Another Prayer is Answered

Post from Matt
Tuesday, July 26th, 2011 -- Posted Late

Sorry for the delay in posting this entry -- things have been a little hectic.

When Mom was told by the doctors today that she was able to go home it was like Christmas day. She was very excited and had everything packed up in minutes. She has wanted to leave for days. Every time a nurse came in the room and asked how she was doing, she would say, "fine, but I would be doing so much better if I was home." The announcement of her discharge took my brothers and I by surprise. We were very apprehensive in letting her go from the hospital directly home. We had always been told by the hospital staff that she would spend at least a week in a rehab center before she would go home. We had several conference calls with the doctors and discharge staff to see what our other options would be. To make a long story short, Mom was not happy with the fact that we wanted her to go to a rehab facility instead of going home. She felt as if we were against her. After spending most of my work day on the phone with doctors, hospital staff, family members, and getting phone calls from people saying that Mom called asking for a ride home...I headed for the hospital.

As I took my normal route that I had grown accustomed to (I feel like I could do it blindfolded) I was worried how the night would turn out. Mom was mad at my brothers and I. She wanted out and she wanted out now. She couldn't understand why we did not want her to go home. As I walked from the parking lot towards the hospital I looked around for my mom all packed up and waiting for someone to take her home. To be honest, I'm still surprised she didn't sneak out.

I arrived in her room not really excited to be there because I knew how the night would pan out. She wanted out and no matter what I would say, no matter how many different ways I tried to explain why we were worried, we didn't meet eye to eye. Ben, Kristi, and even baby Reese could not make the situation better. I have learned throughout my life that you cannot argue with a Hale...throw in two and a half weeks in an ICU and it is even worse. I tried to be patient and realized that it probably wasn't my mom that was before me, but my post-surgery mom. Frustration set in and I had to walk out of the room. What do you do in situations like these? I have learned that all you can do is pray. I tell you, prayers in a hospital bathroom and a little water on the face does some wonders. I realized in that moment that we needed someone else to help out -- an outsider to make things better.

For those of you that are still reading this, I can do nothing else but testify that prayer is real. It is a power that we can use no matter what we need or think we need. It is a comfort and a blessing and tonight we were heard. As I went back in the room still praying that somehow this bad situation would get better, there was a knock on the door. A younger married couple poked their heads in and said they were with the LDS Pastoral Services. They explained that it is a calling in their ward that young married couples get for about six or so months. They bring the sacrament to patients and give spiritual thoughts. They said that Mom was in their books and they wanted to stop by to share a message -- an answer to a prayer. They shared the scripture in Matthew 11:28-30:

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Wow. It doesn't get much clearer than that. We as a family have laboured and are tired. This hospital road has not been easy, but that scripture brought the spiritual peace that heals all. The peace that a hug from a friend or thoughtful note in the mail cannot mend. It is the peace that can only come from above. The young couple asked if they could then share a song. Could it get any better? They asked if they could sing, "Where Can I Turn For Peace." Mom asked me to sing the same hymn one night when she was struggling in the depths of ICU. On a quick side note -- it is interesting that hymns can take on new meaning just like the scriptures. You can sing the same hymn over and over, but certain words will stand out during certain situations. Tonight it did just that.

Where can I turn for peace? Where is my solace when other sources cease to make me whole? When with a wounded heart, anger, or malice, I draw myself apart, searching my soul.

How could an answer to a prayer be more perfect? I have had to do a lot of soul searching during the last two and a half weeks and tonight was hard. As a friend stated via e-mail that I would be able to find the energy to do more than I physically can do. I felt like I could not go on tonight and words were not solving the situation.

Where, when my aching grows, where, when I languish, where, in my need to know, where can I run? Where is the quiet hand to calm my anguish? Who, who can understand? He, only One.

He answers privately, reaches my reaching in my Gethsemane, Savior and Friend. Gentle the peace he finds for my beseeching. Constant he is and kind, love without end.

Friends, family, and whoever else is reading this, He IS constant. He IS kind. He IS love. We come to know heaven much clearer when we are drug through the mud, kicked, beaten, and down in the depths. We must swim the floods to stand upon the farther shore. Just as a rose sheds most of its perfume when crushed, we must do the same to find the best that is in us. Prayers can be answered. Sometimes the answers don't come as we want them to, but they will come.

After the last note of the hymn was sung and a prayer was offered, the room was different. The spirit healed the situation and all was well. Confusion was switched with understanding and anger was changed to love. I walked the young couple out the door and truly thanked them for fulfilling their calling. I almost cried as I told them that they were an answer to a prayer.

Mom and I conversed until she was asleep. She understood the love behind our motives and knew that things would get better. How grateful I am for servants of the Lord that fulfill their callings. How grateful I am for someone who hears and answers a simple plea for help.

She's Home!

Post from Matt
July 28th, 2011

After a couple of days of making sure Mom was ready, she has finally made it home. She had a rough first night testing out every bed in the house trying to get comfortable, but she is adjusting well. She was able to take a bath and go on a couple walks today. Right now she is being watch 24/7 by various family members and friends. Thank you to those that are helping out! On Monday she will start some in home rehab to make sure her cognitive skills continue to improve. If you would like to stop by, please call her home before you head over in case she is either sleeping or going through her rehab.

Quick Update

Post from Matt
July 27th, 2011

Yesterday morning I received a phone call from the hospital saying that Mom is doing really well physically so her insurance does not feel that she needs to stay at a rehab place. To make a long story short (I will write about it later), Mom could be going home soon. One of the requirements that we need to fill, if she goes home, is that of having someone with her 24 hours a day for about two weeks. I unfortunately will be out of town for work for a majority of the next two weeks and Jeff and Aurora will be leaving on Thursday for California for about 3 weeks. I know many of you have expressed interest/the desire to help. Before all I could say was, "please pray for my mom." Well, and I apologize for doing this over a blog but I have no choice because I can't do it myself, now we as a family are reaching out for help. If you are available to be with our mom at her home either over night or during the day, please send specific dates and times that you are available to friendsofdebrahale@gmail.com. We really appreciate any time that you can give. Thank you.

Progress...

Today the doctors notified us that Mom will probably be moving to a different hospital to start rehab on Tuesday 26th. She will probably be there for a week or so. More info to come...

Calendar Issues

Somehow all of the scheduled visits on the calendar were accidentally deleted. If you are currently signed up for a time, will you please either send an e-mail with the date and time to friendsofdebrahale@gmail.com or go to the calendar and add it yourself. We apologize for this inconvenience. For those of you that are not signed up for a visit and would like to see Mom in her new room (3109) please send us an e-mail and we will send you a link to the calendar. We want to make sure that there aren't seven people visiting her at once and then no one for four hours.

Thank you for the continual support, love, and prayers for our mom and for our family. We are very grateful.

New Room

Mom is now in Room 3109 and can receive flowers and visits from children until 7:00 pm.

She Moved!

Post from Matt
Monday, July 18th, 2011

Today Mom was moved into a new room. She is still in the same ICU, but in a 'her-problem-is-not-so-serious-anymore-room.' She is now in Room 3305 which is closer to the main door than the back door. To celebrate her move, our friend Kasi treated her to a manicure and eye lash extensions. Talk about being spoiled! If things continue to go well she will stay in this room for a couple days and then move to a rehab facility (location unknown) for a couple of days before she can go home. Keep the prayers coming because I know how badly Mom wants to rip out the tubes and catch a ride home with her next visitor.

Bye Bye Tube!

Post from Matt
July 18th, 2011

Great News!!! Yesterday the doctors decided to remove the tube from the top of Mom's head that was draining the blood around her brain. They feel that the remaining liquid will be naturally absorbed by her body. They will do a test sometime today to make sure that is happening. With the tube out Mom might be able to be moved out of the ICU sometime later this week. Also great news! We might need to prep the new medical staff about Mom's continual desire to get up and get moving while still hooked up to several machines. She is doing better, but for those of you that know Mom, she can't sit still for a long period of time.

Mom's condition continues to improve. She can converse more with visitors, she looks better, and she is as spunky as ever! Her sodium levels are down so the medical staff will not give her water because that will reverse the effects of the sodium I.V. that she has. For those of you that are visiting her in the hospital be aware that she will quietly ask you for a cup of water in a secret-sort-of-manner. Don't do it! Don't give in! The nurse has caught my mom red handed trying to get a visitors to hand over a cup. She might be upset for a moment with you, but a quick change of the subject will get her mind off of it for a bit.

We are continually grateful for the prayers, love, and support that is being shown to our Mother and to our family. We know that we could not go through this without you. Thank you all.

Post from Matt
Friday, July 15, 2011

This week I have been able to be with my mom every night except Tuesday when Cousin Amy was nice enough to give me a bit of a break. Thanks Amy! Who knew that going to a hospital would be so tiring.

It is interesting to see Mom's progress and to hear her progress from some of her visitors. Some say that they had long conversations with her and others talk about how she mixed up some words or forgot a name or two. Mom is doing well. Yes, she walks down the halls with the physical therapists and can eat normal foods. Yes, she is more aware of what happened and why she is in the hospital. She still gets confused, forgets things, and says random things that make you smile. For example, this morning I received a phone call before 7:00 am from an unknown number -- not a good thing when you know someone in the ICU. It was Mom. She wanted her purse, but couldn't tell me what it was in her purse that she wanted. I guess it is one of those woman things. I told her I couldn't bring it to her right away, but I would later in the day. She said that she would just have someone take her to get it. Sure...

Mom is being naughty. Since she took her first walk down the hallway she thinks she can roam as she pleases. Last night the nurse said she was so bad that they had to put a restraint around her chest keeping her in bed. I told Mom that the nurse should strap her to a chair and make her stare at the corner like she did when I was little. I can't tell you how well I got to know the floral wallpaper in the kitchen corner when I was little. There were 32 pink flowers, 27 blues ones, 22 yellow ones, and 46 green leaves. One late night Mom really struggled with me because I wouldn't let her get out of bed. I know that she doesn't fully understand everything and why she can't do what she wants. It was hard to see my mom like that.

Currently Mom is low on Sodium so the hospital staff cannot let her have water. This is a big challenge for my mom. She drinks a ton of water. Some visitors have told me that she has asked them to get her a cup or two when the nurses are out of the room. She gets excited when it is pill taking time because that means she gets about half a glass.

A couple people have asked me how long all of this will go on. I asked one of the doctors this the other day -- they don't know. Seeing that they have not found where the blood leaked into her head causes a little bit of uncertainty. She will probably have to get angiograms after she gets out of the hospital to make sure that blood doesn't leak again. Right now she still has the tube in head draining out the blood. The liquid needs to be clear before she can leave. Right now it is a slightly darker shade of pink. As for the memory loss, confusion, etc., all the doctors can say is that some of it will take time, but nothing is certain. It is all just a big waiting game.

Many of my visits with Mom this week have been just the two of us. I ask her about her day and sometimes she can tell me who came to visit and where all the treats in her room came from. She talks about someone reading the blog entries to her, or how much love she felt from everyone. I know that even if my mom is asleep when someone comes to visit or if she doesn't remember who was with her an hour ago she feels the love and support that everyone has for her. We as a family know that Mom could not go through this without the added help, love, and support. We are grateful for the e-mails, phone calls, text messages, plates of food, and genuine concern that we have received. We know that Mom will pull through. How long will it take? We have no idea, but we are in it for the long haul. Thank you --

Big Steps

Post from Matt
July12, 2011

Quick News --

During my busy day of work I received a picture message from cousin Steph of Mom walking down the hallway!!! Granted she didn't have her track suit on, hair in a pony tail swinging back and forth, and arms swinging proudly like a mall walker, BUT she was walking nonetheless.

As my day continued, my dear friend Kasi sent me a picture of Mom eating! Without a tube! The tube is out which means she is eating something better than the creamy substance that slides in through a tube. Yuuuuucccckkkkk. Heaven knows what that tastes like. So, don't start sneaking in Nielsen's Frozen Custard quite yet...maybe start with a kiddie cone first. We are grateful for these steps forward and recognize His hand in all of this.

Mothers & Angels

Post from Kristi:

I have been unable to visit Deb as much as I would like to as children are not allowed in the Neurology Critical Care Unit and I am the proud mother of  a soon-to-be nine month old. Going through this experience with my sweet mother-in-law through my eyes as a new mother have made me appreciate more the kind of woman Deb is.

I have always known she is a remarkable woman by the caliber of sons she has produced. Her four boys love each other and their entire family. They treat people with respect. They fear and love God and try to do His will.  They are kind to children and animals. They are productive members of society. Meeting her sons you know she worked hard as their mother and in life. I am so proud to see that hard work shine through as her loving boys stand by her through this experience and as she fights to recover. Her boys seldom leave her side, and if they do, they make sure they have someone they trust watching over her.

The Bible Dictionary tells us that Angels are "messengers of the Lord" and that there are two types: spirits and those who have bodies of flesh and bone. As was mentioned in an earlier post, we know that Deb has angels attending to her in the form of her father and other deceased loved ones as their spirits are palpable when you are in the room with her. I also know that Deb also has many angels with bodies of flesh and bone visiting her, praying for her, and showing her family love. I am so grateful for all that are giving their encouragement and love and acting as messengers of the Lord.

Looking forward to doing this with Deb again...

Clinical Synopsis "from Dummies"

Some of you have asked for more of a clinical update on Mom’s condition. Here goes a non-clinicians clinical update--that hopefully, makes sense to all:

• The initial surgery that she had was related to the aneurism. They found one aneurism that they were able to clip and another vessel that was dilated that they wrapped. This surgery is very intrusive and left her a scar that runs from the top of her head down to the bottom of her side burn. The scar is pretty rough looking and is held with 40 staples. Lucky for mom it is within her hairline and should be covered. Unfortunately for Mom the surgeon didn’t attend any beautician classes and she is sporting a pretty funky hairdo.
• When she took a turn for the worse two days later they took her back in for surgery and installed a tube that allows fluid to drain from her brain. This helps because it keeps all the fluid from building up and pushing against her brain. It also helps to drain the blood that has mixed with the fluid. This also necessitated another great looking buzz cut on the top of her head.
• She was extubated a few days ago and is breathing on her own.
• She has several tubes including a feeding tube that is fed through her nose, an IV, art valve, and a tube draining fluid from her head.
• As long as the tube is in her head she will be in the ICU, and for those who visit, one thing the nurse is likely to remind you is to not move the head of her bed up or down. Moving it can cause the tube to drain faster or slower than it should, both cause problems.
• When you visit, you will likely notice a “sitter”. It is common for people in her condition to go through bouts were they are not as aware of what is going on and could potentially pull a tube. Pulling any of the tubes would not be good, especially the head tube. So for the people visiting and staying with Mom, please remind her to keep her hands away from the tubes. She has wrist restraints to help, but she can still reach the tubes when she leans forward—a gentle reminder to lay back seems to work.
• The biggest concern for Mom right now is that she starts bleeding in her brain again. A close second is the Vasospasms. The blood in the brain acts as an irritant to the vessels and causes them to constrict or spasm. The most worrisome outcome is a stroke. The docs have several ways to monitor and counteract this, but as I spoke with a physician this morning he mentioned it is not an exact science. She is in the window right now where they have warned us that it will be a roller coaster. As the blood starts to breakdown it even further irritates the brain. She will be in the window for the next 7-10 days.
• One of the preventative methods is to perform an Angiogram. This morning at rounds the Drs decided it was time to go in and do another one. The results were good. There is no active bleeding. There is some vasospasming, but they were minor and did not require them to go in and inject the spasm areas with medicine to prevent it.
• Mom’s head is still draining blood-tinged fluids from her brain. Until the fluids run clear, she’ll continue to have a tube in her head (and as long as the tube is in her head, she’ll need to stay in the Neuro ICU).

Matt is visiting her this evening and ran into the physicians on the way into the room. They were very complimentary on how things are progressing. They said they were able to have a conversation with her and she was able to answer all their questions. Before this, she has been able to answer initial questions, but then started repeating answers. For example, you could ask her who someone was and she would say their name, but as you would ask her who other people were, she would repeat the name of the first person.

Thanks to all who have visited Mom. We know how you all love her and appreciate that you want to spend time with her. If you haven’t been able to see her, fear not … there are many more visitation opportunities and please keep letting us know when you are available to visit or sit with Mom. If you will send an email to friendsofdebrahale@gmail.com letting us know you’d be willing/able to visit, Jeff can send you a calendar that will let you know the best times for a visit. For those of you unable to visit, please continue to pray for her. Thanks again for all your help.

The Song of the Heart

Post from Matt
July 9th and 10th 2011

Now that my trips up to the hospital are becoming part of my daily routine, I am trying to figure out how to make each visit with Mom a little different. Tonight I tried singing. For those of you that know me, I try to "musically partake of life," as stated in a special blessing I received as a teenager. Music has healed my soul several times and I know that the right kind of music can do the same for others. It is amazing how music seems to touch the soul where words cannot.

Saturday night Tony, Jeff, Aurora, and I were with Mom. We were about to leave, but I asked Mom if we could sing a song to her -- she nodded yes. I asked if we could sing "Abide With Me; 'tis Eventide." Tony said he would, "sit this one out," because he thinks he can't sing, so Aurora (the newest addition to our family), Jeff, and I began. The lights in the room were low, the door was closed, and we as a family were circled around our mom.

The words came alive more than any other time I have sung this hymn. The first verse says good-bye to the day and welcomes the night. I am sure Mom was very tired from various tests and visitors and yearned for several hours of rest. As the chorus began, I realized that it was more like a prayer. "O Savior, stay this night with me; behold, 'tis eventide." I have found myself saying the same thing in prayers for my Mom. The second verse -- "Thy walk today with me has made my heart within me burn as I communed with thee. Thy earnest words have filled my soul and kept me near thy side." I know that my Heavenly Father has sent His angels to be round about Mom. I know that some of those angels include Grandpa Hale who passed away almost seven years ago. As the hymn continued, the spirit filled the room and the machines, hospital staff, and tubes disappeared. It was like we were in Mom's living room. Mom listened with her eyes closed until we sang the last note. It was a little easier saying good-bye that night knowing that the spirit was in the room to take care of her.

Sunday night on my way in the front door of the hospital I was greeted from behind by all of my double cousins. Because our dads are brothers and our moms are sisters (don't think about it too much -- it is legal) we have been close since we were born. It was great to see all of them walking towards me. It was like a flood of love and support. The nurse allowed all of us to be in the room together along with Brad and Rondi, some dear friends of my family since we were little. Mom didn't respond very much as we asked some questions or when the nurse asked her to move her toes. I have seen the nurses perform these simple tests several times and each time Mom's performance is different. She can say her name, the US President, sometimes the year, she will usually squeeze her hands on command, sometimes wiggling her toes doesn't happen, but she has never been able to tell the nurse where she is. Maybe she is just trying to block that out...

During our visit, Mom could of course say my name (because I am still the favorite), but she then called everyone else in the room by my name as well. Not the greatest thing, but she'll get there. During our conversation Rondi suggested that we sing a song together. As we started the primary song, "Love is Spoken Here," Mom started to mouth every word right along with us. We were all surprised. Up to this day she has only said one to three word answers -- never a full sentence. I don't think there was a dry eye in the room. Voices fell out due to emotion, but Mom kept right up with the song. Yet another tender mercy from above. The words came alive as I, my mom's 32 year-old son sat at the foot of her bed singing words like, "I see my mother kneeling with our family each day...her plea to the Father, quiets all my fears...and I am grateful, love is spoken here." Love was spoken there in that quiet hospital room. Love has been spoken so many times in my life through my mom. The love she has shown her sons everyday of our lives have made us into the men we are today. She IS love and I am grateful for her.

Love you Mom. Keep fighting.

Good Day

Mom just keeps on keepin' on. What a trooper. She was pretty pooped today, but every visitor to her room, including the nurses and nurse assistants, were greeted with a good firm hand squeeze and a smile. She even winked at a few people and raised her eyebrows. She is still a little confused--most troubling is that she still thinks Matt is her favorite son.

Everyone who knows Mom knows that she likes to stay active. Being confined to a bed is not her favorite thing, but she is keeping up her patience and seems to continually reassure us that things are going to be OK. She really just wants to get out of bed. She has been able to reach her face to scratch and feel the many tubes she is hooked up to, but seems to be more coherent and understanding since she is no longer trying to pull them out.

WE LOVE YOU MOM!

I'm Proud to Call Her Mine!

Post from Ben

Saturday - July 9, 2011

Today while watching mom I noticed how exhausted she was. She could not communicate verbally with me. She was alert and followed all of the nurses commands very well and the nurses were pleased with her progress. She was able to smile and nod at me when I asked her questions. As mom becomes more aware I can tell that she is getting antsy to get out of bed and move around and this is making it hard for her to sleep. She was able to get to sleep a couple of times between nurses checkups and visits from friends.

As I sat with her I couldn't help but think about some of Mom's attributes that were shining through during this time.

My mother is a fighter, she never backs down (even more so when she is fighting for someone that she cares about). She has shown this fighting spirit several times this week and has yet to take a step back. It might slow her down, but she gets right back up and attacks again.

Mom is a lover, she constantly wants to hold your hand while you are in the hospital room. You can't help but get the feeling that she is making sure that you are ok and her eyes are asking if she can do anything to ease your worry even when she is strapped to a bed. Just when you think that she is asleep and you lean down to give her a kiss on the cheek, she will startle you as her whole body comes to life to lean upward and give you an even bigger kiss.

I want to thank everyone that has gone out of their way to show their love for my mother and us boys. Because of our tough mom and the faith and determination that she instilled in us, by her example, we will make it through this stumbling block and come out victorious and stronger on the other side. I love you Ma!

She's a Fighter!

Post from Matt
Friday night - July 8, 2011

I arrived around 8:30 pm to take the night shift and found Mom somewhat alert and more responsive that she has been to date. She was responsive enough that the hospital staff ordered a 1 on 1 for the night -- meaning an extra nurse (Tanya) to keep her from ripping out tubes and trying to escape. :) Tanya has been a trooper all night. For about an hour Mom frequently tried to get up out of bed. It was hard to keep pushing her back down, but Linda, the all star red-headed nurse, said it was a good thing that she was moving so much. Pretty soon she will be walking around and even walking out the door!

Tonight has had its share of special moments. Mom has had feeding and breathing tubes in her mouth since her downfall, but now they are out. Her feeding tube is much smaller and goes through her nose. With her mouth free now, she has been able to say a few things. I never thought that hearing the words, "I love you," coming from the mouth of my mom would be as touching as it was tonight. If I had any tears left I would've shed a few at that moment. Hearing those words made all the tubes, machines, and heartache disappear. It was a feeling I won't forget.

We were able to sneak Taeya in Mom's room to say hello -- thanks Linda! Taeya was a little hesitant when she first entered which is totally understandable. She came to the side of the bed and held Mom's hand. Tony told Mom that Taeya was holding her hand and instantly her head turned towards her, her eyes opened, and she squeezed Taeya's hand. This is something that she hasn't done yet. Taeya talked to her mom afterwards and said that she felt really special knowing that admist all of the trauma her grandma is going through she recognized her and knows that her grandma loves her.

Another moment of joy was to see my mom talk to Aunt Linda over the phone. She answered all of her questions and said, "I love you," several times. She also spoke to Aunt Karen and Grandma Hale over the phone as well. Just another special gift from heaven. The best was when Jeff called me and I said, "Hang on Jeff, someone wants to talk to you." I put him on speaker and put the phone up to Mom's mouth. She whispered, "hi." There was a silent pause on the phone because Jeff was confused. "Who is that," he said. I told him it was Mom and he was shocked. He couldn't believe it. He was so excited for her progress and kept saying how proud he was of her. In all of the conversations Mom had a limited vocabulary, but the most important words were said -- I love you.

I think the crowning moment of the night was when Tony and cousin Amy arrived -- not their arrival, but what happened next. We were around the bed asking Mom who we were. She named me right away -- of course seeing that I AM the favorite -- then she named Amy. Tony, seated on the other side of the bed, said, "Who am I Mom?" She turned her head and said, "Matt." Not once did she make this mistake, but several times. I'm glad she still knows who her favorite son is. Ha!!!

Small Successes

Entry from Tony:

Thursday Night, July 8, 2011

Linda is her nurse this evening. we talked for quite awhile and she mentioned she was Mom's nurse last night when she took a turn for the worse. She was great. We had some small successes. She was more responsive at times. You could tell she grew tired very quickly, but when she had bouts of strength she showed some improvements. She was squeezing fingers when asked and even opened her eyes several times and would focus in on you when you talked to her. Although it isn't fun to watch, she has become agitated at all the tubes and was frequently reaching for them. Linda mentioned that this purposeful response was actually a good sign.

Docs just did rounds. Mom did pretty good for them. She squeezed fingers when asked and wiggled toes. The one thing she didn't do as well for them was open her eyes on her own and then focusing on the doc. She had done that very well earlier, even turning her head to look at me. They said they are going to lower her Sodium, do an angio in 3-5 days and look at extubating her today if she will wake up a little more.

The Scoop

Debra Hale, the mighty mother of four grown men, grandmother to five, sister to seven, aunt to...a lot, and friend to everyone she meets, has recently gone through some tough stuff. And it looks like there is more to come as she will most likely be in the Neuro Critical Care Unit for a few weeks.

Many of you have reached out in love, hope, and faith. Thank you. We can't tell you how much it means to us. Every kind word, every hug, every expression of concern has been appreciated. We have created this blog in hopes of keeping everyone updated on her progress.

It all started Monday night. The plan was to enjoy the 4th of July fireworks at Sugarhouse. Due to a headache and fatigue, Mom decided not to come but insisted that we go without her. She didn't want Reese to miss her first fireworks. As Kristi pressed a little further, she noticed that things were more serious than Mom was trying to let on. She said she only had a migraine, but her speech was halted and her vision was impaired. Ben and Kristi said they would go to the fireworks if Mom promised to call over a friend, which she did. And thank goodness she called her friend Debbie. When she made it to the house, she realized something was wrong and tricked Mom into going to the hospital by saying she would take her to get a sandwich. Ben and Kristi met them there.

At Lakeview it seemed at first that she was suffering from a serious migraine and stress. Thankfully, Deb told them that Mom's left eye had been droopy and she was sent to get an MRI. Matt, Jeff, and Aurora joined the group in time to hear the results. She had a large brain aneurysm. It hadn't ruptured but they weren't sure if it had leaked. With this information, they found it necessary to rush her in an ambulance to the University of Utah Hospital.

At the U, they did a CT scan which found a one centimeter aneurysm which was pressing on her optic nerve. Late that night, as far as we understood, they didn't know whether or not they were going to operate. This changed in the morning and she was rushed in for immediate surgery. Family gathered and many hours later, she came out of surgery with the aneurysm clipped. During surgery they also took care of a dilated blood vessel further along on the same artery. 

After surgery she was tired and slow, but every time someone spoke to her, she was able to recognize the voice and would reach out to take the person by the hand, pull them in, and tell them she loved them. When she heard Ben's voice, she asked where Reese was and told him to giver her a big hug and kiss for her. Every person's name that was mentioned, Mom asked us to tell them she loved them. Eventually we were ushered out by the doctors so that Mom could get her rest. After her nightly routine of washing her face, applying moisturizer, and brushing her teeth, she went to sleep.

Wednesday, Mom was nauseous and very tired. Throughout the day she had several visitors and eventually went for a walk. As many of you know, Mom is a walking fiend. She walked the physical therapists to the end of the hall and then to the end of the next before they made her turn around. After her walk, she had her first meal since Monday. She didn't eat much, but she was happy it was healthy and tasty and kept offering it to her visitors to eat. She was doing so well that the nurses began looking for a bed for her outside of the critical care unit. There weren't any available on the general floor, so she stayed where she was.

That night, Matt and Ben helped her through her nightly routine and stayed while she feel asleep. After returning home, Ben got a phone call around 2:30 AM. Things had taken a turn for the worse. We don't know exactly how things happened, but she developed a subarachnoid hemorrhage. A hole was drilled to drain the blood and release the pressure from her brain. A CT scan and an angiogram were unable to identify the source of the blood. The bleeding stopped, but the source is yet to be identified.

Needless to say, she has been through a lot. After a significant cranial bleed such as the one she had, her recovery is anticipated to be long. The risk of vasospasm is high for 2-3 weeks following a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Vasospasms can cut the blood supply to areas of the brain--in other words, can cause stroke. She will be kept in the Neurology Critical Care Unit for this time where she can be monitored. She is currently on a respirator and is mostly unresponsive.

Although she most likely will not remember the few weeks ahead, we would like her to be accompanied by close friends and family as she slowly regains consciousness. Only two people can be in the room at a time and no live plants or flowers can be brought in. No visitors are allowed 7-8 AM or 7-8 PM. If you are available to spend time with her, please send an email to friendsofdebrahale@gmail.com.

Thank you. We love you and appreciate the support you are giving our mother.