I am now back from Denver after an emotional week with Stephen. To carry on from my last posting Stephen had horrendous neck pain after his teeth extractions. His neck muscles locked and he had to have a sheepskin collar and heat massage to loosen up the muscles alongside his pain medication. He had a very sleepless night on Thursday and so Friday he was extremely tired and a bit down. He hadn't managed to do any physio or occupational therapy all week and it seemed as though he couldn't progress forwards at all.
However, he asked me to go and visit the children's hospital in Denver and organise with the co-ordinator on the oncology ward for goody bags of stickers/posters/videos to be sent to the children. This was a very humbling trip and we are organising it so I can deliver them on my next visit in October. I then went on to visit Tara Llanas at the Denver Health Clinic. Unfortunately I didn't see her as she had just come out of a second surgery but I did speak with ther Mum and good friend Polly for an hour or so. It looks as though she will be going to Criaig with Stephen in a couple of weeks when a bed becomes available. I gave Tara's mum Stephen's best wishes and told her that he was looking forward to competing in the gymn against her!.
Over the last few days Stephen has started to get back to where he was a few weeks ago, prior to the developemnt of asthma, the lung infection and the wisdom teeth extractions. As you can imagine, this was a bit of a set back in his recovery but everything now appears to be under control and he is really motivated to work as hard at possible at getting off the vent.
I am so proud of my son for the way he has conducted himself throughout this tragic ordeal. He is a true Brit!
Please continue to give him your support. Not only Stephen but all the family appreciate it so much. It is surprising where you can gather strength from when you need to.
Thank you
Cynthia
Enjoy the pics:
This is the first time stephen has been able to be set upright without feeling dizzy or passing out - again small steps forward!
A few days after the teeth extractions!!
Stephen, Melissa, Mason and Cynthia
I got this on video somewhere!
