WE ARE MARRIED!!!!

Wow..time flies...it's already October...time for an update. As you can read the title we are married. Cameron and I (Chantal) got married..it was a beautiful and blessed day..celebrating with a lot of family and friends. Last week we went to clinic and the kidney is doing well. The creatine is at 1.6 and the kidney tranpslant team is satifisfied with the results...we have to come back in three months!!!! January 6th is the next appointment.
We are so thankful to the Lord for His blessings and the miracle He did in Cameron's life. We want to thank you for all your prayers, the sweet notes you all wrote and want to ask you to keep praying for Cameron's health. We are thankful to be surrounded by many brothers and sisters in Christ all around the world. This is going to be also the last post for this blog since life is doing awesome and we are staring a new life together in marriage. Both of us have a facebook and you can reach us at cameronchantal@live.com
If you want to reach us at facebook just go to www.facebook.com (you do have to be a member but it's free to sign up:) If you have a facebook let us know we would like to be your friend:)

Many blessings,


Cameron & Chantal Bonner:)

Things are doing well. We just came from rehearsalcamp in Kansas which was a lot of fun sending out another group of tours for the summer. Yesterday we went to clinic and we have to come back in two months!!!The team said I look really good!
We are bussy the wedding preparations and are looking forward for this big day!!!

Cameron

Today we went to clinic after a month and met with Dr. Chang. My creatine was 1.5 and the labs they look good. I have to come back in two months! Thank you for all your prayers.

Cameron

Just a quick update!!!

Today we went for the first time to physical therapy at Cedars Sinai. It was a good visit and some excercises were given for the week. I (Chantal) am really thankful that we can have physical therapy at Cedars Sinai it's a great hospital and I am looking forward of the results of it. I think it's next week that we have to go back to clinic for the monthly check up. Thank you all so much for your prayers and the nice notes you write on our wedding website. It's a real blessing to read it all! The wedding preparations are doing great and hopefully soon we have a ceremony and reception side. We looked at a church and it's really beautiful!!! Regarding our wedding website sometimes it askes for a password just click on it again and it will not ask for it.
Keep praying for Cameron to get stronger and stronger and great results of the physical therapy.

God Bless,

Chantal

Everything seems A ok

Today we went to clinic and it's been three months since the transplant and everything seems to be working well. I don't have to go back untill a month. I am staring physical therapy in three weeks at Cedars to regain some strenght in my left arm and left leg.
We are bussy with all the wedding preparations and we set up a wedding website where you can sign our questbook www.theknot.com/ourwedding/CameronBonner&ChantalvandenHeuvel
- Cameron

Recently had a check up everything looks good they are little confused about my calcium and so they are going to send me to a doctor that specializes in minerals such as calcium to see if he has better answers. Also the doctors think I can get more strenght in my left hand/arm and leg and wrote me a presciption for physical therapy - Cameron

Cameron's Birthday

This week is the first week since September 2005 that Cameron does NOT have any dr. appointments!!! Praise the Lord!!!
This Saturday is Cameron's birthday he would be thrilled if he hears from you! If you live in the area we are going for dinner with a bunch of people let me know if you want to join us!

God Bless,

Chantal

Today we went for another check up at clinic and Dr. Jordan himself (who is the head of the kidney transplant program) saw me. He said the labs looked great my creatine is at 1.5 the calcium is still on the higher side. They are doing more lab work in two weeks regarding the calcium. We are bussy planning our wedding and are having a lot of fun with that. On Saturday we went for food tasting and it tasted really good! On Sunday Marco took our engagement pictures! Right now we are looking for a place to hold the church service and the reception at. Let us know if you have any connections:). We are working on a wedding website which will be posted soon once it's done.
Thank you for all your prayers and support and we are looking foward in sharing this special day with you!

Cameron & Chantal

ITS OFFICIAL!!!

As of yesterday Chantal and I are engaged!!! We are so happy for this miracle moment. If you live in Ventura area and know a good place that we can be married in and hold a reception please let us know.

Cameron and Chantal

The monday and tuesday scan went well it was a little anoining to not move for 17 minutes as they scan my thyroid. The creatine was still 1.6 but my calcium went even higher so they gave me IV fluids and an IV medication that's suppose to lower my calcium, we go back on friday for check-up. Thank you for your prayers.

Cameron

Levels are good and kidney is working well. My calcium is high and my PTH is low. They are going to do a scan on monday on my throat to see if there is anything wrong with my parathyrod gland. It's a two day test so I will come back on tuesday to finish up the scan. The docters gave the ok for me to go out in public places.

Cameron

Prayer Works!

It's been about seven weeks ago since the transplant and I had a check up today and everything seems to be fine. The kidney is cleaning the blood pretty good the waste product in my blood is at 1.6 which means the kidney is working. It's still important for me to drink lots of fluids and eat a lot of salt. Thank you for your thoughts and encouragement. I recently was contacted by a writer writing for the national lupus foundation. She was interested in my story and asked me some questions which will be published in magazine called " Lupus today" and it's sponsored by the foundation.

Cameron

I came back from my by-weekly checkup with instructions to increase my salt intake and drink more fluids. My creatine was 1.9 and I was asked to come back on thursday for bloodwork. I went to Cedars on thurdsday and my creatine stayed the same. They informed me that on tuesday if my creatine doesn't lower they're going to insert a pickline in my arm and hire an outside company to come and give me fluids through the pickline so I am drinking a lot to avoid this. Please pray that the creatine drops.

Cameron

Last week I had to go back in the hospital because my creatine was up to 2.0. They put me in the ER in hopes that I would get a bed sooner. A bed opened up I was put on IV fluids continually. I got out of the hospital last friday because my creatine went down to 1.5. So now I am drinking fluids like crazy. My goal is to drink 3 liters a day which is totally the opposite when you are on dialysis. I am working on getting stonger and stronger.

Cameron

Back home

On thursday the docters decided to do the biopsy.The docters found no evidence of rejection from the biopsy and let me go home friday evening. It looks like the increase of the creatine was lack of water intake so I need to drink more water. I go for a check up tomorrow and friday (these are our regular clinic visits).

Cameron

Good News

This morning my doctor came in and my creatine had gone down to 1.4 Praise the Lord!!! Looks like the fluids helped and he thinks I was just dehydrated which concentrates the toxins in your blood. He felt no need for the biopsy and cancelled it. He plans to get me off the fluids tomorrow and if all goes well I can go home tomorrow as well. Thank you for your prayers. For those of you in Continentals you might remember a talented performer on JP, Josh Putthoff. Well he has a son now who really needs hard prayers his name is Gabe and he has cancer and just recently has had a boon marrow transplant. You can read all about his story at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/gabeputthoff. My heart really goes out to this little boy and his family having to deal with all of the hospital stuff at such a young age.

Cameron

During my weekly checkups they found my creatine was high so they want to see what's going on with the kidney. They admitted me in the hospital this afternoon. They are giving me fluids and tomorrow they will biopsy the kidney to see what's going on. Please pray that the fluids they give me will help the creatine to go down and the biopsy shows no sign of infection or rejection.

Cameron

Cameron is going to be discharged today, praise the Lord!!!

Cameron has a few Asian docters at Cedars which is funny because Cameron likes the Asian culture. Emily it was fun when you and some of the Asian international students came by and you all spoke mandarin!!
Today Cameron is going to be discharged from the hospital, Dr. Lee came by and the creatine level (which is the waste product in the blood that gets filtered by the kidney and made into urine) is.........................................1.2!!!!! This is incredible 'cause that's where the dr. would like to have it at!!!! PRAISE THE LORD!!!!
Cameron says " I am happy to be going home and more so that the kidney is working well. Thank you for your prayers"

God Bless,

Cameron and Chantal

Cameron is out of ICU

I am sitting here in Cameron's room. Cameron says hi to everyone and thank you for your prayers and support. Yesterday Cameron came out of ICU and was transferred to the sixth floor. Cameron is doing better. Tonight Cameron read through all the cards and was blessed by it, thank you so much. Keep Cameron in your prayers! The kidney is working what is such a blessing. We got images of the kidney and will try to place them on the block once I figure out how to do this. Cameron is at Cedars Sinai so if you are in the area and want to say hi please do so. Cameron is in the north tower on the sixth floor in room 6103. Parking is kind of expensive here so the cheapest parking would be in the mall across the hospital (it's $2 for three hours).


God Bless,

Chantal

Cedars Sinai

Yesterday Cameron got admitted to Cedars Sinai due to a seizure. Cameron is in the ICU and is doing better. The possible cause for this could be the shift in medications, Cameron has a lot of new medications. Cameron has a urinary tract infection and pneumonia (the pneumonia is due to the seizure) Cameron is being treated for this. They sedated Cameron and placed a breathing tube, right now Cameron is breathing more and more on his own and we are expecting the tube to be removed soon and they will get Cameron slowly out of the sedation. The kidney is somewhat irretated because all of this but the urine output is getting more.

Chantal

Cameron got discharged today!

Today Cameron got discharged!!! Thank you so much for all your prayer and keep praying. This coming month we need to go twice a week back to Cedars for labwork and adjustments of the med (if needed) and check ups. After that it will be once a month etc.
Cameron is doing good, the incision is still soar but will heal over time. If you are in the area just give a call and swing by. The first months are very important for a kidney transplant patient to stay healthy etc. If you decide to visit please make sure you are not feeling sick or having a cold. If you would like to give Cameron a call please do so, he would love to hear from you.
Wishing you all a great weekend and we keep you updated!

God Bless,

Chantal

Life after transplant

I am feeling well overall more energy. I have some abdominal pain from the incision but it''s maintained by the pain killers. I've been up and walking and the kidney is working well. Thank you for your prayers and for comitting to the three day prayer chain. PRAYER WORKS and I am a testimony to that! I may be leaving if all goes planned on saturday. Austin is doing great, some abdominal discomfort from the air they use in the surgery but this should go away with time. Austin was discharged today.

Cameron

They are doing well!

Today Cameron and Austin both got up and walked around, Cameron on the sixth floor and Austin on the 8th floor. Both of them are doing well but they are in pain, their stomachs are sore. It looks like Austin is going to be dismissed tomorrow, his phone room number is 310 423 8915, Cameron's is 310 423 6132. For Cameron it will take a few more days before he can go home, they say 5-7 days of a hospital stay. Today the surgeon and the transplant team came by. It's a good and healthy kidney! This morning the surgeon mentioned it already produced 9 liters of urine
Austin is staying in the ""Hollywood Suites"" do have to say those rooms looks nice for being a hospital room. It has a wooden floor, little sitting area with a couch and it's a nice size room. This is a thank you of the hospital for the donor.

Chantal

What a miracle

We are so much looking at a miracle and the grace of God. It is funny how blessed you can be when you see urine! Wow, what a miracle. Cameron is doing good, the incision and the inside are hurting but he has pain med for this. Austin is doing good but also in pain and had also pain med for this. Wow, Austin what a gift you have given to Cameron, there are just no words for. Sitting here with Cameron I realized what a big, big difference this new kidney makes!!! Cameron is in Cedar Sinai in room 6132. His room phone is 310 423 6132.
Looking back at today we see so much the hand of God in it all, there was such a peace about it, the day went by fast and everything felt so in place. Thank you all so much for your prayers and keep praying.

God Bless,

Chantal

Surgery is succesfull!!!

The surgeon just came by and they finished successfully the kidney transplant. The kidney is already making some urine and it should improve over night. Cameron is going to be in recovery for two hours and will go after that to the sixth floor. We are waiting for a phone call from the recovery room to see Austin, they should call any minute. After that we are waiting for a phone call to see Cameron. CAMERON HAS HIS NEW KIDNEY AND ITS WORKING!!!!!!! PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!!

Chantal

Transplant Update 3

Cameron and Austin are right now in surgery. Austin went in at 1:30 PM and Cameron went in at 2:15pm. Austin will get out of surgery an hour before Cameron.

Chantal

Update Transplant

They took Cameron for pre op around 1PM. Guy, Eve and Kyd arrived, we are waiting in the waiting room and having some starbucks:). Pray for a family sitting here, there dad went in for open heart surgery since 4am this morning, he is critical.
Alright once we know more we will wright more updates

Chantal

Transplant Update

We are at Cedars starting the transplant process. Cameron drove down on sunday afternoon with Amy and Austin for early lab work on morning and dialysis at Cedars. This morning we checked in at 10:00, Austin went in for pre op at 10:50. Cameron, Amy and myself are waiting at the 6th floor waiting room for Cameron to go in pre op Cameron's surgery will be starting around 4PM, they probably will start around 2 hours before that with Austin. There is wireless acces so we will keep you all updated. Today Guy (Cameron's and Austin brother) is also coming up and a Pastor friend from Austin and Amy will also come by. Thank you all so much for your prayers and the prayer chain. It's such a blessing to know people are constantly praying.

Chantal

we are still on for the 15th, i go in for pre -op on tuesday the 8th and check into the hospital on the 15th at 10:00 the surgury is at 2:45 i'm not sure how long the surgury isbut i appreciate your prayers as God nudges you to think of me during that day, tomorrow my church is praying for me during the second service this was brought on by my home group and our leaders mark and terri God bless all of you, and I will be proud to have such a supportive home group by my side during that time of prayer,don't forget the prayer chain there are still some spots open, lets get this surgury covered in prayer -cameron

we have a date

got a call from the hospital and we have a confirmned date for the transplant it is jan 15th praise the lord, i start treatments next week here is a link to sign up to cover the surgery in prayer http://segg.nl/cameron

good news, i got a call from the transplant center and the insurance gave approval for the surgury, now they just need to do a final blood cross between me and my brother's bloodand that will determine what type of treatment i need before the surgury,so it shouldnt be too long now -cameron

Transplant Update

Hello, Hope you all are doing well. Just want to give you an update regarding the transplant process. Cameron got the clearance from the cardiologist and the neurologist. Right now waiting for the financial clearance of the insurance. Please keep this in your prayers and that Cameron can have the tranplant very soon! God Bless, Chantal

update

iam doing well in ventura, working about two days a week,had an apointment at ceders sianithe insurance company wanted clearane from one of their neurologist befor they would ok the surgury so thing are under wayaustin is finishing up lab work this week and next they told him an estimate could be in november for transplant -cameron

Hello

Hi, hope you all are doing well, my name is Chantal and writing a quick update about Cameron. First of all I want to thank you for your prayers. The last 11 months are certainly a rollercoaster but in all of it we can see the faithfulness of God. Cameron flew back to Ventura in the beginning of July, he started working at his job (the Continental Office) a few hours a week, dialysis three times a week monday-wednesday-friday (it's a brand new dialysis center and only 5 minutes from Cameron's appartment!). On Friday Cameron went for an appointment at Cedars Sinai down in LA (the hospital for the kidney transplant), it was good to speak to the docter and transplant coordinator. It was a good visit and they are re-starting things for the kidney transplant. Please pray that Cameron can have his transplant soon!





God Bless



Chantal

"Please update the blog!"

After receiving a text on my phone that there are requests for an update on the blog I have to say I apologize that it has not been made current. I am his sister Susan I work a full time job, marriage and two young children with the responsibility of assisting my brother in his daily activities, dialysis 3 times weekly a 20 minute drive from home, dr. visits and lately added lab visits to monitor his coumadin therapy, new Rx's and pharmacy runs. I guess I could've just said we are really busy and when we are not for a few minutes, I just sit and breathe. Nothing else. I was keeping family updated via email until it was getting everyone excited for a surgery that would be scheduled and cancelled 3 times in a row. So I decided I would wait until he was not only in the O.R. but that he was actually having surgery before I would tell everyone and get them excited and praying for his surgery recovery, however the prayers are needed surgery or not and I thank you all for your thoughts and prayers I know Cam appreciates them. So when the time came I found that I was even more busier at that time and that the drives 35min. over to the hospital can take up a lot of extra time, too. And so I've explained myself and I hope you can all forgive me. I know Chantal has kept his co-workers informed and I have contacted our mom to keep the family informed. So to all of you close friends anxious to know how our most loved Cameron is doing..... Cameron is feeling really good and looks great. Dr. Worrall performed open heart surgery in the end of April and with all your prayers and God's hand he successfully patched the aortic wall surrounding the valve, replaced the aortic and mitral valves. Cameron looked bright and fantastic in the ICU a couple days after surgery. He was discharged one week after the surgery and looks like he never had an open heart surgery. May 9th he followed up with Dr. Worrall and he said Cam was cleared to go home to California under the condition that he follows up with a new cardiologist in California. He checked his sternum and heart and they are well healed and much faster than he expected. Praise God and black eye for the devil and his doubters. Cameron has been spending his days going for walks around the neighborhood and going on outings with his nieces and I. Unfortunately after his craniotomy last Sept. he had seizures and is unable to drive because of this. He has not had any seizures since last fall and an EEG ruled out any problems causing the seizures other than status post cranial surgery. He was off his seizure medication Keppra the entire time hospitalized for this second open heart surgery and had no problems and even seemed less tired and more energetic. Dr. Obermiller wants to try and get him off of the seizure med. with the consultation of a neurologist and see how he does without it and just pray that he does not experience anymore seizures. His left side weakness has improved greatly in these last few months. Able to do more and more for himself without needing assistance. Its really hard to open things and put things on without the full strength of your left hand. Its like those winter play days and coming in from the cold your hands are so cold and numb that you can't even unbotton your wet snowpants. But he has alot of his strength back and is now able to do so much more with his left hand. He can type using one of his left hand digits and before he couldn't even use it to type with and had to use his right hand completely. He wants to go back to work in California and is very close. Dr. Obermiller is the last to release Cam and clear him for home. His plan is to keep Cam on the Coumadin another week and then stop it for 4 days and try to access his graft. If he is unable to access it he will have Cam go through a day surgery to place a catheter in the graft and use a balloon to open it up to allow more flow through it due to the stenosis or narrowing of the graft. Cam has to be off Coumadin in order to do this so we are praying that the Coumadin therapy goes well this next week and he can go off of it. However the hematologist recommends Cameron stay on the Coumadin therapy at least through this next week due to the fact he has a clotting condition related to his Lupus and the reasoning for the clots that formed throughout both of his arms and neck after his last open heart surgery. We are trying to prevent that from happening and yet get the graft started so he can head home per his request ASAP. This next week Cameron is in Lewiston staying at his brother Pete's and his sister Debra is transporting him to and from Dialysis and taking him to the lab twice a week for his coumadin therapy. She will be keeping up on Cam's meds. and changes to them. This will give Cam a chance to visit with friends he has mentioned missing and not seeing for a very long time. He will be staying there until he is ready for the graft procedure and will head up back to Spokane. When his phone is on and charged you can usually reach him on it or just text him. Keep in mind that Mon., Wed., and Fri.'s he goes to dialysis and is usually tired after that time. His dialysis is from 11am to 3pm at the Fresenius center on 21st where Cindy the nurse manager is ensuring he receives the best of care. Your thoughts and prayers for Cameron are much needed and just praise God for answering them and getting Cameron where he is today. Please keep his sister Debra in your thoughts and prayers while she is working full time and being there for Cam. Unfortunately, Pete usually works out of town and his wife has the busy responsibilities that I have with the addition of a sweet toddler. Debra is much needed in Cameron's transportation and care. So pray God blesses her and gives her strength as well as blessing Pete and Rene for opening up their home for Cam. Much love and gratitude to the Continentals for loving and caring for Cameron throughout these trials he has faced. He loves you and cannot wait to return and work for you doing what he loves. He'll be returning home as soon as he can get his body there. 'The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.' Job 33:4

Thank you for your patience, thoughts and prayers! God Bless, Susan

first of all i want to say thankyou to everyone for your prayers especiallycurtis Susan Chantal am awaiting surgery on my heart. the stiches of the first one in ventura came loose so they will have to do another they are lookinging at march 23rd,thenI will fly down to ventura to begin work again-cameron

"Looks like its getting close"

Cameron, called me yesterday and said that someone came into his room at Sacred Heart Hospital and said, "So, your leaving soon?" Cameron said that they thought he was getting ready to discharge that day. So he called me and said, "Looks like its getting close." He has been a patient, patient.

I am so fantastically excited to deliver this message to all of you. Family and caring friends, God gave the devil 2 black eyes and through Dr. Obermiller completely killed the two bacterial infections in his blood!!!!!!!! I'll give you a moment to shout for joy and scream hallelujah.

He is spending his days at Sacred Heart walking with physical therapy and doing exercises for strengthening. He is referred for extensive rehab at St. Lukes following his Sacred Heart discharge at Cam's request to return to work. All of the swelling in his arms and hands has decreased completely to normal size due to the blood clots resolving. He is able to use his left hand and fingers more to do things because of this. His nieces Star and Lily come over to play most days and Uncle Cameron helps give them clues when playing several games of hangman. He also teaches them about various things such as telling Star about all of the planets and the characteristics of each. Lily has decorated his hospital room with her toys. He has been feeling perky enough to take some phone calls now.

His admission on January 1st began with treating the two blood infections and finding out what caused them. In Cali they talked back and forth about an alternate site for dialysis and assumed the central line was the cause of infection. They were treating him for one bacteria with Zyvox. They never removed the central line. They kept using it for dialysis and talked about a femoral vein/groin catheter. Finally the vascular surgeon placed a graft in his right arm to attempt dialysis via another route. By the time he came home for the holidays his blood was growing 2 bacterial infections. While reviewing Cameron's extensive medical records and history in Cali-thanks to Curtis' hard work going and harassing every facility for Cam's records prior to coming to Idaho, Dr. Obermiller removed the central line, inserted a femoral groin catheter for dialysis, and cultured the tip of the catheter for bacteria. He had an extensive procedure to check his heart and the replacement valve. Cam's heart is within normal limits and no abnormalities to the valves. The catheter tip also did not grow any bacteria. Although there is the possibility that the bacteria could have been further up the line that was not cultured, Dr. Obermiller was intent on finding the source for infection. After a head scan and barium swallow showed up normal, Mom said, "We may never find out where the infection came from and Dr. Obermiller may have to leave it in God's hands."

However, one view showed a hazy appearance surrounding Cam's transplanted kidney. Dr. Obermiller said that it can mean inflammation of the kidney. He told Cameron he has had this happen before and it is caused by further rejection of the transplant kidney. If it is inflammation, then it can be infected. He advised Cam he would like to take it out. A usually very compliant patient, Cam spoke up in a loud voice looking at him with question, "Take out the kidney!" Dr. Obermiller reassured Cam he has done this before and in doing so he could be taken off the prednisone completely. Dr. Obermiller quickly realized how Cam felt about this and offered a biopsy to ensure reason for removal. Cam was ok with this.

There are 2 procedures needed to get Cam closer to discharge:
1)Incision and drainage of all of the fluid above the graft site, in order to prevent infection or damage to the graft and ensure use.
2)Kidney biopsy to check for inflammation or infection.
3)Needle aspiration of fluid below left lower lobe/lung. He has had this drained once thus far while staying at Sacred Heart and Cam said, "they removed 2 quarts of fluid!" This was cultured and negative for bacteria, also.
All of these procedures require an above 50 platelet count. Cam's has been 47. He has had low platelet counts on and off while in Cali. Dr. Obermiller has been working with a hematologist to find out why. He has a clotting problem not a bleeding problem. He questions whether it is over the years from Lupus or damage to the bone marrow. He had the pharmacy check his medications and one of them was discontinued due to the possible cause of lowering platelet counts. Dr. Obermiller was able to talk a radiologist into finally 2 of the 3 procedures today and Cam seems uplifted since they have been done. The excluded procedure was the kidney biopsy.

So, if you are in the Spokane, Washington area despite the weather and road conditions, Cameron would love to visit with you.
Much hope, health and happiness to you all and thank you for your much needed prayers, Cameron's sister-Susan

Where is Cameron

What if spirit is like a milkshake for the soul..........One can only wonder, as I often do.



I would like to make an apology for such a lengthy delay in updates. Cameron returned home for the holidays and is now at the Sacred Heart Memorial Hospital in Spokane Washington under the care of Dr. Gary Obermiller.

Previously here in California the medical staff had begun to treat his case as terminal and were no longer working to save his life. The care in Spokane has been impressive and Cameron will stay in Spokane longer in order to fight a blood infection and rise to a safer level of recovery. He then intends to return home to Ventura and continue his work at the corporate center for the Continentals.

I am no judge of correctness or rightness as I am aware of my ways, beliefs and how they do not comply with the beliefs of the church I was raised in, nor with my own morals and standards on some occasions. I do however, accept the teachings of my youth as a foundation of my being. So contradicting my current rational analysis and through what religious knowledge I retain, I will speak more freely on a subject that is sensitive in nature to all mankind and that continues to persist as a divider in our world today. The subject is god and man of course, and the people's general objection to differing perceptions of truth and the trail of death it leaves. This injustice is based on ignorance and selfish desire for power through manipulation of the people's willingness to follow without question.

There are times in all of this when I expend all my energy and effort into daily challenges and begin to slow down as I lose belief in my perceived purpose of it all. For some reason it takes an exponential effort to complete the easiest of tasks when they are related to this pervading and overall will that I feel. Then, something extraordinary will occur that will begin to revive my spirit. Again, I risk displaying my ignorance through philosophical expression, but the truth is, that someday my life here will end, and so then, I will at least express what I feel as honestly as I can and with enough clarity for others to see what I think I see.

I do feel it hard to understand what is going on here and how it appears to be something larger than Cameron himself or any one of us as individuals. Numerous things have happened to me that are personal in nature so they may not hit you has squarely as they hit me, but all of them together show me that something has been calling out for me, and also that angelic supporters may have been sent my way. Prior to now I had lacked the will to write this blog here and then after receiving an email, I found that its message touched my soul. In summary the message was that.......It's okay to question god, and your beliefs, otherwise you become just a follower living in fear and doubt for what you may otherwise feel commanded to believe. It is through our struggles with god, questioning beliefs and searching for truth that we develop a deeper more personal relationship with god. This and more in the message filled me with strength and gave me a little hope.

I know that in early 2006 I saw my brother tiring and becoming weaker, and that as it continued I looked sadly down upon him for what could be perceived as a failure or a lacking in the will of god. Instead of aiding and protecting him from increasing forces that weighed him down mentally, my inaction enabled an even more increasing force to progress in his life. Now that I can see this, I lean on hope and attempt to cease a pattern that does not resemble salvation but instead objects to its existence. I can call attention to this force and possibly stop a cycle of untruth that if not stopped; will continue to reduce the entire family of god, into a residue of torn hearts resting in a pool of fading memories.

Those who are now with Cameron must feel what I have felt when he was in California and even stronger now. And now that I see a bit of truth in it all, I do not want to unknowingly fuel a travesty that will eventually consume Cameron, march forward, and then consume my own life. Mentors of mine and leaders from my youth are those I remember as strong and yet now they are weakened, fearful, and hurting. I never really expected this and it has become unsettling to me, then my mind began spinning to determine a solution that seemed to be non existent or too complex for my understanding. After much thought I feel like a solution was revealed to me, the solution is so simple in nature that I can only smile, since even I remember those sermons on sunday that would sometimes seems so redundant. And what would we hear again and again, "call its name and it has to flee". So I decide that I will help a brother who is weakening and find the name of this thing that afflicts his mind. The details of how I am not sure of, I can only state what I see in this case. Either way, instead of boasting about my perfection while exposing my brother's imperfection I choose to expose the presence of a growing force going against him and help to free him from this fight with guidance and through expression of the truth personal in nature, that I believe I have come to know and understand.

Yes, it could be said that my words should not be taken and that they come from an ungodly source, but I ask this of you, to question yourself on the following. I can assure you there is a force desiring to keep me from assisting with Cameron, that tells me that life really means nothing, that I should give up, and that i have no real purposeful function in life, that Cameron and I don't have the best of sibling relationships so I should abandon any thought. Then there is another force here and, I can assure you that it is, my soul that is crying out here in an attempt to save what I have tried to dismantel, disect, understand, and rationalize all my life. It is now that I can see what I have fought to get away from and so stubbornly turned my back on, is something that I need, and that if I don't have that, I have nothing ............It is my soul attempting to accomplish something that I have noticed to be an issue greater than any ailment of a body's physical member, but to save the only part of the human body that I cannot logically explain or understand, and to save what is more precious than human life.

A living soul.

At Least Now, I Have Hope

So, Cameron says, (Jess your lingo is rubbing off on me). So
Cameron says,.... "at least now, I have hope"..... to chantal on
saturday. It feels great to be telling you all that Cameron will soon be out of the hospital and very much with us.

I can't even begin to explain, Cam fought a lonely battle this week.
From seizures and feeding tube to withdrawals from heavy
medication. Initially Dr's said he was great and would be out
soon, just needed to up the anti-seizure meds and run an MRI test
to make sure there is nothing abnormal in the brain that caused
the seizure. It later turned out to be a much longer stay.

After the seizures subsided he had a damaged throat and went on a
feeding tube. The MRI could not be done becausRe he would not quit
moving. His time there was also prolonged due to a waiting line for using the MRI machine, mostly because of so many patients coming in the ER around that time. An MRI is finally completed on wednesday. Sadly he did not join us on thanksgiving like we had expected. In fact, we hadn't had a conversation with him since he went in, only "yes", "no", a word here and there. And it just looked like he was angry about it all. Too many things to speak of.

Then Sat. Cam calls me after I had dropped mom off at LAX. Naturally I'm surprised, saying, Cam your there! ( excited of course ) . Then I find that Cameron is far from excited, he is confused, and afraid. He says, I have a problem and I need your help. "Oh Yeah", I'm in a
dept store and they have my bed in the middle of the store, and
the hospital is connected to it. They are just sitting over there
and I was at santa paula and they put me here and didn't tell
anyone, i've been here for two weeks without anyone knowing. Keep
in mind, that in previous days cam had been trying to get out,
pull out tubes, kicking nurses, screaming for help to Chantal and
I. etc.... After arriving I found he was visibly disturbed, and
told me to get the nurse, then I find that he has repeated the
story several times, as he began to repeat his story to me again, not realizing he had already told the story many times.

I am glad I sent a call to the family and requested a web
conference meeting. It later prepared me for how to handle him.
I explained to him that he had been taken off heavy meds and that he would be in a halfway state from dream to reality for a while. And that it today was his second day of coming off of them with about 5 days left. After talking it
through a few hours everthing came back and he began to remember most things. He apologized to the nurse for getting out of bed, pulling out tubes, calling her fat
and ugly and kicking her, and other things better left unsaid. He
said he felt like he was in a cartoon and the only way out was to
kick the characters. So he calmed down and later, he fell asleep, then that morning woke up at 1:30am , only to feel exactly how he felt earlier, with no recollection
of what happened. He asked that we not leave him, so both Chantal and I promised him that. Sad to seem him sad, because he never is. So I had to write
a letter, like in an old Adam Sandler movie, of all things, who would
think,

The letter went like this, Hey Cam, this is Curtis, if you have
woke up and are confused with where you are, I can tell you that
you are just now coming of some heavy meds and while you come off
you will be in a halfway state....etc etc.... you began coming out
yesterday at noon and today it is sunday 5am, you are on day two
and you will feel like this for a while, also that you haven't been alone,
mom and Chantal have been here everyone day and me also except one day
...etc. etc........Before leaving that morning at 7am i gave him the note for approval.
he looked at me like i was an imbecile when i showed it to him. and then later sunday night he
thanked me for it.

Anyway, progress went much better after dialysis on monday
thathelped with removing the drug residuals in the blood. This
afternoon he moved out of CCU and onto the 4th floor. He is happy about that and so are we. On Sunday Chantal found him a christmas tree ornament and brought it to him.

And written on the ornament there was a word. --HOPE--


Curtis

County Memorial Hospital

Yes, it is true, Cameron is now in the ICU at County Memorial Hospital. His condition for the most part has stabilized and we will have a much better outlook on his situation by tomorrow evening.


This recent condition began Friday as he was beginning a regular 4 hour dialysis process. It is now clear that he began to have a massive seizure and some has been said about a deficient fistula. He was transported to an ER in Santa Paula while a nurse called numbers in his cell to attempt family contact. There was a moment of panic since he was there alone and nurses did not know who to contact. They were able to connect with Susie (Cameron's sister in Idaho) who then took up the job of notifying everyone and clearing up the incomplete and disturbing information from the staff at the dialysis center.



Mom and Chantal were soon with him in Santa Paula, After a couple hours he was transported to County Memorial Hospital in Ventura. This was requested and we were glad for that since CMH is where he has been and staff are familiar with his needs.

Information around the fistula is a little unclear, it is basically a vein rerouted to an artery on the arm and has an external entry point for the dialysis process. This allows for a cleaner and safer method of dialysis. During the initial surgery to create the fistual the vein and artery may not have connected as well as they should have. That should not be the focus though since the seizure is the clear issue and Dr's feel the dosage of his anti-seizure medicine should now be greater.



It doesn't feel too much like a set back. It mostly is a visit to control his blood pressure and stabilize processes while determining a level of prescribed meds. His blood pressure was in the dangerous range of 245/215 and can be the result of not having dialysis. There are some positive things coming out of this. He may have felt low because of not so great dialysis treatments. The med dosage for seizures will now be more appropriate. Tonight we had to tell Cam that he had nothing to worry about for recovery in his left side ambulatory movement. Mostly because, it was his left arm that almost lifted a nurse friday as she tried to restrain him to the bed. It was his left hand that delivered a healthy pinch to mom's hand as she assisted during the ugent matter. He is now alert, looking healthy, and sunday night he told us he was feeling much better.

Welcome Home......

Cameron returned home to his apt in Ventura California friday of this last weekend. Friends greeted him with gifts and visited to celebrate his release. Mom (Mary) attended also, she flew down earlier in the week and will be in the area until Saturday.

Some pics should be posted next week. He has made significant progress and on Saturday completed a long walk on the beach. His schedule is full with physical therapy three times a week, along with what he does on his own at home, cognitive therapy for mental development, visual therapy (to expand their range to the left), dialysis 3 - 4 times a week at (each is a four hour visit), and this week it is an apt each day with the kidney, heart, and brain Dr's.

Right now his concern is high blood pressure. As I currently understand it, the issue with blood pressure is that the kidney cleanses the blood by passing it through a straw like tube and tiny extentions filter out bad particles that are the result of a regular cycle. If the blood were a city then the kidney would be its trash disposal service. Anyway, when the blood pressure is high or moving with much more force, it will cause the tubes to constrict and therefore the tubes are not able to cleanse the blood as thoroughly while the blood spills over and around it. So because of this he has additional medication to counteract high blood pressure. One new med (Kepplar i think) has a side effect of dizzines, nausea, irritable skin, etc. and its expected that these effects will be prominent for 4 weeks until the body adjusts to the intake. I reviewed the side effects of all of his other meds (prednisone, lisinopril, etc. and they all have similar side effects). Not the best thing for Cam as he works hard to regain normal functions and cope with standing and movement exercises. Its almost like the doctors are sending Cam off to run a relay race and before he goes they say, "hey good luck, but wait one minute while we tie these bricks to your ankles.") Not sure why they do that.

I would be painting a false picture if I were to say he is doing great. His body is adjusting to a serious environmental change from intravenous to normal intake. This can result in muscle aches, and elevated pain in many other areas. He has a continual high low cycle of nausea and doesn't sleep throught the night, instead, he sits up and rocks while coping with pain. He is on a lot of medication, a lot of it is new, and that in itself can make anyone less attentive and social. So all In all from my perspective, I have faith that we will see significant improvement over the next few weeks as his body adjusts to new meds and the blood pressure is controlled.

It is good that he is home and on his own, although, there is a feeling of urgency, to be aggressive in Physical, Mental, Visual and Social exercises. This is because the effects of a stroke can be reversed mostly in the 6 months following the initial event. After that, the body settles in and doesn't allow much more improvement in most cases. Cameron is not quite at the level he intends to be at and exhibits visible frustration in it all. So we are sure to help him as much as possible, and in keeping his spirits high throughout this personal pursuit.

I believe it is important for all of us on Cameron's support team to stop, slow down, and meet Cameron on the level for where he is at, and listen to what his spirit and voice say. Many studies conclude that several mental illnesses and resulting physical ailments with men and woman in their thirties and aftewards are caused by peopel not speaking their minds or working through their stress and mental anguish. Generally, because they do not have anyone to talk too (or they refuse to talk to anyone) or that they feel they can relate to. By this they mean, expressing the things that frustrate you, make you happy, or make you excited each day. For some reason it is important for our bodies to be a part of life and the people that are in it. So that if, people buld a life of no relationships, or avoid their family, do not have friends etc. they can develop mental disorders. Many of these people are business people and workaholics such as myself, and they go to therapy in order to work through them all. Me myself, I have anxiety and a bit of OCD (Obssessive Compulsive Disorder). The first time I went to the Doc and he told me I wasn't sick and it was anxiety, I could have slapped myself. I refused the meds and decided to work on stopping myself when I begin to bottle up stress, etc. As well as work harder on building supportive and more long lasting relationships, verses the disposable relationships I so love to maintain. Anyway......

So the magic in professional mental therapy is simply that the person is able to speak their mind and eventually know that the listener understands them and this in turn makes the person feel normal and not like an alien on a foreign planet. It also allows the person to work through their mental conflicts and better understand themself. Overall, it promotes mental health, and since the brain is the issuer of commands to all major functions in the body, it also promote good physical health. So I'm not saying that Cameron has a mental illness, I'm just relating the ideology of it all to him as a way of stressing how important it is for us to stop, slow down, and listen, as well as return some words of understanding while he continues in fighting his fight. I extend gratitude and thanks to all of you and especially Chantal for your support. Have a Happy Thanksgiving.

Curtis

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

Msg 16 - A little more info...

Cameron received dialysis again today as well as physical therapy. On Saturdays physical therapy is conducted only once. Cameron uses a 4 point walker now and is helped by the occupational therapist to stay up. He is doing really well they say, and is definitely a good candidate for acute therapy. To be accepted by acute therapy you can not be doing too well and you can not be doing too poorly either, so there is a certain window of acceptability. St. Johns, in Oxnard, is the most likely choice. The dialysis systems they use at County Memorial actually come from St. Johns so dialysis will be very accessible for him. Cameron will be receiving a new feeding tube in addition to the line for his stomach. The new tube’s purpose is to bypass the stomach and go straight to the intestinal region. Since Cameron’s stomach is having trouble getting used to food they will make sure he still gets the nutrients he needs while still feeding him through the stomach line getting it used to food. This is a very normal procedure and the nurse says he won’t even have to leave his room. At this time his blood pressure is getting better but they still want to keep an eye on it. Cameron was able to sign his own consent form for the procedure and was also able to sign his checks for the monthly bills as well! Cameron had his hair cut yesterday and was definitely happy about that. Today Chantal and I helped him work out his left leg. I was happy to see that he needs some, but little, help to bring his knee to his chest and then cross it over his other leg. The main problem is that each time he does this the covers get wrapped around his leg and need to be untangled. Otherwise he would need no assistance in this workout. Step by step he is progressing every day.

I will be returning to 29 Palms tomorrow to report back in to my command. I will return to Ventura sometime between the 5th and the 10th. Curtis will be coming to visit as well in the time that his job allows. Call either of us if you have any questions.

Msg 15 - More news......

More news,

Austin, Amy, and the kids left this morning returning to Okinawa. As of now Curtis and myself are the last of the family in the area. You may contact either of us to answer any questions you may have.

I visited with Cameron this evening and everything is going well. Chantall and Omar stopped by as well. It's amazing what just 4 days can do when it comes to a person of Cameron's character and drive. Not to mention all the prayers and support of which there is definitely no lack of. Cameron has improved greatly since I last saw him on the 22nd. Today Cameron had dialysis, which is going every 3 days now as opposed to right after the heart surgery when it was every day. After dialysis he recieved physical therapy which is going quite well. The nurse said he is improving greatly each day. Cameron is able to move his left arm and leg to some extent and does exercises on his own time as well. His speech has improved immensely and when he is not tired from his daily therapy, is definitely up for conversation. Today he was able to go over all his bills with me and give me direction as to what he wanted done concerning other things as well. Tomorrow Jessica Wenig, a friend of Cam's, will visit and give his hair a trim as it is getting quite long. He is definitely looking forward to that.

I was able to speak with one of his nurses as well as Dr Ghandi to learn some more specifics. Cameron received x-rays of his heart 2 days ago which showed his heart doing great. Dr. Ghandi said he is really doing too well to even be in the CCU still. They were going to move him into his own room yesterday if it were not for his high blood pressure that they would like to keep an eye on a little longer. This is very good news. Cameron’s main concern as of this moment is regaining full motor skills in the left side of his body. This has been improving greatly each day but will improve at an even greater rate when he is in his own room on a different floor where physical therapy will be more aggressive. Cameron’s ability to swallow is getting better and has been eating mash potatoes and popsicles. The nurses are also adding thickening agents to his water to strengthen his muscles. Cameron says the water does not taste good and causes his stomach to be unsettled. This can also be attributed to the fact that his body is not used to eating normally. As for the kidney transplant, it is being played by ear. Dr. Ghandi advised that no estimate for a timeline would be possible at this time. His body has been through a lot and it would be hard to know at this time when he will be ready. It is good to see Cameron free of all the stuff he was hooked up to. He is currently only receiving an IV with vitamins and supplements as well as line for electrolytes.

All in all Cameron is doing great although he has a hard road ahead of him concerning rehabilitation. Tomorrow I will speak with his social worker Fred Odom so as to make an appointment with Cameron’s neurologist. From visiting with Cameron it seems there might be very little permanent damage but I am not a doctor and hope to hear the definite word from the neurologist himself. As soon as I receive more information I will get it out to you all. I will end with a story Omar shared with me today.
To get this you will have to know a game that I believe everyone knows. It's the game where you make a circle with your thumb and index finger and place it somewhere in view of someone. When they look at it you get to hit them twice in the arm.....read on.....

A couple of days ago Omar was in to visit Cameron. While he was there Omar asked Cameron how his vision was doing and if he could see his face clearly. Cameron nodded yes. Omar asked if he could see his face clearly with both eyes and Cameron again nodded yes. Then Omar asked if he could see THIS (making a circle just below his neck). This was so far out of left field to be playing this game that I would’ve probably fallen for it, but not Cameron. He simply gave Omar a “put it away” gesture with his hand stating he could see it in his peripheral but was not going to fall for it. So as you can see Cameron definitely has his wits about him. This gave me a good laugh and I hope it does the same for you.

Guy

** Fact Log has been updated for more summary view in timeline of events

Msg 14 - Short Update

Hi All,

A short update for now. Cameron is steadily progressing into recovery. He is less confined to the bed now and is spending more time in a chair, also showing improvement in body movement and motor skills. Today he will begin a regiment of more normal food intake. Moving from ice chips and popsicles into solids that are easier to digest, such as mashed potatoes. While he is conversing and becoming more aware of his surroundings, he is still weak and healing from the heart surgery as well as the brain surgery. We hope to gain a better idea in timing for the upcoming kidney transplant as well as more detailed analysis of the stroke's impact after meeting with the Neurologist and the Kidney Dr. on Tuesday.

Lee our oldest brother was here for the open heart surgery and returned home on Wednesday. Austin, Amy and family will be returning to Okinawa this coming Thursday. Mom and Guy will be the best points of contact after Austin leaves. Through the red cross we were able to make arrangements to have Guy retrieved from the ongoing war in Iraq. Guy was here for the surgery and now is in Twentynine Palms(outside Vegas) with his wife Eva and newly born son (Kyd Timothy Bonner)(Yes, his name is Kyd). Guy will return on Thursday and remain for another week. Mom (Mary) has been here for some time and will be returning home later this week. E.J. (youngest brother) is expected to arrive soon and Cameron's nephew Dustin (Lee's son) will also be taking a reprieve from his duty in Iraq for a short visit.

As Cameron recovers more he will be able to send a greeting and take a greater lead in the overall communication. For all of you that have sent your prayers and support I know I can speak for Cameron and say, thank-you. Austin has read the cards and notes to Cameron, so know that they are uplifting and a strong source of support.

Curtis

Msg 13 - Surgery Complete!

!!!PRAISE THE LORD!!!
Cameron is complete with his surgery and recovering well. They completed the operation at 1:30 p. m. and were 110% successful. The doctor found Cameron's heart to have a badly damaged aortic valve, but a mitral valve that was still in good condition. After replacing the aortic valve the mitral valve began working properly on its own. This greatly reduced the surgery time and further affirmed the power of God and his ability to create miracles out of the worst situations.

Cameron will be recovering for the next couple weeks, conducting physical therapy to improve his motor skills. His recovery will dictate the timeline for his kidney transplant, which has been put on hold. We look forward to Cameron getting out of the CCU and moving to his own room. We'll get him all the cards of support that have been sent in and make sure he gets his phone so he can call people himself. Once again thank you for all of your prayers and support.

Austin

Msg 12 - Surgery

There hasn’t been much to report on lately with Cameron getting into somewhat of a routine. He is recovering everyday, looking forward to the day that he can get up and move around without us telling him he can’t. He even remarked the other day that Guy and I were making him mad when we wouldn’t let him talk us into getting him out of bed. He said the nurses and doctors were ok with it :).

I update this blog now with the knowledge that Cameron will be going into heart surgery tomorrow morning the 20th of September at 6:00 a.m. (PST). I know this is short notice, but understand that we also have had to make this decision knowing that there is no perfect time. God’s timing is his and he will work a miracle even when we lack the understanding. Cameron has recovered thus far very well and as the days go by his brain is healing, but his heart only becomes weaker and more exhausted. If you see this blog update tonight, I would ask you not to assume that everybody checking the site knows. This update is late and I know many may not see it till the morning. So, take it upon yourself to call those you know that have responded and are praying and tell them to have Cameron in their prayers and minds throughout tonight and tomorrow morning.

We appreciate everyone who has helped and responded. A smile will always form on my face knowing that Cameron could touch anybody’s life that he came in contact with. It’s a power capable of causing a flower to bloom before its time. Thank you and keep praying!

Austin

Msg 11 - Motherly Love

The Lord told me this year that everyone is in his place. After years of seeing you in the worst, after prayer, seeing you amazingly spring back to your self. It has been sorrow, tears and then comes the victory, joy in the Lord, and the waiting, as you get well. You are a work of art, God’s art, as we all are in God’s will.

Psalms 19:7: The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
v.8: The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart, the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
v.9: The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever, the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
v.10: More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter, also than and the honeycomb. You were the second of 4 boys, born about a year and a month apart.

Those years, I had a dream about four babies. I thought, am I going to have quadruplets? I did have the four babies; Curtis, Cameron, Austin, and Guy. Guy is coming in to see you today, Sunday the 17th of September, 2006.

One time, some of the boys, can’t remember which ones, got in the car and the car went across the street ending up in the neighbor’s fence. There was a lot of screaming, and it wasn’t me.

Update:
We had 2 terrible days where Cam was not getting any nourishment for going on the three days, I was getting a little worried. Then the next day, Saturday, we went in and he was looking good, and talking. Before that he was too drugged and his eyes didn’t look so good. They are still talking about when to conduct heart surgery, to repair his 2 damaged valves. A nurse (Diane) came on shift, Saturday evening, who had cared for Cameron much earlier in his hospital stay, after surgery on his brain to remove a blood clot. He is getting physical therapy now, getting him up into a wheelchair and conducting arm exercises. That was good. They also have placed a PEG into Cameron’s stomach to provide nutrients into his stomach. This is the best means for the body to receive nutrients.

Love,
Mom

Msg 10 - So my brother

So my brothers promise another update will be coming soon. Since I am 3,000 miles away in Florida I’ve been checking in with them through phone and e-mail and it sounds like a lot has happened in the past week as far as the strides Cam is taking to get better.

Guy flew in from Iraq this week and he tells me our oldest brother Lee is scheduled to fly into California sometime today. Cameron is undergoing physical therapy to retain his motor functions and Guy said he is constantly trying to pull himself up and get out of bed.

If you know Cameron at all, you probably know how difficult it is for him to sit still.

He still has a really long ways to go, but I can’t help but think how much faster his recovery will be with his brothers there for support. Anyways, this is just a short note until Austin and Guy post a longer, more indepth summary of what’s going on. They’re supposed to be meeting with Cam’s doctors soon so they’ll have the latest information about what's happening.

In the meantime, nearly 100 people from all over the world have posted notes for Cameron and I just wanted to thank you all for that and tell you how much it will mean to him when he’s able to read them all.

I was torn when creating this blog because we were posting a lot of personal information without Cameron's consent, but it has been so crucial for keeping everyone informed. I figure we'll worry about all the embarrassing stories and inside jokes later.

Jessie

Msg 08 - Great News!

Yesterday, Cameron was still on the respirator, placed back on Diprivan for his pain and hadn’t woke up like he did the night before when Jessie and I were rambling. Things weren’t looking the brightest with an upcoming decision on whether or not to have a tracheotomy conducted to make the respirator tubes more comfortable for Cameron and setup longtime care.

Well, today on the way to the airport (LAX) with Jessie, who is flying back to Florida, we received the best news yet. Cameron woke up and started breathing on his own! I know many of you are saying, “Praise the Lord” or “Hallelujah” right now and you have every reason to do so.

We went to the hospital later today and Cameron was occasionally opening his eyes, trying to talk and very much awake. It was hard to understand him with his swollen tongue, and sore throat, but it was easy to see that Cameron knew who he was talking to and was able to respond. Cameron is still on Dobutamine (increases cardiac output), but they have taken him off of the Diprivan (general anesthesia). Without the respirator tubes in his mouth and a couple days of healing we hope to hear Cameron’s cheery voice again.

This Friday, we will meet with “The Doctors” to hear what they have to say about Cameron’s future outlook and any observations from his recovery thus far.

On a side note I wanted to send out a few thank you comments to some individuals that have made this situation easier for everyone.

In Ventura, Cameron has friends here that are amazing in every way possible. Chantal has assisted Cameron a lot with medical appointments and being there for him whenever help is needed. Omar has let us take over his and Cameron’s apartment by moving downstairs with another friend Josh. We appreciate it and thank all of Cameron’s friends so much for their help, love and support. Also, Jessie Bonner, who doesn’t take credit for much has with the help of Curtis Bonner created this blog site that will truly lift Cameron’s spirits once he views all the comments from family, friends and even people who Cameron has never met. When Jessie arrived here Cameron had noted a particular item Jessie was carrying. It was a case for her iPod and Cameron remarked that it looked Navajo. Jessie of course felt this was Cameron messing with her, but I feel it relates, because I have decided to refer to Jessie as “Sacagawea" (not Navajo, but close enough). Jessie was here to help Cameron through an extremely tough time and has guided many people with the help of this blog to come to know Cameron more and given them the ability to send their support. Good job Jess and Curtis! Here’s a photo of the case for you to decide.









Austin

Msg 07 - Baby steps...

So something me and Austin were talking about last night must have been really funny, or really annoying to hear, because Cameron woke up to the sound of our voices tonight.

It was the first time he has really opened his eyes and been able to respond since the surgery.

Frankly, it was a very big deal.

He’s no longer on any narcotics. Earlier today his doctors took him off the Diprivan, the drug that basically sedates him so he can sleep. It was good to see him off so much medication, but he is also coming around, which means he is starting to feel a massive amount of hurt from everything that’s happened.

He was able to squeeze the nurse’s hand and when she asked him if he was in any pain he was able to nod in a way that said “yes … and are you an idiot?”

Kidding.

Point is, even after all he’s been through it was so good to see a small glimpse of Cameron being, well, Cameron, even if it was only for a brief moment. He was grimacing pretty bad and could only keep his eyes open for a couple of seconds, so the nurse gave him some medication and he started to settle down.

In some ways, I am thankful because he will have an enormous amount to deal with when he comes to, but he is surrounded by people who love him and he is one of the luckiest people I’ve ever known.

Jessie

Msg 06 - Medications Cameron is on for now

Diprivan: a general anesthesia he has been on since being admitted to the ICU. It pretty much paralysizes his muscles and he moves very little when he is on it. Nurses are slowly tapering him off it.

Dobutamine: medication for patients who suffer from a reduced heart function.

Dilantin: is supposed to help stop the seizures. Cameron has had several small ones since his surgery.

Ancef: an drug that is part of a family of antibiotics used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections that occur in the body.

Solu-Medrol: a steroid that reduces swelling and decreases the body’s immune response.

Protronix: a treatment to reduce the amount of acid in the stomach.

Renagel: a drug used to control phosphorus levels for people suffering from renal failure.

Hydralazine: a drug used to control high blood pressure.

Amphogel: a drug used to treat peptic ulcers.

Contact-Information

Rehabilitation Foundation - Santa Barbara
2415 De La Vina St., Santa Barbara CA, 93105
General Office: 805-687-7444

• Polly: Handles addmittance - Cam is accepted 10-26-06
• Carol: Manages overall - Confirmation of Dialysis center for S.B. is pending

Community Memorial Hospital - Ventura
147 N. Brent Street, Ventura CA 93003
General Office: 805-652-5011

• Pamela Cohan, LVN - Social Service Communicator - 805-652-5010 - mobile - 805-910-9860
• Denise, : Social Services - Physical Rehabiliation - 805-910-9869

• Dr. Skillern: Vascular Surgeon - Install permanent Shunt prior to discharge for rehab
  
• Dr. Cary Alberstone: Neurosurgeon - Removed blood clot on September 6, 2006. He is continuing to monitor Cameron and oversee his brain activity. Phone: 805.983.1700
• 
  
• Dr. Saumil Gandhi: Nephrologist Cameron has been seeing since he moved to Ventura last year for his Lupus and kidneys. Phone: 805.525.3977
• 
  
• Dr. Mark Ginkel: Cardiologist - Highly regarded as an expert in open heart surgery Ginkel now wants to do open heart surgery to repair the valve.Phone - 805.653.0101
• Dr. Henry Oster: Lupus - Specializes in internal medicine and infectious diseases. He monitors the Lupus and its effect on Cameron's recovery.Phone - 805.656.6272
• Fred Odom: Social worker - contact for the family. He acts as a liason between doctors and family members and provides them with any information regarding decisions that have to be made in regards to Cameron's care if Cameron himself is unable to make them. office: 805.652.5017 cell: 805.652.5017

Cedar-Sinai Medical Center:

• Monica Lee - Program coordinator for Kidney Transplant - 310-423-2631 - Email: monica.lee@cshs.org -
• Kimberly Alva - Center for Diseases & Transplantation - 310-423-2641
• Ashley Vo - Director Immunotherapy Program - 310-423-4021
• Ellen Shukhman - Program coordinator for Kidney Transplant - 310-423-2641
• 
  

Short Stories

We never know how family may affect others lives. Cam has an insatiable desire for life, and the extent of his full influence is a novel in itself. On this posting you can share a moment or time where Cameron has positively influenced you or even just a short comment about a humorous incident or moment you remember.

I know for me, it is difficult when I am unable to correct a situation. So I can hope to be part of support for him when he wakes up. Instead of waking to remember the tremendous amount of pain he has gone through. He can wake to find support, words on his life and hear or read about how many are there for him.

Curtis

Msg 05 - The Pulmonary doctor

The pulmonary doctor was in this morning and said the family might have to decide in a couple days about putting a tracheotomy in because it doesn’t look like Cameron will wake up as soon as they had hoped. Diana (the nurse mentioned below) said it really will make him more comfortable instead of having all of the tubes coming out of his mouth.

They have tripled his antibiotics, and all these bags that are feeding into his body hold either medication to sedate him or help his autoimmune system. Even with everything else going the Lupus is still very much part of the picture and his body is not responding to the antibiotics as much as they would like it to.

He is still responding to them though, trying to move his arms and legs whenever they ask him to. It’s hard to feel good when he hasn't opened his eyes or breathed on his own, but on the other hand he is getting some much needed rest after so many months of being sick and not being able to sleep. They are still giving him dialysis three times a week.

I told him he has a Mohawk.

The surgeons were too busy to shave his entire head. He has 28 staples where they went in to remove the clot, it forms a U-shape, kind of like a horseshoe.

Jessie

Msg 04 - So Cameron has about

So Cameron has about eight different nurses and Diana is the best. I have a feeling she’d be his favorite too if he were conscious. She has short spiky blond hair and talks to Cameron constantly, whether she’s taking his blood or putting cold packs on his head.

She helped me decipher the results of his CAT scan this morning, which was the first look doctors have had inside Cameron’s head since the surgery. There’s no bleeding, but there is swelling, which may explain why he is having small seizures.

The neurosurgeon that performed the surgery on Wednesday night is Dr. Cary Alberstone is a tall guy with a mustache who talks real soft and matter-of-factly. He called me this morning to tell me that they’re pretty sure, after seeing the CAT scan, that Cameron had a stroke before they went into surgery to remove the blood clot. He is very weak on his left side, but Dr. Albertstone said he could see him responding with both legs today so that is a good sign.

He said his condition is the best that can be expected after what he went through.

Dr. Alberstone said Cameron should to be opening his eyes within the next week. They’re also going to try to get him breathing on his own, but if he can’t do without the respiratory, they may have to go in and do a tracheotomy. Diana (the good nurse) said patients aren’t usually kept on a respiratory more than a couple of days because it could lead to infection.

Diana works days, so tonight Jeanne is on.

She’s an older nurse who I'm sure at one point liked her job. I plan on being in California until Wednesday. Our mom is flying in Monday night, so she and Austin will be here through his next set of hurdles.

We’ll still try to keep everyone updated through the Web site, which seems to be working.

Jessie

New Users - Questions and Help

Hi All,

If you are new to the blogosphere do not feel overwhelmed. It does take a while to get used to.

I think all of us can agree that it is hard to get complete accurate information on Cameron sometimes. Simply because there are so many of us that need to be informed. This site can, and hopefully will serve as a central area for communication of Cameron's recovery and status. We can then enusure that everyone is able to receive complete comprehensive information on how he is doing.

If your personal site is in another application such as MySpace, Friendster etc. you do not need to become a user of blogger.com. Anonymous posting is allowed.

Jessie is the expert with blogger so i'm sure she'll be happy that I am volunteering her as a contact for help if you need it. =-)

Basically, their are three types of posts here. Jessie has been posting narratives that give a more human perspective of how things are going. We are also posting Fact Logs for each month on what is being done within the hospital. Finally there is a "NOTES TO CAMERON" posting. If you would like to send him a quick note then preview that posting and add a comment to it as needed.

The address to this site is: http://cameronbonner.blogspot.com/

If there are any suggestions, please let Jessie or myself know and we can work it into the site. Thanks

Curtis

Msg 03 - the latest...

Below is a fact log Curtis is working on and we plan on adding to it frequently. At some point we'll probably try to give you all an idea of the medications he is on.

On a family note, Austin and Amy flew in from Japan last night and they plan on being here for at least a couple weeks.

His nurses are keeping him pretty heavily sedated with Diprivan, a medication that pretty much paralysis his muscles and lets him rest. He has small "twitches" when they try to take him off of it and his nurse said these are small seizures. They took him in for a cat scan last night to see if there was any swelling near his brain, which might explain why he is having the seizures.

His cardiologist (a man who describes himself as the tall red head) is Dr. Ginkel. He has been great and said he would like to go in and repair Cameron's heart valve in two to three weeks, but they need to wait until his body has recovered from the brain surgery first and he can take blood thinners.

I will post the results of the cat scan later this evening after I talk to one of his doctors.

He is not "by any means out of the woods," according to Dr. Ginkel, but he is young and age is pretty much the only thing on his side. If Cameron were 80 years old, they most likely wouldn't bother, Ginkel said, but because he is only 30 "it's a completely different ballgame."

Jessie

Notes For Cameron

Hello,

The goal of this posting is to serve as a central area for friends and family to send "not so personal" greetings to Cameron.

Cam has a large social network and of course a large family also. =-) This should help him as he recovers to easily reply and keep in touch with loved ones on a more global platform while allowing him to rest and recover.

Please send him notes by posting comments to only this blog. Of course, more personal correspondance can be done through other means. This is more of like a large Get Well Card. Thank-you

Msg 02 - Fact Log: 2006 Sep

Summary Prior: Heart Valve infection delays Kidney transplant process
** Disclaimer: Accuracy is limited to communication received and the manner in which it is received. Some facts may vary by a day or be limited to the level of understanding at the time it is received.

09/06/2006 AM:

• Enter ER after complaints of head pain and incoherency
• Severe pain speeds up admittance after a lengthy wait
• Cat scan reveals a blood clot on the brain

09/06/2006 PM:

• Brief consciousness after brain surgery (eye's and toe)
• Enters coma for a period and then recovers

09/07/2006 AM

• Breathing stops and respirator put in place
• Condition stabilizes - No consciousness
• Outlook is positive for recovery - Remains in CCU / ICU

09/08/2006 PM:

• Stint put in place for dialysis
• Small seizures occur on a consistent basis
• Doctor's decide on initial plan for recovery
• Expected three week recover from brain sugery
• Heart surgery to follow
  

09/09/2006 PM:

• Cat scan reveals there is no bleeding
• There is swelling in the brain and could be the cause of seizures
• Dr. concludes Cam may have had a stroke prior to the surgery
• Remains unconscious

09/10/2006 12pm:

• Improvement is not enough to remove respirator
  
• Visible movement to fight pain as breathing tubes are periodically removed and cleaned
  
• Throat method should not be used more than a few days
  
• Tracheotomy reccomended until he can breathe independantly and for more comfort
  
• Dr. triples amount of antibodics administered
  
• Responds to nurses requests to move arms and move legs
• Eyes remain closed
  
• Dialysis will continue at three times a week for 4 hours each time

09/11/2006 am/pm:

• Cameron opens his eyes and is responsive, the first since his admittance
  
• Shows visible signs of pain as diprivan and other narcotics are discontinued as a sedative for pain
• Concern is voiced over the lenght of time he is using the respirator. At some point a tracheotemy would be conducted to allow comfort and more long term breathing assistance
  

09/13/2006 am/pm:

• Cameron begins breathing over the respirator, is fighting it a little bit as that period is uncomfortable but nurses are assuring him to work with it until it can be removed
  
• Later the respirator is turned off, cam begins breathing on his own.
  

09/14/2006 am/pm:

• A focal seizur occurs followed by smaller abating seizures

09/15/2006 am/pm:

• Seizures persist on a periodic basis and are less frequent
• concern is voiced over when heart surgery should occur, to early or too late are both an issue
• he needs to recover enough from the brain surgery before undergoing heart surgery
• family desires cameron to be safe and possibly more coherent before it is done
• Dr's later agree that extending time is desireed but there is concern over a weakening and infected heart valve

09/17/2006 am/pm:

• Cameron is taking a dip in recovery and may need to be placed back on a respirator
• He has been on intravenous fedding for a while and the lack of nourishment is beginning to have an affect

09/18/2006 AM

• Receiving physical therapy
• small seizures have ceased and are considered normal as elevated neuron activity from the brain sugery subsides
• left arm is swollen and it apperas he has no motor capability on the left side of the body
• dr's state that motor capability will most likely recover as it is normal with his condition
• Cameron shows strong spirit and energy in physical therapy
• Nurses are getting him out of bed and placing him in a chair as part of therapy
• Feeding tube placed in stomach to allow better delivery of nutrients and is in return the cause of cameron feeling much better and healthier

09/19/2006 am/pm:

• After some discussion and concer over the heart valves the dr's decide to begin open heart surgery on the morning of the 20th
• one valve had begun to deteriorate by a centimeter, which is more aggressive than expected, as well as the main heart dr is considered an expert in this type of surgery and would be out of town, family ok's surgery

09/20/2006 am/pm:

• Surgery is from 5:30am to 1:30pm - Surgery is successful and only one valve is replaced as the other valve was determined to be ok since the infected valve distorted its functioning capability
• he is sleeping for the day with warming blankets etc. and expected to be coherent after a day of sleeping and rest
• undergoing dialysis daily
  

09/24/2006 am/pm:

• Cameron is less confined to his bed and taking on physical therapy
• much improvement in motor skills and conversing as normal
• arm movement greatly improving on his left side and ability to move lips while speaking is close to normal

09/28/2006 AM

• Dialysis is now set at every three days verses every day
• heart is doing great and steadily improving
• Cam will be taken out of ccu after blood pressure subsides - currently the only factor that dr's are concerned about for leaving intensive care
• food intake is graduating to popsicles and mashed potatoes, although food is modified to be acid free and not all that pleasant to eat, thickening water is received intraveneously for muscle strengthening, however it does cause nausea and occasional vomiting during dialysis
• strong drive persists from cameron and he is conversing daily with family and friends
• Dr's expect at the least his heart recovery will be 8 weeks before a kidney transplant will occur
• neurologist testing results have not returned - it is expected that the stroke had a minimal impact with few long term damages
• stroke was in the temperal lobe that affects body movement and functionality - memory will not be affect and all body movement is expected to normal, with strokes in this part of the brain full recovery is expected, we will know more after hearing restults from the neurology tests
  

Summary End: Recovery from heart surgery expected for eight weeks then Cam will undergo a kidney tranplant and after recovery from that enter a conclusion of his critical condition.