Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Today was a good day for the Wenz family.

Wendy is home from the hospital recuperating from her surgery. She had tissue expanders inserted in her chest so she can begin breast reconstruction. Her latest incisions must heal before the doctors can proceed further.

Dad had an amazing day. Allen, his physical therapist, set a goal yesterday for dad to walk 50 to 75' by the end of this week. Today he walked 140' feet using a hemi walker and little assistance! A hemi walker is designed for people with limited or no dexterity in one arm or hand and is easy to lift and maneuver. Allen was amazed at his progress and was leaving detailed notes for Dad's neurologist. Allen told us today was probably an exception and not to expect such results every day.

Today Dad regained some mobility in his right arm and he was moving it on his own quite a bit.

He has a bit of spatial neglect, meaning he isn't fully aware of what's happening on the right side of his body. (His stroke occurred in the left side of his brain, which controls functions on the right side of his body as well as speech.)

Dad had PT and speech therapy twice today and OT once. He is having some difficulty correctly identifying common objects, which, we're told, is to be expected. His conversations with Mom are becoming more spontaneous and light.

He and Mom called me in my office this morning and he said, "Hi Beth." We talked a few minutes. His speech isn't slurred or sluggish. He's very easy to understand - he talks quietly, but he sounds like himself.

Mom and I sat with him during dinner; afterward we took him outside in his wheelchair for a while to get some fresh air. We talked and laughed.

He had quite a physical and mental workout today and was very tired tonight. If someone had told me last Thursday night he'd be talking, taking steps on his own, and feeding himself, I wouldn't have believed them. I read somewhere that the emotional component — the determination to fight and pursue recovery — is part of the actual recovery itself. My dad is a fighter. And he is determined.

Mom and I understand there will be good days, bad days, great victories, and small defeats. That's life. The Wenz family shall walk this path together. Our journey continues...