

Msg 17 - Quick update...

So Cameron was finally moved out of the CCU, the most critical unit of the hospital, last week to the fourth floor of memorial hospital. He recieved a new feeding tube in addition to the line for his stomach.

It's the tube that Guy referred to in his last post.

Chantal, a friend of Cameron's who has been visiting him everyday, said even though Cam was put in a regular patient room, his doctors did have to put back into the CCU later in this week to drain blood from the heart surgery.

Chantal said his left side is improving dramatically.

This is the side he had the stroke on before he went into his first surgery, so this is obviously good news. It's not like he's up for a game of Playstation or anything, but Chantal said he can now squeeze his left hand and hold a cup with it which is really great. She also said this week was the best she has seen him since he was put in the hospital, he was awake and talking more.

He keeps getting stronger, which is what it will take for him to finally leave the hospital.

Mom said that Guy is back with Cameron in Ventura so he'll probably post more detailed information later, I just wanted to give you guys a quick update.

Jessie